A guide to Belize

Anyone who dips a toe in Belize’s azure waters can’t help but be captivated by the country’s eclectic mix of junglereefculture and history. Part Caribbeanpart Latin AmericanBelize carries the legacy of British colonization in its language and government – but contemporary Belizeans are a proud mix of CreoleMestizoGarifunaMayaMennonites and long-term foreign residents. Such diversity extends from the country’s culture to its extraordinary natural landscapes.

Most of Belize’s mainland is unpretentious and untouristed. At the markets in the towns of Orange Walk and San Ignacio; among the birds of Crooked Tree; on the beaches of Placencia; among the Garifuna drummers at Hopkins; and at Maya sites all over the countrylook forward to traditions and customs that aren’t designed to suit foreign visitors’ tastes. And even though it’s a small country with a comfortingly low population densityBelize’s greatest hits are but a mere fraction of the number of experiences contained within its astonishing barrier reef and rainforests.

Traverse the country from one end to the other on a long-haul day trip by roadwith plenty to see along the way. Divert to some of the longest cave systems in the region by inner tubeMaya temples that still remain the tallest human-made structures in the countrythe sugar-like sands of its southern coastline beachesor roadside food stalls that serve the best of Belizean hospitality.

Herea guide for the newly curious about what sets the Central American star apart. 

When should I go to Belize?

Many visitors swear by the shoulder seasonin November and Maywhen there’s still plenty of sunshine and many dry days. What’s moreyou won’t have to share the templesbeaches and jungles with the crowds.

Some activitiesthoughare definitely better in the peak dry season (December to April)as rain can put a real damper on many of Belize’s top activities. It is also the best time to explore the Maya wonders at CaracolAltun HaLamanai and Xunantunichand for explorations deep underground at sacred caves such as Actun Tunichil Muknal and Nohoch Che’en Caves Branch Archaeological Reserve.

Prime weather brings peak birdingsunbathingswimming and diving on the beaches of Caye Caulker, Ambergris Caye and hundreds of other islands along the Belize Barrier Reef. Accordinglyhotels and transport operators bump up their prices by 30% to 50%.

By contrastthe low season (June to mid-November) means low prices – but this is the offseason for a reason. Heavy rainfall and high temperatures sweep across the country from June to mid-November. Nights are especially rainywhen thunder and lightning put on quite a show.

Some hotels and tourist-oriented attractions close down for the wet seasonespecially in September and Octoberwhile trips into the rainforest and to Maya ruins are marred by muddy tracks and abundant mosquitos. Stillresorts often slash their prices in the offseasonmaking for some real bargains for travelers who don’t need constant sunshine. Play it safe and bring waterproofsa rain-proof cover for your backpack and a dry bag for your electronics.

How much time should I spend in Belize?

Belize’s relative proximity to the USA’s East Coast puts a quick 3-to-4 day trip within reach. Any stay so short should focus on Ambergris Caye – Belize’s tourism hub that’s also known as La Isla Bonita – which balances large-scale tourism development with a funlaid-back atmosphere. In between golf-cart jaunts and bar hops in bustling San Pedrofind time to snorkel or dive around the 200 coral cays that lie off Belize’s northern coast.

Stillit’s hard to do justice to the country in such a short timeframe. A week or 10 days in Belize lets you get beyond its famous barrier reef (the world’s second-longest). Spend a day or two in Belize Citywhere the colonial past is on full displaythe cays are an easy boat trip awayand wildlife at nearby wetlands and sanctuaries lies within reach.

In the northOrange Walk Town and Corozal Town are uncrowededserving up coastal ruinsYucatán-endemic birdlife and uninterrupted tracts of lagoon-dotted land. And in the southwestdip into Cayo’s hilly towns and the remote countryside for ancient Maya ruinsriverside horseback ridingluxe ecolodgeszip-lining and much more.

Is it easy to get around Belize?

Yes. Belize’s popularity with visitors means it’s easy to get between major sites on the mainland by roadand from Belize City to the cays by boat or plane. 

Many visitors depart from Belize City (home to the country’s international airport) to islands of San Pedro and Caye Caulker via water taxi. The San Pedro Belize Express station is located at a terminal in Belize City near the tourism villageabout a 25-minute drive from the international airport. The boat service shuttles guests on a regular schedule from Belize City to Caye Caulker (which takes 45 minutes)then on to San Pedro (a further half hour). It returns to Belize City along the same route.

Whether you rent a car on the mainland or a golf cart on those cays that have roadshaving your own vehicle maximizes flexibility. Note that Belizean roads are riddled with speed bumpshave little to no shoulderdisplay faded road lines and may change after rain. Drive with care.

A splurge-y if fast way to get from point to point within Belize is by air. Domestic carriers Tropic Air and Maya Island Air both operate small propeller planes between Belize CitySan Pedro and Caye Caulkeras well as to CorozalPunta Gorda and other towns on the mainland.

To travel like a local on the mainlandconsider taking an inter-city bus. The country’s fleet is made up of retired Blue Bird school busespainted in vibrant Caribbean colors. Various private operators traverse the major highways of mainland Belize; the longest route connects Belize City with Punta Gordaa 7-hour trip that costs about 28 Belize dollars.

Top things to do in Belize

Explore the country’s history in Belize City

As the original British settlement and former capitalBelize City has a colonial history dating back to the 17th centurywith remnants and museums offering insight into the country’s past. The modern Museum of Belize in the Fort George District presents objectshistorical photos and documents that contextualize the colonial and independence erasalong with an exhibit on the history of enslaved people and a contemporary-art gallery.

Fronting the sea at the end of Regent StGovernment House is a handsome white two-story colonial mansion that served as the residence of Britain’s superintendents and governors of Belize from the building’s construction in 1814 until 1996; it was hereat midnight on September 211981that the Union Jack was ceremonially replaced with the Belizean flag to mark the birth of the independent nation. Opposite Government House is St John’s Cathedral (1820)the oldest Anglican church in Central America.

Take the plunge at the Blue Hole 

At 81km offshorespectacular Lighthouse Reef is the furthest from the coast among Belize’s three atolls – but it’s the most famous and most visitedthanks to the allure of the mysterious Blue Hole Natural Monument. Stunning wall diveswith majestic swim-throughs and clear blue watermake the reef a diving bucket-list favorite. Made famous by underwater pioneer Jacques Cousteauthe Blue Hole – when seen from abovea perfectly rounddeep-azure pupil with an aquamarine border surrounded by the lighter shades of the reef – has become an icon of Belize.

While divers shouldn’t expect to see much visible undersea wildlife at the Blue Holeit remains a recreational diver’s best opportunity for a heart-pounding descent into a majestic submarine sinkhole. The chance of spotting circling reef sharks and the occasional hammerhead further sweeten the deal.

Once in the waterdivers drop quickly to 130ftfrom where they swim beneath an overhangobserving stalactites above and the odd reef shark. Although the water is clearlight levels are lowso a good dive light will enable further appreciation of the rock formations. Because of the depthascent begins after 8 minutes (the brevity of the dive may disappoint some divers). The trip is usually combined with other dives at Lighthouse Reefwhich some divers consider the real highlight. Note that due to the Blue Hole’s depthyou must have advanced open-water certification.

Take a boat trip to Bacalar Chico National Park & Marine Reserve

At the northern tip of Ambergris CayeBacalar Chico National Park & Marine Reserve consists of 41 sq miles of protected land and seaaccessible only via an hour-long boat ride from San Pedro. A day-long excursion to this part of Belize’s UNESCO-listed barrier reef ecosystem is a highlight of any visit to the country.

Tour boats make snorkeling stops and motor through the ancient channel that was dug by seafaring Maya about 1500 years ago and now separates Ambergris Caye from the mainland of Mexico. The coral is extra colorful around the reserveas there’s less damage from boats and tourists. Besides the bountiful fishyou might see manateesas well as green and loggerhead turtles. If waters are calmsome tour boats go to Rocky Pointnotable as one of the only places in the world where land meets reef. On the return tripsome boats make a final snorkeling stop at Mexico Rocks.

Visit Maya ruins at Altun Ha and Caracol

With its immaculate central plazaAltun Ha31 miles from Belize Cityis a modestly sized but nonetheless spectacular site. The prosperous Maya trading and agricultural town once extended to 1500 acres; what visitors today see is the central ceremonial precinct of two plazas surrounded by temples. Two grand structures – the Temple of the Green Tomb and the Temple of the Masonry Altarsboth dating to the 7th century CE – stand tall on the plaza; both structures once contained treasure-laden tombs of local notables. A priceless 6in-tall carved head of Kinich Ahauthe Maya sun godwas excavated from the latter templeand today resides in the vault of the Central Bank of Belize (a replica is on display at the Museum of Belize). Its likeness can also be seen on the top-left corner of Belizean banknotes.

Nestled in the Chiquibul forestCaracol remains the tallest human-made structure in Belize. Getting here requires a bumpy drive – and one worth the journey. This is the largest Maya site in the country; it once supported a population of 150,000. Exploring Caracol takes a full daywhich will reveal detailed history about the Maya and modern archeological endeavorsas well as a fair amount of wildlife spotting. Access is through the Mountain Pine Ridgewhose road was recently paved just past San Miguel Campgrounds (one of the only places in Belize where outdoor camping is possible).

How much money do I need for Belize?

• Admission to the Museum of Belize: 10 Belize dollars

• Hostel room for one in San Pedro: from BZ$65

• Full-day trip (including lunch) from San Pedro to Bacalar Chico National Park with Seaduced by Belize: BZ$350

• Entrance to Caracol: BZ$25

• Day-long diving trip to Lighthouse Reef and the Blue Hole: from BZ$600 per person

Tips for diving the Blue Hole 

On Lighthouse Reef day tripsthe Blue Hole will be your first dive – which can be nerve-racking if you’re unfamiliar with the dive master and your fellow divers. Most outfits require you to have logged a dive to at least 80ft within the last six monthsor to have done some local dives with your dive masters before setting out cold on a Blue Hole trip. Due to the depthyou must have advanced open-water certification.

The trip takes a bit over 2 hours each way by boat in sometimes roughopen waters. Prepare accordingly if you suffer seasickness. Avoid partying too hard in San Pedro the night before diving the Blue Hole.

Note that the national-park fees for the Blue Hole Natural Monument (BZ$60) and Half Moon Caye Natural Monument (BZ$20) are usually paid separately to the cost of your dive.

If you don’t want to dive the Blue Holehop on a plane in San Pedro and fly over it.

This article was adapted from Lonely Planet’s Central America guidebookpublished in October 2025.