TOP 30 Things to Do in Belize: 2023 Exotic Adventure Guide

Looking to escape the ordinary and immerse yourself in an adventure-filled paradise?

Welcome to Belize, a hidden gem peppered with stunning beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, and lush rainforests.

This is your comprehensive guide on things to do in Belize… We’ll be exploring this magnificent locale, offering insider tips on top attractions, thrilling activities, cultural experiences, and so much more.

Get ready; a world of tropical wonders awaits you!

Key Takeaways

• Belize is a great place to go on vacation from November to February. Its beaches and Mayan ruins are breath taking.

• There are many fun things to do in Belize like river tubing, snorkeling, horseback riding and zip – lining.

• For history lovers, the ancient Maya Ruins of Xunantunich and Caracol in Belize offer good views into the historical Mayan culture.

• If you love animals then don’t miss out The Belize Zoo and Green Iguana Conservation Project.

When to Visit Belize

Belize, Central America shines the brightest from November to February. These months are the cooler months in Belize, making them the perfect time for a vacation.

You can roam around freely without worrying about heavy rains or high heat at this time.

Keep in mind that coastal areas like San Pedro and Belize Cayes stay cooler than inland spots.

However, the rainy season starts in June and ends in November. With November being the heaviest month for rain.

If you don’t enjoy getting wet, steer clear during these months! Heavy rain might close some attractions like Actun Tunichil Muknal or Green Hills Butterfly Ranch too.

The best thing to remember is weather differences between places – it could be sunny at Hol Chan Marine Reserve but raining hard at Cahal Pech!

So always check the local forecast no matter when you’re traveling.

Top Attractions in Belize

Belize brims with a variety of top attractions that cater to every traveler. For aquatic enthusiasts, the Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley are must-sees.

For those interested in ancient civilizations, consider exploring Actun Tunichil Muknal, an archaeological reserve home to Mayan relics.

The ancient Maya Ruins of Xunantunich and Caracol offer a deep dive into the region’s rich history, while Lamanai Archaeological Reserve boasts impressive ruins amidst lush jungle.

Also worth visiting is Caye Caulker for its laid-back vibe and stunning coral reefs.

Nature lovers will enjoy Green Hills Butterfly Ranch or cuddling up with reptiles at Green Iguana Conservation Project.

Don’t miss out on Cahal Pech or Belize Zoo for a unique blend of nature and culture!

Experience the thrilling adventure in Great Blue Hole– one of world’s largest sea-hole.

1. Hol Chan Marine Reserve

Hol Chan Marine Reserve is a top spot in Belize. It gets high praise from visitors.

The reserve has a special, thin cut in the Belize Barrier Reef. This lets you see sea creatures from the wide-open Caribbean Sea.

The spot also holds big meaning for the Mayan faith.

Guides will show you rock shapes that look like animals and figures from Mayan tales and myths. You can mix your visit to Hol Chan Marine Reserve with other fun stuff too!

Try zip-lining or ATV riding, or even go see the ancient Mayan ruins at Altun Ha.

2. Actun Tunichil Muknal

Actun Tunichil Muknal is a must-see spot in Belize. It’s not just a cave, it’s also an exciting part of history.

Many tourists come to observe its beauty and charm. You’ll find several artifacts left by the Mayan people there.

There are even bones! Some say these caves tell stories from the past about their religion and other tales.

The rocks inside might look like animals or characters from those tales too! If you love birds, you can see different types on your way into the cave while crossing over rivers.

Feeling brave? Try cave tubing – it will make your visit even more fun! This place has so much to offer for folks looking to explore nature and learn some history too!

3. Xunantunich

Xunantunich is a beautiful, ancient ruin in Belize. It lies six miles south of San Ignacio near the Mopan River.

For many years, experts have been fixing up this old site. Now you can take a guided tour of Xunantunich!

These tours are run by guides who know their Mayan history very well.

You’ll get to see everything in about 2 and a half hours.

4. Caye Caulker

Caye Caulker is a great place to visit. You can do fun things like scuba diving, snorkeling, sailing, and fishing.

The Belize Barrier Reef is nearby too. The island has a calm and easy feel that many people love for a beach trip.

It’s close to Swallow Caye where you can see manatees being kept safe.

You can get to Caye Caulker with local airlines Tropic Air and Maya Island Air.

There are plenty of good places to eat and stay on the island too, so you will be comfortable during your trip!

5. The Belize Zoo

The Belize Zoo is a must-see spot. It sits near Belmopan, the capital of Belize. It’s not just a zoo, it also helps animals in need.

At this zoo, you can meet the wild cats of Belize like jaguars! You will see tapirs too and bright-colored macaws. These are all animals that live in Belize.

There are fun things to learn at The Belize Zoo too. They teach about animals and how to keep them safe.

If you love animals, you will have a great time here!

6. Green Iguana Conservation Project

The Green Iguana Conservation Project in Belize is a fun place to visit. You can learn about the green iguanas and help keep them safe.

The project lets people get close to the iguanas.

They teach you how they care for these cool reptiles.

This location is very popular by locals and tourist alike.

7. Cahal Pech

Cahal Pech is a must-see in Belize. It’s located in the town of San Ignacio. This Mayan ruin is well-conserved and protected, thanks to the hard work of archaeologists over many years.

You can enjoy a quiet stroll around Cahal Pech while taking in its beauty. The site also offers shade from the hot sun making it an ideal place for a late afternoon visit.

Don’t miss out on visiting this impressive site during your trip to Belize!

8. The Maya Ruins of Caracol

Caracol is a stunning trip back in time. These Maya ruins sit near Belize’s border with Guatemala, in the Cayo District.

This ancient city was once full of life and power. Covering more than 30 square miles, it shines light on Maya civilization.

Tourists gaze up at huge temples and other structures that have stood for centuries.

Every part of this vast area tells the story of a time long past but not forgotten.

9. Shark Ray Alley

Shark Ray Alley is a great spot for sea lovers. It sits on the world’s second longest barrier reef.

Here, you can swim and snorkel with nurse sharks and stingrays. The water is very clear and blue.

This place is easy to reach from the mainland or nearby islands. If you enjoy marine life, don’t miss it!

At Shark Ray Alley, every day brings a new underwater adventure.

10. Green Hills Butterfly Ranch

The Green Hills Butterfly Ranch is a must-see in Belize. You get to see lovely butterflies up close. They teach about the life of these insects too.

The ranch also helps in the care green iguanas and their safety.

If you want, you can take part in various tour activities there. Just know that the cost changes based on what you do and how many people join in.

11. Lamanai Archaeological Reserve

Lamanai Archaeological Reserve is a must-see in Belize.

You get to have a special peek into ancient Mayan culture here. Lamanai offers more than just history, it’s also known for its stunning views.

Nestled in the town of San Ignacio, this reserve lets you see Belize’s deep roots and rich past.

This place will fill your visit with wonder and amazement!

12. Great Blue Hole

The Great Blue Hole sits in Half Moon Cay and is known around the world.

Scuba divers love this spot. It’s not just a hole, but an old cave with rocks, tunnels and more under water.

About 10,000 years ago it was made by nature.

UNESCO named it as one of the best places on Earth too!

Adventurous Activities in Belize

Get ready for an adrenaline rush as Belize offers a myriad of exciting adventures like tubing, zip-lining through lush forests, hiking, horseback riding in jungle trails or even cave tubing in mystical Mayan caves.

There’s much more to explore; keep reading and start planning your thrill-packed trip to this exotic paradise!

13. Cave Tubing

14. Extreme Sports

Belize is a hotspot for extreme sports. Get your heart racing with rock climbing, rafting or zip lining through the jungle.

Try kayaking in wild rivers.

If heights don’t scare you, go for skydiving and see Belize from above! Find thrills on land, water or in the air.

Fly high with kite boarding on Caye Caulker island or dive deep at the Great Blue Hole.

Every daredevil will find an exciting challenge to take up here.

15. Scuba Diving

Scuba diving in Belize is a must-try.

The Great Blue Hole, famous worldwide, calls to divers with its deep blue waters and hidden mysteries. You can also dive near Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye.

With the second largest barrier reef in the world here, there’s much to explore under water.

Colorful fish, sea turtles, even sharks await you on your dive! Each trip down offers new sights of marine life and coral beauty.

16. Snorkeling

Snorkeling in Belize is fun. You can explore marine reserves and ancient ruins.

The Hol Chan Marine Reserve is a top place for snorkeling. This spot shows you the beauty of the underwater world.

Shark Ray Alley is another spot to visit with your snorkel gear. Here, sea turtles and different sea life swim around you.

The Great Blue Hole, known all over the world, welcomes both scuba divers and snorkelers alike.

Snorkeling here gives you a deep connection with nature while learning about Mayan history too!

17. Zip Lining

Belize is a top spot for zip lining.

Here, you can fly through the air and see the land from high up in the trees.

You will cross rivers and pass waterfalls on your ride. It does not matter if it’s your first time or if you have done this many times before.

Belize has courses that are right for all skill levels. The guides make sure you are safe at all times.

18. Horseback Riding

Horseback riding in Belize is a fun and thrilling adventure.

You can ride through the beautiful country, see wildlife up close, and enjoy nature at its best.

It gives you a special look at this lovely place that few other activities offer.

Both young and old visitors love to try it. It’s one of the favorite things for tourists to do in Belize!

19. Hiking

Hiking is a fun way to explore Belize. You can see lush forests, wild animals, and ancient ruins.

The Actun Tunichil Muknal cave lets you go deep into caverns and cross rivers. This trip has both hiking and swimming.

Another good place to hike is Xunantunich. It’s an old ruin that people have fixed up over the years. As you walk around, you get to see what life was like long ago in Belize.

20. Fishing

Fishing in Belize is a big thrill.

You can catch many types of fish here. Some are snapper, grouper, bonefish, and tarpon.

The clear blue water helps you see them well. Do not worry if you don’t have gear! Many spots rent out everything you need to enjoy your swimming trip.

There are also boat tours for deep sea trips led by experts.

This fun activity shows how much the Mayan culture values fishing too.

Cultural Experiences in Belize

Immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant culture of Belize with a visit to the Belize Museum, an authentic experience of Garifuna traditions, or by attending the famous Placencia Lobsterfest.

21. Visit the Belize Museum

Step into the Belize Museum to journey back in time. It is a house full of artifacts from Mayan times.

The museum brings you close to the local life of days gone by. Art pieces and crafts from Belize show off the talent here.

You can also learn about animals that live in Belize at a special part of the museum.

Kids and grown-ups alike can take part in fun learning events at this popular stop for visitors who love learning about history and culture.

22. Experience Garifuna Culture

Garifuna culture is rich and colorful. Take part in fun music, dance, and food. A drumming workshop will teach you about Garifuna tunes.

Try dancing Punta style to these beats! The Garifuna Settlement Day on November 19th is a huge celebration to enjoy.

Food is also central in the Garifuna life. You can taste cassava bread or hudut fish stew.

Don’t miss out on this deep dive into their way of living during your Belize visit.

23. Attend Belize’s Lobsterfest

Dive into a lobster lover’s paradise at Belize’s Lobsterfest, the official summer kickoff that starts from mid-June to February 15th.

Here you’ll  immerse yourself in lobster-themed festivities across three vibrant destinations: Caye Caulker, San Pedro, and Placencia.

You’ll indulge in the culinary spectacle with lobster-themed competitions, beach parties, live concerts, and the coronation of the Miss Lobster Festival.

As tourist traffic subsides, June and July offer the perfect time to savor signature lobster dishes amid budget-friendly accommodations.

Whether it’s San Pedro’s raucous parties, Caye Caulker’s sentimental charm, or Placencia’s legendary mega-beach party, Lobsterfest promises an unforgettable summer escape in Belize.

Food and Drink in Belize

Discover the rich and diverse culinary scene of Belize, ranging from traditional Maya dishes to fresh seafood delights.

Savor the unique flavors of local staples like Rice and Beans, Stew Chicken, or Fry Jacks.

Don’t forget to sate your thirst with a variety of island cocktails or Belikin – Belize’s national beer while enjoying your time here.

24. What to Eat in Belize

In Belize, you can taste many great foods. You will find dishes full of seafood, meat, and fresh fruits.

Here is a list of what to eat in Belize:

• Grilled Lobster: It’s a famous dish in Belize. It is often served with butter and fresh local spices.

• Ceviche: This beachside dish uses different types of seafood. Lime juice, cilantro, onions, tomatoes, and peppers are added for flavor.

• Hudut: This is a Garifuna fish dish. Fish is served in a hot coconut stew with habanero pepper and mashed plantains.

• Stewed Chicken with Rice and Beans: Most people see this as the number one dish of Belize.

• Tamales: In Belize these are made with spiced chicken, beef, or pork. They wrap them in plantain or banana leaves before cooking.

• Lionfish: Restaurants sell this invasive fish to help keep the reef safe.

25. What to Drink in Belize

In Belize, there are many drinks that you must try.

• Belikin Beer: Belize’s most popular beer, brewed in Belize City, offering a variety of options including Lager, Stout, and Sorrel Stout.

• Cashew Wine: A unique and delicious drink made from cashew fruit with a sweet and tangy flavor, often compared to a light sherry.

• Rum Punch: Classic Caribbean cocktail popular in Belize, made with rum, fruit juice, and grenadine, perfect for a night out or beach enjoyment.

• Seaweed Shake: Surprisingly beloved in Belize, made by blending fresh seaweed with coconut water and sweetened condensed milk, offering a creamy and nutritious drink.

• Horchata: Traditional Mexican drink popular in Belize, a creamy beverage made from rice, almonds, cinnamon, and sugar, ideal for cooling down on hot days.

• One Barrel Rum: Locally made rum in Belize City, aged for a minimum of five years, with a smooth, rich flavor perfect for sipping or mixing into cocktails.

• Sorrel Drink: A festive drink served around Christmas in Belize, made by boiling dried hibiscus flowers with cinnamon, ginger, and sugar.

• Fresh Juices: Belize produces a variety of organic fruits for tropical juices. Some of the more popular juices are made from: oranges, grapefruit, lemons, papaya, mango, coconut, pineapple, soursop, dragon fruit, guava, and sapodilla.

Day Trips and Tours in Belize

Explore Belize’s amazing landscapes and cultural landmarks with various day trips and tours.

Bus tours provide a convenient way to see the country at your leisure. Cruises, sailing, and water tours are perfect for those who love the sea.

For immersing in local culture, opt for cultural and theme tours or dive into luxury on special occasions.

Active tourists should consider walking and biking tours to engage with nature up close.

26. Bus Tours

Bus tours are a fun way to see Belize. You get to sit back and enjoy the view while someone else drives.

There are many bus tour options for you to pick from. Some visit famous sites like the Great Blue Hole or Hol Chan Marine Reserve.

Others will take you on an adventure, such as zip lining or cave tubing.

The best part is that these tours often pick up guests right from their hotel doorstep! So, if you want a stress-free day of sightseeing in Belize, hop on a bus tour.

27. Cruises, Sailing & Water Tours

You will love cruises, sailing, and water tours in Belize. These trips let you enjoy the clear blue sea.

In Shark Ray Alley, you can see many types of sea turtles.

Also, there are boats that take you to Caye Caulker.

This small island is full of coconut trees and has amazing marine life. You might also get a chance to explore Hol Chan Marine Reserve on some water tours! It’s the top spot in Belize for seeing open Caribbean creatures up close from your boat.

So do try these boat trips when you’re here!

28. Ports of Call Tours

Ports of Call Tours have a lot to offer in Belize.

You can enjoy day trips and cool activities like cave tubing. This fun ride takes you through water-filled caves. Some tours also let you zip-line or ride ATVs.

You may want to see St. Herman’s Blue Hole National Park too. It is a special spot with an inland blue hole, a big water pool found inside the earth!

Or, check out Rio Frio Cave in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve—it is said to be an old burial ground for the Mayans!

Visit Caracol as well on your tour stop, it’s Belize’s biggest ancient Maya city!

With Ports of Call Tours, you will enjoy exploring this ancient city with no trouble at all!

29. Cultural & Theme Tours

Belize is full of history and legends. You can explore this on a cultural and theme tour.

The guides bring the past to life with stories about the Mayan culture. They point out rocks that look like animals or people from old tales.

Some tours even include fun adventures like zip-line riding, ATV driving, or visits to Altun Ha’s Mayan ruins.

For those who love a bit of danger, there are kayak tours through caves too!

30. Walking & Biking Tours

Walking and biking tours in Belize are fun!

With a biking tour, you move faster but still have time to take it all in.

On foot, you explore at your own pace.

Both let you feel the wind and sun as you travel around. This is an active way to see Belize’s beauty up close.

Making new friends with local people is part of the ride or walk too! Plus, there’s a chance to find places that aren’t so well-known! Excitement fills these trips from start to finish.

Best Places to Stay in Belize

Belize has many great places to stay. You may love the Chaa Creek Lodge in San Ignacio! It is near the Cahal Pech ruin. This hotel has a pool and a spa too.

Another good spot is La Isla Resort on Caye Caulker island. Here, you can see blue seas and underwater life from your room’s window!

There are also city hotels like Radisson Fort George Hotel in Belize City if you want to stay inland.

These places will give you a taste of Belize’s beauty while offering comfort and fun.

Tips For Traveling in Belize

Prepare for your Belize adventure by understanding the local currency usage, ensuring you pack appropriate clothing and essentials to accommodate various activities, and being aware of unique travel norms in this tropical paradise.

Using Cash & Credit Cards

In Belize, you can use both cash and credit cards. It is good to keep small bills in US dollars or Belizean dollars. Most places will take these two types of money.

However, smaller shops might prefer cash. So, have some with you just in case.

Credit cards are also useful here. A lot of places accept them but check first before buying anything. Some areas may not have ATM machines around, so be ready for this as well.

What to pack

Pack smart for your Belize trip! You need rain gear (mainly in November to December), sun protection, and bug repellent.

Remember to bring walking shoes for hiking and water shoes for swimming. A dry bag can keep your things safe when you’re near water.

Don’t forget a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated. If you take medicine, pack enough for the whole trip.

Conclusion

Belize is a slice of heaven on earth. It’s full of fun things to see and do.

Go explore Belize now! You’re sure to have the time of your life.

Is Hol Chan Marine Reserve a Must-Do Activity on the Belize Adventure Guide?

Absolutely, visiting Hol Chan Marine Reserve is a must-do activity on the Belize Adventure Guide. The reserve’s stunning coral reefs and abundant marine life offer unforgettable adventures at Hol Chan Marine Reserve, making it a top destination for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts. Don’t miss out on this amazing experience.

FAQs

1. What are some fun things to do in Belize?

There’s plenty of outdoor activities in Belize like kayaking tours, fishing charters, ziplining, nature and wildlife tours or hiking.

2. Can I visit Mayan ruins in Belize?

Yes, exploring ancient Mayan ruins is one of the top attractions many tourists look forward to when they travel to Belize.

3. Are there any popular resorts or hotels in Belize?

Yes! You can choose from all-inclusive resorts for a worry-free stay or opt for exotic lodges, beach hotels and even eco-friendly green hotels.

4. What type of sporting events happen in Belize?

Belize hosts exciting sporting events throughout the year which include fishing tournaments and football matches that locals and tourists enjoy alike.

5. How can I get around when visiting different cities within Belize?

Belize offers various transportation options including flights, rental cars, buses, and airport & hotel transfers. There’s also boat tours for moving about places like San Pedro, Placencia and Cayo.

6. Is shopping an interesting activity in Belize?

Absolutely! Shopping tours provide you opportunity to grab local crafts from markets as souvenirs while enjoying your trip.