Belize

1. What are the best beaches in Belize?
Top beaches include Placencia Beach in the south for its golden sands and calm waters, and Secret Beach on Ambergris Caye for its secluded vibe and clear waters. Hopkins Beach offers a cultural experience with Garifuna drumming, while Half Moon Caye in the Lighthouse Reef Atoll is perfect for a remote getaway with pristine shores.

2. What is the best time to visit Belize?
The best time to visit is from November to April, during the dry season, with temperatures between 75°F and 85°F (24°C to 29°C), ideal for diving, snorkeling, and exploring ruins. May to October is the rainy season, with a higher risk of hurricanes (peaking in September), but it offers lower prices and lush greenery.

3. Do I need a visa to travel to Belize?
US, Canadian, UK, and EU citizens can visit Belize visa-free for up to 30 days with a valid passport. Other nationalities may need a visa, which can be checked via the Belize Immigration website. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay, and you may need proof of onward travel.

4. What are the top things to do in San Ignacio?
In San Ignacio, explore the ancient Mayan ruins of Xunantunich and Cahal Pech, go cave tubing at Nohoch Che’en Caves, and visit the Belize Botanic Gardens. Take a day trip to the Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave to see ancient artifacts, and shop for local crafts at the San Ignacio Market on Saturdays.

5. Is Belize expensive to travel to?
Belize is moderately priced, with daily costs averaging $50–$120 per person for accommodation, food, and activities. A mid-range trip can cost $600–$1,200 for a week. Ambergris Caye and touristy areas are pricier, but you can save by staying in places like Caye Caulker, eating at local spots, and visiting during the off-season.

6. What are traditional Belizean foods to try?
Try rice and beans with stewed chicken, a Belizean staple, and fry jacks, a fried dough often served with breakfast. Savor tamales, wrapped in banana leaves, and hudut, a Garifuna dish with fish in coconut broth. For dessert, enjoy coconut tarts, and sip a Belikin beer or a seaweed shake, a local favorite.

7. What are the best diving spots in Belize?
Top diving spots include the Great Blue Hole in Lighthouse Reef, a massive sinkhole with sharks and coral formations, and Hol Chan Marine Reserve near Ambergris Caye for its nurse sharks and rays. Turneffe Atoll offers vibrant reefs, while Glover’s Reef Atoll is known for its pristine walls and diverse marine life.

8. What are the best Mayan ruins to visit in Belize?
Top Mayan ruins include Caracol in the Cayo District, the largest site in Belize with the towering Caana pyramid, and Lamanai in the north, accessible by a scenic riverboat ride. Xunantunich near San Ignacio offers stunning views, while Altun Ha, near Belize City, is famous for the jade head of the sun god Kinich Ahau.

9. What are the best activities on Caye Caulker?
On Caye Caulker, snorkel or dive at the Belize Barrier Reef, visit The Split for swimming and socializing, and kayak through the mangroves. Take a boat tour to see manatees at Swallow Caye Wildlife Sanctuary, relax at Koko King Beach, and enjoy fresh lobster during the season (July to March).

10. How can I travel around Belize?
Taxis and rental cars are common, with car rentals costing $50–$80 per day (driving is on the right). Local buses are cheap at $2–$5 per ride, connecting Belize City, San Ignacio, and Placencia. Water taxis run between Belize City, Caye Caulker, and Ambergris Caye for $10–$20. Domestic flights with Tropic Air or Maya Island Air cost $75–$150 for inter-district travel.