Need a warm-weather escape this winter? Just a two-hour flight from Miami, Belize is the perfect tropical getaway for those who crave more than just lazy beach days. While this Central American country does have its fair share of gorgeous white-sand coastline on the Caribbean Sea, Belize offers so much more for adventurous travelers with its world-class scuba diving, ancient Maya temples, lush jungles and exotic wildlife.
From scuba diving in the famed Blue Hole to jungle trekking in a jaguar preserve, here are our picks for unique experiences in Belize.
Explore Life Under the Sea
One of the world’s best destinations for scuba diving and snorkeling, Belize’s 185-mile barrier reef is the second largest in world, after Australia’s. Caye Caulker, less tourist-trodden and developed than its neighbor Ambergris Caye, is the perfect home base for your underwater adventures, whether you are a seasoned scuba diver or a first-time snorkeler. Caye Caulker’s dive shops offer guided day-trip dives to Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Shark Ray Alley, Bacalar Chico, as well as equipment rental and PADI and NAUI scuba diving certification classes. In addition to spectacular reef formations, you’ll be lucky to swim alongside manatees and stingrays here. The most epic dive? Belize’s legendary Blue Hole, a massive sinkhole 450 feet deep and 1,000 feet across that offers divers an abyss of wonders from cavern stalactites to bull sharks.
Where to Stay: If you’re looking for luxury all-inclusive resorts, you’re on the wrong island. Caye Caulker does offer inexpensive accommodations from small cottages to fairly simple beachfront hotels.
What to Pack: Life on Caye Caulker centers around the beach, so pack a few sarongs, a pair of flip flops, and plenty of sunscreen, as you’ll be living in your bathing suit here. A waterproof camera will also be put to good use here.
Marvel at Ancient Maya Temples
Nature lovers won’t want to miss the Cayo District on the western side of Belize, an area full of lush jungles, Maya temples and intricate caving systems. Just 8 miles west of San Ignacio lies the ancient temple of Xunantunich, a major Maya ceremonial site. Make the short, but steep, climb to the top of the largest temple, El Castillo, for spectacular panoramic views of the Mopan and Belize Rivers and Guatemala to the west. After exploring the temple, head to the nearby Mopan River for whitewater rafting, kayaking and river tubing through the jungle.
Where to Stay: San Ignacio, the largest town in the Cayo District, makes an ideal home base since all the adventure tour outfitters are based out of the town as well.
What to Pack: Don’t forget to pack some waterproof gear if you’re here during rainy season from June-November. Pack a waterproof pouch to secure your valuables during water-related activities like kayaking and cave exploring, too.
Search for Jaguars in a Wildlife Reserve
In the south-central part of the county lies Belize’s largest nature reserve, Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as the Jaguar Reserve as it is the world’s first jaguar sanctuary and home to an estimated 40 to 50 jaguars. Over 200 square miles of protected land, Cockscomb is also home to over 300 bird species, ocelots, pumas, howler monkeys, gibnuts, otters and more exotic wildlife. Head out on a guided evening tour to increase your chances of seeing the elusive jaguar, which is notoriously very shy.
Where to Stay: You should stay at least one night in the reserve, which offers basic accommodations from campsites to private cabins.
What to Pack: Binoculars, of course! Also, consider bringing a camera that can zoom in close to snap the wildlife hiding out. And don’t forget insect repellent.
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