Belize is a tropical paradise that offers far more than just stunning turquoise waters and pristine beaches. From exploring sacred Mayan caves and climbing ancient pyramids to diving into the world's second-largest barrier reef, this Central American gem is a playground for adventure seekers and culture enthusiasts alike.
Whether you are looking to spot elusive jaguars in the Cockscomb Basin, snorkel with nurse sharks, or immerse yourself in the vibrant rhythms of Garifuna culture, our guide covers the absolute best things to do in Belize to help you plan an unforgettable vacation.
Go Caving
Belize is home to the world's most sacred cave, according to National Geographic. Actun Tunichil Muknal is a magnificent cave to visit on your Belize vacation but should be reserved in advance thanks to permit requirements and the fact that everyone needs to be accompanied by a licensed guide in groups no larger than 8 people. However, this is one of the best excursions in Belize for a reason. The Mayans believe caves to be the opening to the underworld, and remains of offerings as simple as corn in clay pots and as brutal as the full skeleton of a human sacrifice victim can be seen right where they were left long ago. This is a wet cave and essentially has two major draws in one tour: first, the Mayan history and relics, and second, the adventure portion. The natural formations are stunning, and climbing a massive rock to reach a new room or squeezing into a tunnel so tight that the rock touches your neck on both sides at the entrance, makes this the perfect place to get adrenaline racing. Be prepared to get wet, get a workout in, and see some unforgettable sites on this adventure!
Visit the off-the-beaten-track Mayan Ruins
Caracol is a hidden gem right on the border of Belize and with none of the crowds of Tikal, the ruins in neighboring Guatemala. While it may not be quite impressive as Tikal, Caracol has a more personal charm, as you can climb the highest pyramid and see epic views over the whole landscape, including into Guatemala. It’s definitely one of the best points of interest in Belize if you want to see Mayan ruins in Belize without the crowds. As a bonus, there are amazing natural pools right outside of Caracol, which are the perfect way to cool off in the heat that often exceeds 30 °C along with high levels of humidity. Other ruins are even more off the beaten path, such as the ruins of Lamanai, which are also worth seeing! While not quite as large or impressive as the ruins of Caracol, Xunantunich is still one of the best attractions in Belize. Plus, it is a lot easier to get to, from San Ignacio. The ruins of Cahal Pech are even closer, but not quite as exciting as Xunantunich. Belize has its fair share of remarkable archaeological sites!
Snorkel with sharks and Sting Rays
There are plenty of speedboats that will take you out to Shark Ray Alley and Hol Chan Marine Reserve, but nothing beats doing it on a proper sailboat. With refreshments like rum punch and delicious fresh lunches, taking a full-day snorkeling trip on one of the Cayes is definitely one of the best things to do in Belize. A snorkel tour usually lasts the majority of the day and is inclusive of snorkel equipment, fees to access the Marine Reserve, snacks, and sometimes even rum punch. This part of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve is home to nurse sharks and stingrays, which you’ll have the opportunity to swim and snorkel with. Tours usually last about 2 hours, and tour companies will provide snorkels and masks, and life jackets for the boat.
Helicopter Ride over the Blue Hole
If you want to see a good view of Belize’s iconic Blue Hole, one of the best options is to fly over it! Diving enthusiasts from all over the world flock to Belize to explore its pristine coral reef and dive in the famous Blue Hole, a large marine sinkhole right off the coast of the country. The best way to access the Blue Hole and the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef is from Ambergris Caye, the largest island in Belize. A helicopter flight offers a much better view over the Blue Hole! It is expensive as hell, but if it’s on your bucket list or you’re visiting Belize to celebrate a special occasion, it may be worth the splurge.
Scuba dive in one of the many reefs
If you’re scuba certified, you need to plan a diving vacation to Belize! Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker are home to several scuba shops which can take you to some of the best destinations in the area: Mexico Rocks, Hol Chan, and Turneffe Atoll are all fantastic dive locations. If you’re in Hopkins or Placencia during the right time of year, you may even be lucky and spot some whale sharks! Located near the second largest barrier reef in the world (the Mesoamerican Reef System or the Great Mayan Reef), Belize is a world-class diving destination.
Go jaguar spotting in Cockscomb Basin
Did you know Belize is home to the world’s only jaguar reserve? These endangered large cats can be found if you’re incredibly lucky in Cockscomb Basin and there are only 200 of them in this wildlife preserve spanning 150 square miles. Still, countless other species call this protected area home, including other wild cats like the ocelot and the adorable jaguarundi.
Go birdwatching
Saying that Belizeans are into birding is an understatement: Belize loves birds, and with more than 500 avian species, such as keel-billed toucans, scarlet macaws, and indigo buntings to spot, it’s an ideal destination for birders. Most guides have knowledge of local bird life, but head to Black Rock Lodge near San Ignacio to learn from some of Belize’s top ornithologists while staying deep within the jungle.
Interact with Garifuna culture
At the Lebeha drumming center in Hopkins, visitors to Belize can move to the rhythms of the Garifuna people. Descendants of an Afro-Indigenous population in the Caribbean, the Garifuna arrived in Belize in the 1800s after surviving enslavement and shipwreck; they intermarried with the Arawak people of St. Vincent, then fled to Belize to avoid persecution. The Garifuna Settlement Day on November 19, each year, is a celebration of that event, filled with food, dance, and drumming, a major part of Garifuna culture.
