Belize’s Best Swimming Spots

Beautiful Belize is a paradise for nature lovers. If you love adventure, beautiful surroundings, friendly people, and a tropical climate, you should plan a trip here this year. While there, you can enjoy playing in the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, but that is not the only destination for enjoying a refreshing swim. Belize also offers plenty of amazing spots to take a dip in its abundant rainforests and sloping mountains. We’ll list our favorite 5 spots for a swim, some of which even have waterfalls.
Mayflower Bocawina National Park
Located in the southern part of the country, the beautiful Mayflower Bocawina National Park is found in the Stann Creek district. Here you can take a hike through the lush rainforest to waterfalls which provide perfect refreshment as you take a dip after your walk. A must-visit spot is Antelope Falls. You can climb a thousand feet to the top from which you will be able to see the canopy beneath as well as views of the ocean in the distance.
Afterward, we advise taking a guided rappel down the waterfall if you are adventurous. You will find this exhilarating. Follow up with swimming in the gorgeous emerald pools below.
If you want to keep swimming after a meal, the Bocawina Rainforest Resort features the Bocawina Falls and is close enough for another dip among beautiful natural surroundings.
Big Rock Waterfalls
Running through Mountain Pine Ridge Nature Reserve is the Privassion River. This beautiful area in the Cayo District has one of the country’s most impressive waterfalls. It’s a grand 150 feet tall and crashes down over large black rocks before entering a large and deep circular pool. Swimmers here can enjoy wonderful views of the water above. The sounds and sights from the falling water are as relaxing as the pool itself.
Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary
Located in the south-central part of the country in the Stann Creek District is the world’s very first jaguar preserve, The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary. Visitors to this exquisite location can enjoy the beauty of the rainforest while exploring 20 miles of hiking trails that are marked so they are easy to follow. Most lead to swimming holes so that after a pleasant hike nature lovers can relax and swim. Many choose to pack a picnic to enjoy after a dip, as this is a perfect spot for a day trip.
St. Herman’s Inland Blue Hole
This park is only about 12 miles from Belmopan, Belize’s capital. It’s an easy drive on the Hummingbird Highway and provides great hikes and campsites. Here you will also find two caves. St. Herman’s Cave is at the base of a sinkhole. An underground stream connects it to the inland Blue Hole and the 180-foot wide picturesque entrance that is draped in greenery.
The stream makes this a fun spot for inner tubing if you bring an inner tube, though it is also a great spot to hang out and swim. Make sure to visit this lovely spot for a refreshing dip if you are visiting Belmopan!
Butterfly Farm
One of the most gorgeous and pristine waterfalls in Belize is the Butterfly Falls located on Butterfly Farm. This amazing natural feature plunges 80 feet into a pool around which visitors will marvel to see beautiful clouds of vibrant butterflies. The clear waters are surrounded by lush foliage. While the falls are within the boundaries of the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve in the Cayo District, access is via the Hidden Valley Inn, a private location. It is well worth organizing a trip.
There you have it – five amazing spots that are the best places to take a cool dip to refresh yourself after your adventures exploring the beautiful nature you’ll find in Belize. They are all unique and marvelous, so be sure to visit them all on your next trip to this tropical paradise.