Why visit Belize? This tiny Central American country is a tropical paradise filled with Mayan history and an impressive barrier reef. To learn more about it, we asked Sam Weiss, a travel expert and frequent visitor for the highlights.
Belize is a tiny country on the eastern coast of Central America and is sandwiched between Mexico and Guatemala. It has the Caribbean Sea to the east and a dense Central American jungle to the west.
This small yet eclectic nation with its pristine beauty is a hotspot for many modern travellers.
Why visit Belize? Belize should be on the radar of every travel buff for…
- The Maya heartland
- Marine adventures
- Belize Barrier Reef
- The Blue Hole
- Jungle adventures
- Excellent weather conditions
- Delicious food spread
Why visit Belize? For the Maya heartland
History lovers, here’s why you should visit Belize.
Home to the remnants of the mysterious and alluring Maya civilisation, Belize is peppered with archaeological ruins like the Caracol, Cahal Pech, Lamanai, Altun Ha and Xunantunich.
Belize stands as a testimony to the Mesoamerican civilisation developed by the Mayans and is noted for its hieroglyphic script.
The tall stone temples offering breath-taking views of the jungle, and the excavated tombs and caves replete with history make for a wonderful experience.
Why visit Belize? For marine adventures
Belize is dotted with tiny cayes or islands, about 200 of them to be precise and provides excellent opportunities for fishing, snorkelling, windsurfing, kayaking, swimming, and diving in the pristine blue Caribbean waters.
You get to dive with the whale sharks in Gladden Spit near Placencia. For any maritime enthusiast, it cannot get better than this.
Why visit Belize? To explore the Belize barrier reef
The Belize barrier reef is a UNESCO world heritage site and is the second-largest in the world (next only to the Great Barrier Reef of Australia).
This is a fantastic place to have the best underwater experience. The amazing array of different types of coral and colourful marine species makes it a veritable geological paradise.
One of the most popular trips out to the Belize Barrier Reef is a snorkelling trip off of Caye Caulker. Reserve your snorkelling adventure here.
The Blue Hole
The Blue Hole is a gigantic circular sinkhole off the coast of Belize. It offers a glimpse for any marine enthusiast to see huge stalactites, dripstone sheets, and a wondrous variety of marine life.
The Blue Hole, with its geological wonders, is part of the Belize Barrier Reef, therefore a UNESCO world heritage site. This is the most alluring spot for any scuba diver and marine explorer.
Why visit Belize? For the jungle adventures
The best part of the Belize experience is that one day, you get to dive with the whale sharks, and the next day, you get to explore a typical Central American jungle with its wildlife ranging from jaguars to howler monkeys and even parades of leaf-cutter ants, frigates, and the keel-billed toucan.
Belize has an amazing network of wildlife sanctuaries and provides a haven for a mind-boggling variety of plants, reptiles, birds, and amphibians.
Excellent weather is another reason to visit Belize
The climate in Belize is one of the most endearing factors of it being a tourist hotspot. The climate is comfortable throughout the year.
The tropical rainforests provide relief in summer, while the Caribbean winter is pleasantly cool without being cold.
Why visit Belize? How about for delicious food
The Belize food experience is as exciting and varied as the land itself. The cuisine here is an inspiration of the many ethnic groups in Belize.
It is comprised of unusual yet largely succulent and tasty food. If you are a food adventurer, then the Belize food variety may appeal to the foodie in you.
It may help you to know that beautiful Belize happens to be the only English-speaking nation in Central America. So, if adventure is your calling, pack your bags and get ready for the Belize experience.
Expand your adventure. Cross the northern border into Mexico and check out all the cool things to do in Chetumal.
Save on your trip with these resources
These are our go-to companies when we travel. We believe this list to be the best in each category. You can’t go wrong using them on your trip too.
- Flights: we use Expedia for the best and cheapest flight options.
- Accommodations: we use Booking.com (hotels) or VRBO (self-contained).
- Cars (gas or electric): we use RentalCars to search for deals and dealer ratings.
- Campervans or Motorhomes: we use Campstar where Albom Adventures readers get a 3% discount
- Private guides: we love the private guides at Tours by Locals
- Travel Insurance: our go-to is World Nomads*.
Check out our travel resources page for more companies that we use when you travel.
*World Nomads provides travel insurance for travellers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.
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Read next: 20 Picturesque Cruise Ship Ports Around the World
Have you been to Belize?
About the Author:
This article was written for Albom Adventures by Sam Weiss. Her blog, Soar Legs, is no longer published.
Photo Credits
Photos on this page are either shot by our team and watermarked as such, in the public domain, or some stock photos were supplied by DepositPhotos.
Kerry
Great article! Belize is on our must visit list! Can’t beat a good snorkel opportunity!
Cheers!
paula schuck
I was in Belize in 2014 and would love to go back. We spent New Year’s Eve day there. It was a port where we visited during a cruise. We spent most of the day snorkelling with nurse sharks and stingrays. It was awesome. I would love to visit and explore more.
Rhonda Albom
Only a day in Belize wouldn’t be enough for me 🙂
Mandy
Belize looks so beautiful! I love the crystal blue waters, the jungle, and all of that history!
Rhonda Albom
It was one of our favourite destinations when we lived in the states as it was so close. Now, it takes a bit more effort, but would be worth it.
Rhonda Albom
Hope you get to Belize someday.
Anda
I haven’t been to Belize, but I can see why it is considered a very exciting travel destinations. It’s not only tropical (which for me it’s very appealing) but also very colorful and exotic. I’ve seen a toucan like this in an aviary in Brazil. They are so sweet birds, unlike the parrots.
Rhonda Albom
One of my good friends (when I lived in California) grew up there. I have been three times with her, once with hubby too.
Denise Covey
Hi Rhonda. No, I haven’t been to Belize, but this text and photos convinces me I need to. Gorgeous!
Rhonda Albom
It is as lovely as the photos show it.
Joyce Lansky
Gorgeous! I want your life style. It looks like its a lot more fun than mine.
Rhonda Albom
LOL – I just don’t share the boring parts of my life. This, however is a guest post, I haven’t been to Belize in almost 20 years.
Molly
Truly a tropical paradise
Mollyxxx
Comedy Plus
I’ve not been there but would like to visit. It’s warm. That’s what I’m looking for right now.
Have a fabulous day. ♥♥♥
Rhonda Albom
LOL – It’s summer in New Zealand, and I am looking for some warm today too.
James
Sam – Great post on Belize. I love the Belize Barrier Reef for diving. Just so much to see under and above water. Thanks for sharing!
Marie
Belize is definately on my bucket list of travel destinations!
Rhonda Albom
I have been three times, and would go again if the opportunity came up.
Jessica @ Independent Travel Cats
Belize sounds like a great place to visit, I would especially love to see the Mayan ruins and the wildlife!
Rhonda Albom
I have been to both of the Mayan ruins that Sam mentioned above, and yes, they are incredible.