Caribbean Coast
The Belize coastline spans 240 miles (386 km) from north to south. While the coastal communities are scattered up and down the mainland, only a few of these towns have attractive beaches and a developed tourism infrastructure. People wanting an idyllic beach vacation where they can snorkel at a reef near the shore should consider staying on one of Belize’s Caribbean islands. But if you’re looking for a diverse vacation with a mix of beach, jungle, culture, and history, you will find plenty to do along the mainland coast, particularly in the town of Hopkins and on the Placencia Peninsula.
Belize Zoo - Animal Rehab & Education Center
The Belize Zoo is a small non-profit zoo that serves as a home to orphaned, injured, and rehabilitated animals that can no longer survive in the wild. Founded in 1983, the zoo has played an important educational role – it has taught both local residents and tourists about native Belize wildlife and the critical role these animals play in the ecosystem.
Explore PlaceAltun Ha
Out of all of the Mayan sites in Belize, Altun Ha is the most easily accessible from Belize City. This site was once a major trading center, as indicated by the discoveries of jade, jewelry, pottery, and elaborate sculptures. Just 30 miles (50 km) north of Belize City, Altun Ha is a popular day trip for both cruise ship passengers and independent travelers.
Explore PlaceCommunity Baboon Sanctuary
The Community Baboon Sanctuary Private Reserve is one of the easiest places in Belize to encounter black howler monkeys in the wild. Established in 1985, this baboon sanctuary was set up as a cooperative agreement among 12 local farmers and landowners in Bermudian Landing who voluntarily agreed to preserve the area’s black howler monkey habitat. They believed that a healthy population of monkeys could help support the local economy by drawing in tourism and creating jobs.
Explore PlacePlacencia Village
Beachfront reggae bars, colorful guesthouses, and a spacious expanse of beach attract tourists to Placencia Village. Located at the end of the 16-mile (28-km) Placencia peninsula, it is the most lively destination in the region. It offers restaurants, shopping, nightlife, accommodations, and tour services.
Explore PlaceHopkins
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.
Explore PlacePunta 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.
Explore PlaceDangriga
After Belize City, Dangriga is the largest coastal town in Belize. With 12,500 residents, it is a bustling commercial center where nearby residents come to buy food, tools, and other necessities. Dangriga really doesn’t offer much in the way of tourism amenities, but curious travelers who find themselves wandering the busy streets will observe wheelings and dealings among locals, and get a real look at daily life on the Belize coastline.
Explore PlaceBelize City
Almost all visitors to Belize find themselves in the country’s largest city at one point or another, but unfortunately Belize City is not an attractive destination for most. The majority of travelers who come here are merely passing through – Belize City is the transportation hub for all international and domestic flights, as well as ferries leaving to Ambergris and Caye Caulker. But Belize City has some hidden jewels and nearby attractions that make it worth a visit.
Explore PlaceLittle Frenchman Caye
Little Frenchman Caye is a small island a short distance south of Ambergris Caye and a quick boat ride from Belize City. It has been privately owned since 2007, and is currently the location of just one option for accommodation – the luxurious Royal Palm Island Resort. This resort gives vacationers the chance to experience their very own private island paradise.
Explore PlaceMaya Beach
Maya Beach is a very small and quiet beach community on the Placencia peninsula that consists of a long, clean strip of sand, beach loungers, wooden docks jutting out over the sea, and hammocks strung between palm trees. Visitors who come here do so to relax, sunbathe, and dine on fresh seafood at one of the few beach front restaurants. Out of the three beach towns on the Placencia peninsula, Maya Beach is the most serene.
Explore PlaceSeine Bight
Seine Bight is a small Garífuna fishing village on the Placencia peninsula, located about halfway between Maya Beach to the north and Placencia Village to the south. It has approximately 1,000 residents and is relatively undeveloped compared to its neighbors. Travelers to Seine Bight will revel in the traditional atmosphere of the stilted homes that line the streets.
Explore PlaceWater Taxi Belize Express
The water taxi is a small passenger ferry service that connects Chetumal in Mexico with San Pedro, Caye Caulker, and Belize City in Belize.
Explore PlacePGIA International Airport Belize
The airport's origins trace back to 1943 when a 5,000 feet asphalt runway, taxiway, and a small apron were constructed. In 1944, a terminal building was erected, officially inaugurated on January 15, 1945. Named in honor of Belizean nationalist, Hon. Philip S.W. Goldson, the airport boasts impressive dimensions, including a runway stretching 9,900 feet and a parking apron spanning 735,800 sq. ft., accommodating 10 large aircraft parking slots. The Airport Terminal Building, totaling 110,000 sq. ft., houses Terminals #1 and #2, International Arrival and Departure Halls, a Domestic Arrival Hall, as well as restaurants, snack outlets, duty-free and duty-paid shops, a bank, and various other amenities.
Explore PlaceMore about Caribbean Coast
Belize City is the largest city in the country, with a population of just over 57,000. The international airport is located on the outskirts of town, and a majority of international travelers find themselves in Belize City at some point during their vacation. While Belize City doesn’t offer much to travelers, it is the gateway to the country’s most popular islands, including Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker. You can reach these islands from Belize City, traveling by either boat or plane. The municipal airport is located on the waterfront, and domestic flights leaving from here are a convenient and efficient way to travel around the country. If you want to travel Belize by road, Belize City also has several car rentals. Belize City has some nearby attractions within an hour’s drive, as well as options for comfortable waterfront accommodations. But there is no beach in Belize City, and the town has a reputation for being rough.
Moving south from Belize City, then next major town on the coast is Dangriga. Dangriga is a busy commercial center and its hustle and bustle can be intimidating to some travelers. The primary reason people travel to Dangriga is that it is the launch point for water taxis headed out to the South Water Caye Marine Reserve.
Next south is the small beach town of Hopkins. This town is notable for its Garífuna culture. Whether you’re sampling the local cuisine, participating in a drumming lesson, or riding bikes down the long dirt road through town, curious visitors have the chance to observe and experience local life. The beach here is lined with small hotels and guest houses that maintain the long and pristine strip of sand. Hopkins also provides quick access to several attractions in the nearby Maya Mountains, including the Cockscomb Wildlife Basin. Don’t leave without exploring the large freshwater lagoon on the edge of town. It’s perfect for kayaking.
Continuing further down the coast you will land on the Placencia Peninsula, which is one of the most popular mainland beach destinations in the country. The type of experience you have on the Peninsula depends on which beach community you choose for accommodations. Those looking for an isolated and quiet vacation will prefer Maya Beach. Seine Bight, where a majority of the locals live, also has several high-end, private resorts. However, staying in these communities means that you will have access to few services other than what is offered by the hotels, and visitors must be content relaxing on the beach with little outside entertainment. If you are looking for nightlife and a wide selection of tours, go to Placencia Village at the end of the Peninsula. Placencia Village is lively, and known for its beachfront accommodations, bars, and mellow reggae music that echoes throughout the neighborhoods. There is a wide selection of restaurants to choose from that serve up fresh local seafood. You’ll also have plenty of opportunities for day trips to the nearby reef.
The southernmost town on the coast of the Belize mainland is Punta Gorda. Punta Gorda is a small, Garífuna fishing village and doesn’t see a large number of tourists. There is only a modest selection of hotels in town, but just outside of Punta Gorda there are a few upscale eco-lodges. Most people who come to Punta Gorda merely stop off on their way out to Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve, or as a side trip while exploring the southern Mayan ruins.
Browse some of our favorite itineraries
Get excited and browse our selection of our favorite hand made tours including Caribbean Coast. From romantic honeymoons to family-fun; these are completely flexible and arranged to your needs.
A Family Relaxation Vacation
Our two-week vacation was extremely laid-back and fun. It was nice to experience the Belize way of life as we explored the different coastlines and mingled with the locals. It is definitely an ideal destination for families!
We Traveled All Over Belize
Belize seems to take sustainability quite seriously. For the most part it is a very clean country.
Magnificent Belize by the Sea
You want adventure, tropical weather, and plenty of indulgence. This Signature Trip to Belize delivers all that and more in large doses.
Belize Fun for Everyone!
This vacation, treat yourself to accessible fun for everyone in the family –– no boring museums, no annoying lines, and especially, no bored children! Explore Belize better.
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.
We believe travel is more than ticking destinations off a list – it’s about discovering new places deeply, feeling connected wherever you go, and knowing you have a trusted team behind you every step of the way.
