Best things to do in Belize

• Capital: Belmopan
• Language(s): English, Spanish, Kriol
• Currency: Belize dollar (BZD)
• Dial Code: + 501

Belize Travel Guide: Where the Caribbean Vibe Meets Central American Adventure

Welcome to Belize – a country where English is the official language, the Caribbean Sea is your backyard, and ancient Maya temples are just a hike away. Tucked between Mexico, Guatemala, and the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, Belize is a tropical gem that refuses to fit neatly into any one box. It’s Central American. It’s Caribbean. It’s chill. It’s wild. And it’s totally unforgettable.

Whether you're here to explore coral reefs, hike through lush rainforests, or just relax with a cold drink and the sound of reggae in the background, this Belize travel guide has everything you need to know.

A Country with Multiple Identities (and That’s a Good Thing)

Belize might be small — only about 290 km long and 110 km wide — but it’s big on personality. It’s the northernmost country in Central America, yet it feels like the Caribbean, with its laid-back vibe, colorful houses, and Creole rhythms.

Here’s the twist: Belize is the only country in Central America where English is the official language. Spanish and Kriol are widely spoken too, but if you're traveling from an English-speaking country, you'll find it refreshingly easy to get around and connect with locals.

Formerly known as British Honduras, Belize still holds onto elements of its British colonial past — from the parliamentary system to the Queen on its currency. That makes it culturally unique among its neighbors, who lean more toward Spanish and Latin American influences.

Diverse, Dynamic, and Totally Belize

Belize is home to around 400,000 people (recent estimates) and remains the least densely populated country in Central America. But what it lacks in numbers, it makes up for in diversity. The population includes Creole, Mestizo, Maya, Garifuna, Mennonite, East Indian, and Chinese communities — a rich cultural mix that adds flavor to everything from the food to the festivals.

And Belize is growing fast. With a population growth rate of over 2%, it's one of the fastest-growing countries in the Western Hemisphere — and with its growing popularity as a tourist destination, it’s easy to see why.

Things to Do in Belize: Nature, Adventure & More

If you're wondering what to do in Belize, the answer is: everything. From jungle expeditions to underwater adventures, the country offers something for every kind of traveler. Here are some top attractions and places to visit in Belize:

1. The Great Blue Hole

Belize’s most iconic natural wonder, the Great Blue Hole, is a giant marine sinkhole that Jacques Cousteau once called one of the best dive sites in the world. Whether you scuba dive into its deep blue depths or take a scenic flight over it, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-see.

2. Belize Barrier Reef

Part of the second-largest barrier reef in the world, the Belize Barrier Reef is a snorkeling and diving paradise. Swim alongside turtles, rays, and reef sharks at hotspots like Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley near Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker.

3. Mayan Ruins

Belize was once a stronghold of the ancient Maya civilization. Today, you can walk among the ruins of towering temples and ceremonial plazas. Don’t miss Xunantunich, Caracol, and Lamanai — each surrounded by lush jungle and echoing with centuries of history.

4. Caye Caulker & Ambergris Caye

Looking for island life at its finest? Caye Caulker offers chill vibes, colorful guesthouses, and the mantra “Go Slow” — which is pretty much the island's unofficial slogan. For something a bit livelier, head to Ambergris Caye, the largest island and a hub for water sports, beach bars, and nightlife.

5. Placencia Peninsula

On the mainland, Placencia is a laid-back beach destination with golden sands and easy access to jungle tours, snorkeling, and cultural experiences with the Garifuna community. It's perfect for travelers looking for relaxation with a splash of adventure.

6. The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary

If you’re into wildlife and hiking, this jaguar reserve in the Maya Mountains is a dream come true. The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the best places for ecotourism in Belize, with hiking trails, waterfalls, and a chance to spot exotic birds and big cats.

Eco-Paradise: The Mesoamerican Biological Corridor

Belize is more than just beaches and ruins — it’s a biodiversity hotspot. The country’s diverse ecosystems — from mangrove swamps and coastal lagoons to pine forests and coral atolls — make it a vital part of the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor, a network of protected areas across Central America.

Whether you're birdwatching in the jungle, kayaking through mangroves, or diving in the reef, Belize invites you to connect with nature like never before.

Culture & Community

From drumming with the Garifuna to celebrating Carnival in Orange Walk, the culture of Belize is lively, musical, and inclusive. You can visit traditional Maya villages, take a Creole cooking class, or explore Mennonite farms by horse and buggy. The mix of cultures here is authentic and welcoming — and visitors are often embraced like family.

Getting Around Belize

• Language: English is the official language, but Spanish and Kriol are widely spoken.

• Currency: Belize Dollar (BZD), pegged 2:1 with the U.S. dollar.

• Transport: Local buses (aka "chicken buses") are budget-friendly and colorful. Water taxis connect the cayes. For more flexibility, rent a car for mainland adventures.

• Best Time to Visit: November to May is the dry season, making it ideal for travel. June to October is wetter, but with fewer tourists.

Belize: A Hidden Gem with Global Connections

Despite its size, Belize is a big player regionally. It’s a member of both CARICOM (Caribbean Community) and SICA (Central American Integration System), reflecting its dual identity as a Caribbean and Central American nation.

So whether you're into sightseeing, eco-travel, cultural immersion, or just sipping coconut water by the sea, Belize offers it all — in English, no less.

Final tip? Don’t just visit Belize — experience it. Let the rhythms of the Caribbean and the secrets of the jungle pull you into a place that feels like home, even if you’ve never been before.