Highlights
The Belize Barrier Reef
A long reef system running the length of the coast, listed by UNESCO, with coral gardens, atolls and marine reserves. Snorkelling and diving trips leave from the cayes and coastal towns.
The Great Blue Hole
A near-circular marine sinkhole around 300 metres across in Lighthouse Reef atoll, famous among divers. Day trips by boat combine it with dives on the atoll's reefs.
Ambergris Caye and Hol Chan
The largest caye and its main town, San Pedro, are the busiest beach base. Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley nearby offer easy snorkelling with nurse sharks, rays and turtles.
Caye Caulker
A small car-free island with sandy lanes and a relaxed 'go slow' pace. The Split, a channel cut through the island, is the main place to swim and watch the sunset.
Caracol and Xunantunich
Caracol, deep in the Maya Mountains, was one of the largest Maya cities, and its Caana pyramid is still among the tallest buildings in Belize. Xunantunich, near San Ignacio, is reached by a hand-cranked river ferry.
Actun Tunichil Muknal
A cave near San Ignacio, explored with a licensed guide by wading and swimming, where Maya ceramics and human skeletal remains lie as they were left centuries ago.
Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary
A protected tropical forest in the south, created to protect jaguars, with trails to waterfalls, river tubing and excellent birdwatching.
Placencia
A long sandy peninsula in the south with beaches, small guesthouses and boat trips to the outer cayes and, in season, to see whale sharks.
Interesting facts about Belize
- Belize was known as British Honduras until 1973 and became independent in 1981.
- The capital moved inland from Belize City to the purpose-built Belmopan after Hurricane Hattie caused severe damage in 1961.
- The Cockscomb Basin was declared the world's first protected area specifically for jaguars.
- The Belize Barrier Reef is often described as the second-largest barrier reef system in the world, after Australia's Great Barrier Reef.
- Garifuna Settlement Day on 19 November marks the arrival of the Garifuna people on Belize's southern coast, and their music and language are recognised by UNESCO.
Best time to visit
The dry season from late November to April is the most popular time, with sunny days and calmer seas, though it is the busiest and most expensive. The rainy season runs from June to November, with heavy afternoon showers, especially in the south. Hurricane season runs from June to November, with the highest risk in September and October. Whale shark season off Placencia is usually around March to June.
Practical information
| Capital | Belmopan |
|---|---|
| Currency | Belize dollar (BZD); US dollars widely accepted |
| Languages | English |
| Plugs | Type A, B, G |
| Voltage | 110 V, 60 Hz |
| Emergency | 911 |
| Driving | On the right |
| Tipping | Around 10 to 15 per cent in restaurants if service is not included. Tip guides, divemasters and boat crews for good service. |
Getting around
Small planes link Belize City with the cayes, Placencia, Dangriga and the south, and are the fastest way to get around. Water taxis connect Belize City with Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye several times a day. Buses, many of them old school buses, run along the main highways between towns. Renting a car is useful for inland areas around San Ignacio, but some roads to ruins and reserves are unpaved.
Staying connected in Belize
Mobile coverage is good in Belize City, San Ignacio, the main cayes and towns along the highways. Signal is patchy or absent in the Maya Mountains, deep in the forest reserves, at remote ruins such as Caracol and on the outer atolls. Wi-Fi is common in hotels and guesthouses but can be slow, especially on the islands. Download offline maps, install an eSIM before you fly and switch it on when you land.
See Belize eSIM plans · How to install an eSIM
Useful apps for Belize
- Google Maps: Driving directions and offline maps, especially useful for inland trips with no signal.
- WhatsApp: The usual way to contact tour guides, dive shops, water taxis and guesthouses.
- Windy: Wind and sea forecasts before boat trips and dives.
- XE Currency: Convert between Belize and US dollars when prices are quoted in both.