Top Activities for Tourists & Travelers in Belize

The Best Activities & Attractions for Tourists Visiting Belize

Belize is a small Central American country known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning natural beauty, and diverse range of outdoor activities. Here are a few of the things that we found to do while visiting Belize together that you may want to consider for your own trip:

1. Visit Ancient Mayan Ruins

   Belize is home to a number of well-preserved Mayan ruins, including Caracol, Xunantunich, and Lamanai. From the town of San Ignazio, we were able to book tours to both Caracol and Xunantunich that only cost about $20/usd per person for a full day of site seeing. These beautifully preserved ruins sit in the pristine forest right along the border with Guatemala. The tour guides are required to be certified by the government which results in a very authentic and informational tour from local experts on the culture and heritage of these relics.

2. Explore the Country’s Stunning Beaches

   Belize has a number of beautiful beaches along its Caribbean coastline, as well as a plethora of gorgeous islands that will surely get you your beach fix. We were easily able to catch local busses running along the main highway that took us from Belize City with stops all along the coast, including the popular beach towns of Hopkins and Placencia. You can also catch a ferry from Belize City to visit the infamous “cayes” of Belize, including the popular Ambergris Caye, Hicks Caye, and Caye Caulker. All of the above islands offer opportunities for a variety of snorkeling and diving tours and expeditions as well as relaxing atmosphere with beach bars and plenty of reggae music.

3. Go Snorkeling or Diving

   Belize is home to the second-largest coral reef in the world, The Belize Barrier Reef, making it a great destination for snorkeling and diving. We found plenty of off shore snorkeling at just about every stop on our visit, as well as booked excursions to the reef leaving from Caye Caulker. The Great Blue Hole is a feature attraction for many but for those wishing to explore something up close, you will find plenty of marine life in the waters around Belize and its islands. We were pleased to have numerous encounters with rays and reef sharks.

4. Take a Boat Tour

   Belize has a number of waterways, including rivers, lagoons, and cays, that can be explored by boat. You will not have to look far to find a local tour agency (they will find you) to book a boat tour and see some of the great wildlife and natural reserves Belize has to offer. There are fishing tours, reef tours and more to suite every type of adventurer. We took multiple ferries and boats while visiting Belize and enjoyed the perspective of the landscape as seen from the water.

5. Visit a National Park or Wildlife Reserve

   Belize is home to a number of national parks and wildlife reserves, including the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary and Jaguar reserve or the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System. We visited the Jaguar reserve and stayed for two nights while spending the days hiking trails in the dense forest and tubing down the river. We took a bus to Maya Village and then hiked into the Jaguar reserve where we learned that there was nowhere to eat once in the park. Luckily the ranger station sold us some ramen noodles, which we ate for dinner both nights! Contrary to the name, Jaguar sitings are actually quite rare he. However, there is plenty of other wildlife and plant life to be observed and what better way to see it all then by spending the day tubing down the river.

6. Go on a Jungle Adventure

   Belize is home to a number of rainforests, including the Maya Mountains, which offer a range of outdoor activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and ziplining. If you go to one of the national parks or book a tour to see the ruins, you will get plenty of jungle time as well. Many tour operators offer jungle excursions that include activities such as hiking, bird watching, and wildlife viewing. Belize has a variety of monkeys and tropical birds than can be spotted in the dense forests of this tropical region. Visitors can also explore the jungle on their own by renting a canoe or kayak and navigating the many rivers and creeks that run through the jungle. It’s also possible to stay overnight in a jungle lodge or camping site, which allows for a more immersive experience and the opportunity to see nocturnal wildlife.

7. Explore the Exotic Cuisine

Belizean cuisine is a delicious blend of flavors and influences, reflecting the country’s diverse cultural heritage. The traditional Mayan diet, with its emphasis on corn, beans, and root vegetables, forms the foundation of many dishes in Belize. Tamales, made from masa and filled with meat or beans, are a popular staple food. The Caribbean influence on Belizean cuisine is evident in dishes like rice and beans, stewed chicken, and a variety of seafood like fish, lobster, and conch. Jerk chicken and other jerk dishes are also a popular choice. The cuisine is also heavily influenced by Central America, with ingredients such as plantains, avocado, and chilies being widely used. Belize is also known for its tropical fruits and vegetables, like coconut, pineapple, and papaya, which often appear in traditional dishes. We attended an event called “Lobster Fest” on Caye Caulker, which did not disappoint.

8. Learn About Belize’s Cultural Heritage

   Belize is a diverse country with a rich cultural heritage. Visitors can learn about the country’s history and culture by visiting museums, galleries, and cultural centers. We visited the history museum in Belize City before we departed back to the US and enjoyed getting more background on the history of the country and seeing some of the artifacts. You will not find much in the way of museums outside of Belmopan or Belize City, though, so soak them up while you are there. Unfortunately, these cities did not produce the most welcoming atmosphere’s aside from those attractions.

9. Drink Belizean Rum!

Belizean rum is known for its smooth and rich flavor, as well as its versatility as a mixer when preparing the country’s national cocktails. Belize has a long history of producing great rum, dating back to the colonial era when sugarcane was first introduced to the region. Many Belizean rum distilleries use traditional methods and equipment, giving the rum its unique character and taste. The most famous brand of Belizean rum is “One Barrel” and it’s considered by many experts to be some of the best rum in the Caribbean. It’s often used in popular tropical drinks such as the “Rum Punch” and it’s also enjoyed neat or on the rocks. Visitors to Belize can also tour some of the rum distilleries to learn more about the production process and sample the different varieties of rum. For me, I preferred drinking it straight from the bottle whilst soaking up the sun and the sand on the beach.

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Is Belize Safe for Travelers?

Belize is generally considered a safe destination for travelers, but like any country, it’s always a good idea to take precautions to ensure your safety. Here are a few things to keep in mind:


• Exercise caution in urban areas: As with any city, it’s a good idea to be aware of your surroundings and avoid walking alone at night in urban areas of Belize.
• Use common sense: Avoid leaving valuables in plain sight and keep your possessions secure.
• Be prepared for natural disasters: Belize is located in a hurricane-prone region and can be affected by tropical storms and hurricanes, particularly during the rainy season from June to November. It’s important to stay informed and follow the advice of local authorities during these events.
• Stay informed about local laws and customs: Familiarize yourself with local laws and customs before traveling to Belize.

Overall, Belize is a welcoming and safe destination for travelers, and most visitors have a pleasant and enjoyable experience while there.