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.
Island Relaxation Vacation
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A Laid-Back Belize Vacation
If you're planning a trip, consider Belize! From nature-filled jungle excursions to relaxing beaches, it has something for everyone.
Jungle Wildlife Adventures
Had such a great time! Everything was so smooth and easy.
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.
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.
We Traveled All Over Belize
Belize seems to take sustainability quite seriously. For the most part it is a very clean country.
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!
Mother and Son's Belize Adventure
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We had an UnBelizable Time
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A Grand Family Anniversary Trip
Belize is beautiful and completely exceeded our expectations. This special 50th wedding anniversary celebration trip for the 10 of us went flawlessly, and we all couldn’t wait to come back!
A Private Getaway in Paradise
Treat yourself to an adventure in paradise with this amazing solo trip. From snorkeling with sharks and rays to supporting a jaguar preserve, this vacation has it all.
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.
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.
A Thrill Seeker's Trip to Belize
Take yourself on a grand adventure through Belize. Enjoy both beaches and jungles. Go snorkeling, zip lining, horseback riding, caving/spelunking, and more.
Caves, Snorkeling, and Sunset Sails
Absolutely! And intend on using your services again ourselves... Trip to Panama
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.
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.
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.
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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