10 Things to Do in Belize

Belize provides visitors with plenty of possible activities. Many of the most popular things to do in Belize involve being outdoors in the beautiful climate and enjoying all that Belize has to offer. If you’re adventurous, Belize definitely has plenty for you. If you just want to experience the rainforest, you’re in luck too. Here we’ll take a look at 10 of the most popular things to do when in Belize.

1. Hike the Rainforest

The rainforest is an amazing ecosystem, especially for those of use who live thousands of miles away. Belize is a small enough country that regardless of where you are, you’re not too far away from the rainforest. Plenty of guided hikes are available, or you can venture out on your own.

2. Caving

Belize is home to many caves that can be explored. These caves were important to the Mayan civilization, as they viewed caves as a transition point between the physical and spiritual worlds.

There are several different caves in Belize that are popular for exploration. Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) located in the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve is one of the most popular. It is a notable Maya archaeological site due to the skeletons, ceramics, and stoneware that have been found in the cave. Only a specific group of agents have licenses to lead small groups into the cave.

The Black Hole Drop at Actun Loch Tunich, actually a sinkhole, is another popular option. You rappel 300 feet to the bottom of the sinkhole, into the rainforest canopy.

3. Cave Tubing

Several rivers in Belize flow in and out of caves. Cave tubing is one of the most popular activities with visitors. Several different groups offer cave tours, and most cruise ships to dock in Belize City offer cave-tubing as a popular excursion.

For someone like myself that doesn’t enjoy tight spaces, the caves are not too small to force feelings of claustrophobia. The caves that tour groups go through are actually quite large. Be sure to stay away from the sharp rock walls that can pierce an innertube, or you may be swimming to the end.

4. Kayaking

Some of the same rivers that offer cave tubing are also ideal for kayaking. Sea kayaking is also available, which is better for wildlife observation. You can paddle through the remote cayes and kayaking with a sail is even an option.

5. Windsurfing

The beautiful waters of the Caribbean are also ideal for windsurfing. The steady winds and warm water make Belize ideal for these activities. The islands and cayes provide varying conditions depending on how much exposure the water has to the sea and wind. You can rent the equipment on your own or go with a guided group, which is ideal for beginners.

6. Snorkeling and Scuba Diving

Belize is an ideal location for snorkeling and suba diving. The Belize Barrier Reef is the longest unbroken reef in the western hemisphere. The reef, cayes, and atolls provide plenty of great opportunities for seeing many of the 500+ species of fish in Belize. Snorkeling with nurse sharks and stingrays is a popular activity of visitors to Belize.

Scuba divers can explore the Blue Hole, descending along the walls of a submerged cave. Clear waters and large schools of colorful fish are present in a number of different diving locations, including Glover’s Reef.

7. Canopy Tours

Another popular activity is the rainforest canopy tour and zipline. There are several companies that offer these tours, each providing thrills and beautiful sights while zipping through the rainforest.

The details of each canopy tour will vary (number of ziplines, height, speed).

8. Visit the Belize Zoo

The Belize Zoo was started in 1983 in an attempt to provide a home to animals that had been used in the filming of documentaries about tropical forests. Today the zoo covers more than 29 acres and is home to more than 150 animals, all representing species that are native to Belize.

If you want to experience and learn more about the animals of Belize, the zoo is a good place to do it. Hikes through the rainforest are a lot of fun, but typically animals will hear you coming (especially if you’re in a group) and they’ll move away, making it difficult to see much in the wild.

9. Visit Mayan Ruins

Like the other countries of Central America, Belize is home to amazing Mayan ruins. Some of the most popular Mayan sites in Belize include Xunantunich, Caracol, Tikal, Altun Ha, and Cahal Pech (although several others exist as well).

Many of the Mayan sites can be explored on your own, and tours are available from almost any resort, hotel, or cruise ship.

10. Go to the Beach

If you’re more interested in relaxing than taking part in adventurous activities like snorkeling and riding ziplines, the beach is always an option. White sand and clear water make the beaches of Belize a great place to spend your time.

The beaches of the offshore islands offer a lot of restaurants, bars, and dive shops, while most of the beaches on the mainland near Belize City are quiet. Many resorts also have their own private beaches.