Belize Travel Guide: Reviews, photos, & videos

Sub Umbra Florero. This is the motto sewn onto the Belizean flag. It refers to the mighty Mahogany – the national tree – and it means "Under the shade, I flourish." With one foot planted amongst the rich biodiversity of the Central American jungles and the other immersed in the clear, salty waters of the Caribbean Sea, Belize is a flourishing paradise with a history just as compelling.

Home to the ancient Mayan Empire, many mighty and surprisingly advanced Mayan cities such as Caracol and Xunantunich once dotted the pristine landscape prior to European discovery in 1502. Thankfully, much of the ancient culture and traditions remain preserved. Venture North to Lamanai to learn just how these ancient Mayan civilization lived undisturbed for 3,000 years.

Or, if you're more interested in activities relevant to the past 100 years, then why not give scuba diving a try. Belize is often considered one of the best locations in the world to explore the ocean deep thanks to spots like Ambergris Caye or the famed Blue Hole – an almost perfectly circular hole located in the midst of the Lighthouse Reef system. Emitting a deep, nearly magical, blue tint that resembles a sort of divine tapestry, the Blue Hole must be seen to be believed! For the family in search of less exotic locales, check out Belize City – home to the world class Belize Zoo, several museums and historic government buildings and churches. Make sure to take a moment or two each day to find shade under one of this land's many trees and watch Belize – the people and the country – as it flourishes.

  • Ancientruins, Beach, Boating, Caribbean, Centralamerica, Eco-tourism, Fishing, Jungle, Nationalpark, Ocean, Relaxing, Romantic, Rustic, Sailing, Scubadiving, Surfing, Warm/tropical, Wedding, Wildlife
  • 94%

 
 
link17.50077-88.1918017Belize
link17.8807383492-87.9730224609Shark and Ray Alley
link17.144727234-89.0881347656Barton Creek Caves
link17.1506323387-89.0780067444Five Sisters Falls
link17.9565257081-87.9249572754Belize Barrier Reef
link18.0675346872-87.890625Ambergris Caye
link17.3162265715-87.5345993042Blue Hole
link17.4817588-88.2444053Belize Zoo
link17.50077-88.1918017Belize
link18.0164874053-87.935278415712Ambergris Caye, Belize
link18.048778-87.923674712San Pedro, Belize
link17.3322862163-88.29437255869Placencia, Belize
 
 
 
 

   

 Directions 

By air: Flights leave regularly from Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, Miami and Atlanta. (estimated travel time – 2 to 3 hours) and arrive at the Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport in Belize City.  
 
By car: From Mexico take the Subteniente López–Santa Elena, 9 miles from Corozal Town in Belize and 7 miles from Chetumal in Mexico. The all-paved Northern Hwy runs from the border to Belize City. The other crossing is at La Unión–Blue Creek, 34 miles southwest of Orange Walk Town.  
 
By boat: from Puerto Cortés, Honduras, to Placencia (three to four hours) and Dangriga (three to four hours); from Puerto Barrios, Guatemala, to Punta Gorda (one hour); and from Lívingston, Guatemala, to Punta Gorda (one hour).  

 

   

 Weather 

  • Current conditions

    Cond003

    Partly cloudy. Mild. Temperature of 77.41°F. Winds NNW 9.52mph. Humidity will be 59% with a dewpoint of 62° and feels-like temperature of 77.41°F.
    Hi: 77° F, Low: 69° F.

  • Tomorrow's forecast

    Cond024
    Mostly cloudy. Mild. Temperature of 75.47°F. Winds NNE 6.08mph. Humidity will be 57% with a dewpoint of 59° and feels-like temperature of 75.47°F.
    Hi: 75° F, Low: 68° F.


  • Weatherbug's weather page.
 

   

 Attractions 

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Shark and Ray Alley

"I must be out of my mind," you think when your guide points out the giant shadows in the eight-foot deep water and ladles a glop of chum over the side of the boat. Despite your raging instinct for self-preservation, you strap on the flippers, put the snorkel in your mouth and jump right in. Call it a leap of faith, for you are rewarded with an unforgettable and, did I mention, SAFE adventure. Shark and Ray alley, off Ambergris Caye in Belize, combines the brilliance of a coral reef, tropical warm waters, and yes, an abundance of nurse sharks and several species of ray. The first time a six foot nurse shark swims up to your nose for a look, you may be thinking, "beautiful, fascinating, intimidating… though magnificent." Two words: simply thrilling.

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Barton Creek Caves

Caves are cool, not only in temperature but in sheer awesomeness. The Barton Creek caves of west-central Belize are pretty exceptional examples, and trust me, the cool interior climate feels heavenly after the tropical heat of the Belize jungle. The four and a half mile river cave system is accessible by canoe, and promises for an excellent day out. For a start, stalagmites and stalactites, formed over many-thousands of years, provide wonderful views, all part of the unique cave geology. It's quite humbling to be underground in an ancient location seemingly cut off from the world. Though ancient Myans used the caves for ceremonial rituals, believing they held divine powers. In fact, the caves still bear the evidence of their early visitors with skeletons and archeological dig sites. Stay with the bones in the cool: it's beastly-hot outside.

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Five Sisters Falls

Nothing quite appeals to the fantasy in us like a waterfall. While not being all goofy and whimsical about what's behind them, they also make great spots to hang out, swim and enjoy the scenery. In the middle of the mountainous, rain forest-laden locale of Belize's largest protected area, the river Privassion hiccups into a series of five waterfalls which have become something of a spot for tourists. With clear pools to swim in and areas to picnic, walk or just sit back and soak in the brilliant, clear water, gorgeous flowers, and sound of water babbling and flowing. What else could you possibly need? Of course, a picnic, with local Belize foods and a bunch of cheap, excellent beer.… And perhaps a camera.

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Belize Barrier Reef

As I sat on the beach on Ambergris Caye, sipping a Pina Colada and pondering the meaning of nothing exceptional, I leaned over to my wife and asked what the white strip of frothy sea running parallel to the shore was. She said it was the reef, and I was sold. Belizeans are extremely proud of their Barrier Reef, and rightly so: it is part of the second largest reef system in the world. But facts and figures are boring so let's cut to the chase: snorkeling, scuba, diving, coral, SENSATIONAL AQUATIC WILDLIFE! No matter how you choose to get wet, the time you spend with the reef is amazing. It's an up close and personal experience with a remarkable ecosystem that is becoming rarer and rarer. The colours of the fish and coral in the crystal-clear water will stay with you forever. Life does not get richer than this, and the Belize Barrier Reef is an absolute treasure.

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Ambergris Caye

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Blue Hole

You know those lists people make of places they want to see before they kick the bucket? Well, I just found a new one: The Great Blue Hole. Now I know the name doesn't sound that enticing, but one glimpse of this magical, mysterious and even miraculous looking aqua phenomenon and you'll say the same thing. So, what is the Great Blue Hole? It's actually a large underwater sinkhole located in the center of the Lighthouse Reef system about 45 miles from Belize City. The hole is almost perfectly circular in shape (about 1,000 feet across and 400 feet deep) and is believed to have originated as a limestone cave system a long, long time ago when sea levels were a bit lower. Then – as the oceans began to rise – these caves flooded, causing the roof to collapse and voila – The Great Blue Hole! Made famous by Jacques Cousteau when he declared it one of the top ten scuba diving sites in the world, The Great Blue Hole is a popular spot amongst recreational scuba divers with hopes to swim amongst the numerous species of fish including – gulp – sharks. Try to get an overhead view. Looking down you'll realize it's more than just a blue hole – it's one of those unexplainable, natural beauties that can't truly be described. But at least now you can check it off your list!

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Belize Zoo

Looking for a zoo that doesn't put you to sleep? Well then, swing like a monkey over to the Belize Zoo and Tropical Education center to see just what a zoo should be. Located on 29 acres of tropical savanna, The Belize Zoo features exhibits on over 125 animals all native to Belize. Ever heard of a Margay? Well, check out this elusive "tiger cat" whose natural habitat lies high up in the canopy of the tropical rain forest. Wanna learn about a tapir – a water creature so odd scientists have begun calling them "mountain cows?" Does the idea of the Happy Eagle, the largest eagle in the world with talons the size of a Grizzly Bear's, sound appealing? Well, if you answered all these rhetorical questions "yes" then the Belize Zoo is the place. I guess that's the reason it's known as "The best little zoo in the world."

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 Reviews(Average Rating: 94% for 3 reviews) 

  • mbronny
    mbronnyReviews: 5
    Posts: 0

    Jungle Oasis

    03/26/2009

    90%

    Belize

    Several years ago my family and I traveled to the Cayo District of Belize. Being an adventurous bunch, we chose the jungle terrain over the beach, and enjoyed days of exploring, caving, mountain biking and plenty of hiking. I would highly recommended Belize for those seeking some incredible outdoor adventure. We swam in beautiful waterfalls, hiked through the mountains, did some incredible bird-watching, and even got the chance to explore a cave that held ancient Mayan ruins, as well as explored the ruins of an ancient Mayan civilization. Belize feels like another world; it is filled with so much beauty and history simultaneously, and discovering this history through exploring and observing makes it all so real. A definite must-see for anyone who appreciates nature and the rich history of our ancient pasts.

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  • lwiedemer
    lwiedemer
    • Top member
    Reviews: 14
    Posts: 29

    Earth, Wind and Water?

    03/10/2009

    97%

    Belize

    Belize is a tiny country with a lot to offer for the adventure traveler. We scheduled to go zip lining followed by a picnic lunch and capped off with cave tubing. This was my second zip line experience and while it was a lot of fun, it wasn’t quite as thrilling as the one we did in Alaska. As safety obsessed Americans we noticed that the Belizians don’t share our over protective nature. They seemed to think that we should be responsible for our own safety. What a concept! Anyway, we all enjoyed flying through the air (yes, this is the ‘wind’ part) and whooping it up like kids. One word of caution: DO USE insect repellent; unless you like being eaten alive by mosquitoes. After lunch we hiked (‘earth’) to the river for some cave tubing (‘water’). Naturally, the one poor swimmer in our party decided to tip her tube over in the deep part of the river before we even got started. A flurry of activity ensued in maneuvering her back into the tube before she drowned and then we were off floating down the lazy river. Inside the caves we turned on our headlights and enjoyed some serious nature marveling. I was concerned about claustrophobia but the caves were plenty spacious and I never felt uncomfortably closed in. We all agreed (even the near drowning victim) that it was a great way to spend a day in Belize.

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  • travelbard
    travelbardReviews: 1
    Posts: 0

    Diver's Paradise

    09/04/2008

    95%

    Belize

    If you dream of scuba diving the Great Barrier Reef of Australia and think it’s too far to travel or perhaps out of your budget, consider Belize, Central America. For Americans, it’s close, affordable and it’s exotic enough to stimulate the boldest of adventurers. Boasting the largest barrier reef in the northern hemisphere, divers and ecotourists alike will be dazzled by the many atolls dotting the coastline off the mainland. Each atoll has its mangrove forests and sugar-white beaches where tropical dreams meet reality as you enter a secluded teal-blue lagoon. If you are after a “tropical high”, Belize is certainly a must-see destination. My partner and I booked a dive package through Ramon’s Village, Ambergris Caye, San Pedro, Belize. (ramons.com) At a mere $90 US a day, we secured amazing beach-front/dream bungalow lodging, two meals a day and two tank dives a day. Airfare was separate however affordable at $320 round trip from Salt Lake City, Houston International to Belize International and back. (Do not confuse Houston Hobby with Houston International) After arriving at Belize International Airport, we had a short “in-processing” which was a bit difficult due to the removal element of being in unfamiliar surroundings. Speaking Spanish helps when it comes to gathering information about island hops. We ran into a little glitch when we learned that the island hop airline we booked didn’t have our names on a manifest. After much jumbled communication, we finally found ourselves tooling down a short paved runway in a Cessna 172, dive gear and all! After we barely cleared the mangrove canopy, the pilot pulled the throttle out of the dashboard. The vibration of the piston engine subsided and my partner and I gasped at the vast beauty below! Miles of clear ocean water with mangrove dots filled our view. After flying over schools of dolphin for 20 minutes, the pilot throttled back and nosed the aircraft down. Ahead was the small white-sandy airstrip of San Pedro, Belize. I thought; how in creation are we going to land on this “driveway”? After some bumps and skips, we landed just fine and when the engine shut off, all we could hear was the hissing of wind through the mangrove canopy. We were greeted by a smiling man in a golf cart who offered us a complimentary Pina Colada! (The best I have ever had) Ramon’s Village is on the south end of town away from most of the commotion and yet it’s close enough to walk to bars and restaurants. The resort property is fantastic! We rented a fist floor grass-hut within feet of the ocean without air conditioning. The ocean breeze was cool enough in the evenings to make up for the daily humidity. Besides, there is too much to see and do to stay in all day! A little bit of information to be aware of when if you stay on the beach level at Ramon’s. Do not leave food out because the ants can be veracious. Plus, be prepared for low shower water pressure. The bathrooms are basic and functional for the most part. There are two bars and a large restaurant on the property. The food is terrific! We enjoyed several seafood entrées and the traditional breakfasts are just fine. The coffee is very strong and the rum is too! Belikin beer can be a bit rough on the stomach if you’re not used to heavy beers. If you ask for a drink of water, be sure to ask for sky-juice, which is rain water collected from barrels! The diving and snorkeling are everything you’d expect in a tropical resort and more! There are more marine life, more coral reefs, more caverns and more spectacular diving than one could see or do in a lifetime. The visibility is often 200 feet or more and the water temperature at 80 feet can be as warm as 75 degrees. Some of the barrel coral are 8 feet across and the colorful tube sponges dwarf a grown man. Giant purple sea fans adorn cliff walls and sway too and from in gentle warm currents. Sea turtles swim curiously close and giant rays soar above. Again, the diving will blow you away! After a full day of diving, San Pedro’s night life is culturally diverse and has an old-world feel. Main Street is the only area that feels “touristy”. It’s only 3 miles long, if that. All the roads are white sand and bars and clubs line the beach front as well as side roads more central to the core of the island. Reggae music blares out of open shuttered windows and the smell of fried conch fills the humid night air. People of many ethnicities walk by and the absence of any motorized vehicles make for an almost surreal ambiance. One gets the experience of being in an exotic place, for sure! Belize is defiantly a “must see” destination if you want the old-world tropical adventure! Since we dove for 5 days, we missed the flatboat trip up the Belize River to Tikal. Subsequently, the sailing trip to the blue hole and several island and fishing excursions had to be left for another time. In addition, I heard the fishing is world-class too! So there is much more to do while in Belize if you want. Happy traveling from the travelbard!

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