The Official Belize Travel Guide

The Ultimate Guide to Belize

San Pedro
Caye Caulker
San Ignacio
Belize City
Placencia
Hopkins

Why Belize?

This comprehensive Belize travel guide features the best things to see and do in Belize. Belize is quickly becoming one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. While it has a reputation for its sandy beaches and the looming barrier reef, there's a lot more to Belize than just waterfront property. You'll find jungle, caves, ruins, and a thriving population eager to share their lives and their experiences with you. If you're considering taking a trip to Belize, we're here to provide you with all the information you need to make your vacation magical in this official Belize travel guide.

Ambergris Caye

The largest of Belize's islands, Ambergris Caye is one of the most popular destinations in the entire country. The town of San Pedro is the center of activity in Amergris Caye. Adventurous vacationers come from far and wide to experience the beauty of the nearby Belize Barrier Reef (the second largest in the world), while backpackers and expats flock to this island due to the town of San Pedro's reputation as the Entertainment Capital of the country.
 
The proximity of the barrier reef means that activities on the open waters are one of the biggest attractions in Ambergris Caye. Scuba diving, snorkeling, and open seas fishing draw crowds all year long, but that's just scratching the surface of what there is to do on this island. The relatively compact size of the island means that most of it can be traversed by golf cart or bicycle, and there's no better place to spend an afternoon on the Secret Beach. While it's a little less remote than it once was, it's still the most pleasant place around to take a dip or soak up the rays. And since it's situated right on the Caribbean, there are opportunities to try fresh and seasonal fish regardless of when you decide to visit.
 
Ambergris Caye's events calendar is notably booked through and through. The island is one of a few of the areas in Belize that celebrates the window of lobster fishing season with the decadent Lobsterfest, and Costa Maya draws in musicians, artists, and beauty pageant contestants from the entirety of Central and South America. But there's no party in the country quite like Fiesta de Carnaval, taking place every February.
Read the Official Guide
All San Pedro Hotels
San Pedro Gold Standard Hotels

Caye Caulker

It wouldn't be quite sincere to call Caye Caulker a "hidden gem", but the slower pace of life on this island and the slightly more isolated nature means that it doesn't draw the tourism crowds that bigger destinations like Ambergris Caye do. But that's not to say that there isn't plenty to explore here. Caye Caulker offers easy access to the dozens of islands off of the coast of Belize, and that makes it a great launching off point if you're looking to explore some of the more remote beauty the Caribbean Sea has to offer.
 
As you might expect from any island in this region, fishing, snorkeling, and scuba diving reign supreme for local activities, and the seafood here is to die for. But this isn't solely a seafood spot. There's a surprising variety of culinary options on the island, so it's easy to find something to whet your appetite for a meager pittance. But if you do have seafood on the mind, you'll want to be sure to come during Lobsterfest in June and July. One of the best parts of Caye Caulker is the fact that cars are banned on the island. That means that you can calmly explore the island entirely on bike, and the lack of industrialized vehicles has helped it maintain its reputation as an excellent destination for bird watching. If you're looking for a nice spot to watch the sun set, there's no option quite like Koko King Beach.
Read the Official Guide

San Ignacio

Read the Official Guide
San Ignacio is the heart of the Cayo District, and the Cayo District is potentially the richest district in Belize in terms of how many different opportunities it offers. Known for its criss-crossing collection of rivers, Cayo District is a land of sweeping and awe-inspiring natural beauty. The most famous excursion spot here is Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave. Once a site of human sacrifice, ATM Cave is largely regarded as one of the best sacred caves in the world, but you'll want to be sure you go with an experienced and qualified guide leading the pack. The Maya ruins known as Tikal in Guatemala are a short day trip away, as are the thrilling archaeological sites of Cahal Pech, Xunantunich and Caracol. Spelunkers will find a lot of fun to be had in Barton Creek Cave, while the Macal River is perfect for venturing out on a canoe. Mountain Pine Ridge is equivalently well regarded for its hiking opportunities.
 
You don't need to leave the city proper to have fun in the Cayo District, however. San Ignacio Town is the populated heart of Cayo, and it has an identity all its own. The rich variety of cultures that make up the populace combine together for a heady combination of culinary options, and there's a bright and vibrant nightlife within town. You'll want to take an afternoon to check out the iguana conservatory at the San Ignacio Resort Hotel and if you are in the town on a Saturday, do not forget to tour the San Ignacio Farmer’s Market for a unique local experience.

Popular Activities

$
125
/ Person
Departs From:
San Ignacio Town
 (27)
Provider:
Discovered in 1989, this cave is a full five kilometers deep. Taking a journey into the Mayan underworld at Actun Tunichil Muknal, or the “Cave of the Stone Sepulchre”, will be one ... moreof the most enlightening, and unique experiences of your life. You will venture into the heart of the Cave with a licensed, experienced tour guide. This cave is not only geologically beautiful with its crystalline stalactites and stalagmites but also historically as it is a natural museum of ancient Mayan artifacts and a sacred offering place for the “Crystal Maiden”. Time spent inside the cave is 2 ½ to 3 hrs. Get an in-depth look at Belize’s Mayan culture.

Inside the dry zone where the artifacts and bones are located, all persons need to remove all shoes and walk-in socks to reduce damage. To see the Crystal Maiden you need to ascend a 13 ft ladder to reach the area known as the sepulcher.
$
35
-
$
109
98
/ Person
Type of Vehicle:
Full Size Van
 (83)
Philip S.W Goldson International Airport (BZE) to San Ignacio Town One Way Shuttle from Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) to San Ignacio Town. The shuttle departs promptly ... morefrom the airport arrivals terminal and arrives at Hode's Place in San Ignacio Town. All rides are on demand and subject to availability and flight schedules.

Hotel drop-off service is offered at an additional cost. To obtain information about the rates for different hotels in or near San Ignacio Town, please refer to the add-ons section.

All seats must be pre-booked. Daily Departures at: 12:00PM, 1:00PM, 2:45PM, 4:30PM, 5:30 PM 

This departure schedule is fluid. We may leave early as soon as all passengers are on board. Sometimes we may wait for passengers who may be delayed. We don't take walk-up passengers, so it is always possible to leave earlier than scheduled.

Please contact us via WhatsApp at +501 671-6390 if you have any questions or concerns.

Other important details:

Don't worry, we won't leave without you if your flight is delayed or arrives very close to the departure time. We try to accommodate all passengers and ask for some consideration if we need to wait a few minutes for other passengers. If you have a significant delay, we may switch you to the next departure if one is scheduled. The day's last departure will wait until all passengers are accounted for.

An optional hotel drop-off service is available to hotels and destinations within the town limits of San Ignacio and Santa Elena. Please select the appropriate add-on options when submitting your booking request. If you are not sure whether your hotel is within town limits, you may contact us to inquire or you may book the regular rate and book the additional service with the driver. We also offer service to destinations beyond town limits. The additional cost is usually determined by the distance from town. 

Hotels within our drop-off zone include, but are not limited to:

Ka'ana Resort

San Ignacio Resort Hotel

Cahal Pech Village Resort

Maya Mountain Lodge

Casa del Caballo Blanco

Western Guest House

Midas Resort 

Western Guest House

Bellas Backpackers

D's Hostel

Aliana's Airbnb

Lucina's Airbnb

Homehill Apartments

Casia Hill Resort

Rumor's Resort

Rolson's Hotel

If you are staying at Hode's Hotel, you do not need to pay the additional hotel drop-off fee since all drop off's are at Hode's Place. This is a nice outdoor restaurant to relax, grab some food, and wait for your in-town transport or local taxi.
$
160
-
$
355
/ Person
Departs From:
San Ignacio Town
 (3)
Embark on an incredible Cave Kayaking adventure and traverse the entire 7-miles of underground cave system in comfortable top-quality packable kayaks and advanced outdoor equipment. ... moreThis thrilling journey begins from the St Herman's Cave system on the Hummingbird Highway and concludes at Nohoch Che'en Archeological Reserve, taking you from darkness to the vibrant greenery of the jungle and back into the submerged world of Xibalba. The turquoise waters and majestic cave entrances provide awe-inspiring sights, perfect for capturing an endless stream of Kodak moments. The excursion features multiple cave entrances and exits, including natural daylight "windows" formed by cenote/sinks along the way. So, enjoy the sounds of wildlife, immerse in nature, and make unforgettable memories with this exhilarating Cave Kayaking adventure.
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Places to Stay

$
150
Region:
Western Belize
 (3)
Area:
Cayo
Find yourself in our award-winning Belize ecolodge. Situated on a 105-acre jungle reserve along the Macal River, settle into 10 intimate, rest in eco-friendly cabanas, nosh on farm-to-table ... morecuisine, sip tropical cocktails, cool off in our infinity pool, and graze with resident donkeys through our working, organic farm. Take the river by canoe or tube, hike jungle trails, and allow us to plan your excursions to the many natural wonders and Mayan sites in Belize.

Awards: 
TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice Winner 2020
Corporate LiveWire Innovation & Excellence Award 2020
Travel & Hospitality Awards - Lodge of the Year 2018 & 2019
Global Luzury Hotel & Spa Awards - Boutique Lodge of the Year 2019
TravelMyth Top 20 Accommodations for Honeymoons 2019
Latin American Business Awards - Best Boutique Lodge 2019
Belize Tourism Board Small Hotel of the Year 2010 & 2015
Belize Green Business Award 2011
$
85
$
89
-
$
129
/ Night
Prices in:
USD
Region:
Western Belize
 (3)
Area:
San Ignacio
Aliana's is a vacation rental property located near San Ignacio, Cayo. Aliana's sits on a 50-acre farm and includes three private riverfront villas. ... more

Gold Standard Transportation is provided via Belize Ground Shuttle.
Relax on the banks of the Mopan river just outside your doorstep and enjoy bird watching or take a refreshing swim to cool off at your pleasure. We have canoes and floating tubes available. A popular guest activity is to float down the Mopan river from the village of Bullet Tree Falls. The float takes about two hours. You can spot monkeys and a variety of bird species along the river. We also have an outdoor grill and brick oven available for use by all guests.

Each unit includes air-conditioned bedrooms for your comfort. The property is filled with many tropical fruit trees that you can enjoy when in season, such as mangoes, breadfruit, plums, star fruit, and others. The property may be booked for private events subject to availability.
$
86
Region:
Western Belize
 (2)
Area:
San Ignacio
Conveniently located a short walk from downtown San Ignacio, Rolson Hotel offers comfortable accommodations and free WiFi access.... more

The hotel is a 15-minute drive from the western border, a 10-minute drive from the Xunantunich Maya Site and a 10-minute walk from the Cahal Pech Archaeology Site. The Princess Casino and the Green Iguana Conservation Project are a few minutes' walk away.

The rooms offer a mini-fridge, cable TV, alarm clock and a safety deposit box. They also include coffee and a coffee maker, 2 water bottles and ironing facilities. The private bathroom has a shower and hairdryer.

The on-site Mexican restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with a variety of local dishes. It also has a fully equipped bar with top shelf liquor, cocktails and beers.

Staff at Rolson Hotel's front desk can assist with massage services, laundry and tours. Transfers from and to the airports are available for an additional charge. There is free parking.
$
192
-
$
660
Region:
Western Belize
 (2)
Area:
San Ignacio
Established in 1976, San Ignacio Resort Hotel is a Belizean and family-owned boutique Hotel located in the Cayo District, Western Belize. The Resort is centrally situated on a 17-acre ... moreprivate estate, 5-minutes away of Cahal Pech Maya temple and the popular San Ignacio Town—an area that features a variety of cultural, adventurous, and culinary experiences. This characteristic has dubbed the Resort as “the only jungle in town”.

The 27-room Resort is renowned for its hospitality services and features the award-winning Running W Restaurant (which showcases meats from the family’s ranch), an on-site tour company (Cayo Gial Tours), in-room wellness treatments, an outdoor swimming pool and tennis court area, the largest event facilities in the District, and the #1 Activity in San Ignacio, the Green Iguana Conservation Project.
$
95
Region:
Western Belize
Area:
San Ignacio
Located in San Ignacio, this rustic-style resort features spectacular views of the Belize River Valley and offers guests free Wi-Fi and an on-site restaurant. Cahal Pech Village Resort ... morealso has a tour desk.

Each suite and room at this property is totally air-conditioned and comes with a cable TV, a wardrobe, and a balcony. The private bathrooms feature a shower and toilet. Suites are also offered.

Local cuisine is served at the on-site restaurant, while guests will find other restaurants, many offering international cuisine, within a 10-minute walk.

Cahal Pech Village Resort can organize canopy tours and nature outings, or guests can relax at the outdoor swimming pool. Massages and other spa services can also be arranged.

The Cahal Pech Mayan Ruins are a 5-minute walk from the property, while Philip SW Goldson International Airport is a 1.5-hour drive away.
$
96
Region:
Western Belize
Area:
Cayo
Vanilla Hills Lodge offers spacious bungalows located in the lush tropical jungle outside of San Ignacio. It is a short walk from the Mopan River and offers free Wi-Fi and parking.... more

Each bungalow here features cozy wooden décor and comes equipped with a seating area, a kitchenette and a private bathroom with a shower and toilet. They also have a private terrace overlooking the gardens.

Vanilla Hills Lodge serves a wide variety of organic meals for breakfast and dinner, and guests can also prepare meals in their bungalows. There is a market within 3.7 mi of the property.

The Mayan ruins of Xunantunich can be reached in a 20-minute drive, while Philip SW Goldson Airport outside Belize City is 78 mi away.

Placencia

Read the Official Guide
The beach is never more than a couple miles away on the thin southern Placencia Peninsula, and that means that the whole area can be easily navigated via bike or golf cart. If you plan to stay in this region, you'll want to set up base in Placencia Village. Compact, humble, but vibrant with life, it offers access to many of the great attractions that you'll find near Hopkins Village and Dangriga. Monkey River, Maya King Falls, and Cockscomb Basin are easily accessible from Placencia. And while snorkeling, fishing, and scuba diving are naturally a big draw along this coastal village, the real selling point of the coastline here are the gentle whale sharks that call the waters their home for a few months (March to June) out of the year.
 
As with many coastal villages, the summer Lobsterfest is a big deal, and it can be enjoyed from comfortable bars and restaurants like Tipsy Tuna and Barefoot. Tours of the nearby banana farms are offered all year long, and the well-preserved islands of Laughing Bird Caye and Silk Cayes can be reached from Placencia Village by chartering a boat.

Popular Activities

$
55
-
$
200
/ Person
$
55
-
$
200
/ Adult
Type of Vehicle:
Full Size Van
 (16)
Shared Shuttle from International Airport to Placencia Luxury affordable daily shared shuttle service to Placencia. Drop off to any hotel along the Placencia peninsula.... more

This is a shared shuttle service and may have other passengers on board. Shared shuttle services can be subjected to schedule changes. We will always keep you updated via email or text.

Departs from the airport in the afternoon after all passengers are onboard. The drive to Placencia is about 2.5 hours, along the newly completed Coastal Highway, with an optional bathroom break and convenience store stop. Shuttle typically departs by 2:30pm, but may be sooner or later depending on pre-booked passengers. All passengers must be pre-booked.
Please contact us via WhatsApp at +501 671-6386 if you have any questions or concerns
$
275
/ Adult
Departs From:
Placencia
Caving provides thrills to suit nearly any age and fitness level. After a brief 30-minute hike to the entrance of the cave, inner tubes are used to float along the Caves Branch River. ... more
See your light flicker upon strange shapes and the ultimate darkness beyond. Hear the echo of your voice bounce off the distant walls. Listen to the water dripping from the ceiling, creating spectacular formations in the2 stunning chambers. And while you might be expecting dark and claustrophobic passageways, you are likely to find the large chamber room and cathedral-sized rooms.
Journey into Belize’s spectacular underground realm and take a trip back in time!

This amazingly popular and unique tour is a fast-growing sector of the Belize Tourism Industry and pivots around one crucial factor: Safety.

Set within Belize’s lush rainforest, this fantastic tour starts with a safety session from our professional zip line crew. Following your safety session, well-trained guides will help you with your harness, hand and body gear, and helmet.
Double cables (each capable of withstanding 2,000 lbs of weight) are used for ultimate safety.
A brief 5-minute walk takes you to the first of 8 strategically placed platforms and the start of your excursion.
The platforms are as high as 85 ft and as far apart as 1200ft. All landing platforms are equipped with handrails. Guides meet you at each landing to ensure your safety.

At the end of the Zip Line Tour, you will repel from the last platform back down to earth. This is genuinely a heart-pounding adventure that is sure to please the thrill seeker in you!
$
170
/ Adult
Departs From:
Placencia
 (4)
Silk Cayes, also known as Queen Cayes, is a group of picture-card-perfect small coral islands ranging in size from half to 4 acres. Located just inside the Belize Barrier Reef, Silk ... moreCayes have beautiful white beaches surrounded by turquoise seas and are occupied by about a dozen coconut trees!
Silk Cayes are part of a marine reserve established to protect the outer reef and cayes and have an abundance of aquatic life, fish stocks, coral reef biodiversity, and healthy corals.
A typical day of snorkeling includes a briefing by the park rangers before your licensed snorkel guide leads you into the water to take you on a tour of the abundant and varied coral and to meet the local residents. If you have not snorkeled before, no problem. Our guides are happy to show you the ins and outs of snorkeling and show you the coral and those who inhabit it. Critters include spotted drums, huge lobsters, cleaner shrimp, arrow crabs, snapper, barracuda, and more varieties of reef fish than you can count.
Around mid-day, you’ll enjoy an authentic Belize-style picnic lunch. Often divers go out on the same boat and they join the snorkelers for lunch. This makes Silk Cayes a great destination for families or couples when some are divers and some are snorkelers.
After lunch, head back into the water to explore the coral and meet more of the denizens who make Silk Cayes their home.
But the best is still to come! After the second snorkel expedition and the divers return to the caye, we all head to a spot just inside the barrier reef where local fishermen clean their catch and where you are almost certain to have the opportunity to snorkel with huge turtles, rays, and sharks. Here is your chance for a great nose-to-nose photo with a very large turtle.
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Belize City

Chances are that Belize City will be the first place you see when you arrive in Belize. For many visitors, this bustling metropolis is just a transit point for some of the more popular tourism destinations. They're doing themselves a disservice by not sticking around a little longer. The Belize Museum is a must-see attraction, highlighting the rich and contentious heritage of entangled cultures that make up the country's history. The Fort Street Tourism Village provides the opportunity to experience some of the country's richest and most extravagant dining and shopping experiences. It is also your point of entry if you're visiting on a cruise.
 
If you're looking to take a memento home with you, be sure to have your picture taken in front of the famous Belize sign, and then book a tour to check out the historic Belikin Brewery Company. As the country's official beer, Belikin casts a long shadow over the country. If you lean towards tastes that are a bit stronger, you can also find tours that give you an inside look at how the country's delicious rum is produced. The colonial architecture of Belize City is absolutely gorgeous, but there's no building more stunning than St. John's Cathedral. Visitors coming in September may want to book a stay in Belize City. While Carnival is celebrated all throughout the country, there's potentially no Carnival more vibrant than the one held in Belize City during the September Celebrations.
Official Cruise Excursion Guide

Popular Activities

$
175
/ Adult
Departs From:
Belize City
Your chance to see the Mayan World with the famous Mayan ruins of Altun Ha, relaxing Cave Tubing the sightseeing through Belize.... more

Your Tour Guide will meet you at your hotel, cruise terminal Water taxi, and the Municipal in Belize City. Your guide will take you in air-conditioned transportation. From Your location Altun Ha is about 45-60 minutes From Belize City; Please note that the order of the activities may be switched depending on the time and conditions.

Out of Belize, rainforest rises the majestic beauty of the Maya ceremonial center called Altun Ha (rock stone pond). Home to more than 275 structures, this ancient Mayan ceremonial, and trading center was built in 250 BC. The site was discovered in 1958. To date, depending on weather conditions, Private Belize Adventure guests can still climb to the top of the temples to enjoy the view of the Belize rainforest. Surround yourself with the aura of these ancient stargazers living in the rainforests of Belize.
After the guided excursion to Altun Ha, your Guide will take you to the Nohoch Che’en Archaeological Park (about 60 minutes from the ruins), the hub for your cave tubing adventure part of this Excursion in Belize. Cave Tubing is the most popular guided Adventure in Belize,

When you arrive, the guide will give you a chance to use the facilities before your excursion guides go over the safety rules and instructions. Then, you will get your headlamp and follow the guide on a short 30-minute walk to the entrance of the cave.

Your excursion guide will take you to see the mysterious caves that were considered to be the ancient Underworld of the Maya. Spectacular crystal formations over 1,000,000 years old shadows on the cave walls as you explore and experience the cave of the ancient Maya as you gently float along. A living museum, where the past can still experience in its historical and natural caves. Glide past openings in the ceiling of the caves, filtering jungle light, as you float through underground river caves sparkling with studded stalactites and stalagmites. There are three caves you get to float through.
With the cave tubing portion of this Belize Adventure completed, an original and traditional Belizean lunch and refreshments will include on this adventure. You will find that this Belize Cave Tubing and Altun Ha Mayan Ruins is safe and dependable and will leave you with many beautiful memories of Belize.
$
89
/ Adult
$
550
/ Group
Departs From:
Belize City
 (2)
Provider:
Hol Chan Marine Reserve is located off the southern tip of Ambergris Caye. Mayan for '' little channel''. Hol Chan Marine Reserve is undoubtfully one of the most popular dive sites ... morein the Caribbean, and indeed in Belize. The entire reserve focuses on a cut through the reef ( called a Quebrada ) which is little more than 25 yards wide and 30 feet deep about 04 miles southeast of San Pedro. Hole Chan has burgeoned into a unique refuge, with vigorous coral formations and richness of marine life. Realizing the importance of the coral reef community off Ambergris Caye, Belize, the Government of Belize established the Hole Chan Marine Reserve on May 02. 1987. Shark Ray Alley was officially declared Zone ''D'' of the Hole Chan Marine Reserve on August 31st,1999.

We will then head to the neighboring Shark Ray Alley, where you will snorkel or dive and be able to get up close and personal with ecstatic Nurse Sharks and Southern Stingray. When you arrive, you will see the surface often boiling with rolling sharks and stingrays as they compete for the scraps. these creatures have a great tolerance for divers and snorkelers. The rays, which have a 'wing span' of two to four feet, swim directly towards the divers, mouths often turned up hoping for a handheld tad bit to be placed near their mouths. The docile Nurse sharks average four feet in length and can be a bit more aggressive than the stingrays. Here you will feel the excitement and novelty of swimming with a large number of sharks and stingrays.
$
94
/ Person
Departs From:
Belize City
Caving provides thrills to suit nearly any age and fitness level. After a brief 30-minute hike to the entrance of the cave, inner tubes are used to float along the Caves Branch River. ... more
See your light flicker upon strange shapes and the ultimate darkness beyond. Hear the echo of your voice bounce off the distant walls. Listen to the water dripping from the ceiling, creating spectacular formations in the stunning chambers. And while you might be expecting dark and claustrophobic passageways, you are likely to find enormous chambers and cathedral-sized rooms.

Journey into Belize’s spectacular underground realm and take a trip back in time! This amazingly popular and unique tour is a fast-growing sector of the Belize Tourism Industry and pivots around one important factor: Safety.

Set within Belize’s lush rainforest, this tour starts with a safety session from the professional zip line crew. Following your safety session, well-trained guides will help you with your harness, hand and body gear, and helmet. Double cables (each capable of withstanding 2,000 lbs of weight) are used for ultimate safety.

A brief 5-minute walk takes you to the first of 8 strategically placed platforms and the start of your excursion.
The platforms are as high as 85 ft and as far apart as 1200ft. All landing platforms are equipped with handrails. Guides meet you at each landing to ensure your personal safety.

At the end of the zip line tour, you will repel from the last platform back down to earth. This is truly a heart-pounding adventure that is sure to please the thrill-seeker in you!
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Hopkins Village

Read the Official Guide
The local ethnic group known as the Garifuna call the neighboring village of Hopkins and Dangriga Town their home. These two destinations are about a 20-minute drive from each other. To get to Hopkins, many visitors fly into Dangriga Town, then take a quick shuttle over to Hopkins village. The rich variety of cultures in the area has earned these destinations the designation as the cultural capital of Belize, and while the locals have learned to be accommodating of the local tourism industry, many of the humble residents of these fishing villages still practice a way of life largely identical to that of their ancestors hundreds of years ago. Regular classes allow you to learn the traditional dance and drumming techniques of the Garifuna, and tours of the chocolate farm nearby offer a tasty way to revel in the local Belizean experiences.
 
But there's plenty of natural majesty here as well. Maya King Waterfall is a truly stunning way to spend an afternoon, and Cockscomb Basin is the first jaguar preserve in the world. The famed Monkey River tour is also easily accessible from either destination, and it's the closest you'll probably ever get to meet the wild and untamed howler monkeys. The studio of Belize's most esteemed artists, Pen Cayetano, is located in Dangriga as well. Unique to the region is Garifuna Settlement Day, a national cultural celebration held on November 19th.

Popular Activities

$
150
/ Person
Departs From:
Hopkins
 (1)
The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary established in 1990 is world renowned for being the first jaguar reserve. Besides being the home to Belize's largest cat, the sanctuary protects ... morethe headwaters of two major river systems and supports an abundance of hardwood vegetation and a diverse faunal assemblage. Over 128,000 acres of lush jungle are ringed by the spectacular Cockscomb Mountains. Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is home to all five (5) of Belize's cats: Jaguar, Puma, Margay, Jaguarundi, and Ocelot. It is estimated that over 80 resident Jaguars are in the area. Belize's national animal, the endangered Baird's Tapir also inhabits the Basin and over 290 different species of birds have been recorded. This tour is ideal for nature lovers and intrepid travelers.

Get a chance to be up close and personal with the majestic jaguar.
$
55
/ Person
Departs From:
Hopkins
 (16)
Top Hopkins Area Tour *seasonal tour* (Mid December to May) Head out on the 5-minute boat ride to Anderson Lagoon on the Sittee River. The night sky is UNBELIEVABLE. ... more

Thick with stars all the way down to the tree line. Using high-powered flashlights to spot the eyeshine of crocodiles, kinkajou, coatimundi, raccoons, birds, resting iguanas, and much more!

Go through the tiny cut to the lagoon and you are surrounded by the giant mangroves and then shoot out into the lagoon which boasts bioluminescent plankton that lights up with any disturbance in the water.

It’s pitch black, the guide’s flashlight beam cutting across the lagoon is the only light and when he turns it off, the boat picks up speed and the wake glows to blue light. As the boat picks up more speed, the tiny algae, which settle in the lagoon during the dry season, get agitated and glow. It’s absolutely unbelievable.

Our guide will stop the boat and you just stare into the water. Schools of fish or any marine life swimming through the lagoon create a phosphorescent trail that can look like a glowing cloud in the water. Hundreds of jellyfish pulsating in the water. They feed on the algae – it’s all along their edges and inside them.

Just moving your hand around in the water is miraculous. You leave aqua blue glowing blue bubbles.

A swim in these waters is almost irresistible so we recommend you wear your swimwear and bring along a towel.
$
116
-
$
235
/ Person
Departs From:
Hopkins
 (1)
Discovering new, breathtaking spots in Belize seems to be never-ending and the ultimate eco-tour at Five Blues Lake is no exception. Come and explore Belize’s inland stunning natural ... morebeauty and cultural heritage. Five Blues Lake National Park was named after its different shades of blue and we bring to you an eco-tour in this area that features spectacular towering canyons covered with air plants and penetrating sun beams through the jungle, ending with a refreshing lake kauaking. This adventure off the beaten path allows one to immerse in the beauty of this place.
Hopkins Transportation Options
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Orange Walk

Orange Walk Town has earned the colorful moniker of "Sugah City" due to its reputation as a major producer of sugar cane. While that lends a pleasantly sweet smell to the air, the diversity of the residents is just as appealing. The local Mestizos play a particularly prominent role in the area's culture, and the Spanish influence is felt in both the beautiful architecture and the delicious food. Trying the local "orange walk" tacos is an absolute necessity, and you'd be doing yourself a disservice by not visiting the nearby Mayan ruins of Lamanai. Only Caracol in Western Belize is larger.
 
Chan Chich is one of the most popular resorts in the area, but it's perhaps more well known for being one of the absolutely best locations for bird watching in the country. If you're going to Lamanai, you should absolutely take the time to book a tour of the New River Lagoon. Many companies combine the two experiences into a single excursion, and the scenic river cruises is one of the best ways for experiencing local wildlife like howler monkeys, crocodiles, and turtles.

Popular Activities

$
150
/ Person
Departs From:
Belize City
Provider:
The Ancient Mayan Temple of Lamanai is located along the river banks of The New River, Orange Walk District, Belize. Known as the longest continuously occupied site in all of Mesoamerica, ... moreLamanai boasts a wealth of history. Lamanai pronounced Lama'an/ayin means "submerged crocodile." The structures found at Lamanai are some of the oldest in Belize and many believe that this site was of moderate in size dated as early as 1500 BC. Some of the newer temples were occupied as recently as the 18th century AD. This means that Lamanai was occupied for a little over 3200 years! With an estimated population of about 34,000. How impressive!! Lamanai's trading over the borders of Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala, and Belize. Today only 5% of the 800 buildings within the complex have been excavated and explored. An interesting fact about Lamanai: these temples were built in layers which suggests that successive populations would build upon the temples of their ancestors instead of destroying them. Some of the most famous temples are the Jaguar Temple, The Ball Court, The High Temple (El Castillo), and the Mask Temple.
$
35
/ Person
Departs From:
Orange Walk Town
 (2)
Crocodile Night Safari  This night safari is one to get your heart pumping as you learn more about Crocodiles and the need to protect them! Once the crocs are measured, checked and ... moretagged, and given a name, they are gently returned to their habitat. (only 3-foot and under crocs are tagged)

This is a nighttime expedition! During your expedition on the New River, you will be accompanied by an American Crocodile Education Sanctuary (ACES) trained guide who you will be spotting crocodiles and tagging them with!
$
35
/ Person
Departs From:
Orange Walk Town
Bird Watching Belize Tour Early morning river expedition or walking tour Whether you are a beginner and want to see a great variety of tropical birds, or an experienced birder with ... morea checklist of target sightings, throughout our property and the New River you will find birding packages to suit your preference.

During your Belize vacation and across various habitats you can see many of the 500+ birds that have been recorded here.
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Corozal

Corozal is a little light on attractions in comparison to some of Belize's other districts, but that's honestly part of its appeal. A trip to Corozal means that you'll have to worry less about throngs of visitors and booking tours to make the most of your time there. Agriculture is the main occupation in Corozal, and while fishing villages like Sarteneja and Consejo may not see the traffic that some of the more popular villages do, the people are always friendly and welcoming. Eco-tourism is becoming increasingly popular in this district, and Corozal Beach is an ideal place to kick back and relax without having to worry about things being overly commercialized.
 
Exploring the villages of Consejo and Sartaneja is a prime opportunity to experience the authentic lives of the locals, and there are a number of Maya ruins that allow you to commune with the way people lived hundreds of years ago. The Corozal House of Culture, located at the heart of Corozal Town, is an honored place of pilgrimage. Not only is it home to an art gallery and museum, but this de facto community center hosts multiple cultural events every month. There's no better way to embrace the lifestyle of the locals.

Popular Activities

$
210
-
$
225
/ Person
$
250
/ Group
Type of Vehicle:
Private Vehicle
Provider:
The journey is a private shuttle in our comfortable air-conitioned vehicles.
$
260
/ Person
$
300
/ Group
Type of Vehicle:
Full Size Van
Provider:
We do airport picks/water taxi and hotels pickups in Belize city. The journey is 2hrs to the northern border. Book us today to ride in class.

Punta Gorda, Toledo

Punta Gorda in Toledo is one of the better places to go if you're looking to avoid the crowds and the traditional tourism hotspots. But that doesn't mean that there isn't plenty to do here. Garbutt's Marine is the premiere spot in the area for snorkeling, scuba diving, and fishing, and the local Toledo Institute for Development offers a wealth of different tours that spotlight the environmentally well-preserved beauty of the surrounding areas. The quieter mood of Toledo means that there are plenty of modern Maya villages that can be experienced directly, and ruins like Lubantuum and Nim Li Punit offer a glimpse into the lives of the Mayas who came before.
 
Chocolate farming is a major industry in Punta Gorda, and the locals are happy to share their craft with visitors. Take a tour of local cocoa farms and even learn how to make local delicacies yourself. You may want to consider booking a stay in Punta Gorda in May due to the fact that the Chocolate Festival is in full swing.

Popular Activities

$
129
-
$
151
/ Person
Departs From:
Punta Gorda
Provider:
The Toledo District is the most culturally diverse region in Belize, and we invite you on this full-day immersion tour to experience the Creole, East Indian, Maya, and Garifuna cultures. ... moreLearn about East Indian flavors, how to grind corn like the Maya, how the Creole community uses the resources nature provides, and how the Garifuna rhythms get you dancing in your seat. Along the way, you will sample traditional foods and drinks that will leave your belly full until night!
$
230
/ Person
Departs From:
Punta Gorda
The tour includes authentic Mayan cuisine which engages visitors in the preparation of such dishes as Maya soup, cacao drink, and corn tortillas.... more
You will prepare and dine with the families and the communities in the context of their natural environment. This is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the cultural ways of the ancient Maya as it was 2000 years ago. Experience a setting of interwoven artisanry of housing and cooking implements of the past. 

In addition, we can add cave tours as well as village tours and river rafting through waterfalls.
$
115
/ Person
Departs From:
Punta Gorda
Provider:
Enjoy a super fun day in the beautiful Maya village of San Pedro Columbia in the lush green Toledo district. Immerse yourself into the world of chocolate, walk the organic farm/forest, ... morepick fresh cacao from the trees, eat it straight from the pod and learn about harvesting, fermenting and making the traditional way (plus lots of sampling). After a delicious traditional lunch, we explore the Lubaantun Maya ruins and learn about the mysteries surrounding the Maya civilization, and the crystal skull. From old to new, we move to the Earthship, a modern day temple, Belize's largest recycling project, a temple made totally of trash, displaying recycling and off-grid living at its finest!!
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Offshore Islands

Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker may be the most well-trodden islands off the coast of Belize, but they're just scratching the surface of what there is to be explored. Over two dozen islands fall under the purview of Belize, and many of the more distant ones offer a delightful level of solitude and quiet that you'd be hard pressed to find anywhere else. Getting into all the different islands you could visit could take months, but Half Moon Caye, Southwater Caye, and Tobacco Caye stand out as particular highlights well worth your time.
 
Belize may be a small nation, but it's packed with more sites, tours, and natural landmarks than many countries five times its size. You owe it to yourself to take a trip to Belize. We hope you'll take the opportunity to visit us and treat you to our trademark hospitality.

Popular Activities

$
75
/ Person
Departs From:
Dangriga
In this tour, you'll get to visit two islands, South Water Caye and Bird Island. You will also get the opportunity to snorkel in Belize's Barrier Reef and swim with the manatees.
$
49
/ Adult
$
425
/ Group
Departs From:
Belize City
Provider:
Join us at Splash Wave Tours and let us take you to Goff's Caye, Belize. Discover with us the unspoiled beauty, white sand beach, and aquamarine waters surrounding this small island ... moreparadise. Escape to this tropical Caye for a day of sun, sand, snorkeling, and full of family fun.

This gorgeous and uninhabited island is only a 30-minute boat ride away from Belize City. Perfect for cruise ship passengers and visitors staying in Belize City. It's a popular destination because of its powdery white sand beach and the pristine water that surrounds it. It is located right on the edge of the barrier reef and has an abundant variety of colorful tropical fishes and other marine life such as corals, sea urchins, conch, lobsters, and stingrays, just to name a few. All this makes for a remarkable snorkeling experience. This is a truly ultimate Belize island experience. This small Atoll symbolizes the true essence of Belize. The unspoiled sandy beaches offer unequaled rustic charm and all of the necessities without the commerciality or the crowds.
$
135
/ Adult
Departs From:
Placencia
TROPICAL ISLAND EXCURSION THE ULTIMATE PRIVATE ISLAND EXCURSION "So peaceful" December 9, 2017 - A TripAdvisor Traveler Read 309 reviews of Ranguana Tropical Island Experience ... more

“IF YOU DO NOTHING ELSE IN BELIZE; DO THIS!”
Cruise out to the picture-perfect 2-acre private island from Placencia, Belize, and spend your day in a pristine tropical paradise. Paddleboard, kayak, hammock nap, sunbathe, snorkel around the island, fish from the island, drink, eat and play beach games. Bully’s Beach Bar provides the music and libations while the staff prepares a delicious Beach Barbecue. Don't forget to try the shots at Bully's Beach Bar!

Excursion costs $135 USD/adult and $67.5 USD/child 12 and under. Includes Beach Barbecue lunch and activities. Does not include beverages. Get picked up by boat at the Placencia Municipal Pier at 9:00 am and return at 4:00 pm. Boaters welcome. Moorings available - VHF Ch. 68.

Ranguana Tropical Island Experience Includes:

Full Day on a Private Island

Kayaking & Paddle Boarding

Daily Beach Barbecue

Volleyball & Beach Games

Snorkeling & Fishing around Island

Hammock Napping

EXPERIENCE THE REAL SOUTHERN BELIZE – RANGUANA CAYE HAS IT ALL.