Belize has one foot in the Central American jungle and the other in the Caribbean Sea, and is packed with islands, adventure and culture. The Belize Barrier Reef is the second largest in the world, with over 100 types of coral and 500 species of tropical fish. It’s paradise for scuba divers and snorkelers. Snorkelers will see a kaleidoscope of coral, fish, whale sharks and turtles, while divers can investigate the underwater caves and walls, along with the world-renowned Blue Hole. You can spend your days kayaking, windsurfing, stand-up paddle boarding, swimming, fishing or lazing in a hammock ….. a perfect tropical vacation!
Belize is home to the ancient Maya. The Cayo District and Toledo’s Deep South have archaeological sites that date to the Maya heyday (AD 250–1000), where steps lead to the tops of tall stone temples, often with 360-degree jungle views. Explore excavated tombs and examine hieroglyphs, or enter natural caves to see where the Maya kings performed rituals and made sacrifices to their underworld gods.
Belize’s largest island, Ambergris Caye, attracts the most visitors. Stroll through Ambergris Caye by day and you’ll find a relaxed beachfront filled with spectacular waterfront sites; by dusk, you’ll revel in its vibrant nightlife. Just be sure to save some time on the mainland for unraveling Belize’s subtle charms. From its luxuriant Mayan sites to its sparkling waters, there’s plenty to explore in this enchanting coastal country.The best Belize vacations can include scuba diving the Blue Hole, zip lining through the jungle canopy, rappelling down waterfalls or crawling through ancient cave systems. Belize is an adventure! Continue reading and have the best Belize Vacation ever!
Belize Weather (When to Visit)
The best time to visit Belize is from late November to mid-April, during the country’s dry season. Although this peak season draws thousands of tourists, dealing with crowds is an easy sacrifice to make for warm temperatures, clear skies and easy access to the country’s top attractions. You’ll probably want to pass on visiting during April and May, when humidity mists the tropical landscape and temps reach triple digits. Expect showers from June to mid-November and strong winds. If you want to beat the rush of tourists and don’t mind packing an umbrella, come during the rainy season in September and October. But keep in mind some establishments shut down during the off season.
Best Belize Area Beaches
Hopkins Village Beach
Hopkins Village BeachThis uninterrupted, quiet 5-mile beach is lined with coconut trees, locals’ homes, colorful guesthouses and a few local eateries. The waters aren’t Caribbean turquoise, but clear and refreshing nonetheless.
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Placencia Peninsula
Placencia PeninsulaDubbed “barefoot perfect,” it’s the most popular sea and sand getaway in the country and stretches across 3 villages: Maya Beach, Seine Bight and Placencia Village. Take your pick — all of these beaches are public.
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Half Moon Caye
Half Moon CayeHalf Moon Caye’s no-frills, untouched beach is also a protected turtle-nesting site. The other half of the caye is made up of forest, home to a protected red-footed booby sanctuary. When you’re done gasping and frolicking, hike over to the forest side to climb the observation tower and bird watch above the canopy.
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Ambergris Caye
Ambergris CayeIn Ambergris Caye, there is plenty of sand to lie on, but sea grass populates the shores due to a magnificent barrier reef just a half-mile away. Across from Ramon’s Village Resort is the most popular sunning and swimming section, with raked sands and clear waters. But south or north of the island are the best, most isolated stretches on la isla bonita.
South Water Caye
South Water CayeSouth Water Caye’s sand is soft, soothing and powdery white. Visitors can find this perfect stretch of beach beside Pelican Beach Resort, dotted by a maze of coconut trees and hammocks.
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Best Belize Tours & Activities by Viator
Viator.com – Tours, sightseeing tours, activities & things to do
Tikal Day Trip with Local Lunch from San Ignacio
Visit the incredible ancient city of Tikal on this day trip from San Ignacio. Once a powerful city center during the Mayan period, today Tikal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that draws scores of visitors each year. Your professional guide takes you across the border into Tikal National Park in Guatemala, and leads you on a fascinating tour of the archaeological complex. Round-trip transport from your San Ignacio hotel and all park fees are included. Learn more about the Tikal Day Trip.
Cave Kayaking Tour
Venture deep inside an ancient cave system at Nohoc Chen Park on a cave kayaking adventure from Belize City. Old legends and an underground waterfall await inside a series of caverns that you explore by single or double kayak, wearing an LED headlamp to illuminate crystalline rock formations. Hike through the Belizean rain forest and paddle down open stretches of the Caves Branch River on this half-day tour in the heart of the Maya Mountains. Learn more about the Cave Kayaking Tour.
Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley Sailing and Snorkeling Tour
Discover Ambergris Caye’s wildlife and coral reefs on this sailing and snorkeling tour to the Hol Chan Marine Reserve and shark ray alley. Swim above bright coral formations in Hol Chan, and watch for the sea turtles, eels and fishes that thrive within the protected area. Slip into the water with the stingrays and nurse sharks at shark ray alley, watch them feed on fresh sardines, then enjoy tropical breezes and a comfortable seat on deck as you return to San Pedro Town. Learn more about the Hol Chan Marine Reserve & Shark Ray Alley Sailing & Snorkeling.
Cave Tubing and Zipline Adventure from Belize City
Satisfy your appetite for adrenaline on a full-day tubing and zipline adventure from Belize City. Designed for travelers craving thrills, this experience takes you through a cave network replete with stalactites and stalagmites, and over the lush canopy of the rainforest. Float on underground rivers in a tube, conquer seven vertiginous ziplines, and enjoy hotel pickup and drop-off. Learn more about the Cave Tubing & Zipline Adventure.
Xunantunich and Cave Tubing Combo Tour
Explore the dominion of the ancient Maya in Belize on a full-day tour from San Ignacio. Climb to the top of sacred pyramids and learn about the once-mighty civilization at the archaeological site of Xunantunich, and enter a portal to the Mayan underworld on a cave tubing adventure that takes you splashing through the crystalline caverns of an underground cave system. Round-trip transport from San Ignacio Town and lunch are included on this tour. Learn more about the Xunantunich & Cave Tubing Combo Tour.
Best Belize Restaurants
Guava Limb Cafe – San Ignacio $11 – 30
One of San Ignacio’s slickest restaurants, boutique Guava Limb is set in an adorable turquoise two-story building with a serene outdoor garden area. Fresh organic ingredients are sourced from the owners’ farm or local providers to create an eclectic international menu that might include Indonesian gado gado, a Middle Eastern platter or conch ceviche. Gourmet pizzas, burgers and quesadilla make for a filling lunch, and vegetarians will enjoy the wide range of fresh salads. There’s a full bar and the garden is a fine place for a cold beer or cocktail. Telephone: 501 824-4837 Web: Guava Limb Cafe.
Hidden Treasure – San Pedro $31 – 60
Living up to its name, Hidden Treasure is a gorgeous open-air restaurant in an out-of-the-way residential neighborhood (follow the signs from Coconut Dr). Lit by candles, the beautiful bamboo and hardwood dining room is the perfect setting for a romantic dinner, which might feature almond-crusted grouper, blackened snapper with bacon-wrapped shrimp, or pork ribs with a ginger pineapple BBQ glaze. Telephone: 501 226-4111 Web: Hidden Treasure.
Chef Rob’s – Sittee Point $31 – 60
Well-known locally for his sublime seafood creations and steaks cooked over hot rocks, Chef Rob’s changing menu here might include sauteed red snapper, grilled jumbo shrimp kebabs or rib-eye in rum sauce. Put together a four-course meal from BZ$59. The waterfront dining area at Parrot Cove is suitably romantic. Telephone: 501 523-7225 Web: Chef Rob’s.
Elvi’s Kitchen – San Pedro $11 – 30
This iconic San Pedro restaurant has been filling stomachs of happy patrons for 20 years when it began as a burger aisle. It is a must visit restaurant in San Pedro town. The interior sand floor is built around the large flamboyant tree that has watched people eat under its branches since the founding. It’s often accompanied by live music, decorated remnant artifacts of San Pedro’s fishing village roots and artwork. The famous Grand Mayan Buffet held every Friday is a crowd favorite, for its assortment of Maya-Mestizo food highlighting the heritage of the ethnic group. Telephone: 501 226-2404 Web: Elvi’s Kitchen.
Crabby’s – Sarteneja $11 – 30
Crabby’s is in a welcoming thatched, open-sided restaurant and bar that ranks as Sarteneja’s best, with a fine waterfront location and convivial vibe. The specialty is local seafood (try the lionfish burger with onion rings) but you’ll also find Belizean classics, burgers, wings and fajitas. Saturday is barbecue day. Cocktails and ice-cold beers, with sunset happy hour from 5:30pm. Telephone: 501 620-8358 Web: Crabby’s.
Best Belize Bars
Stella’s Sunset Wine Bar & Restaurant – Ambergris Caye
Stella’s is a classy but unpretentious wine bar set in a lovely garden on the edge of the San Pedro Lagoon that affords fine sunset views. Sit on lounge chairs under the trees or at a table in the palapa (open-air shelter with a thatched roof) and work your way around two dozen different whites and reds. There are also wine specials for those who don’t have to drive their golf cart home. Telephone: 501 602-5284 Web: Stella’s Sunset Wine Bar & Restaurant.
Blue Bayou – San Pedro
Tucked away from the louder bars and restaurants, this is the locals’ favorite at Secret Beach, mainly for the picnic tables partially submerged in the waist-deep, turquoise cove. It’s easy to spend an entire day here, throwing back Belikins and feasting on delicious ceviche, whole jerk fish or curry venison. Cash only. Telephone: 501 623-8051 Web: Blue Bayou.
I & I Reggae Bar – Caye Caulker
I&I is the island’s most hip, happening spot after dark, when its healthy sound system belts out a reggae beat. Its three levels each offer a different scene, with a dance floor on one and swings hanging from the rafters on another. The top floor is the ‘chill-out zone,’ complete with hammocks and panoramic views. A great place for a sunset drink. Telephone: 501 668-8169 Web: I & I Reggae Bar.
Driftwood Beach Bar – Hopkins
Ever-popular Driftwood has moved closer to the center of the village but still has a great beachfront location, Hopkins’ best drumming nights and pizza (from BZ$16) and tacos (BZ$10). This is a popular social hub and party place: Tuesday is the big night with Garifuna drumming, but there are also weekend events and beach BBQs. Telephone: 501 664-6611 Web: Driftwood Beach Bar.
Lazy Lizard – Caye Caulker
The Lazy Lizard is described as a ‘sunny place for shady people,’ though most folks here tend to be attractive, young travelers, swimming about and sunbathing as they are plied with booze and cocktails. The bar’s second-story balcony offers spectacular views of the Split, and its corn hole tournaments, beach rugby games and full-moon parties are delightful. For more information call 501 226-0636, or visit them on the web at Lazy Lizard.
Best Belize Hotels
Villa Margarita at Jaguar Reef
Set along the exquisite azure waters of the Caribbean Sea in Hopkins, Belize and developed in 2014, is a well-appointed, intimate Belize Beach Resort called Villa Margarita. This Beachfront Resort offers the charm of a picturesque Caribbean Village accompanied by refined accommodations, swimming pool and Jacuzzi, offering the utmost in beachfront relaxation and seclusion.
Turtle Inn
This 28-room seafront hideaway combines natural wonders with luxury style. Accommodations are in individual thatched cottages, decorated with handcrafted Balinese furnishings and naturally cooled by the ever-present sea breezes. Just steps beyond your private deck, the beach dissolves into the Caribbean Sea. In addition, the resort has two infinity swimming pools, a spa, dive shop and three restaurants.
Laru Baya Resort
Strategically located between Seine Bight and Placencia, this Belize beach resort offers guests an all inclusive resort experience within walking distance of the unique cultural communities. Standout features of Laru Beya include a secluded beach area as well as an outdoor infinity swimming pool, a wide variety of rooms & suites, as well as an onsite restaurant and bar, the Quarterdeck, which serves up a full range of tropical drinks and a mouthwatering array of both local and international dishes overlooking the Caribbean Sea.
Victoria House Resort & Spa
The resort offers a taste of barefoot elegance that keeps guests coming back for more. With just 42 guest rooms ranging in style from thatch roof casitas to beachfront villas with private pools, plantation style rooms and stunning ocean view villas, the only challenge is making the choice of where to hang your swimsuit at night. The Palmilla Restaurant and Admiral Nelsons Bar are renowned for fine food and drink complimented by extraordinary, personalized service.
Caribbean Beach Cabanas – Adults Only
Located in Placencia, Caribbean Beach Cabanas is a Adults Only Property, offers a private beach area and free bikes. This self-catering accommodations features free WiFi and free parking. This villa will provide you with a TV, air conditioning and a terrace. Most units have a full kitchenette, with a microwave and a refrigerator, and private bathrooms with a shower. You can enjoy a beautiful view of the sea from the property’s private veranda and palapa. For more information, pricing, or to reserve your room, visit Caribbean Beach Cabanas.
Athens Gate
Athens Gate is a small Belize boutique beach resort in a discreet locations 2.5 miles south of San Pedro offering beautiful private beaches and convenience to shopping and dining. With only twelve accommodations, Athens Gate remains small and exclusive allowing for personalized time with each of their guests. They do not have a restaurant on-site, but there are several within a short walk (2-3 minutes). For more information, pricing, or to reserve your room, visit Athens Gate.
Click here for our list of Beach Travel Essentials you will want to take with you to Belize.
Great website and posts about the different beaches around the world. Love all the helpful information you give with facts, prices, and activities you can explore. Might I make a suggestion; see about the beaches in Costa Rica and southern Thailand. Get beaches and a lot of activities to do.
Other than that, great website and it’s really laid out well. Keep up the great work!
Hi Danny and thank you for taking time to leave comments. Yes, I am working my way to Costa Rica and Thailand 🙂 So many great beaches all across the globe, so definitely keeps me busy writing. Thanks for visiting the best Belize Vacations.
This may be one of the most beautiful destinations from what I see here. It just looks spectacular!
What’s not to like about this paradise?
Everything here would want to make me stay forever!
I have to say that Caye Caulker is the place to visit first! It would be hard to pick between the beautiful resorts to choose from too!
And now is the perfect time of year to go! Thanks so much because I am putting this first on my list of destinations to go to!
Thanks Leahrae!
Great Rob! And yes, I could live in paradise too! I already live in a great place, but Belize is truly wonderful. Thanks for visiting Rob!
This post has me salivating and eager to book my next tropical destination trip. I have traveled the coast almost to Belize but never made it there – I am wishing now that I had taken and extra 10 days to do so! I love the Mayan culture and have always been fascinated by history and hello! Chocolate lover right here that the Truly Wild Belize tour really caught my eye. The weather here in Vancouver is rain and cold temperatures – this post has inspired me huge to work towards my next vacation. Thank you Leahrae – I appreciate the insightful and well laid out resource! Belize looks awesome and now I will know what to get into when I travel this way!
Glad you enjoyed your digital visit to Belize Bex. It really is a beautiful destination and I know you would have a wonderful time. Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to leave me some comments.
OMG I would definitely love to take the water taxi! The description is amazing, now I really want to get there! Very helpful, thank you!
You are very welcome Stefania! Glad you enjoyed the best Belize vacations. Come back when you are ready to plan!
Wow, Belize is a great destination if your into good beaches, scuba diving and snorkeling. I would love to visit the Blue Hole. It looks very exciting. So much to see and do there in Belize. Plenty of excursions, good hotels and restaurants. I bet the night life is good too! You provided another great video!
Thank you Mick for stopping by and reading my Best Belize Vacations post. I hope you visit the Great Blue Hole soon!
Hi Leahrae,
I would totally love to visit Maya and the Xunantunich. I use to want to go scuba diving for years, but I got scared of sharks and my fears have overtaken me.
However, I have a few questions, if you don’t mind.
Since this is Central America, how safe it is?
Also, what is the main language spoken there?
Are there any unsafe places to be careful of?
Belize is generally a safe destination to travel to. However, there are the normal travel advisories stating to avoid walking or driving alone at night. Also don’t venture out to the rural areas. I think these are pretty common rules to follow with a lot of foreign countries. Believe it or not, the official language of Belize is English 🙂 I hope this answered all of your questions.
What a wonderful article to read! I absolutely love the images of the different scenes that are embedded in that beautiful land. I would recommend to anyone to wants to travel to visit Brazil. Now I understand why it is the top country in Latin America and for tourists to visit the country every year.
I am not really into the bar scene but I do like the restaurant reviews including the one with tacos which I would like to try.
Overall I think that you have very informative information about Brazil as a destination.
Thanks for sharing it with us!
I am glad enjoyed my best Belize vacations post Carmeta! Yes, it is a beautiful country with so much there to see and do. Thanks for visiting!
Hi there and happy thanksgiving. Thank you for sharing the Best Belize Vacations. Wow! I haven’t seen to Belize before now and I haven’t heard of it either. From the information I’m getting from this article, Belize is such an amazing and beautiful place to behold and experience.
The great Blue hole never ceases to amaze me. I must confess, this article is well detailed regarding Belize. I would love to go on vacation to Belize when I finally escape the rat-race.
Farewell!
Great Barry and the Great Blue Hole is famous and worth seeing and experiencing. I hope you can make it to Belize one day soon.
Thank you for sharing with us this great review about Best Belize Vacation.To tell you the truth,by seeing only the picture of Belize beach anyone can start dreaming travel to Belize and have good moment there.
I have a friend in Caribbean and one day i will travel there to visit her and i bet i will enjoy as i find it is a great place .
Best regards
It is a great place and you will have a wonderful time. If you have any additional questions or need any help, please let me know. Thanks for stopping by.
What a wonderful idea – Belize. Somehow we always think of going much further away from out place in the USA. Belize is certainly more affordable than more traditional sites like Europe, and seems to be quite beautiful offering a lot of things to do and a beautiful place to do it in.
And there are many other beach areas on this pate all throughout the Caribbean, Florida, and the West Coast. I will certainly look through these other areas – what a beautiful idea!
In this “all about beach” site, there is an area about beach gear, water sports gear, and about taking a cruise. Taking a cruise vacation has become the vacation of choice for our family – you get to relax while visiting various ports.
Thank you for a wonderful introduction to beach vacations – all of which are not too far away from my place in TN!
You are very welcome Dave. Yes, cruises are great! I just got back from one myself and had a wonderful time. I am glad you like the idea of Belize! Come back when you are ready to start planning and thanks for visiting the best Belize vacations.
The information provided in this article is excelent and it covers any possible detail. I do like the fact that the author informs the audience about the archaeological sites, most visitors want to learn the history and visit the archaeological sites. I think the aythor has covered everything. From what is the best time to visit, to places of interest, historical sites, places to stay, and my favorite…restaurants! Since I love travelling I will be visiting your site often. Keep up the good work.
Great Nektarios, I am glad you enjoyed and please do come back to beach travel destinations again 🙂
Hi Leahrae, great site. You have put a lot of time into this post and covered all the bases. Never thought about traveling to Belize until I saw this post. Would love to go there especially with winter coming to the north east. Do you have any idea what the crime rate is and how secure from violence Belize is?
Thank you for visiting Bill. Belize does have a crime problem, but generally not in the tourist areas. If you are aware of your surroundings and follow good guidelines as a traveler, you will have no problems. If you want more information, you can visit here. Hope this helps.
So true. Awareness of your surroundings is good advice. Thanks for the reply.
You are so welcome Bill!
I would love to explore some of the Mayan sites. Their culture has always fascinated me! And when I am not exploring, then I can relax at the beach! The water looks so pristine and clean!
Although I see that you recommend the time period from November-April to visit, I think I would be happier to visit when there were not so many other tourists to “trip” over! Do you think October would be okay in spite of the rains?
Since I am not much into scuba diving or snorkeling, I think that Xunantunich where I can see the Mayan ruins is going to be my favorite thing to see!
Do you know if the seas are more or less calm during October? I wouldn’t want to charter a boat and then get sea sick because the sea was more “wild”. Of course, I know you can’t predict the weather, but in general.
I’m thinking another highlight might be the Stressless Tours – Caye Caulker. Do you know if this is one of the tours that is open in October? Anything “stressless” sounds good to me!
Thanks, too for your review of the restaurants and bars. I am not into the bar scene much, but I do enjoy eating! As far as accommodations,, I believe that Belizean Dreams may be the answer to make my dream vacation and beautiful one!
Thanks for all the info! I look forward to you reply!
Hi Karen and thank you for your wonderful review! No worries in October, it will be less crowded, not so rainy, the waters will be great (not too rough) and yes, Stressless Tours will be open 🙂 I agree with you on the hotel. The Belizean Dreams is absolutely wonderful! Thanks for visiting beach travel destinations.
Thank you for your reply! I better get my passport renewed soon!
Karin
Yes!
This looks like an incredible vacation. I would love to try the fishing out there. According to your article it seems like a Belize vacation is very affordable.
I dont mind crowds so I would go on high times. I am curious to know what the medical system is like there in case something medically was to happen.
Thank you for a great article and I would love if you could give me an answer to the medical question only if you know. I could do the research if need be.
Hi Dale, there is a relatively well established medical system there. So in the event that you should get hurt, or have a health issue, you will be taken care of. Please let me know if you have any additional questions. Thanks for stopping by beach travel destinations.
Thanks for the informative post about Belize! If I will have to choose when to visit Belize, I wouldn’t visit during the rainy season as I would mind packing an umbrella, the showers and lots of strong winds that occur during this season.
Although thousands of tourists are drawn by the peak season, it would be much better to come around during this season as it would be a little thing to sacrifice for when it comes to dealing the crowd. Thanks a lot for the great work!
Israel Olatunji
You are welcome Israel and thanks for visiting the best Belize vacations!
Great article! I found very useful!
We are planning a trip to Belize next November, and I am already searching for information on the net. That’s how I found your website:) The time passes so fast, so that’s why I am here today.
We also want to go sailing there, and I was wondering if there is a chance the hurricane will occur at that time of the year? We wouldn’t want to get stuck in it:)
I know that Belize underwater world is beautiful and I can’t wait to get there!
Thank you for this excellent post!
You are going to have a wonderful time Daniella! No, hurricane season is pretty much over and you will not have to worry here. Have a great time and please let me know if you need any additional information. Thanks for visiting the best Belize vacations.
Wow, Belize looks like such a beautiful place to vacation. When I think of traveling to a warm beach I usually think just California or Mexico (lazy, I know), but this place looks like it offers a lot. I have not been there yet? Where does it rank on your list of beach vacations?
If you love beaches, then Belize is a wonderful destination for you. It is high on my list. It just has so much to offer besides just beaches. I also love to explore which makes this a great choice.
What a historic place for a vacation. I live coming around the world during holidays and now is about the perfect time to visit Belize City. A lot of attractions and tourism explorations.
With a five star rating, the belizean dreams with accommodations and packages tailored to provide vacations to discerning travelers who crave relaxation, romance and adventure…….. It doesn’t get any easier than this. What a place to be.
I agree! Thanks for visiting beach travel destinations.
Wow, now I just want to get on a flight and head to this beautiful country. Thank you for showing off how great this place is. I love a beautiful vacay spot and from your article I can see that Belize is top notch. This is really great travel information for those of us who might want to take a trip to Belize or have already made plans to. It is really great that you gave us all the details needed to get the most of our trip there.
I am glad you enjoyed! Now it is time to plan 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!