Belize Travel Guide

For the traveler, Belize is all about wildlife. The local tourism authority operates under the slogan 'Nature's best kept secret' and for once the blurb might be justified: this tiny corner of South America is a glistening kaleidoscope of colorful plants and animals, with a light dash of Mayan culture thrown in. In fact, over 40% of the country is protected by national parks, and animal lovers can spot dolphins, turtles, jaguars, sharks and massive lizards across Belize’s various remarkable forest and beach-side hot spots.

Scuba divers and snorkelers will bask in Glover’s… read more Reef, where the central lagoon wiggles with an alluring array of sea life. The massive shoals of fish at Turneffe Elbow are drawn there by major currents - which create an attractive feeding ground - and tickle passing swimmers as they burst past in massive swirling crowds. Beachside Placenia offers calmer options for water lovers, with pricey resorts and miles of golden beaches leading up to the water-based fun. Hol Chan Marine Reserve, meanwhile, is the place for the fearless, who go face-to-face with brawny sharks and poisonous rays.

Inland, Caye Caulker is like walking into a Malibu advert, waking at noon and spending your days wandering amongst freshly caught seafood, wearing only shorts and sandals and drinking fluorescent cocktails as the sun sets. The ramshackle colors of Belize City are certainly vibrant, but a reputation for dodgy dealings and theft - combined with the natural spectacles elsewhere - keep most travelers away. For those brave enough, a cultural mish-mash with plenty of crumbling colonial influences awaits just below the rustic surface.

History lovers should head to Caracol, an ancient Mayan site in the jungle high above sea level, where the stone ruins that were once the center of a holy war are slowly becoming at one with the jungle, and a trip into the surrounding forests reveals a plethora of wildlife. Dangriga – ‘sweet water’ – is a hub of Belizean culture, with notable art galleries and festivals, as well as it’s own style of beat-driven fusion music, punta rock.

For nature lovers, Belize’s natural wonders are almost untouchable, both over and underwater, with characteristic culture and gaudy cityscapes equally hard to pass up. You might not have heard much about it, but trust us, it's phenomenal, and that lack of a strong reputation just means less tourists infringing on your paradise.