Top Tours in Belize for 2024

There are many ways to go Belizing. We have activities for every type of traveler, whether it be an adventure, food, leisure or educational. Here's a short list of the few that the Belizing Team recommends for or every international and local tourist.

Maya Archaeological Sites

1. Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave. The ATM Cave is one of its kind that still displays skeletal remains, ceramics, stoneware and other artifacts that were left by the Mayas. A popular remain is “The Crystal Maiden,” a skeleton of an adolescent whose bones have been calcified, displaying a crystallized appearance. This Mayan underworld is strictly preserved and protected by the Belize Tourism Board and the Belize National Institute of Culture and History that it can only be toured along with members of a small group of licensed agents.
2. Xunantunich. Take a tour of one of Belize’s highest Maya Archaeological Site. Its tallest structure, El Castillo, is the second tallest Mayan temple in Belize, after the temple, Caana or “Sky Palace,” at Caracol Archaeological Site. This site can also be accommodated with a cave tubing and zip lining triple combo – a full day of learning and adventures.
3. Lamanai. Once a major city of the Maya civilization in Belize, Lamanai Archaeological Site is one of the oldest continuously occupied Maya sites in the country. Along with the tour of the site, visitors can also tour the Lamanai River where crocodiles, a unique blend of bird species and mangroves occupy the area.
4. Marco Gonzalez. Marco Gonzalez Archaeological Site is one of the lesser-known Maya sites located in Ambergris Caye. Although there aren’t any tall structures, the location is littered with ceramics, shells and other artifacts that you can't take one step without stepping on over a hundred years of history. Here's an article I recently wrote about a day at the Marco Gonzalez Spring Equinox.

Natural Monuments, Destinations and Inland Reserve

1. Belize Zoo. The Belize Zoo is the first and only nature destination in Belize that is accessible to visitors with physical disabilities. This tropical savanna houses over a hundred of twenty-five animals that are native to the country. Some of these creatures, such as pumas and panthers, can only be seen at the zoo. Whether for educational purposes or to spend quality time with people, the Belize Zoo accommodates for everyone. In our trip to the Belize Zoo, we highlighted all of our experiences while we were there.
2. Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve. “Pine Ridge,” as locals would call it, is a massive nature reserve established in 1944 with the goal of protecting and managing Belize’s pine forests. It is one of Belize’s oldest and largest protected forested area. Filled with pine trees, birds, caves, pools, waterfalls, and trails that guarantee a fun adventure for anyone who visits the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve. You can also choose from combos like "Big Rock and Barton Creek Combo" or "Caracol, Cave & Waterfall Adventure" on Belizing.com.
3. Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary. Internationally recognized as the world’s first jaguar preserve, the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, like the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, is also known for spectacular waterfalls, pools, scenic views, trails, and a unique blend of bird species. While hiking, visitors often get the chance to see wildcats, deer, and other wildlife on the trails or along the riverbank.

Marine Activities and Reserves

1. Snorkeling. With the Caribbean Sea as Belize’s neighbor on the right, Belize is blessed with the second largest living barrier reef system in the world. As impressive as this is, the country’s marine ecosystems are truly breathtaking. Visitors are also often encouraged to “see but don’t touch” for the safekeeping of our water jewels.
2. Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley. South of Ambergris Caye, Hol Chan Marine Reserve, and Shark Ray Alley are the most popular snorkeling sites in Belize. Due to the close proximity of the reserve to San Pedro Town, it displays the larger fishes along with colorful coral formations. At Shark and Ray Alley, you will be able to swim with nurse sharks, moray eels, stingrays, and other fishes.
3. Mexico Rocks. Mexico Rocks are located north of Ambergris Caye and are similarly breathtaking as Hol Chan and Shark Ray Alley. Mexico Rocks is a superb Star Coral Patch Reef that houses much smaller fishes and larger clusters of rainbow coral formations. Visitors often compare the site to an aquarium because of the beautiful and vibrant marine life.
4. Sailing. Take time out to go on a boat and sail the Belizean waters. On a bright and blue sunny day, boat rides are often the go-to “chill mode” activities while you’re visiting one of Belize’s islands. There are many options to choose from when it comes to sailing. You can choose between speedboats, catamarans, sailboats and other boats along with options of doing a beach barbeque, sailing to other islands, snorkeling, booze cruises and even sunsets.
5. Diving. Having exquisite marine life and ecosystems, along with notable attractions such as the second largest barrier reef, The Great Blue Hole, and stunning offshore atolls, Belize is one of the top dive locations in the world. Alike snorkelers, divers will be able to see healthy and excellent marine life and ecosystems under the mosaic of blue and green waters of the Caribbean Sea.

Have you decided on what you want to do yet? There's a lot more that you can do to go Belizing that weren't mentioned in this list. But don't let that stop you! Browse through the widest selection of tours and activities on Belizing.com and find an adventure that suits you. You can also read about 10 things you should know about Belize, and learn about other Belizing Adventures. Start Belizing today!

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