Belize Nature Destinations
Belize has fabulous natural areas, and these destinations will get you close to them. Staying on Tobacco Caye will allow you to truly unplug during your holiday as you enjoy an off-grid experience; rediscover the pleasures of nature and conversing with people in real time. Meanwhile, the Turneffe Islands will provide you with easy access to coral reefs, picture-perfect cayes, and luxurious accommodations. Snorkeling, scuba diving, and kayaking are very popular activities wherever you choose to go.
Don't want to spend all of your time on the beach? You don't have to; the mainland destination of San Ignacio allows you to explore rainforests, mountains, and waterways. If you visit Orange Walk, you can take a boat up a river and search for crocodiles, iguanas, and spider monkeys. How's that for a wildlife adventure? A Belize nature getaway will remind you of how beautiful the world can be when you leave the concrete jungle for a little fresh air, greenery, peace, and quiet. Tranquility is waiting for you…
10 Belize Nature Destinations
The places our local insiders recommend most come first.
Ambergris Caye
Ambergris Caye is Belize’s largest island and the most well known destination in Belize. Located at the northern end of Belize’s waters, a small channel dug by the Maya separates Ambergris Caye from Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. The narrow, 25-mile (40-km) long island is surrounded by the Caribbean’s aquamarine waters and consists of mangroves, lagoons, and the laid back town of San Pedro, which sits upon a low sandy plateau near the southern end of the island.
Destination
San Ignacio
San Ignacio, often referred to as Cayo, is a laid back town in the western foothills of the Mayan Mountains. Located right along the Western Highway, San Ignacio is popular among travelers as it provides modern tourist amenities while retaining its authenticity. The town sits directly on the meandering Macal River and is surrounded by green rolling hills where adventure awaits.
Destination
Caye Caulker
Caye Caulker is a sleepy, 5-mile (8-mile) long island with 1,300 residents. It’s just 21 miles (34 km) northeast of Belize City and is directly south of Ambergris Caye. With no cars or paved roads, the quiet sandy streets on Caye Caulker are only occupied by golf carts, beach cruisers, and pedestrians. Travelers come here to relax and enjoy the slow pace of island life, whether that be swaying in an ocean-front hammock, kayaking around the island’s calm waters and mangroves, or sunbathing at the popular hangout called the Split, a channel that separates the northern and southern half of the island. Like Ambergris Caye, the island sits just one mile west of the Belize Barrier Reef, offering easy access to the area’s best snorkeling and scuba activities.
Destination
Hopkins
Hopkins is a small, laid back village on the central Caribbean Coast. It has a long, beautiful strip of beach, a large freshwater lagoon, and a Garífuna population that is dedicated to preserving their traditions.
Destination
Belmopan
Belmopan became the capital of Belize in 1961 after a hurricane destroyed the government buildings in Belize City. Today, this commuter hub is home to approximately 20,000 residents and sits at the crossroads of the Western Highway and the Hummingbird Highway. Most of the people here work for the government in some capacity.
Destination
Turneffe Islands
Located 30 miles (48 km) east of Belize City are an expansive group of mangroves and tropical sandy island atolls where there is nothing more than a handful of private resorts and a very small population of resident fishermen. The waters surrounding the Turneffe Islands are home to the largest coral reef atoll in all of Belize and were set aside as a protected marine reserve in 2012.
Destination
Punta Gorda
Located 195 miles (315 km) south of Belize City, Punta Gorda is the southernmost coastal town in Belize. Punta Gorda serves as the gateway to Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve, a group of shallow island atolls known for their colorful coral gardens and vibrant marine life. It’s also a good base for a visit to the Rio Blanco National Park and some of the off-the-beaten path jungles lodges in the southern Maya Mountains.
Destination
Orange Walk
Orange Walk doesn't have much for tourists to see, with one major exception: the New River. New River skirts the east edge of town and gently flows all the way into the New River Lagoon where you can spot crocodiles, river turtles, black howler monkeys, and a wide array of birds.
Destination
Glover's Reef Atoll
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Glover’s Reef Atoll consists of 5 tiny tranquil islands and an expansive coral reef that measures 18 miles (29 km) long by 6 miles (10 km) wide. It is the southernmost coral atoll in Belize, sitting approximately 28 miles (45 km) east of Dangriga and Hopkins on the mainland.
Destination
Tobacco Caye
A truly unique tropical experience, The island of Tobacco Caye is a place to come unplug, relax and be surrounded by the beaches and waters of Belize.
Destination
Belize Nature Destinations itineraries from local insiders
Explore hand-picked Belize Nature Destinations itineraries designed by local insiders who know every hidden corner. Each trip is completely flexible, customized to your pace, travel style, and budget.
Belize Round Two
From the great cities of the Maya to diving the Palancar Reef, Belize has a lot to offer and is highly recommended!
Belize
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.
Belize
Explore Belize Together
Megan’s family vacation in Belize blended adventure and relaxation for a memorable Caribbean getaway. They trekked from San Ignacio’s rainforest highlands to the Tikal ruins, then snorkeled with sharks and rays at Hol Chan Reef along Belize’s tropical coast. Friendly locals and knowledgeable guides shared Maya history and coastal traditions, leaving Megan’s family with a deeper appreciation for Belize’s vibrant heritage and natural wonders.
Belize
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.
Belize
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!
Belize
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!
Belize
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.
Belize
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!!
Belize
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!
Belize
Beaches to Jungles
I’ve been telling everyone about anywhere.com! Absolutely would not have had this great if an experience without you!
Belize
