National Parks of Belize
BelizeBelize has done a good job protecting its natural areas, and these national parks are represent both important conservation and amazing scenery in Belize. National parks protect forests, mountains, caves, rivers, and even Maya ruins. Trails run through many of them, offering travelers the chance to see wildlife, swim beneath waterfalls, and learn about Belize's vibrant ecosystems. While traveling in Belize, make sure to visit at least one national park. You'll be glad you did.
Belize Highlights
A curated look at the best Belize has to offer. These are the destinations that consistently stand out — places with real character, great experiences, and something worth going out of your way for.
Hol Chan
The quick ride out to Hol Chan Marine Reserve makes this the most popular half-day tour for visitors staying at Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker. Set aside in 1987, this reserve covers an area of 3 square miles (7.8 sq km) and is found off the southern tip of Ambergris Caye. As a result, this area of the Belize Barrier Reef supports healthy populations of fish and colorful coral. Turtles, nurse sharks, grouper, jacks, reef fish, and barracuda are just a few of the species you might see here. The reef ranges from 10–30 feet (3–9 m) deep and most guides take snorkelers along the outer edge of the reef. While this site is great for beginner snorkelers, as well as divers, swimmers should pay attention to currents which can be strong throughout the reserve.
Explore DestinationSt. Herman's Blue Hole National Park
Located on the Hummingbird Highway 12 miles (20 km) southeast of Belmopan, St. Herman’s Blue Hole National Park covers over 500 acres (200 ha) of rich tropical rainforest. The park, which is managed by the Belize Audubon Society, is home to over 200 bird species and a variety of wildlife, including howler monkeys, which can be heard regularly throughout the forest.
Explore DestinationBlue Hole National Park
The Blue Hole is undoubtedly Belize’s most recognizable attraction. Located at the center of the Lighthouse Reef Atoll, this incredible sinkhole measures 1,000 feet (300 m) across and sits in the center of a small circular reef.
Explore DestinationMountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve
Set aside in 1944, the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve is Belize’s oldest and largest protected area, spanning 300 square miles (777 square km). Unlike other parts of Belize, where tropical vegetation dominates the landscape, the reserve consists of primarily Honduras pine, a Caribbean species of pine tree. The reserve is characterized by deep ravines, large granite outcrops, rivers, and vistas.
Explore Destination5 Blues Lake National Park
A true natural wonder, Five Blues Lake National Park is characterized by mystery. In recent years, the lake has drained and refilled itself, without obvious explanation. Besides this puzzling phenomenon, visitors have plenty to marvel at as they hike through the park. The name “Five Blues” references the multiple shades of blue in the water of the complex of freshwater lagoons, created by rainforest-filtered light.
Explore DestinationFeatured Belize Trips
Browse our handpicked selection of Belize itineraries, each crafted by local experts who know the country inside out. Whether you're after adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, we have a trip tailored for you.
Belize Winter Escape
Belize was delightful we thoroughly enjoyed all the people that we met from drivers to tour guides to Hotel staff and just people we encountered along the way. Spending time both up in the jungle in the mountains and down on the coast was a wonderful contrast and I highly recommend doing both if possible. The weather was variable but over the time of our holiday we had opportunity to do all the things that we wanted, enjoy some tropical rain as well as some beautiful beach days The wildlife, history and scenery were spectacular. Both the lodge we stayed in and the hotel on the coast were well maintained with excellent, knowlegeable staff and good food My biggest negative would probably be that in being a less wealthy Nation their management of garbage and limited recycling capacity was quite noticeable in places.
Senior’s Vacation from Islands to Jungles
Belize is a good place to go if you want to stay in a resort or be in nature, like Pooks HIll and snorkeling and diving at Ambergris Caye. It's also a wonderful place to learn about and see Mayan culture from long ago.
An Unforgettable Belize Honeymoon
I would and have recommend Belize to others as well as Anywhere, they were very patient and easy to work with and came through on their part of every aspect of our trip. Thanks Anywhere!
A Belize Adventure to Remember
Such a great trip from start to finish. Our kids had such a great time and we did as well. Everything was planned so perfectly! Thank you Rodrigo!
An Above & Beyond Birthday
Love the options— the hotels were spectacular. I enjoyed having a non-event day to hang out at pool and wall into town to see local events. Drivers were coordinated well, and they served well as tour guides. This country is beautiful, the people are so kind and generous.
Mother and Son's Belize Adventure
Anywhere has always (third trip booked) done a great job in the choices, planning and logistics. Best travel company ever!!
We had an UnBelizable Time
We always put our trip together and make out own plans. This time, we went with Anywhere and let you make suggestions. So glad we did. It was really worth the extra expense to know that everything was under control and we had someone to call on should things not go as planned. BUT, everything went as planned and it was better than expected!
Beaches to Jungles
I’ve been telling everyone about anywhere.com! Absolutely would not have had this great if an experience without you!
Beaches to Mayan Ruins
I would recommend Anywhere.com. We've used their services twice, in Costa Rica and Belize. For the second trip, Belize, we did feel we had to communicate more often to get the trip sorted out, but in the end, Anywhere totally came through for us. Every connection was smooth, every accommodation well-represented, and every tour well worth the trip.
Belize for Two - Me & You
Whether this getaway is a honeymoon, anniversary, or simply a getaway for two, romance and adventure are waiting for you on the soft sunny beaches and emerald jungles of Belize.
Family Time in Belize!
Embark on an affordable family adventure that swaps bustling city life for Belize’s wild blend of jungle mist, ancient stone, and turquoise coastal waters. From the hills near Cahal Pech you’ll ride to Xunantunich, dive behind a hidden waterfall on a pontoon tour, then sail to a sun‑kissed island for half‑day snorkeling. Friendly local guides share Maya legends and marine lore, letting your family soak up warm hospitality while creating memories of sunrise rides, cascading water mist, and colorful coral playgrounds.
Exploring Belize Solo
This thoughtfully designed solo Belize journey blends quiet coastal relaxation, gentle adventure, and laid back island time into one seamless, low stress experience. You will begin in the charming beach town of Placencia, where days unfold at your own pace with ocean views, jungle excursions, and time to simply unwind. Midway through the trip, you will transition to Ambergris Caye, where warm Caribbean waters, easy island rhythms, and sunset sailing create the perfect setting for reflection, exploration, and solo freedom.
8 Night Escape to Belize
This thoughtfully paced Belize journey blends jungle adventure, ancient Maya culture, and laid-back Caribbean island life into one seamless experience. You’ll begin in the lush Cayo District near San Ignacio, staying at a boutique jungle lodge surrounded by nature, with time for exploration, relaxation, and a guided canoe journey through the stunning Barton Creek Cave. Midway through the trip, you’ll transition from rainforest to reef, traveling by private transfer and water taxi to the easygoing island of Caye Caulker, where turquoise waters, snorkeling on the Belize Barrier Reef, and slow island rhythms set the tone for the second half of your adventure.
Explore Belize Together
This 8 night Belize family adventure blends jungle exploration, cultural discovery, and relaxed island time into one seamless, easygoing journey. You will begin in the lush Cayo District near San Ignacio, then transition mid trip to Ambergris Caye, where warm waters and sandy streets set the tone for the second half of your adventure. With comfortable, well located accommodations and smooth transportation throughout, the trip is designed to feel simple, flexible, and stress free for the whole family.
A Tropical Treat for the Family
Fun in the sun and epic adventures combine to create the perfect family getaway when you choose this Signature Trip to beautiful Belize.
More National Parks of Belize
There's always more to discover in Belize. From off-the-beaten-path gems to well-loved classics, these destinations are worth adding to your itinerary.
Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve
The Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve is located on the northern tip of Ambergris Caye and is only accessible by boat. This 23-square mile (60-sq km) reserve consists of sinkholes, meandering creeks, inter-island lagoons, coastal mangroves, seagrass beds, and coral reef. Visitors to the coral reef can expect to see manatees, nesting sea turtles, spawning groupers, deep water conch, and reef species. Flourishing bird populations also live throughout the reserve, providing travelers with outstanding birding opportunities.
Guanacaste National Park
Just 50 miles (80 km) from Belize City, and only two miles (3.2 km) from Belmopan is Guanacaste National Park, one of Belize’s most beautiful and accessible national parks. This park has 50 acres (20 ha) secondary growth. Reconverted from pasture and timberland and replanted in the 1970s, the park is now as lush and biodiverse as it might have been if it had never been cleared. One ancient tree remains, and is the park’s namesake: a massive Guanacaste (caro caro) tree, famously spared from a logging binge because it had developed three trunk bases, rendering it less useful as timber.
Gladden Spit and Silk Caye
The main draw of the Gladden Spit and Silk Caye Marine Reserve is the opportunity to swim with whale sharks, who spend the months of March through June migrating through the reserve’s feeding grounds. Preying mostly on plankton and small fish, these gentle giants can reach lengths of up to 40 feet (12 m) and are the largest fish on the planet.
Mayflower Bocawina National Park
The Mayflower Bocawina National Park, located in the Stann Creek District, was established in 2001 and is co-managed by local stakeholders, the Institute of Archeology, and the Belize Government.
South Water Caye Marine Reserve
In 1996, in an effort to protect its fragile marine resources, the Belizean government set aside nearly 118,000 acres in the South Water Caye Marine Reserve, the nation’s largest marine reserve. Considered one of the most biodiverse marine areas in all of Belize, the marine reserve consists of pristine reefs, mangroves, palm-fringed islands, turquoise waters, and seagrass beds that provide a home to tropical reef fish, rays, seabirds, manatees, and crocodiles.
Río Blanco National Park
This isolated national park at the southern end of Belize was established in 1994 in an effort to promote sustainable tourism as an alternative to logging. Recognizing the value of the incredible natural resources in the region, the surrounding indigenous Mayan communities of San Elena and Santa Cruz aligned and formed the Río Blanco Mayan Association, which now co-manages the park.
Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve
The Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve is the southernmost group of atolls in Belize, sitting 40 miles (64 km) due east of Punta Gorda on the mainland. The reserve extends over around 43 square miles (140 sq km) and consists of 14 sand and mangrove islands, a spectacular shallow reef, and clear lagoons.
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Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.
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