Best Things To Do In Belize

Uncover the best things to do in Belize — from diving the Great Blue Hole and exploring ancient Maya ruins to reef snorkelling, jungle treks, and vibrant Garifuna culture.

Top Bucket List Experiences, Must-Do Things & Unmissable Attractions.

Dive the Great Blue Hole One of Earth’s most famous dive sites, this perfectly circular underwater sinkhole plunges 125 metres into a world of stalactites and reef sharks. Viewed from above by plane or drone, it glows a deep indigo ring in turquoise seas — a geological marvel framed by the Belize Barrier Reef.

  • Insider Tip: Book a fly-over tour from Caye Caulker or Belize City for unreal photos.
    Timing / Best Time: Dry season (Nov–May) for clearest visibility.

Explore the Ruins of Xunantunich Perched above the Mopan River near San Ignacio, this Maya city reveals impressive pyramids and carvings dating to AD 700. Climb “El Castillo” for panoramic jungle views that stretch into Guatemala — the spirit of the ancient civilisation feels alive in the wind.

  • Best Way: Cross the hand-cranked ferry and take a guided tour for mythological context.
    Good to Know: Bring water and sun protection — there’s little shade.

Snorkel Hol Chan Marine Reserve & Shark Ray Alley Just off Ambergris Caye, this protected reef is alive with colour — rays, turtles, and nurse sharks glide through crystal shallows. It’s an immersive introduction to Belize’s underwater world.

  • Insider Tip: Go early before boat crowds arrive.
    Timing / Best Time: All year; mornings offer calmer waters.

Journey into the ATM Cave (Actun Tunichil Muknal) A thrilling blend of archaeology and adventure — swim through chambers lit by headlamp to see crystalised bones and Maya artifacts left for the gods. Few places connect you to history so intimately.

Best Way: Book with licensed guides — independent entry is prohibited. Good to Know: Shoes with grip and a change of clothes essential.

Relax on Placencia Peninsula This laid-back southern stretch offers soft beaches, colorful cabins, and Caribbean ease. Cycle the seaside boardwalk past boutiques and rum bars, or set sail to nearby islets.

  • Insider Tip: Stay in a beachfront guesthouse for local flair.
    Timing / Best Time: Jan–May for dry skies and calm seas.

Paddle the Macal River Wind through emerald valleys where iguanas bask and toucans flit above. This gentle canoe trip reveals Belize’s lush interior at a peaceful pace.

  • Best Way: Rent canoes in San Ignacio or book a half-day guided tour.
    Good to Know: Bring binoculars for birdwatching.

Discover the Belize Barrier Reef The world’s second-largest reef spans 300 kilometres of coral gardens and islands. Divers and snorkellers encounter rainbow fish, sea fans, and gentle manatees. A true natural wonder.

  • Insider Tip: Base yourself on Caye Caulker for budget-friendly access.
    Timing / Best Time: April–June for warm waters and gentle currents.

Unique Experiences

Learn Creole Cooking in Belize City or Placencia Flavours of Africa, Maya, and the Caribbean combine in dishes like rice and beans with stew chicken. Cooking classes offer hands-on insight into Belizean life.

  • How to Do It: Book through local guesthouses or tour operators.

Swim with Whale Sharks at Gladden Spit Between March and June, these gentle giants feed on fish spawn off Placencia’s coast. A rare, humbling encounter.

  • Good to Know: Strict eco-rules apply — no touching or flash photography.

Join a Garifuna Drumming Workshop in Dangriga Pulsing rhythms tell stories of migration and resilience. Learn basic beats on traditional drums from master musicians.

  • Timing: Year-round; evenings bring livelier sessions.

Tour a Cacao Farm in Toledo Follow the bean-to-bar process and sample organic chocolate grown by Maya farmers.

  • How to Do It: Day tours run from Punta Gorda — book ahead.

Explore the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary A bird-lover’s dream — herons, jabirus, and kingfishers fill the wetlands. Sunsets here are unforgettable.

  • Good to Know: Best visited with a local birding guide.

Hidden Gems / Off-The-Beaten Path

Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary The world’s first jaguar reserve offers lush trails, hidden waterfalls, and remote camping. Even if you don’t spot a jaguar, you’ll feel their presence in the dense green silence.

  • Getting There: Rough road from Hopkins — 4×4 recommended.
    Timing: Dec–May for dryer trails.

Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve Cool highlands filled with pine forests, caves, and hidden falls. Rio on Pools and Big Rock Falls are perfect for a refreshing dip.

  • Good to Know: Bring insect repellent and sturdy shoes.
    Timing: Morning visits avoid heat and crowds.

Lamanai Ruins by River Safari Reach this ancient Maya city via a jungle boat trip alive with howler monkeys and birds. The journey is half the magic.

  • Getting There: Tours depart from Orange Walk Town.
    Timing: Early start recommended for wildlife sightings.

Half Moon Caye Natural Monument Part of a UNESCO World Heritage site, this remote island hosts red-footed boobies and hawksbill turtles.

  • Good to Know: Day trips depart from Lighthouse Reef.
    Timing: March–June for bird nesting season.

Hopkins Village A friendly coastal community where Garifuna music fills the air and daily life moves to a Caribbean beat.

  • Good to Know: Visit for Garifuna Settlement Day in November.
    Timing: Sunset hours for drumming and sea breeze.

Rio Frio Cave A natural cathedral with sunbeams illuminating its river-carved entrance. A spectacular stop within Mountain Pine Ridge.

  • Getting There: Reachable by 4×4 from San Ignacio.
    Timing: Mid-day for best light.

Unusual / Quirky Experiences

The Belize Zoo Built as a wildlife rescue centre, this open-air zoo introduces you to Belize’s native species in natural habitats.

  • Why Go: Educational and ethical — great for families.
    Good to Know: Best early morning or late afternoon.

Visit a Mennonite Community in Spanish Lookout Horse-drawn buggies and immaculate farms contrast with modern Belize. A window into a unique rural lifestyle.

  • Why Go: Fascinating cultural contrast rarely seen by tourists.

Actun Tunichil Muknal Glowworm Night Trek When rainfall allows, bioluminescent glowworms light sections of the jungle trail — a magical bonus for adventurous souls.

  • Good to Know: Weather-dependent; ask local guides.

Belikin Brewery Tour Discover Belize’s favourite beer and watch its craft process before sampling freshly tapped pints.

  • Why Go: Light-hearted, refreshing, and authentically local.

Suggested Activities By Region / City

Ambergris Caye

  • Snorkel Hol Chan and Shark Ray Alley.
    Insider Tip: Bring an underwater camera.

  • Cycle San Pedro’s beach roads.
    Best Way: Golf cart rental for short trips.

  • Sample seafood at the Truck Stop food park.
    Good to Know: Evenings offer live music.

San Ignacio

  • Visit Xunantunich and Cahal Pech Maya sites.
    Insider Tip: Combine both in one half-day.

  • Canoe the Macal River.
    Best Way: Hire from local eco-lodges.

  • Stroll the Saturday Market.
    Good to Know: Arrive before 10 a.m. for fresh produce.

Placencia

  • Relax on the peninsula’s beaches.
    Insider Tip: Evening walks bring spectacular sunsets.

  • Join a whale shark snorkel trip.
    Best Way: Book March–June slots early.

  • Explore local art galleries.
    Good to Know: Artists often personalise souvenirs.

Adventure & Outdoor Activities

Do’s / Recommended Activities: 

  • Dive the Belize Barrier Reef.
    Tip: Best visibility Feb–June.

  • Cave-tube through limestone rivers.
    Good to Know: Wear water-shoes and bring a headlamp.

  • Zipline in the jungle near Belmopan.
    Tip: Combine with cave-tubing for a day of adventure.

  • Hike Cockscomb Basin for waterfalls and wildlife.
    Good to Know: Trails can be muddy after rain.

Cultural & Food Experiences

Do’s / Recommended Experiences: 

  • Taste Belizean rum and cassava bread.
    Tip: Local markets offer the freshest bakes.

  • Join Garifuna Settlement Day celebrations.
    Good to Know: November 19 is the most vibrant date.

  • Shop for hand-woven baskets in Toledo.
    Tip: Meet the makers for authentic purchases.

  • Dine on fresh lobster at the Placencia Lobster Fest.
    Good to Know: Held every July — book rooms early.