Belize Where To Go

Islands & Coast (Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, Placencia)

Home to the second-largest barrier reef in the world, the UNESCO-listed Belize Barrier Reef spans more than 290 km (180 miles) along the Caribbean coast and serves as a sanctuary for marine life.

The reef is teeming with biodiversity, including sea turtles, hammerhead sharks, rays, manatees, and over 500 species of fish, making it an ideal destination for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts. Approximately 70 km (43 miles) off Belize’s northern coast lies the iconic Great Blue Hole, a massive marine sinkhole near the center of Lighthouse Reef Atoll. Almost perfectly circular in shape, this natural wonder is one of Belize’s most renowned attractions and a world-famous diving site.

The Hol Chan Marine Reserve, situated near Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker, encompasses vibrant coral reefs, sea grass beds, and mangrove forests. For those eager to witness whale sharks, their season in Belize typically begins two days before the full moon and lasts until ten days after, during the months of March, April, May, and June.

Adventure (San Ignacio, Cayo District)

This lush ecosystem is home to a wide array of species of flowering plants, including hundreds of varieties of orchids. For an exhilarating adventure, southeast Belize offers some of the best zip-lining in the country. Visitors can soar through the rainforest canopy, enjoying breathtaking views of the vast Maya Mountains and the winding creeks below. Cave exploration is another thrilling activity in Belize. Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM), described by National Geographic as one of the most sacred caves in the world, is a must-see for adventurous travelers. Beyond its caves, Belize’s natural wonders can also be explored on horseback tours through the jungles of the Cayo District. Additionally, exploring Maya archaeological sites such as El Pilar, Xunantunich, and Cahal Pech comes highly recommended for a deep dive into the country’s rich history.

Jungle & Nature (Mountain Pine Ridge Forest)

Home to the elusive jaguar, tapir, and crocodile, Belize’s rainforest is a unique tropical habitat unlike anywhere else on the planet. Many of Belize’s national parks are teeming with over 500 species of birds, as well as howler monkeys and iguanas, making them perfect places to experience Belize’s incredible wildlife. The world’s first jaguar sanctuary, the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, offers visitors an opportunity to learn about inspiring conservation efforts aimed at preserving these majestic big cats. With more than half of the country blanketed in rainforest, Belize boasts one of the largest remaining tropical rainforests outside the Amazon.