23 Unforgettable Experiences in Belize

For adventure seekers, Belize offers a stunning Caribbean coastline, vibrant jungles teeming with wildlife, coral reefs, and intriguing underground caves—perfect for endless exploration.

The rich cultural tapestry of the country introduces you to delectable cuisine and exciting activities. Boutique hotels are plentiful, serving as your gateway to Central America's jewel, whether you prefer a private island or an ecolodge experience.

From scuba diving to wandering through ancient ruins, here are the essential activities to experience in Belize.

1. Discover Maya ruins

Belize was once the heart of the Maya empire, with the legendary entrance to the underworld, Xibalba, believed to be located here. While Maya culture endures in Belize today, the ancient ruins offer fascinating insights into their history.

Ruins are scattered across the nation, from the easily accessible Altun Ha and Lamanai to the more secluded Caracol in Cayo, which stands as the tallest man-made structure in Belize.

Each site tells a distinct story about Maya history and culture, complemented by stunning views and excellent photo ops. Notable ruins also include Xunantunich, Cahal Pech, and Lubaantun.

2. Dive into the Blue Hole Natural Monument

For deep-water enthusiasts, Belize is a renowned diving hotspot, with the iconic Great Blue Hole being perhaps the most exhilarating dive site of them all.

Located at the heart of Lighthouse Atoll on the Belize Barrier Reef, this perfectly circular underwater sinkhole offers a dark abyss for divers to explore a unique ecosystem filled with coral, tropical fish, and enigmatic stalactites that reach depths of up to 400 feet.

Planning tip: Prefer to stay above water? Snorkeling here is equally exhilarating, as the walls of the sinkhole teem with vibrant marine life.

3. Celebrate on Caye Caulker

Caye Caulker exudes a laid-back Caribbean atmosphere, attracting backpackers and young travelers who navigate the sandy paths by foot or bicycle. The main attraction is The Split beach, known for its clear, seaweed-free waters.

The Lazy Lizard draws crowds with its drinks, music, and a second-floor balcony that offers breathtaking views. Numerous bars keep the festivities alive into the night, while eateries like Pasta Per Caso ensure everyone is well-fed.

4. Hunt for jaguars in the jungles of Cockscomb

Belize boasts the world’s highest jaguar population, and while these magnificent cats are elusive, your best chance to see one is by exploring the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary in southern Belize's jungles.

Planning tip: DTOURZ provides both daytime and nighttime tours that combine adventure with the search for jaguars. Even if the big cats don’t show up, you’ll encounter a variety of other wildlife, including 290 bird species, black howler monkeys, and snakes.

5. Experience Premier Birdwatching

To say that Belizeans are passionate about birdwatching is an understatement. With over 500 bird species, including keel-billed toucans, scarlet macaws, and indigo buntings, it’s a paradise for bird lovers.

Planning tip: Most guides are well-versed in local birdlife, but for top-notch expertise, visit Black Rock Lodge near San Ignacio to learn from some of Belize’s finest birding experts while immersed in the jungle.

6. Join a Yoga Retreat on Ray Caye

A yoga retreat on a private Caribbean island offers the ultimate in wellness and relaxation.

Throughout the year, Brice Dial from Placencia hosts various soul-nourishing events—multi-day retreats filled with yoga, meditation, and chakra balancing—at exquisite venues such as Ray Caye Resort, The Rainforest Lodge at Sleeping Giant, The Gaia Riverlodge, and Tanager Rainforest Lodge.

Planning tip: Guests can also enjoy water activities like snorkeling or diving, savor delicious meals at the Lionfish Grill, and tackle the island’s famous water slide. Complete your perfect weekend recharge with a soothing massage.

7. Try Fly-Fishing at Turneffe Atoll

Belize boasts a wealth of bonefish, tarpon, and permit—the three Caribbean fish an angler aims to catch in a single day to achieve a grand slam.

Resorts like Turneffe Island Resort specialize in matching guests with expert guides for unique fly-fishing adventures in the atoll’s nearby saltwater flats, providing an experience that connects you with the sea’s beauty and bounty.

8. Connect with Garifuna Heritage

At the Lebeha drumming center in Hopkins, travelers in Belize can sway to the vibrant rhythms of the Garifuna community.

The Garifuna are descendants of an Afro-Indigenous population in the Caribbean who overcame enslavement and shipwrecks; they intermarried with the Arawak people of St. Vincent and fled to Belize in the 1800s to escape persecution.

Planning tip: To experience the richness of Garifuna culture, visit on November 19, Garifuna Settlement Day—a vibrant celebration of their arrival in Belize, featuring food, dance, and drumming.

9. Experience a Bioluminescence Boat Tour in Hopkins

Hopkins is a quaint seaside village celebrated for its Garifuna culture during the day and its enchanting bioluminescence at night. The light emitted by the local marine life creates a magical atmosphere, which you can witness on a nighttime tour—truly a dreamlike experience.

Planning tip: From January to May, when the moonlight is minimal, Get to Know Belize Adventures offers an evening pontoon safari that takes you into the mangroves to observe the shimmering marine life.

10. Set a Blue Morpho Butterfly Free in the Wild

Even emoji creators recognize the blue morpho as the iconic butterfly species. These stunning cerulean butterflies are commonly spotted in the jungles of Belize and at Chaa Creek’s butterfly farm near San Ignacio.

11. Tube Through a Cave

There are numerous ways to discover Belize’s caves, but one of the most popular methods is tubing—an enjoyable way to escape the Belizean heat. Hire a guide and leisurely float through a series of caves adorned with crystal formations, learn about Maya history, and experience the profound darkness of the cavern's heart.

Planning tip: Consider staying at Caves Branch Jungle Lodge to enjoy a variety of cave-related adventures.

12. Go Horseback Riding in the Jungle

The Cayo District is known as cowboy country, but with lush jungles replacing dusty desert towns. Saddle up and ride through the rainforest to discover waterfalls, mountain views, and diverse wildlife native to Central America.

Planning tip: MET Outfitters is the leading equestrian outfitter in the country and can arrange an unforgettable ride for you.

13. Explore Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave as an Anthropologist

Situated approximately 19 miles from San Ignacio, this physically demanding tour into Actun Tunichil Muknal (the Cave of the Stone Sepulchre; ATM) ranks among Belize’s most cherished and unforgettable adventures. The ancient Maya considered ATM to be the entrance to the underworld, known as Xibalba.

Hire a guide from MayaWalk Tours to explore this archaeological site, which features skeletal remains with intriguing histories. Due to a past incident where a camera fell onto a skull, photography is not allowed, making it a firsthand experience you won’t forget.

Planning tip: Be prepared to maneuver through tight spaces and navigate water-filled sections during the three-hour journey inside the cave. Tours may be canceled in cases of heavy rain.

14. Add Some Heat with Marie Sharp’s Hot Sauce

Tangy and spicy describe not only Belize but also its famous hot sauce. Marie Sharp’s habanero-based sauces have gained international fame, adding a burst of Caribbean flavor to dishes around the globe.

In the southern town of Dangriga, a factory offers complimentary tours, and you’ll find hot sauce gracing every table across the nation, making it easy to sample. Local markets also provide travel-sized options at lower prices, making this beloved condiment an ideal souvenir to bring home.

Planning tip: Factory tours in Dangriga are usually offered from Monday to Saturday, and advance reservations are necessary.

15. Savor a Fry Jack

Fry jacks are more than just puffy pieces of tortilla dough—they’re a beloved staple of Belizean cuisine. These golden delights can be found throughout the country, often filled with sweet options like jam and honey or savory choices like beans and cheese (with a touch of Marie Sharp’s, of course).

Whether you prefer sweet or savory, don’t miss trying them at FryJack House in San Pedro, Pop’s Restaurant in San Ignacio, and Errolyns House of Fry Jacks on Caye Caulker.

16. Unwind at Secret Beach

While Ambergris Caye is the premier destination in Belize, it isn't particularly known for its beaches. Being an island means there’s no shortage of waterfront, but until recently, finding a beach near San Pedro was difficult, aside from a few small sandy stretches created by hotels.

Welcome to Secret Beach, a rapidly growing area on the island's west side, where you can enjoy food, drinks, and a vibrant atmosphere.

Planning tip: The easiest way to reach there is by renting a golf cart for the 4.5-mile journey north of San Pedro.

17. Discover the jungle on a pontoon boat adventure

This unique experience unfolds right on the border of Belize and Guatemala, deep within the jungle. Enjoy a full day aboard a comfortable pontoon boat, exploring the lush ecosystems of Western Belize, where you’re more likely to see a parrot than another person.

Planning tip: Jungle Splash Eco-Tours offers excursions to waterfalls and crocodile sightings, allowing you to swim, climb, and hike to your heart's content.

18. Visit the Copalli Rum distillery

As part of the Caribbean, Belize is synonymous with rum, and Copalli Rum is among the finest in the nation. To explore its production and savor a taste, venture south to Punta Gorda and visit the distillery at Copal Tree Lodge.

This secluded area is enveloped by rainforest and remains deeply connected to its Maya heritage. Copalli Rum captures the essence of its surroundings, resulting in a rich and smooth drink that will please any rum lover.

19. Refresh at Big Rock Falls

A drive into the Mountain Pine Ridge in the Cayo District to swim at Big Rock Falls is one of the best ways to spend a hot day in Belize. Here, you can leap into the water from cliffs, bask on the sun-warmed rocks, and enjoy a picnic. Don’t miss the waterfall massage—it’s a must-do at Big Rock.

Planning tip: Access the small yet powerful falls by car, on horseback, or through a guided tour.

20. Explore the Belize Zoo

Belize is teeming with wildlife, from jaguars to tapirs and scarlet macaws, and the easiest way to see them all is at the Belize Zoo. Home to primarily rescued animals, it offers a fantastic opportunity to learn about Belize’s fauna while supporting wildlife rehabilitation efforts.

21. Dive into snorkeling at Hol Chan Marine Reserve

The Belize Barrier Reef, the second largest in the world, is home to nurse sharks, sea turtles, and eagle rays, with Hol Chan Marine Reserve near Ambergris Caye being one of the prime spots to see them. A day of snorkeling here is a popular way to explore the reef and its diverse marine life. Be sure to visit Shark Ray Alley while you’re at it.

Note: Belize is deeply committed to preserving its ecosystem, so please adhere to all environmental rules and regulations.

22. Indulge in a luxury hotel stay

While Francis Ford Coppola is renowned for his films and wines, his boutique luxury hotels in Belize – Turtle Inn in Placencia and Blancaneaux Lodge in the Mountain Pine Ridge – are equally captivating. Both resorts offer lavish accommodations with spacious, uniquely decorated bungalows, outstanding dining options, and exceptional service.

Planning tip: Combine your stay at both properties for a perfect beach and jungle getaway, truly capturing the essence of Belize.

23. Support local artisans at Handmade Belize marketplaces

It’s no wonder that the stunning beauty of Belize inspires its residents to create art and crafts.

Check out the Handmade Belize Instagram account for a glimpse of clothing, jewelry, artwork, and more from Belizean artists, along with updates on when and where artisan markets are happening, making it easy to include this unique shopping opportunity in your Belize trip.