Belize Holidays

Good to Know: Holidays in Belize

Planning a holiday to Belize? Here are some essential tips and information to help you make the most of your trip:

Weather

• Best Time to Visit: The dry season from late November to mid-April is the best time to visit Belize, offering sunny days and clear skies. However, the shoulder months of May and November can also be pleasant and less crowded.

• Rainy Season: The rainy season runs from June to November, with the highest rainfall occurring in September and October. This period is also hurricane season, so it's best to stay updated on weather conditions.

Currency and Payments

• Currency: The official currency is the Belize Dollar (BZD), but US Dollars are widely accepted. The exchange rate is generally fixed at 2 BZD to 1 USD.

• Credit Cards: Major credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops in tourist areas. However, it's a good idea to carry some cash, especially when travelling to more remote areas.

Language

• Official Language: English is the official language of Belize, making it easy for UK visitors to communicate. Spanish, Creole, and various indigenous languages are also spoken.

Health and Safety

• Vaccinations: Make sure your routine vaccinations are up-to-date. It's also recommended to get vaccinated for Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and, in some cases, Malaria.

• Health Care: Health care facilities in Belize City are generally good, but they can be limited in rural areas. Travel insurance is essential.

• Safety: Belize is generally safe for tourists, but like any destination, it's important to stay vigilant, especially in urban areas and at night.

Getting Around

• Transport: Belize has a range of transportation options including domestic flights, buses, taxis, and car rentals. Renting a car can provide more flexibility for exploring.

• Driving: If you plan to drive, remember that Belize drives on the right-hand side of the road. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.

Cultural Etiquette

• Respect Local Customs: Belizeans are known for their friendly and relaxed nature. Greet people with a smile and respect local customs and traditions.

• Dress Code: Casual dress is acceptable in most places, but it's respectful to wear modest clothing when visiting religious or cultural sites.

This guide should help you prepare for an enjoyable and memorable holiday in Belize. Whether you're soaking up the sun on its beautiful beaches, exploring ancient Mayan ruins, or diving into its vibrant marine life, Belize offers a rich and diverse experience for all travellers.

Beautiful Beaches in Belize

Belize is renowned for its stunning beaches, offering something for every type of traveller. Whether you're looking for family-friendly shores, romantic escapes, secluded spots, or top snorkelling destinations, Belize has it all. Here’s a guide to some of the best beaches to explore during your holiday.

Family-Friendly Beaches

• Placencia Beach: Stretching along the Placencia Peninsula, this beach is perfect for families with its calm waters, soft sands, and numerous nearby amenities. It's a great spot for children to play and for parents to relax.

• Hopkins Beach: Known for its welcoming Garifuna community, Hopkins Beach offers a mix of cultural experiences and beautiful sandy shores. Families can enjoy safe swimming areas and local culinary delights.

Romantic Beaches

• Secret Beach, Ambergris Caye: Despite its name, Secret Beach is a popular spot for couples looking for a peaceful and romantic setting. With its clear waters and serene environment, it's ideal for a romantic day out.

• South Water Caye: This picturesque beach provides a secluded atmosphere perfect for couples. Its stunning views and tranquil waters make it a great spot for a romantic getaway.

Secluded Beaches

• Laughing Bird Caye: As a national park and UNESCO World Heritage site, Laughing Bird Caye offers a pristine and secluded beach experience. The island's isolation and natural beauty make it perfect for those seeking peace and tranquility.

• Caye Caulker: Known for its laid-back vibe, Caye Caulker offers several less-crowded beaches. The Split is the most famous spot, but the island's other beaches provide quiet, secluded areas for relaxation.

Best Beaches for Snorkelling

• Hol Chan Marine Reserve: Located off Ambergris Caye, this marine reserve is a top snorkeling destination. It features vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life, making it a must-visit for underwater enthusiasts.

• Glover’s Reef Atoll: This UNESCO World Heritage site is renowned for its exceptional snorkelling opportunities. The atoll's clear waters and abundant marine life provide an unforgettable snorkelling experience.

Adventurous Beaches

• Great Blue Hole: While primarily a dive site, the Great Blue Hole offers an adventurous day trip for snorkelers as well. This natural wonder is part of the Lighthouse Reef Atoll and provides a unique underwater landscape to explore.

• Turneffe Atoll: Known for its rich marine biodiversity, Turneffe Atoll is perfect for those looking to combine beach relaxation with snorkelling and diving adventures.

These diverse beaches ensure that your holidays to Belize are filled with memorable moments, whether you're travelling with family, seeking a romantic escape, or looking for adventure. Enjoy the best of Belize's coastal beauty and vibrant marine life during your stay.

Sports and Activities in Belize

Belize is a paradise for sports enthusiasts and adventure seekers, offering a variety of activities to suit every interest. Here’s a guide to some of the top sports and activities you can enjoy during your holiday in Belize:

Water Sports

• Snorkelling and Diving: Belize is renowned for its stunning snorkelling and diving locations. The Belize Barrier Reef, the second-largest coral reef system in the world, offers spectacular underwater scenery. Key spots include the Great Blue Hole, Hol Chan Marine Reserve, and Turneffe Atoll.

• Kayaking and Paddleboarding: Explore Belize's picturesque coastline and serene inland waterways by kayak or paddleboard. Popular areas for these activities include the Placencia Peninsula and the calm waters around Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye.

• Sailing: Experience the beauty of the Caribbean Sea by sailing around the cayes and atolls. You can charter a boat or join a sailing tour to explore Belize's islands and coastal waters.

Land Sports

• Hiking and Trekking: Belize’s diverse landscapes provide numerous hiking opportunities. Explore the lush jungles and ancient Mayan ruins in places like the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary and Caracol. There are trails for all levels, from easy walks to challenging treks.

• Bird Watching: Belize is a bird-watcher’s paradise with over 500 species of birds. The Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary and the Belize Audubon Society’s reserves are top spots for birding enthusiasts.

• Horseback Riding: Experience Belize’s natural beauty on horseback. Several tours offer rides through jungles, along rivers, and to archaeological sites, providing a unique perspective on the landscape.

Adventure Sports

• Cave Tubing: Float through ancient cave systems on an inner tube. This unique activity combines adventure and archaeology, with popular spots including the Nohoch Che'en Caves Branch Archaeological Reserve.

• Zip-Lining: Get a bird’s eye view of the jungle canopy with zip-lining adventures. This exhilarating activity is available in several locations, including the Jaguar Paw Jungle Resort.

• Mountain Biking: Explore the rugged terrain of Belize on a mountain bike. Trails vary from easy coastal paths to challenging jungle routes, with something for every level of cyclist.

Belize offers a wealth of activities that cater to all types of travellers. Whether you’re a water sports enthusiast, a land explorer, or an adventure seeker, Belize has something exciting to offer. Enjoy the diverse sports and activities during your holiday in this beautiful Caribbean destination.

Coral Reefs

It’s here you’ll find the world’s second longest coral reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of seven protected areas; Bacalar Chico National Park and Marine Reserve, Blue Hole Natural Monument, Half Moon Caye Natural Monument, South Water Caye Marine Reserve, Glover’s Reef Marine Reserve, Laughing Bird Caye National Park and Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve. The Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System provides a vital habitat for endangered marine life such as the West Indian manatee, green turtle, hawksbill turtle, and the American crocodile as well as migratory birds.

Ancient Maya

Often called ‘the heart of Maya’, there are many relics of this ancient civilization dotted around Belize, the largest of which is in the Cayo district, surrounded by jungle. Also located here is the tallest Mayan building in the country - the temple "Caana" (Sky Place) which stands 42 metres high. More fascinating Mayan buildings can be found at Xunantunich (half an hour from San Ignacio) and north of Belize City at the Altun Ha site.

Culture

Culture fans will find plenty to occupy them on Belize holidays, from the Museum of Belize to Hopkins Village and Dangriga – known as Belize’s Culture Capital. It’s in Dangriga where the Punta Rock music genre developed, and it hosts festivals and celebrations such as National Garifuna Day on November 19. Hopkins Village is a friendly little fishing resort near the mouth of the Sittee River with plenty of activities to enjoy during holidays in Belize, from snorkelling adventures to jungle treks and wildlife tours.