UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE - 5 Suitcases

Belize owns my heart. I fell in love with it on my first visit in 2007 and keep coming back for more. I have now been to Belize countless times and will most definitely be returning. There is a TON of things to do in Belize in fact, there’s something for everyone! Whether you’re into history, culture, or adventure, this place has something for you!

A Little About Belize…

Belize is a beautiful country tucked in the middle of Central America near Honduras. Now… it isn’t your traditional beauty. The country itself is poor and most definitely still developing. While LFK is the ultimate paradise, Belize isn’t much of a looker. Belize, however, is a diamond in the rough. It has some serious potential.

The people of Belize are incredible. They are some of the most kind-hearted, welcoming, and appreciative people I’ve ever met. They are a huge part of why I love the country so much.

Belize and the Cruise Industry

Thanks to the cruise industry, Belize has become much more accessible to the average traveler. In fact, cruise ships drop anchor off of the coast of Belize City more than 330 times a year! More than 80% of the country’s visitors arrive via cruise ship.

If you arrive to Belize via cruise ship, I strongly suggest that you book an excursion. While Belize City is still developing as a tourist destination, there isn’t a ton to offer visitors just yet.

If you do not book an excursion then you will totally miss out on all of the incredible things Belize has to offer. Belize is the perfect location for adventurous travel. Between SCUBA Diving, Cave Tubing, Zip Lining, Caving, and all of the other outdoor activities, you’ll never be bored!

Our Top 5 Things to do in Belize:

Cave Tubing

Have you ever heard of cave tubing? Cave tubing is where you float on an inner tube on a river that winds through a cave. It is so relaxing and such a cool experience! Most cruise lines offer this excursion to its cruisers however it is also open to terrestrial travelers as well.

Cave tubing is available at the Jaguar Paw Cave near the capital city of Belmopan. It is located between Belize City and San Ignacio (home to a couple of Mayan Ruins).

From the parking lot, it’s a short hike through the jungle and a couple of river traverses before you hit the cave system. The caves are pitch black inside. The only light comes from your small headlamp. Parts of the cave have shallow water, just remember “Butts Up” and you’ll be alright!

Visit the Ruins

Xunantunich may actually be my favorite Mayan ruins that I’ve been to. Xunantunich is located near the city of San Ignacio close to the Guatemalan border, about 80 miles west of Belize City. Part of what makes these ruins are so cool is the fact that you can actually climb to the top of El Castillo, the massive structure you see pictured above. The climb to the top is a little nerve-wracking but absolutely worth it. If you can summon the courage, you’ll be greeted by incredible views at the top.

I will say that the ruins do not offer the safety standards that many of us are used to, but at the same time how silly would the ruins look if they were covered in hand rails and protective barriers? Use your common sense and you should be fine. Parts of the climb are very narrow. I had to inch my way across a very narrow portion of the ruins. If you get scared, push through it!

You can actually see Cahal Pech from the top of Xunantunich. The two ancient cities were relatively close to one another. Cahal Pech is much smaller however, you’re able to explore many of the buildings and climb the pyramids. These ruins are much easier to climb than Xunantunich. If you are afraid of heights (or traveling with littles) but want the opportunity to truly explore Mayan ruins, then Cahal Pech is probably the best choice for you.

Zip Lining

Belize was the very first place that I tried zip lining. We booked a tour through Caves Branch. Interestingly, this was the same place that I had been cave tubing just years before. If you are a terrestrial traveler (rather than a cruiser) you could easily pair the two adventures together. You may also be interested in St. Herman’s Blue Hole National Park and Five Blues Lake National Park.

The guides were extremely helpful. More importantly, they were patient with us scaredy cats! I felt that they did a fantastic job coaching everyone through their zip lining experience.

The Great Blue Hole

The Blue Hole may be one of Belize’s most famous sites. For ages, this was the main reason many people visited Belize. The Great Blue Hole is well-known for its diving and snorkeling. It is located about 43 miles north of Belize City.

In 2012, the Discovery Channel ranked it #1 on their list of “The 10 Most Amazing Places on Earth” and it is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Be sure to research the pre-requisites for divers before you book your trip. Most cruise lines offer excursions to this popular dive spot.

Nurse Sharks Greeting us at Shark & Ray Alley

Swim with Sharks & Rays

Imagine leaping into the middle of the sea and being completely surrounded by nurse sharks and stingrays. Talk about a rush! If you’re an adrenaline junkie, we suggest visiting Shark and Ray Alley.

This tourist hot spot is located near the stunning town of Ambergris Caye. Cruise lines offer excursions here and there are a couple of different companies that offer boat tours for terrestrial travelers.

You’ll be absolutely amazed at how gentle these nurse sharks are. Nurse sharks are slow-moving bottom-dwellers. They can grow up to 14 feet long and have thousands of teeth. Don’t let those teeth fool you though, nurse sharks are harmless (unless, of course, you step on one…).