Dreaming of turquoise waters, ancient Maya ruins, vibrant cultures and wild jungles? Belize is a destination where adventure meets ease, making it a perfect playground for first-time visitors to Central America. This comprehensive guide draws on top search queries and expert sources to answer everything you need to know when planning your first trip to Belize—from timing and visas to must-see places, budgeting, insider tips and local customs.
Why Visit Belize?
Belize is the only English-speaking country in Central America, boasting the world’s second largest barrier reef, ancient cities of the Maya, Caribbean cayes, rainforest preserves teeming with wildlife, and a friendly mix of Creole, Garifuna, Mestizo, and Maya cultures. Whether you’re seeking jungle adventure or barefoot relaxation, Belize delivers authenticity and accessibility in one small country.
When to Go: The Best Time to Visit Belize
- Dry Season (November–April): Optimal weather, best for diving, snorkeling, inland travel, and festivals. This is high tourist season—book early for Christmas, New Year, and Easter periods.
- Rainy (“Green”) Season (May–October): Lush, fewer crowds, better deals. Short afternoon showers are common, and hurricane threats are highest between August–October. Some remote resorts may close temporarily.
For diving (including the Great Blue Hole), March to June offers the calmest seas. Whale shark season off Placencia peaks April–June. Major festivals include Garifuna Settlement Day (November 19), Belize Carnival (September), and Lobsterfest (June/July).
Entry Requirements & Health
- Passport: Required, with at least six months’ validity.
- Visa: Most nationalities (US, EU, Canada, UK, Australia) receive a free 30-day tourist visa on arrival. Some require a visa in advance—always check official lists.
- Vaccines: No mandatory shots, but CDC/WHO recommend hepatitis A and B, typhoid, rabies (if remote travel), and routine childhood immunizations. Use insect repellent for Zika, dengue, and malaria risk (CDC Belize Health Guidelines).
- Travel insurance: Highly recommended for medical, evacuation, and trip cancellation coverage.
How Long to Stay & Sample Itineraries
| Days in Belize | Recommended Focus |
|---|---|
| 4–5 | Either the reef (Ambergris Caye/Caye Caulker) or inland adventure (San Ignacio, ruins) |
| 7 | Islands + mainland combo—reef plus Maya sites or jungle |
| 10+ | Reef, jungle, Placencia/Hopkins, Maya culture—Belize sampler |
Classic 7-Night First Timer’s Itinerary
- Days 1–3: Ambergris Caye or Caye Caulker – snorkeling/diving at Hol Chan, Shark Ray Alley, beach time, sunset cruises.
- Days 4–5: San Ignacio (mainland) – Xunantunich or Cahal Pech ruins, Barton Creek Cave, or ATM Cave tour (must book in advance), river tubing or jungle hikes.
- Days 6–7: Placencia or Hopkins – Garifuna drumming workshops, manatee-spotting, chill beach days, rainforest adventures or chocolate tours.
Adapt as needed—water taxis and short domestic flights make it easy to mix cayes and the mainland.
Flight and Arrival Basics
- Main airport: Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE), 15km from Belize City.
- Direct flights from: North America (Miami, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Newark, Toronto), Central America, Mexico.
- From Europe: Connect via US gateways, Mexico City, or Panama.
- Expect a $40 USD departure tax (sometimes included in airfare).
Where to Stay: Accommodation Types
- Islands:
- Ambergris Caye: Resorts, condos, lively dining/nightlife, best for first timers and divers.
- Caye Caulker: Budget-friendly, backpacker vibe, laid-back lodges, popular with young/solo travelers.
- Mainland:
- San Ignacio: Jungle lodges, boutique hotels, eco-resorts, close to Maya ruins.
- Hopkins & Placencia: Guesthouses, mid-range and luxury resorts, Garifuna cultural immersion.
Book early for peak season (December–April) and major festivals. Many properties offer airport or ferry transfers.
How to Get Around Belize
- Domestic flights: Maya Island Air, Tropic Air connect BZE to Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, Placencia, Dangriga, Punta Gorda in under 40 mins.
- Water taxis: Regular ferries from Belize City to Ambergris Caye (1.5h) and Caye Caulker (45min).
- Buses: Cheap, basic “chicken buses” link Belize City to Orange Walk, San Ignacio, Dangriga, Placencia.
- Car rentals: Not essential for islands. Good for independent mainland exploration. Roads are mostly paved, but drive during daylight and mind speed bumps (“sleeping policemen”).
- Private transfers: Many jungle lodges and small hotels arrange private cars/mini-vans—great for families or groups with gear.
Budgeting: How Much Does a Belize Trip Cost?
| Expense (per day) | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $20–$40 | $70–$150 | $200+ |
| Food | $8–$20 | $20–$50 | $60–$150 |
| Activities/Tours | $25–$45 | $60–$150 | $200+ |
| Transport | $5–$15 (bus) | $15–$50 | $80–$150 |
Money-saving tips: Travel in shoulder/green season, eat at local restaurants, use local buses, book tours directly, consider guesthouses and vacation rentals.
What to Do & See: Must-Experience Attractions
- Reef Snorkeling & Diving: Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Shark Ray Alley, Mexico Rocks, Great Blue Hole, and Turneffe Atoll.
- Ancient Maya Ruins: Xunantunich, Caracol, Altun Ha, Lamanai, Cahal Pech—all easy day trips from inland towns.
- ATM Cave (Actun Tunichil Muknal): Spectacular guided cave tour with Maya history—must be booked well in advance and requires moderate fitness.
- Wildlife & Jungle: Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary for birds, Community Baboon Sanctuary, Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary (jaguars, hiking, tubing).
- Garifuna & Creole Culture: Hopkins and Seine Bight for music, drumming lessons, food, festivals, and homestays; Dangriga for Settlement Day.
- Beach Life & Water Sports: Placencia and Hopkins for kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, and local culinary tours.
Booking Tours: Safety & Sustainability Tips
- Always use BTB-licensed (Belize Tourism Board) operators—ask for license numbers.
- Read up-to-date reviews on TripAdvisor, Google, or travel forums.
- Support community-run and indigenous tour providers for authentic, sustainable experiences.
- Follow all safety instructions in water, caves, and jungle (no touching coral, respect wildlife distance rules).
Packing Essentials for Belize
- Passport, confirmation printouts, digital and paper copies of insurance.
- Light clothes, swimsuit, rain jacket (for green season), sun hat.
- Reef-safe sunscreen and insect repellent.
- Hiking shoes and sandals/flip-flops for beach.
- Reusable water bottle (tap water not recommended in most areas).
- US dollars accepted everywhere (exchange rate $1 USD = $2 BZD); small bills handy for local markets and tipping.
Safety, Health & Local Customs
- Belize is relatively safe: use the same street-smarts as anywhere. Avoid poorly lit areas at night, keep valuables out of sight, and use hotel safes.
- Women and solo travelers are generally safe, especially in tourist regions—join organized tours at night.
- Emergency number: 911 for police, medical or fire.
- Electricity: 110V, US-style plugs.
- Dress is casual, but cover shoulders and knees when visiting villages and churches.
- Always greet with a smile—a simple “Good morning” opens doors and hearts.
- Ask permission to photograph people, especially in Maya or Garifuna communities or at ceremonies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I combine reef and ruins in one trip? Yes, Belize’s compact size allows you to snorkel in the morning and hike a Maya site in the afternoon, especially from San Ignacio or using domestic flights.
- Are the islands family friendly? Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker have both family resorts and budget options, calm waters, and tour operators with safety certifications.
- Is Belize safe for LGBT travelers? Belize is welcoming, especially in tourist centers, but discretion may be advised in rural areas.
- What languages are spoken? Officially English, but Spanish, Kriol, Garifuna, and Maya languages are widely used.
- Do I need vaccinations or malaria pills? Not required, but health authorities recommend care; consult your doctor based on route and season.
Insider Tips for First-Time Visitors
- Book ATM Cave, Blue Hole dives, and high-season accommodations 6–8 weeks in advance.
- Pack light: laundries are cheap, and ATM Cave requires a change of clothes.
- Arriving late? Consider staying in Belize City overnight, or at a hotel near the airport with an early flight/boat.
- Download Google Maps and area guides for offline use.
- Participate in local festivals or village tours for unique cultural experiences.
- If booking a domestic flight right after arrival, allow 2–3 hours to clear customs and transfer.
More Resources for Planning
- Belize Tourism Board (Official)
- Lonely Planet: Belize Guide
- CDC Traveler’s Health: Belize
- TripAdvisor Belize Forums
- UK FCDO Travel Advice
Bibliography
- Belize Tourism Board: Climate & Safety
- Lonely Planet: Best Times to Visit Belize
- Travel+Leisure: Best Time to Go to Belize
- CDC Belize Travel Health
- Rough Guides: Belize Money & Budget Tips
- Tropic Air Belize
- My Guide Belize: Getting Around
- Tripadvisor: ATM Cave Tour Reviews
- The Independent: Best Time to Visit Belize
- UK FCDO: Belize Safety Advice
