What Should You Not Miss In Belize?

November 13, 2022
by denidimchev@webohub.com +

It can be easy to mistake Belize for being just another tourist trap that happens to be located adjacent to some especially gorgeous beaches, but that would be doing a huge injustice to this small Caribbean country. While the resort island of Ambergris Caye and the expansive barrier reef next door may be the most popular draws for vacationers, they aren’t the only ones. There are far too many things to do in Belize for just one trip to cover them all, but here are the experiences you should prioritize.

The Great Blue Hole

Nearly 1000 feet wide and over 400 feet deep, the naturally occurring Great Blue Hole forms a nearly perfect circle that appears almost unnaturally blue. This unique formation happened thanks to water levels rising to cover a series of limestone caves, but that’s also made it one of the world’s most popular — and unique — sites for divers. But if you’re looking for something a little less intensive, it’s still worth a helicopter ride to see what it looks like from above.

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The Cayo District

The Cayo District was a critical hub of civilization during the height of the Maya Empire, and the countless ruins that criss-cross this region continue to be a reminder of that legacy. It’s well worth visiting sites like the pyramid of Xunantunich, but many explorers are just as attracted to the natural beauty out here. The fertile land in the Cayo District offers rich farmland, but it’s also thick with jungles, mountains, and caves — and there are plenty of tour operators willing to help set up expeditions offering everything from horseback riding to zip-lining to cave tubing.

Placencia

There are definitely some islands worth visiting off the coast of Belize — but if you’re strapped for time, Placencia offers a similar experience to living on an island without having to leave the mainland. The Garifuna settlement of Seine Bight to the north is an experience unlike any other. Placencia Village has the vibe of a quaint fishing town, but it’s only one of a few settlements positioned on this thin peninsula. The beach is rarely ever more than a quarter-mile away, and most people tend to get around on golf carts and bicycles rather than cars.

The Belize Barrier Reef

There’s a reason why this attraction keeps drawing tourists to Belize, and it’s worth a visit for everyone who has even the slightest love for the ocean. As the second-largest reef of its type in the world, it’s home to a rich ecosystem that’s worth exploring with either scuba or snorkeling gear. There are a number of ways to enjoy it too. The luxury island of Ambergris is less than a mile away, but there’s also the more affordable and less crowded Caye Caulker. And they’re just one of the hundreds of Belizean islands that sit within reach of the reef. Hol Chan Marine Reserve is located entirely on the reef, and it offers an exceptional way to enjoy the true diversity and beauty of life in the Caribbean Sea.