Wheres Belize? Belize offers stunning Mayan ruins, stunning beaches and the second largest barrier reef in the world for an ideal tropical escape. Experience it first-hand by embarking on a cruise excursion.
Belize Cruises are conveniently accessible from both US and Central American cities, making booking your dream voyage possible today! Don’t delay in booking yours!
Getting There
Belize may be one of the smallest countries and many people wonder wheres Belize, but it offers plenty of wildlife and adventure. Here you’ll discover lush jungle, vibrant reefs, stunning beaches and an emerging Garifuna culture.
Belize stands out at the intersection of Central America and the Caribbean due to its unique culture, reflecting many influences at play within it. Its diverse populations live together peacefully – something you’ll be able to witness for yourself during your travels here.
Belize, with just over 430,000 residents, is a relatively small nation. Residents come from an array of ethnic groups who coexist peacefully – Mestizo (people of mixed Spanish and Yucatec Maya descent), Creole (31%), and various Maya tribes (20% of population).
Though English is Belize’s official language, most residents speak a mixture of English and local languages like Creole (an offshoot of Spanish created from early migrants’ mix of tongues). Other local tongues spoken include Garifuna and various Maya dialects.
Belize enjoys a tropical climate, featuring warm and humid conditions year-round. Trade winds blow onshore throughout the year; from September to December northerly winds provide cooler, drier air. Hurricanes (known locally as tropical cyclones) pose a potential threat from July through November.
Belize, which gained independence after colonial rule, has made remarkable strides toward development within a single generation. Although still experiencing growing pains, tourism has proven invaluable in spurring economic development while encouraging environmental conservation.
Philip Goldson International Airport (BZ), approximately two hours’ flight from Miami in the US. From here you can take either a passenger boat or commuter plane across lower Chetumal Bay to Ambergris Caye – typically taking from 1-14 hours depending on weather and 15 minutes via flight respectively. Once on Ambergris Caye you can relax on its beach, swim in its clear waters or sail across its barrier reef during sunset sailing excursions.
Accommodations
Belize has long been one of Central America’s most beloved tourist destinations, thanks to its breathtaking Barrier Reef and vibrant Mayan temples as well as other natural and cultural offerings like Mayan tombs. Although Belize may not feature as many high-end luxury hotels as other Latin American nations do, there is plenty of accommodation options suitable for all types of travelers – making Belize one of the premier tourist spots of its region.
Belize City, its capital city, boasts an array of modern and colonial-era buildings as well as numerous remnants from Belize’s fascinating history; these include its legendary Swing Bridge – one of the oldest manually operated bridges worldwide.
Belize City serves as the country’s main transport hub and an ideal starting point for exploring Belize Barrier Reef. This vibrant city also features lively restaurant and bar scenes as well as mid-range and budget hotels – with several more located off-shore or on one of 400 Cayes – groups of islands in the Caribbean that can be easily accessed thanks to Belize’s extensive flight network that operates daily throughout the day.
The Cayo District offers the perfect setting to experience both jungle and Mayan sites, offering diverse wildlife as well as some of the country’s premier snorkeling and diving spots – Chan Chich being one of them. San Ignacio and Santa Elena serve as ideal bases for exploring this area with lively restaurant/entertainment scenes offering easy access to mainland attractions.
Hopkins offers luxurious beach getaways at its finest, boasting vibrant Garifuna culture. Offering both backpacker-style digs and sprawling luxury resorts – like The Lodge at Jaguar Reef with cabana-style rooms featuring private plunge pools. Or why not stay at Cayo Espanto which features its own private island just off Ambergris Caye’s coast!
Food & Drink
Belizean cuisine tends to follow traditional, time-honored combinations of rice, beans and meat for a cheap and filling meal that draws inspiration from Guatemala and Mexico, often embellished with seafood dishes from Cayes or islands nearby; in Belize City itself dishes from neighboring Caribbean nations are especially popular.
Belize offers something deliciously sweet or savory for every palate imaginable, whether that means chicken escabeche (similar to fajitas), fried tortilla chips dipped in spicy salsa, grilled conch tossed with lime juice and served alongside corn tortillas are among many mouthwatering choices awaiting discovery in Belize’s south coast restaurants and festivals such as those held annually in San Pedro, Placencia and Caye Caulker; grouper snapper shrimp can all be easily prepared on-board when grills arrive from abroad!
Vegetarians and vegans will have no trouble eating well in Belize thanks to the abundance of fresh produce as well as plant-based dishes available here. It would be wise for those with food allergies to consult local guides before dining out; some dishes could contain ingredients which cause discomfort.
Fruit wine makers produce many tasty beverages, from cashew fruit-flavored craboo and alcohol-free sorghum wines, to refreshing cocktails like the popular panty ripper (don’t be put off by its name!). Rum is particularly favored as an ingredient of such drinks; popular examples are panty rippers (but don’t let their name scare you off!).
Staying hydrated in Belize’s tropical temperatures is essential, and bringing along a reusable bottle or flask is the best way to minimize waste and keep hydrated without purchasing plastic bottles.
Activities
Belize, with its coral reefs, tropical jungles, and ancient ruined cities is one of Central America’s premier tourist destinations. However, visitors who prefer active adventures such as hiking along jungle trails or exploring Mayan archaeological sites will find much more to enjoy in Belize than just its beaches alone.
Small villages dotted across the country offer visitors a glimpse into local culture. San Ignacio, located in Cayo District, allows visitors to cook Garifuna dishes while dancing to drumbeats from a Garifuna dance center. Meanwhile, Turneffe Island resort island pairs guides with guests for unique fly-fishing excursions that connect them with its pristine marine ecosystem surrounding this atoll.
Many volunteer opportunities in Belize focus on environmental conservation and maintaining its delicate ecosystem, both inland and in the water. Volunteers living with host families may provide an excellent way to immerse yourself into local culture; English is Belize’s official language, but you may also hear Creole, Spanish and Garifuna spoken throughout its borders.
Belize boasts many natural attractions for tourists to explore, from its breathtaking barrier reefs and tropical jungles to its amazing cave systems. Visitors can explore this spectacular terrain on dive, hike, snorkeling or hiking expeditions; alternatively wetlands and wildlife refuges may also attract nature enthusiasts.
Mayan ruins are another popular travel destination, particularly the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Xunantich – translated to “Maiden of the Rock”, this temple at Xunantich is truly spectacular and well worth your time and consideration.
As well as diving and snorkeling, other activities available in Belize include kayaking or paddle boarding along the coast, visiting waterfalls or exploring prehistoric Mayan archaeology sites and spice farms inland. For an unforgettable water journey experience take a trip down Belize River; travelers will pass through Nohoch Che’en Caves Branch archeological reserve before traveling through limestone caves used by ancient Mayans as ritual sites.
