There are a good number of countries in the world which are geographically small but very big in adventures, travel activities and plenty of things to enjoy. In that row Belize is the most eligible country to sit in the row.
Yes, Belize is literally a small country in Central America, but when it comes to travel perspective it really is massive. Which is often known for its brilliant beaches, vibrant coral reef systems and rich marine species, making it heaven for snorkelers and scuba divers. Despite that, each corner of the country is filled with plenty of activities and attractions to explore ranging from nature beauties to ancient Mayan ruins.
So, if you wish to travel far away from the mainland or city’s hustle and bustle to seek a more tranquil experience, we urge you to make things to do in Belize. Which is really worth your time and cost.
Where is Belize?
Belize is a stunning and diverse country located on the Caribbean Coast of Central America. Country located amidst Mexico and Guatemala along the Caribbean Sea.
Even today most backpackers think that Belize is an island country, but actually it is not true. It is not an island, but it is home to thousands of offshore islands. Interestingly all these islands are often called “Cayes”, under which Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker visited more islands.
This country was once controlled by the British Emperor, so today what travelers actually see and explore attractions and things to do in Belize comes under British Law. It doesn’t matter whether you are searching for Mayan Ruins, Beaches, Waterfalls or Great Blue Holes, everything within British Laws.
Top 10 Unique Things to Do in Belize
Unique things to do in Belize purely reflect your overall Belize trip. There are plenty of things to do and in the same way plenty of things to skip too. Belize is a country full of beautiful landscapes, beaches and everything, but it is difficult to complete within your limited travel journey. So, in order to make your trip more convenient and memorable, these below 10 best things to do in Belize surely will help you out.
1. Start from Great Blue Hole
Most backpackers wish to start their journey in Belize through visiting the iconic natural landmark, “The Great Blue Hole”. And we recommend you to do the same thing. Skipping the Great Blue Hole is not just a bad idea, moreover it is a disaster for the entire Belize trip.
UNESCO World Heritage Site, Great Blue Hole is a massive marine sinkhole which is visible from space. This gigantic underwater sinkhole spread across 300 meters wide and 124 meters deep making it one of the finest things to do in Belize.
Located near the centre of an offshore reef, usually visitors explore this massive Great Blue Hole through taking a boat ride near or book helicopter or scenic flight from Ambergris Caye or Caye Caulker. Don’t miss trying to enjoy the aerial views of the Great Sink Hole for better experiences.
However, backpackers even try scuba diving inside the Great Blue Hole, even though scuba diving is the most real experience where visitors could spend time with underwater species and coral reef systems. During his/her scuba, backpackers are even very fortunate to see giant stalactites, occasional reef sharks, and midnight parrotishes.
If you travel from San Pedro or Caye Caulker to Belize City, surely you’ll get a small glimpse of aerial views of the sinkhole. Book your tours at Tsunami Adventures and they will help you to choose both helicopter service and scuba diving tours to enjoy your Great Blue Sink Hole. If you want to choose individually, choose Maya Island Air or Tropical Air for helicopter ride or private Blue Hole flights.
2. Visit Ambergris Caye
Most backpackers totally skip visiting Ambergris Caye, but we urge every backpacker to add this iconic island to their list of things to do in Belize. Often called as Belize Island, this is known for many reasons not just as the largest island in Belize, moreover it is a most visited island in the region home to the abundances of vast areas of coral reef systems and rich marine species.
Ambergris Caye is located in the northwestern Caribbean Sea, located just 35 miles away from Belize City. Island is the perfect gateway to take and enjoy multiple beach activities such as snorkelling, scuba diving and kayaking. Thanks to Belize Barrier Reef, considered as the largest barrier reef system stretching 185 miles along the Caribbean coast.
Spread around 40 km long, Ambergris Caye is the perfect place to start your scuba diving and snorkelling near “Belize Barrier Reef”. It is the second largest coral reef system after the Great Barrier Reef of Australia. While you take activities near this massive reef surely you’ll encounter protected marine reserves with hundreds of tropical fish species such as angelfish and butterflyfish and sharks, stingrays, sea turtles and spotted seagrass.
Despite snorkelling, the island is an ideal location to take paddleboarding and kayaking. Both activities help visitors to see vast coverages of mangrove areas, pristine coral patches and easy way to see turtles and manatees. Paddle towards Secret Beach will help to get unique beach bar atmospheres and perfect location to see shallow turquoise waters. Complete your day through taking a walk in neighbourhoods of the San Pedro or attending any beautiful nightlife’s.
3. Explore Mayan Ruins
Iconic Mayan Ruins evidence you’ll find a major part of Belize. Scattered throughout the city especially ancient Mayan sites like Caracol, Lamanai and Xunantunich (are most popular). Each Mayan ruin offers the most insight about the region’s past, cultures and epic views of the surrounding landscapes. All these Mayan sites are located within easy access from major Belize hotels and most common stops for backpackers.
Compared to Mayan Ruins of Tikal, Guatemala, Belize ruins are much smaller and offer little modern conveniences and more intimate feelings. Xunantunich is the most visited Mayan ruins which consist of stepping stones (130 foot pyramids called “EI Castillo”) allow visitors to climb its top. Climb its top to see most panoramic views of the surrounding jungles and to see its Mesoamerican ball court, detailed stucco friezes. Often called as “Lost city” located in the Cayo District of Belize don’t forget to see its surrounding Plazas and mini Palaces.
Caracol is one of the largest Mayan sites in Belize, home to the largest historical background of the Mayan civilisations. Caracol is the favourite Mayan ruins located in the Cayo District of Belize. Despite being less developed ruins, Caracol is today home to massive pyramids, Sky Palace, Plazas an Acropolis and Mayan Causeways.
An interesting part of the Caracol site is its Carved Monuments, called Stelae and Altars and Ball courts. Stelae and Altars is an epic limestone monument depicting the history of Caracol, especially military, political and royal burial history. 2 Ball Court once used for playing traditional ball games and playing fields. Since Caracol is amidst remote jungles, surely backpackers are very blessed to see monkeys and some tropical birds during their expeditions.
If you wish to go much deeper into its ruined history try to visit Lamanai and Althun Ha. Lamanai is located in Orange walk district of New River lagoon, known for its towering high temple and deep rainforest coverages. Altun Ha is located close to Belize City, home to numerous Jade heads and Plaza areas. Despite all these Mayan Ruins, Belize today is home to over 600 ancient Maya sites (majority are unexcavated).
4. Discover Belize Underground Caves
Discovering hidden underground caves is the most thrilling and fun filling things to do in Belize. Home to famous underground cave systems such as Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave. Expeditions of caves provide more repelling experience to normal cave tours and are a great way to explore ancient remains.
In the list of underground cave systems “Ian Anderson’s Cave Branch” is the most sought after one. Where its Cave Branch’s more interesting character offers adrenaline-pimping, this allows backpackers to jump into its Mayan underworld through its most remote jungle trekkings and waterfall climbing. If you like to take additional hiking, take a walk in its rainforest, climb rock walls and hike inside waterfalls. Black Hole Drop is the most prominent attraction here which helps visitors take 300 feet down rappel into the canopy. Don’t forget to make your first overnight stay here in Ian Anderson’s Cave Branch.
Actun Tunichil Muknal or ATM is undoubtedly the most popular yet visiting cave in Belize. Today it is home to vast numbers of skeletons, ceramics and stoneware of the Mayan Peoples. ATM is not just a cave, it is more than it is an ancient ceremonial centre and skeletal ceramics remains. For deeper understanding try to visit ATM’s crystal maiden. It is a place where thousands of intact skeletons are excavated. Moreover it is a good place to see water and mineral deposits of calcified bones. Pay $125 for attending any cave expeditions tour and explore this long stretch cave with a variety of chambers and swimming points.
Underground Caves in Belize are completely different from the rest of the world’s cave systems. It not just offers activities like tubing or hiking along waterfalls, however it’s well preserved ancient Mayan artefacts and century old skeletons make it an ideal location to get a perfect glimpse of the ancient ritual sites/burial sites and some Mayan ruins like pottery, altars and fire pits.
5. Hike to Jungle
Belize is full of jungle and lush green surroundings, so taking a hike through its jungle is the most passionate idea to an adventure backpacker even if you’re completely a beginner. Each scenic green hiking destination either Mountain Pin Ridge Forest Reserve or Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, offers something to those who are coming towards it.
Start your jungle hiking journey from Mountain Pin Ridge Forest Reserve. It is Belize’s pine forest and oldest protected areas spread across 300 square miles well known for its unique trees, landscapes, waterfalls and endangered wildlife. While backpackers hiking its rugged trails, it is much fortunate to see limestone caves, refreshing granite waterfalls and some canyons to explore. Even though the hiking trail is short, hikers surely have a great opportunity to see falls like big rock falls and Rio On pools. Despite being more challenging trails it even offers great options to swim in reserves natural crystal clear pools. Just try it.
If you want to hike amidst the hidden waterfalls along with spotting local wildlife including rare Belize Jaguar, then probably you have to take your step to Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary. We are really happy to say that hiking at Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is full of finding regions diverse wildlife such as howler monkeys, elusive wild cat, local bird species and tapir and deer tracks. Don’t miss out on visiting its natural waterfall and swimming pools for a more tranquil and leisurely feeling.
Belize Jungle hiking is a little challenging and a totally different hiking experience. Backpackers have to hike in hot, humid and subtropical climate conditions to reach the top of the jungle. Belize Jungle is all about finding local lush vegetation and adjust to dynamic weather conditions. Hikers are more ready to adjust his body according to local climates and have to take some precautionary measures.
6. Take a Walk in San Pedro
As we discussed earlier San Pedro is the capital City of Ambergris Caye Island. We know why this island and what are the activities we can enjoy there. Did you know that its capital city has an equal attraction and travel gem to explore? Yes, the city is heaven for leisure travelers where you can easily catch art galleries, shops and even enjoy great nightlifes.
There are multiple reasons why visitors usually head on to San Pedro. But the core purpose is to know and understand about the rich culture of Belize, taste local dishes and enjoy adventurous activities. Home to hotspots of the region’s great cultures such as Mestizo, Maya and Creole. In addition to its cultures, cuisines such as lobster, conch, stewed chicken, pork and beef and other sea foods are inherited by their original roots.
San Pedro is a great spot to enjoy many daring and thrilling outdoor activities, especially windsurfing, parasailing and kitesurfing. Thanks to surrounding beaches and friendly waves. However, the city’s outskirts are filled by good numbers of bird watching centres where visitors can watch Philippines Swamphen, Watercock, Black Bittern, Black Winged stilt and other migratory birds. Try to do snorkeling and scuba diving at Hol Chan Marine Reserve or Shark Ray Alley to see nurse sharks and stingrays.
Besides its natural beauty and outdoor recreations, even today there are plenty of things San Pedro is welcoming to different types of global backpackers. If you’re a photographer then San Pedro’s sunset and sunrise views are really an eye catching one to capture, don’ t miss it. While taking leisure stroll in the streets of San Pedro, don’t miss out on visiting Belize Chocolate Company or taste delicious mouthwatering Belize cuisines at Patz Delicatessen or Coffee de los Mayas.
7. Enjoy your Time at Caye Caulker
Caye Caulker is the 2nd largest popular island in Belize known for its laid back atmospheres and relaxed vibes, clear water beaches and plenty of snorkelling opportunities. Your major list of things to do in Belize has to combine little things to do in Caye Caulker, containing the most tranquil attractions to explore. Caye Caulker is full of white sand beaches, colorful houses, crystal clear waters and a series of palm trees.
Once you step into the land of Caye Caulker probably you have to start your day by taking a popular snorkelling route near the island barrier reef. Say thanks to Mesoamerican Barrier Reef (3rd longest barrier reef in the world), located just 25 minutes from the island.
Snorkeling allows adventure seekers to see nurse sharks, sea turtles, West Indian manatees and anthoza. If you’re a big fan of scuba diving, take diving at its nearest blue hole, under 318 meters long and 124 meter deep. For more detailed fish species do your snorkelling/diving at Stingrays beach and seahorse reserve, to see close up views of tiny creatures at its sea grass.
Caye Caulker is often known for its laid back atmospheres where travelers can walk or take a slow bike ride around the island, and its beaches. However for your laid back atmospheres, better to visit Hurricane Hattie Split. It is a narrow channel located 2 sides of the island, today it allows visitors to relax at its Lazy Lizard bar or swim its warm ocean waters and dip its shallow water or climb its rooftop bar to get perfect views of the split.
Try local cuisines at the island’s number of restaurants and street food stalls offering delicious Belizeian traditional foods like Fry Jacks, lobster and burritos. Consuming your foods at Caye Caulker along its incredible sunset views is really a most welcoming idea. The sun is always a great thing to see from western side along with tasting cuisines.
8. Discover Belize Zoo
Belize Zoo is a great platform in Belize to see good numbers of wildlife viewing to visitors. It is a 30 acres of conservation focused zoo allowing travelers to spot native Belize animals such as jaguars, tapirs, to canals and other 43 species and major animals in a very close up view. However, the zoo is home to some of the region’s endangered species such as toucans squawk, keel billed toucans squawk, howler monkeys, scarlet macaws flutter and coral snakes.
Belize Zoo is a completely different experience offering to visitors where you’re not just seeing animals, but even see documentary films and rescued, orphaned and injured animals. Today the zoo is home to more than 150 animals including 45 local species representing the most preserved natural heritage in the Caribbean island.
Zoo opened in 1983 by Sharon Matola, from then Zoo’s Ambassador Program is really a good move to make meaningful interactions with animals. During your ambassador programme a valid guide helps you to explain in depth education about deer gain deers, feed to Tapir and Scarlet Macaw and interact with birds.
Take a short walk through the zoo’s rustic path. It is a great activity to do in the afternoon. During your walking periods walkers are much blessed to see Belize’s native cates, maragys, ocelots, pumas and jaguarundis. Remember, to enter Belize zoo has some cost and time. Visitors need to pay $15 as an entry fee (for adults and $5 to children aged between 3-12). Open every Monday to Saturday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
9. Take a Snorkelling at Shark Ray Alley
As we know that Belize is a place which is heaven for snorkelling lovers (both beginners and experts) and you may have done multiple snorkelling activities in different parts of the Island. But what we love to say is that snorkelling at Shark Ray Alley is the most iconic thing to do in Belize, due to its plenty of natural reserves and marine fish species.
Shark Ray Alley is the most attractive natural reserve area in the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. Located just 15 minutes boat ride from San Pedro where there are abundances of underwater species and fishes like sting rays, nurse sharks and some occasional manatee exist. Since Shark Ray Alley is a major fisherman place, surely there are good numbers of boats available from Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye to reach.
Shark Ray Alley is listed as a “Zone D” under Hol Chan Marine Reserve. Visitors not just snorkel with stingrays, nurse sharks and turtles, even make perfect scuba diving, thanks to harmless sharks and small rays. Visitors can swim alongside animals to feed them. To maintain its cleanliness and protect fish species, local fishermen come to this spot to clean water catches and fill them with morsels.
For better experience try to take any Shark Ray Alley Tours. Tours usually start from $55 to $100 per person with some additional discounts. Tours cover pick up and drop, snorkelling guidance (if you’re a beginner) and feeding to sharks.
10. Try to Indulge in Local Belize Culture and Cuisines
Country often know the rich cultural heritage of Belize or unique things to do in Belize. Today the country blends Caribbean, African, Mexican and Garifuna, European cultures influences. Belize is the only English speaking country in Central America where visitors can see multiple linguistic diversities and ancient Mayan languages.
To know more about its cultures attend spirited music and “punta” dance programs or San Pedro Lobster festivals and Garifuna Settlement Day. Events exhibited more detailed heritages of the country and cultures. Attending any local Garifun cooking classes will make your cultural trip more worth one. During this session visitors try to learn about harvesting, hush and unique local dishes of Belize.
Belize is an equally rich country when it comes to the local cuisines. It boasts various dishes and ingredients which originated centuries ago and have shaped the country’s culinary traditions to this day. Try to eat classic staples like Rice and Beans, Stewed chicken. After the country’s culinary evolution, today visitors even try burgers and fries with little local touch.
Seafood is part of Belizean culture and traditions. Most Belizean cuisines are included local fish foods, visitors can try fish foods like Caribbean Spiny Lobster, shrimp, Queen Conch and Red Snapper. Try Ceviche, a raw fish marinated juice made with conch soup, chilly and some spices. Try to visit EI Fogon Restaurant and Elvi’s Kitchen to taste most local cuisines styles ranging from traditions to local seafoods.
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