Top 5 Things to do in Belize- the land of History & Adventure
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!
Table of Contents
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.
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…).
While You’re in Belize
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28 Comments
kmf
I’m all about the beach…and Belize is high on my list! And the Blue Hole is fascinating! Pinning for future refernce.
Elle MacRae
The beaches in Belize are absolutely stunning. I’m looking forward to spending more time at the Blue Hole and in Caye Caulker next time I visit. Thanks for stopping by!
Emma
Belize looks amazing. A friend went there a couple of years ago and I was so jealous when I saw her pictures. I’d love to fly over the great blue hole, and some of the ancient sites here look fascinating. What a beautiful place
Elle MacRae
Oooh, I bet you’re right- flying over the Blue Hole would be amazing! Thanks for stopping by!
Travelling Tam
I have been dying to go to Belieze for sooo long. Swimming with sharks is so high up there on my bucketlist and I adore the look of the ruins. Plus the Blue Hole! Would love to dive there. Thanks for such an inspiring insight into what you can do here 🙂
Elle MacRae
Swimming with these sharks is ALMOST cheating because they are not dangerous (for the most part). This would be an easy place to check that off of your bucket list. Thanks for stopping in!
Destiny
I am hoping to be going to Belize in May! I want to do every single thing you listed! There seems to be so much adventure waiting there! Thank you for the amazing suggestions!
Elle MacRae
May is an incredible time to go to Belize. I’ve read that they just opened their borders back up for travel so hopefully, that doesn’t change. Have a wonderful time! Thanks for stopping by.
Charlena
Amazing photos – I’ve been dying to do a Central America trip and this is the perfect inspiration I need! Thanks for a great post!
Elle MacRae
Central America is my favorite corner of the globe, Charlena. There is so much to do here and the history and culture are fascinating. Thanks for stopping by.
Mayuri
I really want to go to Belize. Thanks for sharing your top picks! Saving for future trips
Elle MacRae
I truly hope that you get a chance to visit! Thanks for stopping in 🙂
Olivia
Belize looks gorgeous! I would love to visit the Blue Hotel and go for a swim with the sharks and rays! What an awesome experience 🙂
Elle MacRae
You’re right, parts of Belize are absolutely stunning. I’m hoping to make it to the Blue Hole on my next trip. Thanks for popping in, Olivia.
Rhonda Albom
I love Belize! I have been to Xunantunich and the Blue Hole, but not the others. I haven’t been to Belize in years but hope to get back one day.
Elle MacRae
Wasn’t Xunantunich great? I was terrified climbing El Castillo but I am incredibly thankful that I pushed past my fear. The views at the top were remarkable. Thanks for stopping by, Rhonda.
Krista
I haven’t been to Belize yet, but one thing I know I want to do is to visit the ruins!
Elle MacRae
The ruins are an absolute must! I’ve visited ruins throughout Central America but the ones in Belize have a special place in my heart <3 Thanks for popping in!
Kelly
This is awesome! I have only spent one day in Belize before as a stop on a cruise so we spent the day in Belize City, but I would love to go back one day and try some of these things 🙂 Cave tubing seems so fun!
Elle MacRae
Most of these activities are offered as excursions by the cruise lines so you should definitely check them out the next time you do a western itinerary! Thanks for stopping by 🙂
Josy A
The ruins at Xunantunich look amaaazing! I would love to visit them one day, then try cave tubing another day to have a varied, fun holiday! It must be sooo strange to be in a cold, dark cave when you know it’s hot just above you!!
Elle MacRae
Xunatunich + Cave Tubing = a Blast!
You’re right it is really cool knowing that while you’re floating in complete darkness there’s a jungle full of mysteries right on top of you!
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