The ultimate Belize travel guide: Best things to do, where to stay & travel tips
- 17 hours ago
- 11 min read
In partnership with Belize Tourism Board
Belize had been quietly sitting on my travel list for some time. I’d actually visited once before, briefly, during an expedition two years ago. It was only a day trip, just enough to offer a glimpse of the country’s vibrant coastline and Caribbean charm. Even in that short time, it left an impression and I remember thinking it was a place I’d love to return to and explore properly.
When the opportunity finally came, it felt like the perfect chance to discover more of what Belize has to offer. The first thing that strikes you is the atmosphere. The air feels warm and easy, the pace slower, and the landscapes wonderfully diverse.
Spread between jungle, reef and coastline, Belize offers an incredible variety of experiences in a relatively small space. One moment you’re gliding across turquoise waters above the Belize Barrier Reef, the next you’re deep in the rainforest, surrounded by birdsong and ancient Maya history. From the relaxed beaches of Placencia to the colourful streets of San Pedro on Ambergris Caye, the country has a rhythm of its own.
It’s the kind of destination that naturally encourages you to slow down. Days unfold with bright sunshine, time out on the water, and evenings where the sky fades into soft shades of gold and coral over the Caribbean Sea. Belize may be small, but it leaves a lasting impression.
💡 Useful tips before heading to Belize in March
When to Go
March falls within Belize’s dry season and is widely considered one of the best times to visit. Expect warm, sunny days and comfortable evenings, with temperatures typically ranging between 27–32°C. The weather is ideal for both beach days along the Caribbean coast and exploring inland jungles, waterfalls, and Maya archaeological sites.
Because conditions are so pleasant, March can also be a popular month for travel, so it’s worth booking accommodation and tours in advance, particularly on the islands.
Getting Around
Belize is relatively small, but travelling between regions often involves a mix of domestic flights, ferries, and road transfers. Short flights on small propeller planes are one of the easiest ways to move between the mainland and the cayes, and they offer spectacular aerial views of the reef and coastline along the way.
Once on the islands, golf carts are the primary mode of transport, adding to the relaxed Caribbean atmosphere. On the mainland, guided transfers or local drivers are the most convenient way to reach jungle lodges, waterfalls, and archaeological sites.
Where to Stay
Belize offers a wonderful mix of coastal escapes, island retreats, and jungle lodges, and many travellers choose to divide their time between two different regions.
The Placencia Peninsula in southern Belize is known for its long sandy beaches, quiet villages, and easy access to both the Belize Barrier Reef and inland rainforest adventures. It’s a peaceful base for travellers seeking nature, culture, and slower coastal living.
Further north, Ambergris Caye is Belize’s largest and most lively island. The colourful town of San Pedro is filled with beachfront restaurants, dive shops, and sailing excursions, making it an excellent hub for snorkelling and exploring the reef.
Combining a few nights on the mainland with time on one of the cayes offers a well-rounded introduction to Belize.
What to Pack
Belize’s tropical climate calls for lightweight, breathable clothing, but packing a few practical essentials will help you make the most of your trip. For a more detailed packing checklist, click here.
Food & Drink
Belizean cuisine reflects the country’s rich cultural mix, blending Caribbean, Creole, Garifuna, and Maya influences. Along the coast you’ll find an abundance of fresh seafood, from grilled lobster and snapper to zesty ceviche and coconut-based curries.
Traditional favourites such as rice and beans, stew chicken, and fry jacks are widely enjoyed, while tropical fruits and fresh juices appear on many menus. A cold Belikin beer or a rum cocktail at sunset is never far away.
Pace Yourself
Belize is not a place that rewards rushing. Days often begin with adventures such as snorkelling, sailing, or exploring jungle landscapes. But they tend to slow beautifully by afternoon, when the Caribbean breeze settles in and the rhythm of island life takes over.
Plan lightly, leave room for spontaneity, and allow yourself time to simply enjoy the atmosphere. Belize has a way of encouraging travellers to slow down and savour the moment..
Preparing your trip beforehand
Before heading to Belize, a little preparation goes a long way. Beyond the turquoise reefs and lush jungle landscapes, it is worth organising a few practical essentials in advance, from entry requirements and insurance to health precautions and connectivity.
Money - US dollars are widely accepted throughout Belize and often preferred in tourist areas. The local currency is the Belize Dollar (BZD), fixed at 2 BZD to 1 USD. Cards are accepted in most hotels and restaurants, but it’s useful to carry small notes for tips, local shops and smaller establishments.
Entry Requirements - UK passport holders do not currently need a visa for tourist stays of up to 30 days in Belize. Your passport should be valid for the duration of your stay, but it’s always wise to check the latest guidance before travelling.
Travel Insurance - Travel insurance is highly recommended, particularly if your trip includes activities such as snorkelling, diving, boat excursions or jungle adventures. Ensure your policy covers medical care, cancellations and valuables.
Vaccinations and Health - It’s worth checking the latest travel health advice with your GP or a travel clinic before departure. Routine vaccinations are usually recommended, and mosquito repellent is essential in tropical areas. The NHS Fit for Travel website provides up-to-date guidance.
Connectivity - Consider purchasing an eSIM before arrival so you have data from the moment you land. While WiFi is available in most hotels and restaurants, mobile data is helpful when navigating between towns, islands and excursions.
Day One: The Great Blue Hole & Placencia Arrival
After travelling via the United States, we arrived into Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport just outside Belize City. We of course, had to start off the trip with 'wow factor', which meant a visit to one of the most iconic sights in Belize the Great Blue Hole - giant marine sinkhole visible from the air. Rather than diving it, we experienced it from above during a scenic flight across the reef. From the window of the small aircraft, the deep circular blue of the sinkhole stood out dramatically against the surrounding turquoise waters of Lighthouse Reef Atoll. It was a breathtaking reminder of the natural wonders that make Belize such a remarkable destination.
From there, a short domestic flight carried us south to Placencia, offering more incredible views of Belize’s lush coastline and turquoise waters along the way. Placencia sits on a slender peninsula in southern Belize and is known for its relaxed pace, long sandy beaches and access to both reef and rainforest adventures.
After settling in and taking some time to explore the surroundings, we enjoyed our first taste of Belizean hospitality over lunch before spending the afternoon easing into the Caribbean rhythm.
As evening approached, dinner was served with views of the sea and the distant sound of Garifuna drumming drifting through the warm night air. It was the perfect welcome to Belize.
Day Two: Maya Temples & Spice Farms in Toledo
The following morning began early as we travelled south toward Punta Gorda, the quiet capital of the Toledo District. This region feels wonderfully remote and is known for its cultural diversity and dense rainforest landscapes.
Our first stop was Nim Li Punit, a fascinating Maya archaeological site famous for its carved stelae and towering monuments. Surrounded by jungle, the site feels peaceful and almost untouched.
From there we continued to a nearby spice farm and botanical garden where the air was filled with the scents of cardamom, cinnamon and nutmeg. Walking through the gardens offered a glimpse into the agricultural traditions that continue to shape life in this part of Belize.
That evening, we dined at Limilia Restaurant at Itz’ana, where the experience offered a beautiful introduction to Garifuna culture. Through the food, we explored traditional flavours and dishes, while learning about the heritage and history of the Garifuna people. The evening was brought to life with the rhythmic sound of Garifuna drumming, recognised by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, creating an atmosphere that felt both vibrant and deeply rooted in tradition.
Day Three: Mayan Culture in Toledo
Our day in the Toledo District offered something entirely different, a deeper connection to Belize’s cultural roots. We visited Yona’s Mayan Grill, where we were welcomed into a traditional Maya experience that felt both personal and immersive. We learnt about daily life within Maya families, how communities work together, and the importance of preserving these traditions through food and storytelling.
A highlight was harvesting our own cacao, learning about its significance within Maya culture not only as a staple ingredient, but also for its healing properties. From bean to table, the process felt both grounding and fascinating, offering a real appreciation for something so often taken for granted.
Later, we set out on a gentle hike through Blue Creek, where clear waters wind through lush jungle landscapes. The trail led us to beautiful waterfalls and cave views, with the option to paddle or kayak along the calm waters, adding a sense of quiet adventure to the experience.
By the end of the day, it felt like we had seen a completely different side of Belize, one rooted in culture, nature and a slower, more meaningful way of life.
Day Four: Island Hopping Along the Belize Barrier Reef
No trip to Belize would feel complete without spending time out on the water, exploring the Belize Barrier Reef, the second largest barrier reef system in the world.
Our day began with a boat trip out to Moho Caye, a small, idyllic island just off the southern coast, where powdery white sand meets the most striking shades of turquoise. While we based ourselves here for the day, it’s well worth noting that many tours include multiple stops, and island hopping between different cayes is something I’d highly recommend if time allows.
We spent the day at an easy, unhurried pace, enjoying the beach, taking dips in the warm Caribbean Sea and heading out for a spot of snorkelling. The waters around the caye are wonderfully clear, with vibrant marine life just beneath the surface, making it an ideal introduction to Belize’s underwater world.
Lunch was a relaxed beachside BBQ, fresh, simple and full of flavour, which only added to the laid-back atmosphere of the day. There’s something about dining with your feet in the sand that makes everything taste better.
By late afternoon we made our way back to Placencia, salt in our hair and the sun slowly beginning to dip, ending the day in that familiar golden Caribbean light.
Day Five: Island Life on Ambergris Caye
After breakfast we flew north to Ambergris Caye, Belize’s largest island, where the shift in atmosphere is immediate. From above, the reef reveals itself in vivid shades of turquoise, before giving way to the colourful charm of San Pedro below.
The town itself is lively, welcoming and unmistakably Caribbean. Sandy streets are lined with beach bars, local restaurants and dive shops, while golf carts replace cars as the main mode of transport, adding to the easygoing rhythm of island life.
For our stay, we were based just outside of the town at Aruna, a relatively new luxury eco-resort set a short 7-minute boat ride from San Pedro. That small distance makes all the difference, offering a more secluded and tranquil setting away from the bustle, while still keeping the island’s energy within easy reach. It strikes a perfect balance between barefoot luxury and sustainability, with a calm, understated feel that makes it easy to unwind.
Later that afternoon, we set out for one of Belize’s most celebrated marine experiences, snorkelling at Hol Chan Marine Reserve. Having visited many snorkelling destinations across the Caribbean, this was genuinely one of the most impressive I’ve experienced, easily on par with places like the Maldives in terms of marine life. The water was crystal clear, and within moments we were swimming alongside nurse sharks, stingrays, sea turtles and vibrant schools of tropical fish moving effortlessly through the coral.
The experience felt immersive from start to finish, with both lunch and dinner enjoyed out on the water, adding to that sense of being completely surrounded by the sea. As the day drew to a close, we cruised along the coastline at sunset, watching the sky soften into shades of pink and orange, the perfect end to a day that captured the very best of Belize’s island life.
Day Six: Discovering San Pedro
Our final full day in Belize was spent soaking up the energy of San Pedro, trading aerial views for something far more grounded (and delicious). We joined a local food tour, which felt like one of the best ways to experience the culture of the island beyond its beaches.
The morning began with a traditional Belizean breakfast of fry jacks, freshly made and served warm, before we wandered through the colourful streets stopping at a series of local spots. Along the way, we sampled everything from zesty ceviche and rich seafood curries to hearty Belizean comfort dishes that reflect the country’s diverse cultural influences. There’s also a strong Mexican influence here, particularly evident in the tacos, which were some of the best we tried during the trip.
The experience was as much about the people and stories as it was the food, with each stop offering a glimpse into daily life on the island. We even enjoyed a rum tasting along the way, adding another layer to Belize’s vibrant culinary scene.
The rest of the day was intentionally left slow and unstructured, a chance to unwind and soak up our final afternoon in Belize. We returned to Aruna for a relaxed evening, ending the trip with dinner in a setting that felt both peaceful and reflective - the perfect way to close out our time in this part of the Caribbean.
🗺️ Where we visited during this trip (with Google Map links)
Placencia Peninsula A laid-back stretch of coastline in southern Belize known for sandy beaches, colourful fishing villages and easy access to the Belize Barrier Reef. Perfect for slow mornings, boat trips and Caribbean sunsets.
🔗 Location
Nim Li Punit Maya Site A quiet and fascinating Maya archaeological site in the Toledo District, famous for its carved stone monuments and peaceful jungle setting.
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Belize Spice Farm & Botanical Garden A fragrant stop filled with cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom and tropical plants. A lovely way to learn about Belize’s agricultural traditions.
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Yona's Mayan Grill
A truly immersive cultural experience where you can learn about traditional Maya life through food. From harvesting cacao to understanding its cultural and healing significance, it offers a meaningful insight into everyday traditions and community life.
🔗 Location
Moho Caye
A small, idyllic island just off the southern coast, known for its powdery white sand and crystal-clear waters. Perfect for swimming, snorkelling or simply unwinding in a peaceful, postcard-worthy setting.
🔗 Location
Ambergris Caye (San Pedro) Belize’s largest island and the lively heart of its Caribbean culture, known for colourful streets, beach bars and easy access to the reef.
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Hol Chan Marine Reserve One of Belize’s most famous snorkelling spots, home to nurse sharks, stingrays, sea turtles and vibrant coral gardens.
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The Great Blue Hole Belize’s most iconic natural wonder. This giant marine sinkhole sits within Lighthouse Reef Atoll and is best admired from above.
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🧳 Belize Packing Checklist🧾 Essentials
👕 Clothing
🥾 Adventure & Beach Gear
💊 Health & Practical Items
🔌 Electronics & Adapters Belize uses Type A and Type B plugs (the same as the United States) with a 110–120V supply, so travellers from North America won’t need an adapter. Visitors from the UK or Europe should pack a US-style travel adapter. |
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Follow me on @maikenf on Instagram to see my journey.
This stay was in collaboration with FINN Partners for Belize Tourism Board. All views and opinions here are as usual my own.
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