Central AmericaBelize is a small country on the Caribbean coast of Central America. Visitors come for coral reefs, tropical forests, Maya ruins and wildlife. English is the official language, and infrastructure is basic.
Why go
Explore the Belize Barrier Reef, the world's second-largest coral reef system.
Visit Maya ruins such as Lamanai, Xunantunich and Altun Ha.
See tropical plants and animals in the jungle.
Swim, snorkel, dive or go deep-sea fishing in the Caribbean Sea.
Best time to go: The dry season usually runs from February to May. Belize is hot and humid, with rain through November and a risk of hurricanes and coastal flooding from June to November.
Getting there
By air
- Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport is in Ladyville, about 15 km northwest of Belize City. The drive takes roughly 30 minutes.
- The airport has year-round flights from the United States, Guatemala, Panama, Belize and Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula.
- Seasonal flights from Canada operate from October to March.
By land
- You can drive into Belize from Mexico through Chetumal or from Guatemala through Melchor de Mencos. The road from Guatemala is much rougher.
- The Western Highway links the Guatemala border with San Ignacio, Belmopan and Belize City.
- The Philip Goldson Highway links Belize City with Orange Walk, Corozal Town and Chetumal.
By sea
- Cruise ships call at Belize City, but usually stay for only one day. This limits how much of the country you can see.
- Small speedboats run daily between Puerto Barrios in Guatemala and Punta Gorda. The source gives a fare of about US$20 one way.
Customs
- Foreign visitors must pay departure taxes when leaving Belize by land, air or water.
- The source lists a land departure fee of BZ$40 or US$20 per person, as of 2022.
- For the Placencia boat to Honduras, buy tickets at the tourist office next to the gas station. Visit immigration before departure.
Getting around
Domestic flights
Tropic Air and Maya Island Air fly to several towns, Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker. Flights from Belize City Airport are often much cheaper than flights from Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport. Book ahead because planes have limited seats. Some hotels can make flight reservations for you.
Buses
Bus routes link Belize City with northern, western and southern towns. Main towns have bus stations. For ordinary buses, you can stand beside the highway and wave to the driver. A conductor usually collects your fare at your seat. Fares range from BZ$2 to BZ$25, depending on distance. Express buses stop only at scheduled places in towns. They can save up to an hour and a half. Many buses are former United States school buses. You may sometimes need to stand. Check your destination before boarding, as some buses leave the main highway or stop short of the border.
Driving
Drive on the right. Speed signs use miles per hour. The four main highways are in good condition, but most other roads are unpaved. A vehicle with four-wheel drive is advisable. Avoid driving late at night because lighting and road signs are poor. Large potholes can damage a vehicle. Rental prices often include insurance, so check before buying extra cover. For a rental-car trip to Tikal in Guatemala, the source names Crystal Auto Rental as the only company that allows cars out of Belize. Belize insurance does not cover Guatemala, so check your other insurance.
What to see and do
Belize Barrier Reef
This reef runs along the coast and is a World Heritage Site. Its marine life includes tropical fish, rays and sharks.
Lamanai
One of the oldest Maya cities, Lamanai was established around 1600 BC. Maya people continued living there into the 20th century.
Xunantunich
This large Maya site stands beside the Mopan River near the Guatemala border. It has many plazas and temples.
Altun Ha
This ceremonial site lies north of Belize City. Finds at its Temple of the Sun God included jade sculptures and jewellery.
Snorkel or dive
Explore the reef's marine life and shipwrecks. Dive shops in coastal towns can arrange trips.
Explore the jungle
Belize's lush forests offer opportunities to see tropical plants and animals.
Food and drink
Rice, beans and chicken
A common meal across Belize, usually with chicken on the bone. Rice and beans is a mixed dish, while beans and rice means white rice with stewed beans served separately.
Fry jacks
Fried dough commonly eaten for breakfast, often filled with refried beans and cheese. Meat or egg may also be added.
Papusas
Maize pancakes with different toppings, sold at street stalls in San Pedro. The source describes them as the cheapest option there for travellers on a budget.
Tamales and bollos
Corn-based street foods that often contain chicken. Watch for bones inside.
Garnaches, salbutes, panades and tostadas
These are corn-based street foods.
Ceviche
Seafood marinated in citrus juice. The Belizean version uses raw conch and vegetables.
Money
Belize dollar (BZD), written as BZ$ or $. One dollar has 100 cents.
- The Belize dollar is fixed at BZ$2 to US$1.
- United States dollars are widely accepted. Always agree which currency a price uses before paying.
- Change may include both Belize and United States money.
- Cash machines at Belize Bank, Scotiabank and Atlantic Bank accept Mastercard.
Typical costs
- Local bus journeys: BZ$2–25, depending on distance.
- Puerto Barrios–Punta Gorda boat: about US$20 one way.
- Livingston–Punta Gorda boat: BZ$50.
- Placencia–Puerto Cortés boat: US$50.
- Land departure fee: BZ$40 or US$20 per person, listed as of 2022.
Language
- English is the official language, and most Belizeans speak it.
- Belizean Creole is widely spoken, often mixed with English among friends.
- Spanish is widely spoken, especially in the north and west.
- Garifuna and the Maya languages Kekchi, Mopan and Yucatec are spoken in parts of the country.
- Some Mennonite communities speak German.
Staying safe
- Belize City is the most dangerous area mentioned in the source. Stay near tourist areas and other commercial areas.
- Do not walk around alone after dark. The south side of Belize City is described as dangerous.
- Tourist police patrol the tourist zone in Belize City. Approach them if you need help.
- Other parts of Belize are generally safe, but use caution when dealing with strangers.
Local customs
Do
- Begin conversations with eye contact and a pleasant greeting, even when asking a quick question.
- Allow time for a slower pace of life and casual conversation.
- Be polite and respectful in Maya communities, where people may be more reserved.
Staying healthy
- Use bottled water in most areas.
- Travellers' diarrhoea is a risk. Be prepared, and consult a qualified health professional about medicines for your trip.
- Belize was declared malaria-free in 2023, but dengue and Zika remain risks. Prevent mosquito bites with suitable clothing, repellent and a bed net in rooms without air conditioning or screens.
- The tropical sun is very strong. Wear a long-sleeved shirt, hat and sunglasses, and regularly apply sunscreen with a high sun protection factor.
Phone and internet
- Internet cafés are available in larger tourist areas but are uncommon in rural areas.
- Cafés and restaurants increasingly offer wireless internet, also called Wi-Fi.
- Speeds vary. Ask whether Wi-Fi is available and whether you need a password.
Outdoor adventures in Belize
Belize offers reef diving and snorkelling in the Caribbean Sea, with tropical fish, rays and sharks. Inland, jungles, caves and rivers offer more places to explore, especially in Cayo.
Belize Barrier Reef diving
Scuba divingCaribbean coast
February–May is the dry season.Book a diving excursion through a dive shop in a coastal town.
- Hurricanes can cause coastal flooding from June to November.
- Use strong sun protection, especially on boats and in the water.
Blue Hole diving
Scuba diving
February–May is the dry season.Book a diving excursion. These are offered alongside other reef trips.
- Hurricanes can affect coastal areas from June to November.
- Take extra sun protection for time on boats and in the water.
Hol Chan Marine Reserve snorkelling
Snorkelling
February–May is the dry season.Find a snorkelling excursion along the beaches of Ambergris Caye or Caye Caulker.
- Cost: Typical excursions cost about US$35, including snorkel gear. Foreign visitors pay an additional BZ$10 park tax.
- Wear a sun-protective swim shirt and apply high-SPF sunscreen regularly.
- Drink enough water in the heat.
Shark Ray Alley snorkelling
Snorkelling
February–May is the dry season.Find a snorkelling excursion along the beaches of Ambergris Caye or Caye Caulker.
- Cost: Typical excursions cost about US$35, including snorkel gear. Foreign visitors pay an additional BZ$10 park tax.
- Wear a sun-protective swim shirt and apply high-SPF sunscreen regularly.
- Drink enough water in the heat.
Airports, metros and trains in Belize
Airports with scheduled flights
- BZEPhilip S. W. Goldson International AirportBelize CityMain international airport
People and safety in Belize
Religion
Most people are Christian. Mostly one faith.
- Christian88%
- No religion9%
- Folk religions2%
- Jewish1%
- Buddhist<1%
LGBT+ travellers
Legal
- Same-sex marriage is not recognised.
- Laws protect against discrimination.
Women travellers
Ranked #104 of 181 countries for women's safety, inclusion and justice.
66% of women say they feel safe walking alone at night where they live.
Who can visit without a visa
Travellers from 105 of 198 countries can visit Belize easily: no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.
- Visa not required105
- Visa required93
Who can visit easily, by part of the world
For each part of the world: how many countries' travellers can come easily. Easy means no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.
- Oceania12 of 14 countries
- Americas29 of 34 countries
- Europe37 of 46 countries
- Africa17 of 54 countries
- Asia10 of 50 countries
Questions
When is the dry season?
The dry season usually lasts from February to May. Hurricanes and coastal flooding are a risk from June to November.
Can I get by speaking English?
Yes. English is the official language, and most Belizeans speak it, though the Caribbean accent may take some getting used to.
Can I pay with United States dollars?
They are widely accepted, at a fixed rate of US$1 to BZ$2. Always confirm which dollars a price means.
How do I pay for a local bus?
A conductor usually comes to your seat to collect the fare. Prices range from BZ$2 to BZ$25, depending on distance.
Can a hotel help me book a domestic flight?
Some hotels can make flight reservations for guests. Booking ahead is advisable because planes have limited seats.
Is it easy to drive around Belize?
The main highways are in good condition and traffic is light. Most other roads are unpaved, and driving late at night is best avoided.
Where can I find cheaper meals?
Local places to eat can be much cheaper than tourist restaurants. Street stalls in San Pedro sell inexpensive papusas.
Should I drink bottled water?
Yes. The source recommends bottled water in most areas.
Where can I arrange a reef trip?
Dive shops in coastal towns arrange trips to dive sites on the Belize Barrier Reef.
Will I find internet access?
Larger tourist areas have internet cafés, and cafés and restaurants increasingly offer Wi-Fi. Access is less common in rural areas, and speeds vary.
Reviewed by @snuck