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Vacation in Belize: Caribbean Flair in Central America
Dreamlike beaches, turquoise water, and tropical rainforest - are probably the first things that come to mind when you think of beautiful Belize in the Caribbean. With its many small islands on the east coast of Central America, the country is one of the dream destinations and has a lot to offer. For example, did you know that the second-largest barrier reef in the world is here? That 40% of Belize is protected? Or that you can find Mayan ruins here that are more than 1000 years old? Read more about this exciting country here and find all the necessary travel information and above all the best offers for your vacation in Belize!
Practical Information for Your Trip to Belize
A vacation in Belize is a hidden gem off the Caribbean Sea. The 320,000-inhabitant country in Central America is located on the southeastern tip of the Yucatán Peninsula and borders Mexico to the north and Guatemala to the south .
Until 1981, Belize was still known as British Honduras. The colonial occupation of the British is also the reason why Belize is the only country in Central America whose official language is English.
Belize has a surprisingly diverse landscape on a comparatively manageable area of around 8,494 square miles: the Caribbean coast is replaced inland by the hilly landscapes of the Maya Mountains, in the south there are extensive rainforests with their exotic plant diversity.
By the way: In Belize you pay with the Belize dollar: One Belize dollar is about 40 cents.
Culture of Belize
Local culture in Belize is heavily influenced by the Mayans, whose descendants still inhabit parts of the country. Ghosts and mythical legends are part of everyday culture.
Music also plays an important role: Descendants of African slaves brought a style of music to Belize, dominated by drums, hand rattles and acappella singing, which has endured and constantly developed over the centuries.
Arrival to Belize
You can get to Belize City nonstop from major airports in the US such as Miami (MIA), New York (JFK), Boston (BOS), or Los Angeles (LAX). If you want to go to the capital Belmopan, you change to a regional plane there. Philip Goldson International Airport (BZE) is located around 9 miles from the city center.
Entry Requirements for Belize
For a stay of up to one month, all you need to enter Belize is your passport, which must be valid for at least six months. A visa is not required. There is also no charge for entry. However, if you leave the country you will have to pay $19 USD overland and $37.50 USD by air.
Our pirate tip: If you are a parent traveling alone with your child, you need a notarized legitimation from the other parent in English for entry.
The Best Travel Time for Your Vacation in Belize
Even if it never gets really cold in Belize with its subtropical climate with average annual temperatures of 78 degrees, the climate is ideal and the best time to travel to Belize is from January to April. It can still be very nice in May, but it can already be quite hot and very humid then, because the rainy season is slowly approaching.
A vacation in Belize during the rainy season from June to November is not recommended, because then you have to reckon with severe storms. The month of December then slowly heralds the end of the rainy season.
What to Do on Vacation in Belize
Paradisiacal beaches, fascinating underwater worlds, numerous national parks, and historic Mayan sites: Belize is a land of contrasts and extremely diverse. Accordingly, there is a lot to experience!
Belize is very well suited both for an exciting and eventful active vacation with a lot of sightseeing and for an extensive beach vacation with a lot of rest and relaxation.
Here we introduce you to the best vacation activities in Belize.
Belize Barrier Reef - The Second Largest Barrier Reef in the World
Belize is a paradise for divers and, therefore, one of the destinations for diving vacations and a dream for snorkeling fans because off the Caribbean coast you will find an almost untouched diving area.
The second largest reef system in the world after the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and thus the longest barrier reef in the northern hemisphere stretches off the coast of Belize with a total length of almost 200 miles. The reef runs along the entire coast of Belize and protects a large number of small reefs, sand bars, and over 1000 islands, the so-called cayes
Some of the islands and stretches of reef are protected as national parks or marine reserves and are on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
In addition, the Belize Barrier Reef is home to over 350 species of fish and offers you optimal opportunities for other water sports such as snorkeling and fishing.
The most popular and beautiful islands with the best diving spots include:
Caye Caulker
Ambergris Caye
Blackadore Caye
Our pirate tip for diving vacations: You can book diving trips to the Blue Hole from the island of Caye Caulker. The 984 feet wide and 410 feet deep hole in the Caribbean Sea was created during the last ice age and is an insider tip for experienced divers. But beware: You should definitely bring diving experience with you!
The Placencia Peninsula
If you are looking for peace, rest, and relaxation on a beach vacation then Placencia is the right place! The small fishing village is very well developed in terms of tourism, but is also known for its extremely relaxed atmosphere. Recommended are Maya Beach in the north of Placencia. After a long day at the beach you can move on to the excellent restaurants and bars for a sundowner.
Our pirate tip: Placencia is also an ideal starting point to discover the nature in southern Belize .
The Mayan Mountains
Hiking vacation in Belize? No problem! Inland, trekking fans get their money's worth. The Maya Mountains stretch across the country to Guatemala. With a height of 3,687 feet Doyle's Delight is the highest mountain in the country. You can take tours to one of the numerous national parks :
Blue Hole National Park
Chiquibul National Park
Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve
Colombia Forest Reserve
Our pirate tip: In the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve is the 1,500 feet high Hidden Valley Waterfall, which pours thunderously into a turquoise blue pool and opens up a perfect swimming opportunity in the middle of the jungle .
Which Islands Should You Visit in Belize?
Island hopping in Belize? Absolutely! Here is a small list of our absolute favorite islands in Belize:
Ambergris Caye: Belize's largest island
Glover's Atoll: a single resort, yet affordable, camping is possible; our insider tip!
Tobacco Caye: small island with six private "over water" beach cottages
Snake Cayes: Consists of 4 islands, perfect for those looking for unspoiled nature
Turneffe Atoll: largest atoll in Belize, but relatively expensive
Sapodilla Cayes: several islands, some allow camping
Caye Caulker: Beautiful island, but one of the tourist spots in all of Belize
Highlights in Belize: The Mayan Ruins of Belize
Sightseeing in Belize? Definitely! In addition to Caribbean beaches and the most beautiful diving and snorkeling spots on earth, Belize has a number of very interesting historical sights to offer - above all the historical Mayan sites.
True historical gems are hidden in the middle of the impenetrable jungle of the rainforest of Belize: In Belize you will find numerous Mayan ruins, many are hidden and hardly to be found.
We present the three most interesting ones here:
Caracol / Oxwitza: Around 46 miles from San Ignacio , a gravel road takes you through the jungle to the imposing Mayan buildings, which are up to 147 feet high. Caracol was once one of the most important centers of Mayan culture.
Lamanai: It is the oldest Mayan ruin in which descendants of the Mayans lived until about 20 years ago. Lamanai is approximately 24 miles from Orange Walk Town and is only accessible by boat.
Xunantunich: Right outside the gates of San Ignacio, a pyramid more than 131 feet high awaits you as one of the highlights of Xunantunich.
Our pirate tip: You can also discover fascinating ruins like in Belize while on vacation in Mexico (such as the Mayan ruins of Tulum).
Accommodations in Belize
A cabin right on the beach - a dream come true for those looking for relaxation in Belize. You can also check into hotels with a Good Western standard directly on the beach or afford a luxury resort.
Inland, the hotel density decreases sharply. You should therefore opt for rather simple accommodations in the hinterland.
Active vacationers will find numerous camping opportunities: A total of ten campsites are located on the islands of the Belize Barrier Reef and inland, for example in San Ignacio.