Belize is a small country that packs a big punch. Nestled in Central America, it’s a destination that promises lifetime experiences and highlight reels. From lush jungles to turquoise Caribbean waters, ancient Mayan Ruins to mouthwatering cuisine, Belize offers a perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and culture.
If you’re still wondering why you should visit, here are some compelling reasons that will have you booking your trip in no time.
A guest favorite to visit Belize – crystal clear beaches
Belize beaches are famous for their soft, white sand and the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. If you’re dreaming of a tropical escape, you’ll find some of the best beaches in the world right here.
Whether you’re in Placencia, Ambergris Caye, or Caye Caulker, you can swim, paddleboard, or kayak in these tranquil waters.
Many beach towns also feature beachfront restaurants serving fresh seafood, making it the perfect destination for relaxation and adventure.
Popular beaches: Secret Beach (Ambergris Caye), Placencia Peninsula, and Caye Caulker
Activities: Paddleboarding, Jet-skiing, Kayaking, Snorkeling
Popular seaside restaurants on the beach: Estel’s Dine By the Sea (Ambergris Caye), Blue Water Grill (Ambergris Caye), Barefoot Bar & Grill (Placencia), Tipsy Tuna (Placencia)
Dive into the Belize Barrier Reef: A Snorkeler’s Paradise
The Belize Barrier Reef is the second-largest reef system in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Home to vibrant coral, exotic fish, and majestic sea turtles, it’s a must-see for anyone passionate about marine life.
Popular sites like Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley offer some of the best snorkeling and diving experiences. Plus, don’t miss the world-renowned Great Blue Hole, a giant underwater sinkhole that’s a bucket-list dive for many.
- Top snorkeling and diving spots: Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Shark Ray Alley, The Great Blue Hole
- Marine life: Nurse sharks, rays, sea turtles, colorful coral, different species of fish
- Belize Snorkeling Tours at The Belize Barrier Reef – by the team at NOUR Villas
Discover the Mysteries of Ancient Mayan Ruins
With Mayan ruins scattered across Belize, this country offers an unparalleled opportunity to step back in time. Explore the ancient pyramids of Xunantunich Mayan Ruins, climb El Castillo for panoramic views, or discover the grand structures of Caracol in the heart of the jungle. Altun Ha and Lamanai offer a mix of stunning landscapes and ancient structures. Our guided tours bring the stories of the Mayans to life, showing you their achievements in astronomy, art, and architecture.
For a truly immersive experience, take a guided tour to understand the astronomical and cultural significance of these ancient sites.
- Must-visit Belize Mayan Ruins: Xunantunich (El Castillo), Caracol, Lamanai
- Unique features: El Castillo pyramid, Lamanai Mask Temple
Amazing Belizean Wildlife
Belize is home to a stunning variety of wildlife. Jaguars roam its jungles, manatees swim in its waters, and toucans flutter through its skies.
Visit the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary to see jaguars in their natural habitat. For marine life, snorkeling with manatees or dolphin-watching is an unforgettable experience.
Belize’s wildlife is as diverse as its landscapes. The jungles of Belize are home to the elusive Jaguar, which you can spot at the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary.
The country is also famous for its marine life, including manatees and playful dolphins.
For birdwatchers, Belize boasts over 600 bird species, making it a paradise for avian enthusiasts. Some birds you can spot in Belize include: American Pygmy Kingfisher, Azure-crowned Hummingbird, Black-and-white Warbler, among others.
- Top wildlife spots: Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, Hol Chan Marine Reserve, The Belize Zoo
- Wildlife highlights: Jaguars, tapirs, howler monkeys, toucans, manatees
Visit Belize for great year-round weather
The weather in Belize is one of the main reasons people love visiting. It’s warm and tropical, with sunshine almost year-round. Belize has two seasons: the dry season and the rainy season.
From December to April, the dry season brings warm, sunny days with temperatures between 77°F and 88°F (25°C to 31°C).
The rainy season lasts from May to October. During this time, you may see a short rain shower in the afternoon. But the rain usually doesn’t last long, and it doesn’t stop you from enjoying the country.
Check out our guide on when is the best time to visit Belize.
Visit Belize for Caves and Adventures
Caving in Belize is an unforgettable experience. The Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave is famous for its ancient Mayan artifacts and the Crystal Maiden, a skeleton of a teenage girl who may have been a sacrifice victim, and whose bones have been calcified to a gleaming, crystallized look.. The adventure includes hiking through the jungle, swimming in underground rivers, and exploring sacred Maya caves.
Other caves, like Barton Creek, offer canoeing, adding to the thrill of underground exploration.
- Notable caves: ATM Cave, Barton Creek, Rio Frio Cave, Che Chem Ha Cave, St. Herman’s Cave, Crystal Cave aka Mountain Cow Cave
- Activities: Hiking, canoeing, swimming
Indulge in Delicious Belizean Cuisine
Belize’s cuisine reflects the rich blend of cultures that call the country home. You’ll find a variety of influences from the Maya, Creole, Garifuna, and Mestizo communities.
Start your day with fry jacks, a traditional breakfast food, and enjoy rice and beans with stewed chicken for lunch. Seafood lovers can indulge in lobster, conch, and snapper served with local spices and herbs.
- Popular dishes: Rice and beans with stewed chicken, fry jacks, conch ceviche, Belizean breakfast
- Unique flavors: Fusion of Maya, Creole, and Garifuna cuisines, East Indian dishes
Friendly People is one of the reasons people say they love visiting Belize
One of the top reasons to visit Belize is its people.
The Belizean culture is a melting pot of diverse ethnic groups, including Maya, Creole, Garifuna, Mennonite, and Mestizo communities. Among others.
The locals are known for their warmth and hospitality, welcoming visitors like old friends. Whether you’re attending a local festival or shopping at a market, you’ll feel the genuine kindness and hospitality of Belizeans that will leave a lasting impression. It’s part of what makes Belize so special.
- Cultural experiences: Local festivals, local farmer markets, traditional dances
- Friendly communities: Mennonites, Garifuna, Creole communities
English is the Official Language of Belize
One of the most convenient things about Belize is that English is the official language. It’s spoken everywhere, making it easy for visitors to communicate.
Signs, menus, and guides are all in English, so you won’t have to worry about a language barrier. It’s one less thing to stress about, letting you enjoy your trip even more.
The major languages spoken in Belize include English, Spanish and Kriol or Belizean Creole.
Why Visit Belize? Easy Access from the USA and Canada
One of the most appealing aspects of Belize is how easily accessible it is from the United States and Canada. Belize is closer than you think.
With direct flights from major cities like Miami, Houston, and Toronto, you can be on the beach in just a few hours.
Once you arrive, getting around is easy, whether by car, boat, or local flights to nearby islands. It’s the perfect destination for both quick getaways and longer vacations.
- Major flight hubs: Miami, Houston, Toronto, Calgary, New York
- Belize International Airport: Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport (BZE)
Visit Belize’s 450 Islands and Atolls
Belize is home to over 450 islands, from popular destinations like Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker to the remote beauty of Half Moon Caye and Tobacco Caye (Atolls).
Whether you’re looking for luxurious beach resorts or quiet, off-the-grid island escapes, there’s an island for every type of traveler.
- Top islands: Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, Tobacco Caye, Half Moon Caye, Raye Caye
- Accommodations: Overwater bungalows, eco-lodges, beach resorts
BONUS: Gorgeous Accommodations in Unique Settings
Belize offers a range of accommodations, from luxury resorts to eco-lodges nestled in the jungle.
Stay in a secluded beach bungalow or an overwater villa on a private island, where the sound of the waves lulls you to sleep.
For a truly unique experience, consider staying at NOUR Villas, a private gated community nestled between the Maya Mountain Range and the stunning Belizean jungle.
- Accommodations options: Overwater villas, eco-lodges, beach resorts
- Recommended stay: NOUR Villas for a luxurious jungle experience in the Maya foothills.
