One of the most important tips for visiting Belize for the first time is to plan in advance.
Belize is a beautiful and diverse country. A well-balanced itinerary should include a visit to its tropical rainforests to see the incredible wildlife, discover the ancient Mayan culture and explore the cayes, beaches and the ocean playground of the Belize Barrier Reef. Belize is an easy destination to create an experience that includes adventure, adrenaline-filled activities and plenty of relaxation time.
Most visitors to Belize will typically stay for 7-10 days and within this time frame, it's best to choose one or two specific areas to visit.
We’ve come up with a few itineraries to help you plan your perfect Belize vacation:
Itinerary #1: Glover’s Reef, Jungle Rainforests & Remote Mayan Villages - 8 Nights
- Spend two nights exploring Glover’s Reef Atoll and stay on beautiful Southwest Caye. Explore the turquoise waters and rich coral reefs of this protected marine reserve by sea kayak, snorkel and SUP.
- Venture into the rainforest and spend two nights in an eco-lodge in the heart of the Mayflower Bocawina National Park. Enjoy adrenaline-filled activities including a rainforest canopy zipline and exhilarating waterfall rappel.
- Travel off the grid into a remote wilderness region of Belize, whitewater kayak down the Moho River, camp in the jungle and visit Mayan villages far removed from the outside world.
- Like the sound of this itinerary? Find out more details about our Epic Belize trip.
Ziplining at Bocawina Rainforest Resort & Adventures
Itinerary #2: Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary & Lighthouse Reef Atoll - 6 or 8 Nights
- Spend two days exploring the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary and the surrounding areas. This is an amazing area which offers some of the best birding and wildlife opportunities in Belize. The most famous resident at the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary is the Jabiru Stork. Turtles, parrots, ibis, morelet’s crocodiles, and iguanas are frequently seen.
- Venture out by boat to the Lighthouse Reef Atoll, a tropical marine park and UNESCO World Heritage site, located fifty-five miles from the shore of the Belize mainland.
- Stay on Half Moon Caye, a protected island managed by the Belize Audubon Society and home to 4000 red-footed boobies.
- Enjoy 6 or 8 nights of superb snorkeling, sea kayaking and paddle boarding. Experience snorkeling at Jacque Cousteau’s legendary Blue Hole and the Aquarium.
- Learn more about the Lighthouse Reef Adventure itinerary.
Jabiru Stork at Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary
Itinerary #3: Belize Zoo & Southwater Caye Marine Reserve - 6 Nights
- Start this Belize adventure with a stay at the Tropical Education Center and enjoy a specially-arranged night tour of the Belize Zoo. A visit to the zoo is a great introduction to native wildlife and Belizean ecology.
- Spend the rest of this Belize vacation on an incredible guided paddling journey on the Belize Southern Barrier Reef system.
- Paddle, snorkel, kayak sail and SUP through the turquoise waters and sheltered lagoons of Southwater Caye Marine Reserve. Visits beautiful tropical islands including Tobacco Caye, Southwater Caye and Billy Hawk Caye.
- Find out all the details about the Paradise Island trip.
Tobacco Caye, Southwater Caye Marine Reserve
Itinerary #4: Xunantunich Ruins, Archeological Mayan Cave & Glover's Reef Atoll - 7 Nights
- Venture inland for a Xunantunich ruins visit and an archaeological cave hike in the lush rainforest. Spend two nights at the Cahal Pech Village Resort.
- Explore and stay on Glover’s Reef Atoll, a protected marine park and designated world heritage site thirty-six miles offshore of mainland Belize.
- Spend five and a half days in one of the richest marine environments in the Caribbean Sea. Paddle, snorkel, kayak sail, fish, and SUP as you explore the turquoise lagoons and thriving coral reefs.
- Find out more about the Glover's Reef & Mayan Caves itinerary.
The ruins at Xunantunich
Relevant Links:
Best Flights to Belize: Updated
Belize in 7 Days
How to Get To and Around Belize
Best Things to Do in Belize With Kids
If you go:
Call 1.800.667.1630 or email info@islandexpeditions.com and get trip planning ideas and advice from one of our Belize Travel Specialists.
FAQs
How long to spend in Belize: 7 days in Belize is just enough time to see the major highlights and best of Belize but the trip will be a bit fast-paced. Feel free to adapt this itinerary and make your trip anywhere from one week to 10 days in Belize, to even 2 weeks if you enjoy slow travel and a leisurely pace.
What is the number 1 adventure in Belize that tourists want to come and visit? ›
Ambergris Caye
Ambergris Caye is the top place to go for visitors to Belize and the vibrant town of San Pedro is the beating heart of this unique island. This colorful caye has hotels ranging from budget to luxe and classic Caribbean activities like snorkeling and sailing.
What is the best way to explore Belize? ›
The best way to see it all is to combine a Belize vacation package on land with a small ship cruise to Belize's barrier reef. You will truly experience the best of ruins, rainforest and reef when you explore Belize by land and sea.
How to spend 10 days in Belize? ›
With 10 days in Belize, you can cover three to four destinations. Consider a classic route of caves, Maya ruins, and snorkeling around Ambergris Caye, or spend time in the Cayo District—a starting point to explore parks and ecological reserves before learning about Garifuna culture in Hopkins on the coast.
When not to go to Belize? ›
The wet season runs from June to December, but travel is still possible until early August, with rain mostly falling in the afternoon. Travel becomes challenging as the season progresses, and there is a low risk of hurricanes. Some businesses will close during this time.
What is better, Belize or Costa Rica? ›
Costa Rica is considerably stronger in terms of biodiversity and eco-tourism as well as inland adventures. We know you're going to love both destinations! Take look at the most popular tours to Belize and the most popular tours to Costa Rica.
Where do most Americans go in Belize? ›
The most popular destination in Belize is Ambergris Caye, followed by Caye Caulker. Other popular cayes include Tobacco Caye, South Water Caye and Glover's Reef. On Belize's coast, Hopkins and Placencia are the most visited seaside destinations, both having beautiful beaches and unique cultural attractions.
What is the prettiest place in Belize? ›
Lighthouse Reef
Home to the iconic Great Blue Hole, Lighthouse Reef is undeniably one of the most beautiful places in Belize. One of just three atolls in the country, Lighthouse Reef is home to a handful of small cayes, the most well-known being Half Moon Caye and Long Caye.
What is the best city to stay in when visiting Belize? ›
San Pedro, the main city on the country's largest island, is the best place to stay for first timers! It's stunning and has so much to do and see, including the most fabulous coral reefs! But for the best experience in Belize, I recommend splitting your stay into two: inland and on the islands!
How do you get around Belize? ›
The best ways to get around Belize are by car, water taxi and plane. Taxis and rental cars are the most hassle-free modes of transportation around Belize City. Cabs and cars are also the easiest way to get to and from Belize City's Municipal Airport (TZA) just outside the city center or Philip S.W.
Belize is home to the second-largest barrier reef in the world—the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System—second in size only to the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. 8. Belize's Great Blue Hole is the largest sinkhole on earth, a natural wonder and one of the top diving sites in the world.
Should you carry cash in Belize? ›
You'll want cash for tips for your tour operators, resort or hotel staff, and services such as restaurant and spa. What denominations should I carry? Smaller bills are more widely accepted than large ones, especially in villages or in boutique shops and restaurants.
What are the rules for tourists in Belize? ›
Belize allows visitors a maximum of one month's stay in the country before Belize Immigration requires an extension in one month increments obtained from Belize Immigration offices throughout the country.
How long do you need to travel Belize? ›
Two weeks in Belize will give you the perfect amount of time to see all of the best bits of the country. From the ancient Mayan ruins at the ATM Caves and Xunantunich, to the blonde-sand beaches of Placencia and Caye Caulker, my comprehensive guide is going to tell you exactly how to spend 14 days in Belize.
What months are best in Belize? ›
The best time to visit Belize is during the dry season, which is between January and May. Visitors can expect predominantly warm, sunny days in the Cayo District and on the Cayes.
What is the cheapest time of year to travel to Belize? ›
Belize's “Low Season” Belize's low season extends from the start of June until mid-November when the aforementioned high season kicks off.
Is Belize worth going to? ›
Whether you want to explore ancient Maya cities, snorkel and scuba dive on the gorgeous Belize Barrier Reef, relax to the gentle rhythms of Caribbean life, hike through unspoiled rainforests, canoe down jungle rivers, or eat fresh-caught seafood, then Belize is the place for you.
