Where Is The Best Surfing in Belize?
Belize isn’t known for surfing destinations — the Belize Barrier Reef tends to get in the way. However, there is one primo surf spot the nation boasts; it's incredibly beautiful, but to access it, you actually have to make arrangements with a surf company.
Glover's Reef is the only spot with reliable surfing — especially on Long Caye. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the beaches of Glover's reef are not public; you have to make arrangements with the surf company there if you’d like to visit.
For all of Belize's beautiful crystal clear waters, the nation isn't much of a surf paradise, but that doesn't mean there aren't plenty of aquatic activities to enjoy. When you're done surfing, you still have windsurfing, kayaking, and snorkeling to look forward to — these are all excellent options for exploring Belize’s cayes.
When you're finally ready to dry off, there are plenty of Belize beaches where you can soak up the sunshine or nap in a hammock — caressed by the occasional tropical breeze. Even if you plan on spending the majority of your vacation at the beach, you'll still want to pack more than swimsuits for Belize.
Since you'll already be in the water, there's no reason you can't visit Belize during the wet/rainy season, but if you can't get enough of sunshine, then the best time to visit Belize is during the dry season (November to April).
Choose your own adventure as you voyage to Belize, because you can fly in, or arrive by land or sea. As for being granted entry to Belize, you'll need little more than a valid passport (pending your country of origin).
P.S. The Belize Barrier Reef may keep you from surfing, but it is beautiful and ecologically crucial. Learn more in "This Will NOT Be The End of The Belize Barrier Reef."
Related Questions
- Where Are The Nicest Beaches in Belize?
- When Is The Best Time To Go To Belize?
- Where Is The Best Fishing In Belize?
- Is Belize Family Friendly?
- What Are the Top Activities in Belize?
Belize Beach Town Destinations
Belize borders the Caribbean Sea and is home to a huge number of islands, including Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker. Not surprisingly, there are many wonderful beaches here. Beach destinations offer you easy access to Belize's bountiful marine treasures. Snorkeling and scuba diving around the coral reefs of Glover's Reef Atoll (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) is delightful, as is simply lounging oceanside with a cold drink. The beaches in Belize have brown or white sand, and border beautiful turquoise waters. Some towns are lively — like Placencia Village with its reggae bars, while others are more relaxed — such as the fishing village of Hopkins. The accommodations in these destinations range from full-service resorts to simple wooden cabanas. Needless to say, the seafood is plentiful and fresh in all of these places.
Belize Snorkeling Tours
If you don't go snorkeling in Belize, you're crazy. The water off the coast of Belize is home to some of the world's most vibrant, colorful, and downright impressive marine ecosystems. You can peer into warm, crystal-clear water and see healthy coral reefs and flashy tropical fish. These tours are led by reputable guides and often involve taking a boat to an island or atoll, where you'll be given gear and instructed on the best places to snorkel. Finish up your day by basking in the sun on a palm-lined beach.
Getting to Belize
The easiest way for most travelers to get to Belize is by air. Flying into Belize can be more expensive than flying into other countries in Central America. For this reason, it’s smart to plan your trip well in advance and take into consideration peak travel times around holidays and during the high season. An alternate option is to fly into Mexico, Guatemala, or Honduras and travel to Belize by bus, car, or boat.
Belize Entry Requirements
U.S. citizens must have a passport that’s valid for the duration of their stay. A visa is not required for U.S. citizens who plan to visit Belize for tourist purposes for 30 days. Citizens of Britain, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, Spain, Switzerland, Tunisia, Turkey, and Uruguay also do not need a visa. No specific vaccines or immunizations are required for entry into Belize.
When Is The Best Time To Go To Belize?
You can visit Belize at any time of the year. It never gets too cold for sightseeing around Maya ruins, the rain forests, and the Caribbean Coast. There are two seasons in Belize: rainy and dry. During the rainy season, it’s a little more difficult to visit the rainforest.
Kayaking Tours in Belize
Go kayaking in Belize to see islands lined with mangrove forests, coral reefs, and Caribbean wildlife swimming right next to your craft. The clear waters and thriving marine life make Belize one of the best places in the world to go kayaking. Kayaking doesn't require any experience, and your tour guide will make sure you're comfortable with the equipment.
What Should I Bring To Belize?
It’s a good idea to double check to make sure you packed everything you need before you leave on your trip to Belize. Belize has many of its commercial goods imported, so some items can be surprisingly expensive.
Glover's Reef Atoll
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Glover’s Reef Atoll consists of 5 tiny tranquil islands and an expansive coral reef that measures 18 miles (29 km) long by 6 miles (10 km) wide. It is the southernmost coral atoll in Belize, sitting approximately 28 miles (45 km) east of Dangriga and Hopkins on the mainland.
