Top 5 Things to Do in Belize

The wonders of an underwater world come to life as you scuba dive or snorkel in Belize. The tropical setting makes the coastline an enticing destination in which to search for star coral, dive around the world’s second-largest reef, or enjoy sightings of the elusive whale shark.

The necessity of taking a boat to nearly every snorkeling and diving site makes each discovery feel new, whether drifting over the shallow water in search of sea turtles or diving into the depths to survey the stunning stalactites of the iconic Great Blue Hole, one of the best places to visit.

Best Places for Snorkeling or Scuba Diving: Hol Chan Marine Reserve • Shark Ray Alley • Turneffe Reef Atoll • Half Moon Caye Wall • Great Blue Hole

The wonders of the wilderness speak volumes in Belize. With diverse ecosystems that support exciting wildlife, the scenery can immerse you in dense jungle canopies or forested trails.

With such a range of ecosystems, you can search for an array of wildlife in protected landscapes that may unveil signs of jaguar or the calls of black howler monkeys.

From manatees to crocodiles, ocelots to margay, the beauty of the wilderness can give you a new perspective of nature as you explore the tropical paradise.

Best Places for Wildlife Viewing: Rio Bravo Conservation and Management Area • Community Baboon Sanctuary • Gales Point Wildlife Sanctuary • Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary • Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary

Belize is a wonderland of birdlife, with more than 570 recorded species thriving across the country’s diverse ecosystems.

Perfect for year-round bird-watching experiences, you can find signs of macaws and toucans, parrots and hummingbirds, raptors and storks as you travel from the lagoons to the jungle. Uncover herons, look for jabiru storks, and witness the grace of predatory raptors.

Whether amid waterfalls or riverbanks, mangroves or wetlands, you can find the dazzling birdlife for which Belize is known.

Best Places for Birding: Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary • Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary • Macal River • Caracol Ruins

Travel to historic caves, trek to the top of steep hills, and wander through the jungle's depths to find exceptional Mayan ruins.

The magnificently preserved archeological sites can take you back in time to witness ceremonial pyramids, ancient water reservoirs, and sacred temples.

With examples of cities and detailed pottery, intricate figurines and ruined churches, you can find a timeline of the once-dominant empire that ruled the greater Mesoamerica area for millennia.

Best Places for Mayan Ruins: Caracol • Lamanai • Altun Ha • Xunantunich • Cahal Pech

The stunning coastline can plunge you into warm, clear waters, while inland jungle terrain will unveil Mayan ruins. Belize, however, is also a destination for exciting excursions that can take you away from the coastline and beyond historic ruins.

Enjoy an adventure in vast, subterranean river systems while exploring soaring caves or relax with a quiet kayaking tour through a mangrove forest. Cycle beneath a pine tree canopy or trek through the jungle searching for waterfalls to find Belize’s timeless wonders and endlessly thrilling possibilities.

Best Places for Active Adventure: Shark Ray Alley • Caves Branch Archeological Reserve • Bocawina National Park • Great Blue Hole • Blue Creek Cave • Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve

Belize can plunge you into the warmth of the Caribbean or allow you to uncover the tropical beauty of the jungle as wildlife awakens at dawn. You can find natural history and heritage as you travel between islands and new and exciting ways to explore the country’s majesty.

From diving to ruins, birdlife to kayaking, you can travel the way you prefer with our Belize vacations and tours, or find more inspiration in our Belize travel guide.