Things to do in Belize

25 things to do in Belize

Listed in full below. The running order is set by votes and loads with the page.

• Snorkel with nurse sharks at Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley

  Swim alongside friendly nurse sharks and southern stingrays in the crystal-clear waters of this famous marine reserve off Ambergris Caye, surrounded by vibrant coral and tropical fish.

  Ambergris Caye

• Dive the Great Blue Hole

  Descend into the massive circular sinkhole, a world-class dive site encircled by coral, with stunning stalactite formations and clear views down to 130 meters.

  Lighthouse Reef

• Explore the Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave

  Trek through the jungle and wade into a living Maya underworld cave to see ancient ceramics and the famed calcified skeleton of the 'Crystal Maiden'.

  Cayo District

• Visit the ancient Maya city of Caracol

  Stand atop the massive Caana pyramid, Belize’s tallest man-made structure, within a sprawling archaeological site deep in the Chiquibul Forest.

  Cayo District

• Climb the pyramid of Xunantunich

  Cross the Mopan River by hand-cranked ferry and ascend El Castillo for panoramic views of Belize and Guatemala from this impressive Maya ceremonial center.

  San Ignacio

• Tour the Lamanai Maya ruins by riverboat

  Cruise the New River Lagoon, spotting crocodiles and birds, to reach the partly jungle-draped Lamanai temples including the striking Mask Temple.

  Orange Walk District

• Walk among the temples of Altun Ha

  Explore two plazas and the Temple of the Masonry Altars, whose jade head of Kinich Ahau was found here, at this easily accessible Maya site near Belize City.

  Belize District

• Snorkel the pristine coral gardens of Glover's Reef Atoll

  Explore a remote atoll’s shallow lagoon and patch reefs teeming with colorful fish, sea turtles, and elkhorn coral, part of the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System.

  Glover's Reef

• Visit the Community Baboon Sanctuary

  Walk through the village cooperative and spot troops of black howler monkeys in the treetops while learning about community-led conservation along the Belize River.

  Bermudian Landing

• Go cave tubing and zip-lining at Nohoch Che'en Caves Branch

  Float through underground river tunnels past stalactites and Mayan artifacts, then soar above the rainforest canopy on a zip-line course.

  Cayo District

• Hike to Big Rock Falls on the Mountain Pine Ridge

  Follow a trail down to a powerful 150-foot waterfall plunging into a deep swimming hole surrounded by granite boulders and pine forest.

  Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve

• Swim in the Rio On Pools

  Relax in a series of natural granite pools and smooth rock slides carved by the Rio On River, with scenic views of the surrounding pine ridge.

  Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve

• See jaguars, tapirs, and rescued wildlife at the Belize Zoo

  Encounter native species up close in this 29-acre sanctuary where rescued animals, from ocelots to scarlet macaws, live in lush naturalistic enclosures.

  Ladyville

• Wander the San Ignacio Market and try street food

  Browse the lively stalls of fresh produce, spices, and local crafts, then sample salbutes, garnaches, and fresh-cut fruit in the town hub.

  San Ignacio

• Eat fry jacks at Errolyns House of Fry Jacks in San Pedro

  Bite into golden, puffed pieces of fried dough stuffed with eggs, beans, and cheese at this beloved family-run breakfast spot on Ambergris Caye.

  San Pedro

• Sip a Belikin beer at the Lazy Lizard on Caye Caulker's Split

  Kick back with the national brew on the sandy bar at the narrow channel that split the island, watching sunbathers and the turquoise sea.

  Caye Caulker

• Experience Garifuna drumming and culture at the Gulisi Garifuna Museum

  Learn about the Garifuna people through exhibits and live performances of traditional drumming, dance, and songs in the heart of Dangriga.

  Dangriga

• Canoe into the Mayan ceremonial cave of Barton Creek

  Paddle a dugout canoe into a vast limestone cave where you’ll see ancient Maya pottery, skull-shaped formations, and high cathedral-like ceilings.

  Cayo District

• Stroll the Placencia Sidewalk and beach

  Walk the narrow concrete path lined with colorful shops, cafes, and beach bars, then feel the sand between your toes on Belize’s most famous peninsula.

  Placencia

• Fly fish for bonefish on the flats of Ambergris Caye

  Wade the shallow, shimmering flats, sight casting for silver bonefish, permit, or tarpon with experienced guides in a world-class fishery.

  Ambergris Caye

• Watch the sunset at Secret Beach, Ambergris Caye

  Sink your toes into the powdery sand at this calm, idyllic spot on the west side of the island, where the sky erupts in fiery colors over the lagoon.

  Ambergris Caye

• Paddleboard or kayak through mangrove tunnels in Caye Caulker

  Glide silently through a maze of red mangroves, spotting seahorses, juvenile fish, and birds in this protected nursery near the Split.

  Caye Caulker

• Sample conch ceviche at a beach shack in Hopkins village

  Enjoy freshly diced conch marinated in lime juice, mixed with habanero and cilantro, while overlooking the Garifuna village’s laid-back Caribbean shore.

  Hopkins

• Explore the Museum of Belize in Belize City

  Discover Maya artifacts, colonial treasures, and a former colonial prison building that now houses exhibits on natural history, slavery, and numismatics.

  Belize City

• Visit St. John's Cathedral, the oldest Anglican church in Central America

  Step inside the 1847 brick edifice built from ballast bricks of ships, with a historic pipe organ and memorial plaques telling Belize’s colonial story.

  Belize City