Discover Belize: diving, the cayes and the Maya jungle

The only English-speaking country in Central America, Belize lines its coast with the longest barrier reef in the northern hemisphere and laid-back islets, while inland lies a jungle dotted with Maya pyramids and sacred caves.

Why choose Belize?

Belize combines, in a small territory, the UNESCO-listed barrier reef, one of the world's most famous dive sites in the Great Blue Hole, and Maya cities such as Caracol and Xunantunich. English is the official language, making it the easiest gateway to Central America for travellers who do not speak Spanish.

What to discover in Belize?

The northern cayes: Caye Caulker and Ambergris

From Belize City, water taxis reach Caye Caulker in about 45 minutes and San Pedro, on Ambergris Caye, in an hour and a half. Car-free Caye Caulker, with its "Go Slow" motto, suits small budgets, while Ambergris offers pricier resorts and restaurants. Allow three to four nights for snorkelling in Hol Chan reserve, where rays and nurse sharks come up to the boats, and a dive day on Lighthouse Reef atoll.

Cayo District and the western jungle

About two hours by road from Belize City, San Ignacio is the base for the interior. From here you reach Xunantunich on a hand-cranked ferry, the Actun Tunichil Muknal cave and, two to three hours down a dirt road, Caracol, the largest Maya city in the country. Plan three nights. The border with Guatemala is only about fifteen kilometres away: Tikal makes a day trip, passport in hand.

The Garifuna south: Hopkins and Placencia

The southern coast is Garifuna country, home to descendants of Africans and Caribbean Amerindians whose musical culture is on UNESCO's intangible heritage list. Hopkins, a fishing village, offers drumming lessons and coconut-milk dishes; the Placencia peninsula has a long sandy beach. Between March and June, around the full moon, whale sharks gather offshore at Gladden Spit. Two to three nights are enough, adding a day at the Cockscomb jaguar sanctuary.

Lamanai and the sugar-cane north

The flat north of the country, planted with sugar cane, is visited mainly for Lamanai, a Maya city occupied for more than three thousand years. It is reached by a boat trip of about an hour up the New River from Orange Walk, with crocodiles and birds along the banks. One day is enough from Belize City. From Punta Gorda, at the other end of the country, boats also cross to Honduras and Guatemala.

Cities to visit in Belize

Featured destinations appear first.
Coming soon.

Must-sees in Belize

Six sites that justify the trip on their own, underwater and in the jungle.

Great Blue Hole

Circular marine sinkhole about 300 metres across in the heart of Lighthouse Reef atoll, for experienced divers or seen from a scenic flight.

Actun Tunichil Muknal

Sacred Maya cave explored on foot and by swimming with a licensed guide, leading to calcified skeletons and ceremonial pottery.

Hol Chan Reserve

Marine reserve off Ambergris Caye whose Shark Ray Alley lets you swim among rays and nurse sharks.

Xunantunich

Maya site perched above the Mopan River, whose El Castillo pyramid looks out over the jungle as far as Guatemala.

The Split

Channel cut by a hurricane at the northern tip of Caye Caulker, now the place to swim and watch the sunset.

Cockscomb Sanctuary

The world's first reserve dedicated to the jaguar, with forest trails and waterfalls, an hour's drive from Hopkins.

Frequently asked questions

Can you see the Great Blue Hole without diving?
Yes, in two ways. A small-plane flight from San Pedro or Caye Caulker reveals its perfectly circular shape. Boat trips also offer snorkelling on the rim of the hole and on the nearby reefs of Half Moon Caye, with no certification needed.
Caye Caulker or Ambergris Caye?
Caye Caulker is smaller, more affordable and easy to explore on foot or by bike. Larger Ambergris Caye has more upscale hotels and restaurants. Both give access to the same diving and snorkelling trips, and they are 25 minutes apart by boat.
Is the ATM cave difficult?
The visit takes a full day and involves swimming across a pool at the entrance, wading through water and scrambling over rocks in the dark. It remains accessible to anyone in good physical shape, only with a licensed guide. It closes after heavy rain.
When can you see whale sharks in Belize?
They gather at Gladden Spit, off Placencia, between March and June, in the days around the full moon, to feed on fish spawn. Trips are regulated and limited in number: book ahead with a Placencia operator.
Can you visit Tikal from Belize in one day?
Yes, from San Ignacio, about fifteen kilometres from the border. Tours leave early, cross at Benque Viejo and reach Tikal in around two hours. Bring your passport and budget for the Belize exit fee.
Is Belize expensive compared with its neighbours?
Yes, it is one of the most expensive countries in Central America, especially on the cayes, where almost everything is imported. Accommodation, diving and boats weigh heavily on the budget. The interior around San Ignacio remains more affordable.

Plan your trip to Belize

Day-by-day itinerary, budget, bookings and packing in a single app.
Aperçu de l'application PlanTripNow