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Introducing Belize

Belize is a nature-lovers paradise. This tiny Caribbean nation (it's home to fewer than 500,000 people) not only has the largest barrier reef in the northern hemisphere, it's also home to a whopping 94 protected areas that include marine reserves, national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and archeological sites. This country has it all, from Mayan ruins and windswept atolls to jungle rivers and indigenous villages. 

When is the best time to visit?
The high tourist season occurs between December and May, which is the dry season in Belize. During this time the sun is out and there's less rain than from June through November. Diving conditions are stellar, with visibility around 60-100 feet (18-30 m), and the pleasant weather means great conditions for other outdoor excursions like riverboat trips and hikes around Mayan ruins. There is a bit of a shoulder season in July and August, when the rains slightly abate and the jungles and forests are teeming with wildlife. Learn more

Where should I go in Belize?
Divers and snorkelers should head straight to Belize's barrier reef, which stretches 180 miles (290 km) along the coast. There's an abundance of marine reserves and dive spots here, from the famous Blue Hole and Turneffe atolls to the waters around Half Moon Caye and Tobacco Caye. Beyond diving, other aquatic activities include kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and swimming with sharks and rays. 

On the mainland, you can enjoy a leisurely boat ride down the Moho River while listening to the calls of green macaws and howler monkeys in the trees. There are also more Mayan archeological sites in this country than you might expect, with some of the best being Altun Ha, Lamanai, and Xunantunich. Some of these ruins date as far back as 1500 BCE. 

How many days do I need?
The short answer: fewer than you'd think. Because of Belize's small size (it's just 8,867 sq. miles), you can experience both mainland and island highlights in as few as five days. With more time you could visit many more archeological sites and islands. And in two weeks you can do it all, from swimming with sharks, diving at various atolls, relaxing in beach bungalows, dining with indigenous families, and enjoying nature hikes, boat rides, and tours of Mayan ruins. Learn more

Getting around Belize
Driving is a good bet on the mainland. As for the reef, water taxis and ferries run to most of Belize's main islands and dive sites, as they are relatively close to shore. Some major islands, like Ambergris Caye, have their own airstrips and are serviced by small propeller planes. Note the cost of an inter-island flight is significantly more expensive than traveling by boat.

Explore trips by duration: 5 days · 7 days · 10 days

Belize Tours & Itineraries

Get inspired by trips other travelers have loved
Kayaks on the beach waiting for your next paddle
Map of Islands of Belize: Tobacco Caye & South Water Caye - 7 Days
Islands of Belize: Tobacco Caye & South Water Caye - 7 Days

On this seven-day tour of Belize's best islands, you'll spend time discovering underwater marine life while enjoying the pristine beaches. Begin at the Tropical Education Centre, where you'll embark on a nocturnal tour of the Belize Zoo. Then, head to Tobacco Caye to start exploring the mangroves and coral reefs. The trip continues to South Water Caye, where you can swim, snorkel, paddleboard, and dive your way through the Southern Barrier Reef.

Sea kayaking on Glover's Reef
Map of  Discover Belize: Rainforests, Ruins & Reefs - 10 Days
Discover Belize: Rainforests, Ruins & Reefs - 10 Days

Spend 10 days discovering Belize's greatest outdoor gems. Start out at a lodge in the heart of a rainforest. Then, spend some time in a Maya village, followed by a few days paddling and camping along the Moho River. Venture into the jungle, tour the Maya ruins of Lubaantun, and take a tour of a chocolate farm. The trip concludes with several days of free time to explore Glover's Reef Atoll—paddling, kayaking, and snorkeling at your leisure.

Maya ruins in Xunantunich
Map of Experience Belize: Glover's Reef & Maya Caves - 7 Days
Experience Belize: Glover's Reef & Maya Caves - 7 Days

This seven-day adventure combines the best elements of Belize—the inland exploration of Maya ruins and rainforest caves, along with several days to discover the remote coral atoll of Glover's Reef. Perfect for active families and couples of all skill levels, this itinerary offers the flexibility to relax, paddle, snorkel, dive, and sea kayak, depending on your preference.

Cabana life at Tobacco Caye
Map of Rainforest & Reef Exploration in Belize - 7 Days
Rainforest & Reef Exploration in Belize - 7 Days

Spend one week discovering two different sides of Belize. Check in to your ecolodge within Mayflower Bocawina National Park, and enjoy a few days of adventuring in the rainforest—go zip lining, bird-watching, rappelling, and more. Then, head to Tobacco Caye, part of the South Water Caye Marine Reserve, and enjoy some time on the pristine beaches. Laze in a hammock on your over-the-water deck, go snorkeling around the Southern Barrier Reef, and spend some time paddling and kayaking surrounded by the fresh ocean breeze.

Discover the underwater world off of Belize
Map of Belize Wildlife, Mayan Ruins & Reef Tour - 9 Days
Belize Wildlife, Mayan Ruins & Reef Tour - 9 Days

Spend nine days exploring some of the best of Belize. Upon arrival, head to Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary to do some birding and view the native wildlife, along with exploring two different Mayan ruins. Next, take a water taxi to the Lighthouse Reef Atoll, and spend the next few days snorkeling, paddling, and relaxing beachside. Then, enjoy a final night on the town in Belize City.

Half Moon Caye
Map of Belize Lighthouse Reef Adventure - 7 Days
Belize Lighthouse Reef Adventure - 7 Days

The seven-day adventure begins with an overnight at Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, then heads out by boat to Lighthouse Reef. You'll explore the Lighthouse Reef atoll—a tropical marine park and designated UNESCO World Heritage Site—via various snorkeling and paddling opportunities. Spend five nights at your Half Moon Caye Basecamp, which offers both guided and independent excursions, and end your trip with a night in Belize City.

Belize Travel Advice

Read our detailed insights to make sure you have the best trip
Underwater Belize
Belize in April: Travel Tips, Weather & More

Belize in April is the perfect time for an island getaway. Diving and snorkeling conditions are ideal, the coastal breezes offset the higher temperatures, and marine wildlife is...

Our Latest Belize Content

See marine life on a snorkeling or scuba diving adventure around Belize's many cayes, like this harmless nurse shark
10 Days in Belize - 3 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With 10 days in Belize, you can cover three to four destinations. Consider a classic route of caves, Maya ruins, and snorkeling around Ambergris Caye, or spend time in the Cayo District—a starting point to explore parks and ecological reserves before learning about Garifuna culture in Hopkins on the coast. For a more off-the-grid experience, add a paddling adventure down the Moho River, and for divers and snorkelers, Glover's Reef Atoll is your paradise.

Relax in paradise on a Belizean island caye, like Carrie Bow Cay Field Station
5 Days in Belize - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Belize is a small country, about the size of Massachusetts, so in five days, you can hit all the highlights: the beach, Maya ruins, and jungle. Mix it up with time at the Maya Lamanai ruins, zipline through the jungle, and relax on Southwest Caye, or spend more time discovering Maya ruins, exploring the jungle, and checking out underground cave systems. Alternatively, you could spend most of your time on an island like Tobacco Caye or Southwest Caye, snorkeling and diving the Belizean Barrier Reef and lying out under the sun.

Spend 10 days relaxing and exploring Belize
Map of Belize Adventure: From Reefs to Maya Ruins  - 10 Days
Belize Adventure: From Reefs to Maya Ruins - 10 Days

With some of the world's best snorkeling spots, rich Maya history, and endless cayes to explore, Belize is a paradise waiting to be discovered on this 10-day adventure. Journey by land and sea as you swim with sharks in the Hol Chan marine reserve, step into the world of Actun Tunichil Mukna's sacrificial burials, and explore the archaeological site at Caracol. Hop over to the islands to end your trip dancing, savoring fresh fish, and snorkeling on Ambergris Caye.

Belize Travel Maps

Get the lay of land, and understand distances between the places you want to visit
Belize map: Belize’s Paradise Islands: Tobacco Caye & South Water Caye - 7 Days
Belize’s Paradise Islands: Tobacco Caye & South Water Caye - 7 Days
View article
Belize map:  Discover Belize: Rainforests, Ruins & Reefs - 10 Days
Discover Belize: Rainforests, Ruins & Reefs - 10 Days
View article
Belize map: Belize: Glover's Reef & Mayan Caves - 7 Days
Belize: Glover's Reef & Mayan Caves - 7 Days
View article

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Trip Reviews for Belize

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

Magical Tikal Forest Experience
Belize | Apr 23 - Apr 25, 2023

M
MaryAnn R.
Novi, MI | Reviewed on May 09, 2023

We had a wonderful time. Rubin was a knowledge, kind, well spoken, service oriented guide. We learned and were so enhanced and blessed by the Mayan teaching, history and culture. The lodge was fantastic. Monkeys, sounds of the jungle and the accommodations we loved! Food was good. Also hit some local spots that Rubin recommended. This made our time even better.. Drivers were also excellent! Lenten and Fernando made the travel easy.

Lots of walking in the forest and up and down stairs. All... read more

We had a wonderful time. Rubin was a knowledge, kind, well spoken, service oriented guide. We learned and were so enhanced and blessed by the Mayan teaching, history and culture. The lodge was fantastic. Monkeys, sounds of the jungle and the accommodations we loved! Food was good. Also hit some local spots that Rubin recommended. This made our time even better.. Drivers were also excellent! Lenten and Fernando made the travel easy.

Lots of walking in the forest and up and down stairs. All worth it, but you will be tired after 6 hours. Or, you can opt out.
Rubin kept us going but also realizes that some cannot keep this pace.

Servers at the lodge were trying hard, but many don't speak English. Just be prepared if you don't speak Spanish. One lovely server who could speak some English stepped into translate often.

We will definitely use kimkim again. Could not have done it without them. Guidance was priceless and made for no stress at all.

Local specialist: Eduardo Celada
Eduardo
Eduardo Celada
Local specialist in Antigua, Guatemala | Replied on May 09, 2023

Hola MaryAnn,
It is good to hear tha tyou had a great experince in Belize and Guatemala. Ensure to spread th word to your friends so we can provide good services to people interested in Guatemala, Belize and especially to get to know the Mayan Culture.
Eduardo

I have nothing but great things to say about ...
Belize | Apr 18 - Apr 25, 2023

Carly
Carly M.
Columbia, MD | Reviewed on May 06, 2023

I have nothing but great things to say about Guatemala! Eduardo made the itinerary to fit my needs and interests, and even adjusted it as needed! Luis, my tour guide all week, made my experience one to remember as a solo traveler. He was passionate about his home but also so open to welcoming me to it. I didn’t have nearly enough time to see as much of this beautiful place as I wanted, but I definitely believe Lake Atitlan is a MUST SEE in Guatemala. I hope to be back to see the northern regions!

Local specialist: Eduardo Celada
Eduardo
Eduardo Celada
Local specialist in Antigua, Guatemala | Replied on May 08, 2023

Thank you very much for your comment! We are glad that you enjoyed our "Journey in Guatemala", With this feedback you have contributed to better positioning this service, which is undoubtedly one of the best things you can do in our beautiful country.

I invite you to text me on your next visit to Guatemala to show you other beautiful places in our land of beautiful people.

Thank you for providing value to our service!

Sincerely,
Eduardo

Service provided by local specialist: Outstan...
Belize | Apr 23 - May 2, 2023

Cynthia
Cynthia C.
San Leandro, CA | Reviewed on May 06, 2023

Service provided by local specialist: Outstanding!
I wanted to give my husband a surprise vacation to Belize, a gift for his 36 year retirement celebration (we've never been) I chose KimKim as a starting point and was assigned to Columbus Guatemala Travel. I worked with Catharina, she helped me plan a 10 day trip. I expressed to her that I wanted to spend half of our time doing land excursions and the other half doing water activities. I also was very certain on what type of accommodations... read more

Service provided by local specialist: Outstanding!
I wanted to give my husband a surprise vacation to Belize, a gift for his 36 year retirement celebration (we've never been) I chose KimKim as a starting point and was assigned to Columbus Guatemala Travel. I worked with Catharina, she helped me plan a 10 day trip. I expressed to her that I wanted to spend half of our time doing land excursions and the other half doing water activities. I also was very certain on what type of accommodations I wanted , as well as preferring private tours over group tours. Long story short- our trip was amazing! We spent 5 days in the Cayo district at a mountain jungle ridge resort- then transferred 3 hours away to the peninsula coast and spent the remainder of our time. Renee our personal tour guide in the Cayo district was awesome, he was very thoughtful and really tried to tailor the experience to what was important to us. We had different guides at the coast and all were very friendly and professional. While abroad we had 24 hour access to Catharina and her team- and when an urgent situation arose in the middle of our trip I reached out to her and within a few hours the situation was resolved and we were able to continue with our vacation.

Hotel Reviews
Blancaneaux Lodge

Amazing, I highly recommend the Honeymoon Hut with plunge pool over looking the forest mountain ridge (Hut 12) No Television, No Air Conditioner- I never missed either! We really connected with the vibe, so relaxed, so tropical, so unique, so beautiful!

Authenticity & Character
Loved the cultural influence in all the decor
Location
Felt like I stepped into a tropical daydream
Staff
Staff provided excellent service with a smile- everyone made a point to know/remember our names and what we liked (food, beverage,snacks and services)
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very clean!
The Placencia Muy'Ono Resort

Let me first say....I chose this resort, I stayed here 1 night- the next morning being very distraught ...spoke to Catharina about the condition of this place- she jumped into action! she immediately , set up our transfer driver, and booked us into the Turtle Inn Lodge ( another Francis Ford Coppola Resort) where we finished out the rest of our amazing Belize adventure! The Placencia Muy'O Resort is NOT as advertised- Not a 4 or 5 star resort- Think more along the lines of a timeshare resort with deferred maintenance throughout the resort and including the room I booked . I chose Placencia Muy'Ono Resort based on the advertised pictures (chose ocean view king size bed rm 221) -Upon arrival we noticed the beach was beautiful and the pool seemed really nice. However our room wasn't ready for us so we hung out a little and walked around. We began to notice all the missing tile around the pool sitting area, cracked /broken tiles along pathways and stairs- broken or missing ground lights (and the kicker) we went to see the organic garden , that was actually a weed patch. -Room: worn old furniture, stained light shades, water damage stain on up-wall near ceiling, stains running under a/c, hole in balcony ceiling , open electrical with missing light fixture outside bedroom door, dirty coffee cups for use in cabinets, bathtub with mold, the list goes on and on (we took pics of everything) -On-site Restaurant : Food was awful and overpriced, my husband sent his pork chop dinner special back and ordered a burger - I simply could not eat my fish dinner plate. Staff: some were really friendly others were not. Management : assistant manger took our call, listen to complaint (my husband did not sleep at all on the worn spring mattress- I woke up with a headache) she looked at the pictures we took of everything that was broken/dirty etc...and she apologized, said she was working on our request for the one night stay refund. We were told K.Williams was the manager and was the person to approve the refund. However K. Williams was never available when we called .....and still has not responded to our complaint or request for refund of our one night stay ( we were stuck for the night ) -We asked 3 people that worked there if this resort was a timeshare, they said yes- assistant manager said no -Length of stay: we were booked for 5 nights, we stayed 1 night -The Casino is closed down (local tour guide said an incident happened) ...Maybe at one time this resort may have been really nice, I can't speak to that- but based of my experience, I would say vacationer beware !

Staff
Service was not of a 4 or 5 star resort....Poor management
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clean the rooms, update the furniture , complete routine maintenance ....so rooms will match advertised pictures
Activity Reviews
LEISURE DAY
Belize

We spent our leisure day exploring the surroundings and relaxing at the resort, which set the tone for our entire trip.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Discover Xunantunich
Belize

We had a great time visiting the Xunantunich Mayan ruins, even though not everyone would want to walk up 120 steps in humidity our local guide, Rene, made the experience memorable and informative as he was of Mayan descent.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Caracol And Rio Frio Cave & Pools
Belize

Our visit to Caracol and Rio Frio Cave & Pools was enjoyable, thanks to our guide, Rene, who understood our interests and made the experience more engaging. If we went back we would definitely want to explore more of the caves. His wife even prepared a delicious, traditional lunch for us, which added to the authenticity of our experience.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Barrier Reef Snorkeling
Belize

We had a good time snorkeling at the Barrier Reef, but we were in a group, which impacted the experience. In the future, we would prefer a private snorkeling experience.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Cockscomb Basin Jaguar Preserve
Belize

The Jaguar Preserve was educational and a great experience for those interested in the preservation of jaguars. Even though we didn't see a jaguar, we enjoyed the hike.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Catherina Tittaferrante
Catherina
Catherina Tittaferrante
Local specialist in Antigua Guatemala | Replied on May 15, 2023

My lovely Cynthia!
We value your friendship, going through the creation of your celebration trip was priceless.

Your happiness is ours and I loved being able to participate in every step. Our goal is to make experiences that can print unforgettable moments and I am very grateful to know that
we accomplish it.

It stopped being a job a long time ago and our passion became our lifestyle, our communities have better opportunities and they improove their life interacting with travelers and we... read more

My lovely Cynthia!
We value your friendship, going through the creation of your celebration trip was priceless.

Your happiness is ours and I loved being able to participate in every step. Our goal is to make experiences that can print unforgettable moments and I am very grateful to know that
we accomplish it.

It stopped being a job a long time ago and our passion became our lifestyle, our communities have better opportunities and they improove their life interacting with travelers and we have achieved that when traveling the impact is positive, keeping in mind our main pillars Caring for Nature - Preserving Culture - Connecting with Intention & Mindfulness - Quality in Details with our golden rule Safety First, second and third.

Thank you for being yourself, thank you for trusting us. Hope to see you soon, Guatemala is nocking at your door \0/ !

Be safe my dear and share a huge hug with Brian, keep enjoying your time now more than ever!