OUTDOOR BELIZE

 

With gorgeous beaches, wide-open spaces, and endless outdoor recreation, the Caribbean country of Belize is not only the perfect destination for kicking back, and relaxing it’s also ideal for the adventurous traveler. Whether you’re into water activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, and sport fishing or would rather stick to dry land and explore caves and Maya ruins, Belize offers tons of perspective-shifting ways to rejuvenate outside. Here is a guide to Outdoor Belize.

 

Toucans

 

Diving

With more than 400 islands to explore, Belize has a dive site for every ability. The country is also home to the largest barrier reef in the Northern Hemisphere and three of the four coral atolls in the Western Hemisphere, plus some of the most crystal-clear water in the world. Visibility routinely extends hundreds of feet, ensuring you’ll always get the best view of fascinating marine life like corals, sharks, turtles, and stingrays. Great sites include Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Ambergris Caye, both of which are considered among the top dive destinations in the world, and of course the Great Blue Hole (See next).

 

Diving

 

Great Blue Hole

For the ultimate diving experience, take a day trip to the Great Blue Hole in the Belize Barrier Reef. One of the globe’s great geological wonders, the site sits just 43 miles off the mainland but is a full 406 feet deep, with rare fish and stalactites not found at other diving locations. The Great Blue Hole is a marine sinkhole spanning 318 meters across and 124 meters deep. It’s situated near the center of Lighthouse Reef and is absolutely out of this world. The Great Blue Hole is ranked number one on the Discovery Channels list of the “Ten Most Amazing Places on Earth”, and is a popular spot amongst divers. Of all the things to do in Belize, the Great Blue Hole is a must! The best access is from Caye Caulker or San Pedro, as they are closest. Scuba tours are all for the entire day, due to the fairly lengthy boat ride to get there. But you will be rewarded with a deep ocean sinkhole with cave features such as stalagmites. 

 

Great Blue Hole

Snorkeling

There are more than 500 species of marine life to be found in Belize, including brightly colored schools of fish, turtles, and even the occasional barracuda. See them for yourself at one of the hundreds of snorkeling sites of varying depths along the Belize Barrier Reef. To get more out of your time in the water, you can even hire a knowledgeable local guide, who will help you safely explore the kaleidoscope of colors found in the hard and soft corals and sponges.

 

Snorkeling

 

 

Sea Fishing

Belize’s abundance of game fish makes it a fantastic sport fishing destination all year long. The country is one of the few places in the world where you can fish a Grand Slam (catching a bonefish, permit, and tarpon all in the same day). Several rivers empty into the Caribbean Sea, so you’re practically guaranteed a daily catch, but for even more assurance, hire a local guide to show you their secret fishing spots.

 

Sea Fishing off Ambergris Caye

 

Caving

There are thousands of caves in Belize, offering everything from easy walks to challenging hikes that can quickly turn into squeezes, crawls, climbs, rappels, and even swims. No matter which you visit, you’ll typically find extensive stalactite and stalagmite formations as well as pottery shards, but some caves feature even more desirable attractions. Head to Che Chem Ha to discover pottery that dates back some two thousand years ago, Actun Tunichi Muknal Cave to see ancient human remains like intact skeletons, or Blue Creek and Caves Branch to witness natural formations like underground waterfalls. At the Nohoch Che’en Caves Branch Archeological Reserve, you can even explore the sacred caves of the ancient Maya civilization.

 

ATM Cave

 

Visit Ancient Maya Sites

 

In Belize, you can learn all about the mysteries of the Maya without the crowds. All sites are managed by Belize’s Institute of Archeology and have interpretive centers and trained guides to show you around, ensuring you get the most out of your visit. Lamanai is one of Belize’s largest Maya sites. Set in a tropical forest, it provides a unique glimpse into the biodiversity of the area, with wildlife like snail kites, jacana, crocodiles, and iguanas visible along the water. Another mesmerizing site is Xunantunich, submerged in the jungle and reached via a hand-cranked ferry ride across the Mapan River. Situated atop a hill overlooking the Cayo District, the major ceremonial site was built on a natural limestone ridge during the Classic period and consists of six major plazas, plus more than 25 temples and palaces. Nearly as impressive are the views, which on a clear day can reach across to nearby Guatemala and Caracol in the Pine Ridge.

 

Xunantunich

Kayaking

While peaceful, kayaking down some of Belize’s well-known rivers can definitely have some adventure elements. For instance, hopping on a canoe at one of the eco-lodges on the outskirts of San Ignacio, you’ll witness many exotic birds flitting by, giant green iguanas splashing in the water, and even some small, cute bats on a cave if you’re lucky. 

 

Sea Kayaking

 

Ziplining

Heading to the jungle? Why not soar through it? Experience the Belize jungle canopy from treetop to treetop, and enjoy a bird’s eye view of the rainforest below. This is a huge adrenaline rush, and many zipline tours combine the experience with rappelling from the last treetop in order to reach the ground. For a truly unique experience be sure to choose a zipline tour which includes a waterfall rappel!  Even if you’re not experienced you can enjoy this activity. rappelling at Mayflower Bocawina National Park for instance is designed especially for families, and is considered an introduction to rappelling.

Jungle Zipline