The Best Places to Visit in Belize
Belize is one of the smaller countries in the Central America region, and travel here is pretty relaxed compared to a lot of the surrounding nations. The vibe is a mix of tropical beach life and jungle adventure, so it is a good destination for diving and beach life, or even exploring Mayan ruins if you love the idea of that too. You get to island hop through the different cayes, and explore the amazing Belize Barrier Reef.
Capital: Belmopan
Currency: Belize Dollar
Language: English
When to visit: November to May
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1) Caye Caulker
Caye Caulker is a tiny Caribbean island in the country, where the main transport is golf carts and bikes, and the unofficial motto is literally “go slow.” That basically sums up life here, and in my opinion it is the best spot in Belize to get out on the beach and into the water.
Things to do:
Obviously, the highlight is heading out in the water. Snorkeling trips are a must here, especially out to the Belize Barrier Reef where you can see turtles, rays, nurse sharks, and coral just below the surface. On the island, you’ll basically just be strolling around on the sandy paths lined with wooden houses, beach bars, and little cafés. I’d give you the best beach, but the whole island basically is one!
How to get there:
From Belize City, the main transport hub, catch a water taxi out to the caye.
2) Ambergris Caye
Ambergris Caye is the biggest island in Belize and feels a bit more developed than its laid-back neighbour Caye Caulker, but still very much Caribbean island life. It can be found north of Caye Caulker, and it is just a bit busier and more built up in comparison.
Things to do:
The main town, San Pedro, is where everything happens, meaning that it’s the main hub for people heading out to the Belize Barrier Reef, so a lot of days revolve around snorkeling, diving, fishing trips, and boat tours straight into some of the clearest water in the region. You’ve also got plenty of beach clubs and restaurants, so it’s easy to mix chilled days with a bit more going on at night.
How to get there:
Again, just land in Belize City and take a water taxi to the island.
3) Great Blue Hole
The Great Blue Hole is iconic in Belize, and such a cool sight to see. If you don’t know what it is, it is simply a massive deep-blue underwater sinkhole sitting in the middle of the Caribbean Sea. From above, it looks like a perfect dark circle in bright turquoise water.
Things to do:
The main reason people come here is diving. It’s considered one of the top dive sites in the world, and you will be dipping in some of the clearest water you have ever seen. Even if you don’t dive, just seeing it from a boat or small plane is a big highlight because the shape and colour contrast is so dramatic. Most trips go out from islands like Caye Caulker or Ambergris Caye, usually as full-day boat tours that also include snorkeling stops at nearby reefs and sandbanks along the way.
How to get there:
Book through a tour company operating in Ambergris Caye or Caye Caulker.
4) San Ignacio
Now moving to the mainland of Belize, San Ignacio is basically the opposite of every place I just said. nstead of beaches and reef life, you’ve got jungle, rivers, and a small, lively town sitting right near the Guatemalan border.It’s a really popular backpacker stop because it’s the gateway to a lot of inland adventures.
Things to do:
The ‘inland adventures’ I mentioned include stops to nearby ruins like Xunantunich, where you can climb ancient pyramids with views stretching across the jungle and into Guatemala. There are also cave systems, river tubing, and jungle hikes all within easy reach. In the actual city, you should go to San Ignacio Market, especially in the mornings. Then, just across the river in Santa Elena, you can walk over the Hammock Bridge for a nice view over the Macal River and the twin towns. Lastly, right on the edge of town is Cahal Pech, which are Mayan ruins you can see without even leaving San Ignacio.
How to get there:
You can easily take a bus from Belize City to San Ignacio.
5) Placencia
Placencia is the final tribute to the diverse nature of Belize, because although it’s a a long, laid-back beach peninsula in the south, it still feels different to the islands up north. It is still pretty relaxed, with one main road running through it and beaches on both sides depending where you are.
Things to do:
The main area in Placencia is the long beachfront village strip, and that’s really where you want to base yourself. This is where everything is within walking or biking distance, with beach bars, small cafés, dive shops, and restaurants all lined up along the sand. From there, you can head out on snorkeling and diving trips, or take boat tours out to nearby cayes where the water is incredibly clear and full of marine life. The one tip is literally just enjoy the beach.
How to get there:
The most common is an internal flight from Belize City down to Placencia Airport, otherwise just take a bus.
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