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What Are the Best Things to Do in Belize? A Bucket List for UK Travellers
Landed here because you’re looking for the best things to do in Belize? Welcome adventurer, you’re in the right place.
Sitting on the Caribbean coast of Central America, Belize combines stunning natural beauty with heritage sites, vibrant culture and one or two ancient mysteries to boot.
All told, it screams Bucket List with every fibre of its being.
From the world’s second-largest barrier reef to enigmatic Mayan ruins stashed deep within lush rainforests, Belize has a little something in store for everyone no matter what you’re looking for.
If you yearn for adventure, look no further.
But that’s all good and well – what are the absolute MUST sees and MUST dos in Belize? Well, thankfully, we’ve done the leg work and pulled together a list of our favourite things to see in Belize, enjoy…
Want to skip to the juicy part and just check out our Belize itinerary right now? Click HERE.
Dive (or Snorkel!) the Iconic Great Blue Hole
No trip to Belize is complete without witnessing the majesty of the Great Blue Hole.
This UNESCO World Heritage site is a colossal underwater sinkhole, famed for its incredible depth and the diverse marine life it attracts.
You don’t become a world heritage site for nothing, this really is one of the world’s most stunning sights. Whether you’re a seasoned scuba diver looking for an adventure (and hoping to bump into a reef shark or two) or a snorkeller keen to gaze at the Great Blue Hole from above, it’s an absolute must do.
The vibrant coral gardens on the edge are as stunning as they are beautiful – mark this down as a big ‘yes’ if you’re planning on heading to Belize!
- Why it’s a top pick: A truly unique natural wonder, offering world-class diving and stunning aerial views.
- UK Traveller Tip: Many tour operators offer day trips to the Blue Hole, often combining it with snorkelling or diving at nearby reefs. It’s important to book in advance, especially during peak season when things get busy
Explore the Underwater Paradise of the Belize Barrier Reef
Stretching for over 190 miles, the Belize Barrier Reef is the second-largest in the world – you don’t need us to tell you that’s pretty long!
It’s a vibrant underwater ecosystem teeming with life and along the way, you can expect to encounter everything from colourful coral formations to playful schools of fish, sea turtles and even manatees.
Whatever your experience in the water is, whether you’re a scuba diver, you’ve snorkelled before or you’re new to it all, there’s a trip for everyone – so don’t worry.
- Why it’s a top pick: A globally significant natural wonder, offering unparalleled diving and snorkelling opportunities.
- UK Traveller Tip: Consider staying on one of the Cayes (like Ambergris Caye or Caye Caulker) for easy access to the reef and a laid-back island vibe.
There’s LOADS of snorkelling time and beachy vibes included in our amazing Belize itinerary – check it out HERE!
Uncover the Secrets of Ancient Mayan Civilisations
Belize was once a significant hub for the ancient Maya civilisation, and remnants of their impressive cities and ceremonial centres are scattered throughout the country.
Famed for their advanced writing system, calendar system (seriously advance for its time), their love of chocolate and their pyramids and temples, the ancient Mayans gave so much to the world.
These archaeological sites give you a real insight into a rich history and culture that’s impacted not only on Central America but the way the world’s evolved into what it is today.
If you’re looking for some of Belize’s best Mayan sites, check out:
- Caracol: The largest Mayan site in Belize, boasting the towering “Canaa” (Sky Palace).
- Xunantunich: Known for its impressive “El Castillo” pyramid, offering panoramic views.
- Lamanai: Accessible by a scenic riverboat trip, revealing impressive temples and a rich history.
- ATM Cave (Actun Tunichil Muknal): A truly unique experience involving wading and swimming through a cave to witness Mayan artefacts and skeletal remains (this one requires a licensed guide)
It’s worth popping one on the itinerary if you haven’t already because a visit to one (or more) of these sites gives you a great insight into one of history’s most fascinating cultural periods.
- Why it’s a top pick: Belize offers some of the most accessible and impressive Mayan ruins in Central America.
- UK Traveller Tip: Hire a knowledgeable local guide at the sites to truly understand the history and significance of these ancient wonders.
Immerse Yourself in the Lush Rainforests and Wildlife
Beyond its stunning coastline, Belize boasts vast tracts of pristine rainforests teeming with wildlife.
And like with any rainforest, the wildlife is as spectacular as the scenery!
From howler monkeys and toucans to jaguars and tapirs (Belize’s national animal), you’ll have an adventure just spotting animals along the way.
Whether you check out Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve with its stunning cave systems and waterfalls, Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary (the world’s first Jaguar preserve), or Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary for a spot of birdwatching, there’s something for everyone.
And if you fancy a spot of cave tubing, you can even head off down underground rivers on tubes, exploring Belize’s intricate cave systems.
- Why it’s a top pick: Belize offers incredible opportunities for wildlife encounters and exploring diverse ecosystems.
- UK Traveller Tip: Pack insect repellent and lightweight, quick-drying clothing for rainforest excursions. Consider hiring a local guide for a richer wildlife spotting experience.
We’ve packed loads of the best things to do in Belize into our adventure itinerary – check it out HERE.
Relax and Explore the Idyllic Cayes
Belize is dotted with hundreds of small islands, known as cayes (pronounced “keys”).
They offer a laid-back Caribbean escape, so if that’s your vibe of you’re looking for a spot of relaxation amongst the adventure, then it’s worth adding to the itinerary.
Each cave has its own unique charm, some are bustling while others are more tranquil, so it’s worth having a think about what you’re looking for.
Expect stunning turquoise waters, swaying palm trees, fantastic snorkelling and diving right off the shore, and a slower pace of life.
Take your pick from Ambergris Caye, the largest caye with a range of resorts, Caye Caulker, a smaller and more laid-back island with a ‘go slow’ motto or even Placencia Caye, known for its long sandy beaches.
- Why it’s a top pick: The cayes offer the quintessential Caribbean island experience.
- UK Traveller Tip: Getting between the mainland and the cayes is usually done by water taxi or small plane. Factor this travel time into your itinerary.
Immerse Yourself in the Garifuna Culture
Along the southern coast of Belize, you’ll find vibrant Garifuna communities – these are the descendants of the indigenous people of Belize.
The Arawak and Carib people have their own unique culture, cuisine, language and music, so expect a lot of drumming and great hospitality!
It’s a must-see for anyone looking to dive into the cultural heritage of Belize, whether you head to towns like Hopkins and Dangriga or elsewhere to immerse yourself in an experience like no other.
- Why it’s a top pick: Offers a unique cultural experience distinct from the Mayan and Creole influences in Belize.
- UK Traveller Tip: Try traditional Garifuna dishes like hudut (fish cooked in coconut broth with mashed plantains) and tapado (a seafood and vegetable stew).
Want more tips for travelling in Belize? Click HERE!
Planning Your Belizean Adventure from the UK…
Belize has a little bit of something for everyone, so whether you want a mixture of adventure and relaxation, all of one or all of another, you can make this a Bucket List adventure that goes at your pace.
There’s adventure in the rainforest, in the sea, in the Ancient Mayan ruins, in the old towns and in every corner of Belize. There’s also beauty in the wildlife, beaches, cayes and everywhere you look.
What more is there to say other than let’s get planning your Bucket List trip to Belize? Click here for the itinerary, and if you don’t book it now… will you ever?
