Things to Do in Belize: Caves, the Barrier Reef & Maya Ruins
BelizeFor such a tiny country, Belize has a hugely varied landscape. There are mountains to the west, rainforests in the lowlands, a Caribbean coast, and Caribbean islands. Venture into the rainforest and the mountains to see Maya ruins. Belize is a compelling country for travelers who want to explore the outdoors, although this country also has more than its fair share of hammocks and serene, white-sand beaches.
Belize tours by activity
Cave Exploration in Belize
Belize's ancient Mayans believed that caves served as an entrance to the underworld. Many of Belize's caves contain ceramics and human remains. Some are wet caves, with a river or a creek that flows through the subterranean complex. In addition to exploring the caves, you'll also get to go canoeing or tubing.
Horseback Riding Tours in Belize
Belize is a wonderful place for riding horses. You can trot along trails through the forest or gallop down the beach at sunset. These tours are a fun way to experience the outdoors in Belize and are suitable for most travelers. Tour participants are provided with well-trained horses and led by professional guides. Safety and comfort is prioritized; before heading off, you'll be taught how to ride and handle your horse.
Boating Tours in Belize
Boating has is a favorite activity of Belizeans. Lagoons, calm beaches, and miles of clear, Caribbean water beckon to anyone with a paddle or a sail. In reserves on the northern cayes, you can kayak past mangrove forests. Take a boating tour to see as much of Belize's marine life as possible, including the Belize Barrier Reef near Belize’s northern islands.
Belize Scuba Diving Tours
Belize has some of the best diving in the world. The Belize Barrier Reef has more dive sites than you can count and is home to colorful tropical fish, spotted eagle rays, dolphins, and even whale sharks. Scuba diving tours are offered to travelers of all levels of experience. You can sign up for certification courses or introductory dive courses, and will be trained by professional divemasters. On one of these tours, you'll experience the underwater world as never before, and get a glimpse into the most incredible places in Belize.
Belize Snorkeling Tours
If you don't go snorkeling in Belize, you're crazy. The water off the coast of Belize is home to some of the world's most vibrant, colorful, and downright impressive marine ecosystems. You can peer into warm, crystal-clear water and see healthy coral reefs and flashy tropical fish. These tours are led by reputable guides and often involve taking a boat to an island or atoll, where you'll be given gear and instructed on the best places to snorkel. Finish up your day by basking in the sun on a palm-lined beach.
Archeological Tours in Belize
There are numerous Mayan ruins in Belize; while on one of these tours you'll visit the best of them. Archeological tours are led by knowledgeable guides who will show you ruins and teach you about the history, culture, and myth that surround them. You'll visit ancient palaces and temples, or explore caves to see the skeletons of Mayan sacrificial victims. These tours are a wonderful option for history buffs or amateur archeologists.
Belize Nature Walks
When you're exploring Belize's wildlife reserves you'll see animals and plants that you didn't know existed. Take a walk in the rainforest or the Maya Mountains with someone who knows the lay of the land, so they can answer any questions you may have about the sights and the sounds of the Belizean landscape. Nature guides can also point out reptiles, birds, insects, and other critters that you might have missed.
Belize Sport Fishing Tours
Belize has a Caribbean coastline and Caribbean islands where fishermen can find abundant opportunities for fly fishing and deep-sea fishing. Some of the best fishing in Belize is right off the coast of Ambergris Caye, the largest of the islands. You can catch sailfish and tuna on deep-sea fishing trips, and you're likely to see dolphins or sharks swimming near your boat. Other common catches include snapper, bonefish, wahoo, and grouper.
Belize Marine Mammal Observation Tours
Belize’s Caribbean Coast is ripe with opportunities to spot playful marine mammals. Marine reserves in Belize offer a safe habitat for West Indian manatees. Manatees are currently endangered, due to hunting and the danger posed by boat propellers. Visitors can’t swim with manatees, but you can observe them from a safe distance. Slow-moving manatees often share their habitat with several species of dolphin. At certain times of the year, you can see whale sharks near Belize's cayes. A wide variety of sharks, sea turtles, and endangered sea turtles call these Caribbean waters their home.
Ruins Tours in Belize
The ancient Maya civilization reached its height in Belize between 200 AD and 900 AD. They left behind impressive ruins in the western and northern regions of Belize. Many of these ruins are currently the sites of ongoing archaeological digs, and have had some of the crumbling buildings restored. These ruins have on-site museums or visitor centers. A typical ruin in Belize will have several temples surrounding grassy plazas. You can climb some of these temples and pause at the top to survey the surrounding rainforest.
Adventure
Adventure tours are for people who want an outdoorsy vacation, and who won’t say no to an adrenaline rush. Zip lining, rafting, biking, and horseback riding tours are as exciting as they are accessible, even for absolute beginners. Professional guides come along for the ride to make sure these activities are fun for everyone.
Cultural
Belize’s culture has assimilated people from far-flung corners of the globe. Many Belizeans can trace their heritage to Africa, the ancient Maya kingdom, and the East Indies. Everything here is a mix, with pockets of distinctive cultures. In the highlands you’ll see Maya ruins, and you can visit traditional Garífuna and Kriol villages near the Caribbean Coast.
Marine
Belize is one of the top destinations in the world for marine vacations. Between the Belize Blue Hole and the Belize Barrier Reef, Belize is the complete package for scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing, and boat tours. Belize also has mangrove coastlines and atolls that make it a spectacular destination for kayaking.
Nature
Belize teems with biodiversity, from the rainforests to the coral reefs. Taking a guided tour will introduce you to endangered and colorful species of plant and animal life. Belize’s jungle canopies are an awesome destination for bird watching. Travel to the Caribbean reefs and atolls for a chance to see manatees, sea turtles, sharks, and whale sharks up close.
Private multi-day tours
Every Belize trip we plan is a private tour built around you: our in-country insiders plan it, book it and stay with you throughout the trip. Start from one of these itineraries.
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
