Last update: 12 Oct 2026
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Belize Summary
These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.
‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.
‘Your personal’ scores:
This reflects how well a place matches your personal preferences. You can adjust the importances of travel topics or other personal requirements categories in your account settings.
‘Suited for’ badges:
These give you a quick overview of how well a destination suits specific types of travellers, to help you find the places that match your lifestyle, preferences or travel situation.
Suited for
Belize – Quick facts
| Power Grid: |
110 V, 60 Hz Plug: Type A , Type B
Type A:
  Read about power adapters |
|---|---|
| Currency: |
Belize Dollar (BZD) £1 ≈ BZD 2.68 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 4/5
Cashless payments are becoming more common in Belize, especially in tourist areas. However, cash is still often used in smaller businesses.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is customary, with 10-15% being the standard in restaurants. Tipping taxi drivers and hotel staff is also appreciated. |
|---|---|
| Public drinking: | Public drinking is allowed in designated areas, including most beaches and public events. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is prohibited indoors in public spaces, including restaurants and bars. |
| Independence Day (September) |
Expect public celebrations and some business closures. |
|---|---|
| Garifuna Settlement Day (November) |
Expect celebrations of Garifuna heritage, street events, and music. |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Number: 911 |
|---|---|
| Taxi apps: | Uber |
| Other: | Belize is famous for its beautiful beaches, tropical wildlife, and the Great Blue Hole, attracting tourists interested in diving and nature activities. |
Best times to travel
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
for Belize, Belize
Rainy season June to November, hurricane risk highest September to October; the south (Toledo) is much wetter than the north
Whale shark diving at Gladden Spit, April to June around full moons
Don't miss
- 🤿 Dive or snorkel the breathtaking Great Blue Hole
- 🏛️ Explore ancient Mayan ruins at Xunantunich and Caracol
- ⛵ Sail between tropical cayes across the Belize Barrier Reef
- 🌿 Hike through lush jungle trails in the Cockscomb Basin Reserve
- 🕳️ Swim inside the Actun Tunichil Muknal cave
- 🏖️ Relax on Ambergris Caye and enjoy seaside dining
You've been here?
Log in to manage your own bucket list! Why travel to Belize?
What makes Belize truly special is its remarkable balance of natural wonders and cultural experiences, all accessible within a relatively small area. The Belize Barrier Reef offers some of the world's most spectacular diving and snorkeling, with crystal-clear waters revealing vibrant coral formations, tropical fish and iconic sites like the Great Blue Hole. Inland, you can explore ancient Maya cities hidden within the jungle, trek through wildlife-rich rainforests or venture into mysterious cave systems that once served as sacred Maya ritual sites. Beyond the natural attractions, Belize's cultural tapestry is equally fascinating. The country's diverse population includes Maya, Garifuna, Creole and Mennonite communities, each contributing to a unique cultural landscape expressed through food, music and traditions. What's particularly appealing is that despite growing tourism, Belize maintains an authentic, laid-back atmosphere that feels worlds away from overcrowded destinations. However, travelers should be prepared for the humid climate, occasional heavy rainfall (especially during the wet season from June to November) and the higher costs associated with some activities and accommodations.
🏙️Cities & Regions
-
1
Cayo District
This district in Belize features lush rainforests, vibrant coral reefs and Mayan ruins. It offers diverse ecosystems from dense jungles to turquoise waters, attracting travelers seeking adventure and natural beauty across its varied landscapes.
🏯Places worth seeing
🎡Places for activities
🏞️Natural landmarks
-
1
Great Blue Hole
This underwater sinkhole in Belize's Caribbean coast is a world-famous diving site. Its deep blue waters and dramatic limestone cliffs create an unforgettable marine adventure for divers exploring this natural wonder. -
2
St. Herman's Blue Hole National Park
-
3
Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary
-
4
Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve
-
5
Thousand Foot Falls
-
6
Rio On Pools
-
7
Barton Creek Cave
-
8
Belize Barrier Reef
🛍️Shopping
🎈Events
-
Garifuna Settlement Day
-
San Pedro Lobsterfest
-
Placencia Lobsterfest
-
Belize Independence Day
-
Baron Bliss Day
-
Costa Maya Festival
-
Chocolate Festival of Belize
-
September Celebrations
-
San Pedro Carnival
-
Hopkins Mango Festival
Knowledge before you go
- Drink bottled water only. Tap water unsafe even in resorts.
- Book licensed reef tours; damaging coral reef carries heavy fines and jail time.
- Avoid Belize City southside; stick to Ambergris Caye, Placencia for safer stays.
- Use green-plate taxis only; confirm fares upfront and never share rides with strangers.
How to travel to Belize
Most international visitors arrive in Belize through Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport near Belize City, which has direct flights from major cities in the United States, Central America and limited connections from Europe. Airlines serving Belize include American Airlines, United, Delta and Southwest, with flight times from the US ranging from 2-5 hours depending on departure city. Cruise ships dock at Belize City port, though passengers must take tender boats to shore. Overland entry is possible from Mexico (via Chetumal) and Guatemala (via Benque Viejo or Punta Gorda), with regular bus services connecting these border points to major Belizean towns.
Access summary
- Fly into Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) near Belize City.
- From Mexico/Guatemala: buses, shuttles or self-drive across land borders.
- No major global airline hub; served mainly by North American carriers.
Check your route from anywhere
Where to stay in Belize
Belize offers accommodations ranging from budget hostels to luxury resorts, with options to suit various preferences. The cayes (Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker) feature beachfront resorts and boutique hotels ideal for diving enthusiasts. Inland areas like San Ignacio provide jungle lodges and eco-retreats perfect for adventure travelers. Coastal destinations such as Placencia and Hopkins offer a mix of beachfront cabanas and upscale resorts. Prices tend to be higher than neighboring countries, with peak rates during the dry season (December-April).
Hotel recommendations
*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.
Lina Point Belize Overwater Resort
ARNOLD'S GUEST HOUSE
The Watermark Hotel
Ramada Belize City Princess Hotel
Mahogany Bay Resort & Beach Club, Curio Collection by Hilton
Hopkins Bay Belize a Muy'Ono Resort
Sleeping Giant Rainforest Lodge
Copal Tree Lodge a Muy'Ono Resort
Coco Beach Resort
Ka'ana Resort & Spa
How to get around Belize
Getting around Belize offers various options depending on your budget and desired destinations. For intercity travel, regular buses connect major towns and cities at affordable rates, though schedules can be limited in rural areas. Water taxis and small aircraft provide transportation to the cayes and coastal areas, with companies like Maya Island Air and Tropic Air offering daily flights between popular destinations. Rental cars give flexibility for exploring inland attractions, but roads can be challenging, especially during the rainy season. For visiting remote areas or archaeological sites, guided tours are often the most practical option. Within towns, taxis are readily available and bicycles provide a pleasant way to explore smaller communities.
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home
We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.
To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.
Daily expenses in Belize are around 37% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend considerably less on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend
The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.
Your exchange rate (GBP to BZD) is 4% better than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.
Travel costs
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
Daily cost summary
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
| Backpacker | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation | |||
| 🏨 Accommodation per night, per person | |||
| 🍝 Food per day | |||
| 🚕 Transportation per day |
Food & Drink
| 🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person | |
|---|---|
| 🍛 Lunch Set, per person | |
| 🍟 Fast food combo | |
| 🍝 Preparing your own food, per day | |
| ☕ Cappuccino | |
| 🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l |
Transportation
| 🚌 Public transport ticket | |
|---|---|
| 🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi | |
| ⛽ Petrol, 1 l |
Other
| 🎞️ Cinema ticket | |
|---|---|
| 👩⚕️ Doctor's consult | |
| 🤧 Cold medication | |
| 💇 Basic haircut |
Safety information overview
General safety
Belize is generally safe for tourists, though petty theft can occur in urban areas like Belize City. Exercise caution when traveling alone at night, use reputable tour operators for excursions and be aware of your surroundings. The most common safety concerns are related to water activities.
Health & Medical
Medical facilities in Belize are limited outside major towns, with basic care available in Belize City. Comprehensive travel insurance with evacuation coverage is recommended. Mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue fever can occur, so take precautions against insect bites, especially during the rainy season.
Accessibility
Accessibility infrastructure in Belize is limited. Major hotels and resorts may offer basic accommodations for mobility-impaired travelers, but many natural attractions, archaeological sites and transportation options present significant challenges. Advance planning and contacting tour operators about accessibility needs is essential.
Tap water
Tap water quality varies throughout Belize. In major towns it's generally treated but may not meet international standards. Most visitors stick to bottled water, which is widely available. When visiting remote areas, bring water purification tablets or a portable filter.
Packing recommendations for Belize
Log in to add this place to a travel list and get a summary of all recommended items for your whole trip.
🥾
Walking boots
📷
Camera
🌞
Sun cream
high SPF
👕
Light, breathable clothing
🧥
Waterproof jacket
🪰
Insect repellent
🩱
Swimwear
👟
Water shoes
🤿
Snorkelling gear
though hire is available
🔋
Power bank
🩹
Basic first aid kit
👒
Sun hat
📃
Travel insurance
🪪
Copies of passport and important documents
💦
Waterproof dry bag
for electronics
📱
Travel eSIM
🔌
Universal travel adaptor
🩺
Prescription medicines
💳
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
🛂
Passport
Related articles & guides for Belize
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