FAQ:
Belize offers a diverse range of excursions including snorkeling and diving trips to the Belize Barrier Reef, inland adventures to ancient Mayan ruins such as Caracol and Xunantunich, jungle treks, river tubing and cave exploring excursions like visiting the Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) cave, zip-lining through the rainforest canopy, bird-watching tours, and cultural experiences with local communities.
Yes, there are plenty of family-friendly excursions in Belize. Examples include beach outings, snorkeling in shallow waters, river tubing, visiting the Belize Zoo, and gentle hiking trails through national parks.
For deep dives and to fully explore the Barrier Reef, you should be a certified diver. However, many tour operators offer discovery dives or resort courses that allow non-certified visitors to experience diving under the close supervision of certified instructors.
You can visit the Great Blue Hole through an organized dive trip if you're a certified diver or by taking a scenic flight for an aerial view. Divers can expect to see crystal-clear waters, a variety of marine life including sharks, and the impressive limestone stalactites within this massive underwater sinkhole.
While you can visit some Mayan sites on your own, a licensed guide can greatly enhance the experience by providing historical context, pointing out hidden details, and managing logistics. For more remote sites, such as Caracol, a guide may be necessary for safety reasons and due to the lack of signage and facilities.
For a jungle excursion, wear comfortable, breathable clothing, sturdy walking or hiking shoes, and a hat for sun protection. Be sure to bring insect repellent, sunscreen, plenty of water, snacks, and a camera. Binoculars are also a good idea if you're interested in bird watching or wildlife spotting.
Yes, Belize is an ideal place to combine snorkeling or diving with fishing due to the abundant marine life and the close proximity of reef and open water. Many tour operators offer combination trips that may include opportunities to catch fish like bonefish, tarpon, and permit, alongside scheduled snorkel or dive stops.
Belize is known for its commitment to eco-tourism. Many excursions focus on sustainability and conservation, like visiting the Community Baboon Sanctuary, where you can see howler monkeys, or participating in eco-friendly tours at marine reserves, where guides ensure the protection of the natural habitat during snorkeling and diving trips.
The physical demand for cave-touring excursions varies. For instance, the ATM cave involves a moderate hike, swimming, and climbing, requiring a reasonable level of fitness and mobility. Other caves may offer more leisurely experiences with minimal physical effort. Always check with your tour provider about the physical requirements beforehand.
Yes, Belize offers cultural excursions where you can visit local communities, such as the Garifuna villages to learn about their music, dance, and cooking traditions, or take part in a Maya homestay experience to get a hands-on understanding of the Maya way of life. These cultural experiences allow you to interact with locals and gain insights into their heritage and daily routines.