Tours and Activities in Belize
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.

Snorkeling
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.
Hiking
Hiking is the best way to get up close to Belize’s most memorable attractions. In the lowlands, hike through the jungles, and stop to rest near waterfalls. In the Maya Mountains, you can hike past Belize’s most famous ruins, like the former palace of Cahal Pech. Visitors can also take hiking tours of the caves that the Maya used as burial grounds and places of worship. Tour guides are an essential part of navigating these wilds – both to lead the way and to provide educational information about the local flora and fauna.
Archeology
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.
Cave Exploration
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.
Boat Tours
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.
Horseback Riding
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.
Scuba Diving
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.
Ruins
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.
Guided Tours
Guided tours will be some of the most enriching tours you take in Belize. Whether you tour a city, a jungle, or a Maya ruin, an English-speaking guide can help you unpeel the many layers of culture and history behind Belize’s attractions. With a reliable guide, you’ll spend less time looking at a map and more time soaking in the sights and sounds.
Species Exhibits
Belize has miles of rainforest reserves, and species exhibits help raise awareness of the importance of these protected wildernesses. Species exhibits also allow visitors to see animals they probably would never see in the wild. For instance, Belize is one of the few places where jaguars still have a habitat, but their populations have grown so small it's quite rare to see them outside of zoo. Species exhibits will also give you a chance to see Belize's native tapirs, monkeys, and exotic birds.
Bird Watching
Belize is a fantastic country for birding thanks to its ample forests and wetland habitat. Around 587 bird species have been recorded in Belize, and many of these can be seen during a bird watching tour. These tours are led by knowledgeable local birders, who may supply travelers with a species identification card and binoculars. Birding tours often take place in the early morning, when the chance of spotting birds is best.
Marine Wildlife
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.
Zip Lines
Jungles and forests in Belize have dense foliage, and each square foot packs a wild assortment of plants and animals. To really get a good look at Belize’s jungle, get a view from the top. Touring the canopy will take you to views no photograph will ever do justice, but you’ll be sure to never forget.
Kayaking
Go kayaking in Belize to see islands lined with mangrove forests, coral reefs, and Caribbean wildlife swimming right next to your craft. The clear waters and thriving marine life make Belize one of the best places in the world to go kayaking. Kayaking doesn't require any experience, and your tour guide will make sure you're comfortable with the equipment.
Biking
One of the best ways to explore Belize is by grabbing a bike and hitting the road. On these tours, you'll peddle through towns and cruise along island boardwalks. It's a great way to see the sights in Belize, and get a little exercise, too.
Nature Walk
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.
Catamaran Tour
On a catamaran tour, you'll rely at least partially on the wind to propel your tour. This is the perfect way to feel at one with your environment while you sail around Belize's enormous coral reefs and atolls. With the wind in your sails and your prow slicing through bright blue water, you'll feel worlds away from the mundane.
Sport Fishing
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.
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.
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