What Are the Top Activities in Belize?
Belize is one of the top destinations in the world for scuba diving. Coral reefs, marine reserves, and the Great Blue Hole have all made Belize a must-see destination for serious divers. The Great Blue Hole is an underwater sinkhole, 60 miles (100km) off the coast of Belize. Only experienced divers can venture to the bottom of the 400-foot (121-m) hole. You won’t see much wildlife in the hole, but you will see some remarkable underwater stalagmites. Around the rim of the sinkhole, divers will see many different species of shark and colorful, undulating anemones.
The Belize Barrier Reef is one of the healthiest, most diverse reefs in the Caribbean. It stretches across 7 marine reserves. For a look at rare, Caribbean wildlife, check out the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Laughing Bird Caye National Park, Bacalar Chico National Park, and South Water Caye Marine Reserve. Depending on the time of year you could see whale sharks, dolphins, sea turtles, and manatees.
On hikes through Belize’s inland reserves you’ll get to explore some of the country’s most significant Maya ruins, including Lamanai, Xunantunich, Cahal Pech, and Corozal. You’ll also see waterfalls, swimming holes, and tracts of perfectly preserved rainforest.
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Hol Chan
The quick ride out to Hol Chan Marine Reserve makes this the most popular half-day tour for visitors staying at Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker. Set aside in 1987, this reserve covers an area of 3 square miles (7.8 sq km) and is found off the southern tip of Ambergris Caye. As a result, this area of the Belize Barrier Reef supports healthy populations of fish and colorful coral. Turtles, nurse sharks, grouper, jacks, reef fish, and barracuda are just a few of the species you might see here. The reef ranges from 10–30 feet (3–9 m) deep and most guides take snorkelers along the outer edge of the reef. While this site is great for beginner snorkelers, as well as divers, swimmers should pay attention to currents which can be strong throughout the reserve.
Corozal
Corozal is a pleasant seaside town at the very northern end of Belize. Less than 8 miles (12 km) from the Belize-Mexico border, most visitors pass through Corozal on their way to or from popular destinations in Mexico such as Tulum and Chichen Itza.
Blue Hole National Park
The Blue Hole is undoubtedly Belize’s most recognizable attraction. Located at the center of the Lighthouse Reef Atoll, this incredible sinkhole measures 1,000 feet (300 m) across and sits in the center of a small circular reef.
Cahal Pech Ruins
Less than a 10-minute drive or a 25-minute uphill walk from the town of San Ignacio, the 2-acre Mayan ruin site called Cahal Pech makes for pleasant morning or afternoon trip.
Lamanai
Lamanai is an extensive and diverse Mayan site set deep in the jungle along the banks of the New River Lagoon. One of the longest-occupied Mayan sites in Belize, Lamanai served as home to up to 35,000 Maya from 500 B.C., up until the beginning of the Spanish colonial period in the 17th century.
Laughing Bird Caye National Park
Laughing Bird Caye is a 1.4-acre (0.5-ha) deserted tropical island 12 miles (19 km) off the coast of Placencia. Surrounded by deep blue water on all sides, this miniature island is nothing more than palm trees, sandy beach, and a few picnic tables. The island is named for the Laughing Gull, a seabird that once lived on the island but has since migrated to other surrounding cayes that have less human disturbance.
Río Blanco National Park
This isolated national park at the southern end of Belize was established in 1994 in an effort to promote sustainable tourism as an alternative to logging. Recognizing the value of the incredible natural resources in the region, the surrounding indigenous Mayan communities of San Elena and Santa Cruz aligned and formed the Río Blanco Mayan Association, which now co-manages the park.
South Water Caye Marine Reserve
In 1996, in an effort to protect its fragile marine resources, the Belizean government set aside nearly 118,000 acres in the South Water Caye Marine Reserve, the nation’s largest marine reserve. Considered one of the most biodiverse marine areas in all of Belize, the marine reserve consists of pristine reefs, mangroves, palm-fringed islands, turquoise waters, and seagrass beds that provide a home to tropical reef fish, rays, seabirds, manatees, and crocodiles.
Belize Scuba Diving Tours
Belize has some of the best diving in the world. The Belize Barrier Reef has more dive sites than you can count and is home to colorful tropical fish, spotted eagle rays, dolphins, and even whale sharks. Scuba diving tours are offered to travelers of all levels of experience. You can sign up for certification courses or introductory dive courses, and will be trained by professional divemasters. On one of these tours, you'll experience the underwater world as never before, and get a glimpse into the most incredible places in Belize.
Xunantunich
Home to the second largest Mayan pyramid in Belize, Xunantunich is one of the most impressive Mayan sites in Belize. The site is composed of three major ceremonial plazas surrounded by numerous temples, palaces, and house mounds. Xunantunich is located 8 miles (13 km) southwest of San Ignacio on the Western Highway.
