Travel in Belize

• The second largest coral reef in the world is located in Belize and the country is therefore an ultimate place for diving and snorkeling. In the interior of Belize you will find beautiful jungles and the Mayan temples are also definitely worth it. Discover the undiscovered south of Belize, make chocolate with local Mayan people and go in search of the jaguar. Relax in your hammock on one of the many islands off the coast and snorkel with nurse sharks and manatees. You can easily explore Belize by car or take the bus and sing along to reggae with the locals.
• The Cayes are the islands off the coast, which are among the best and most beautiful in the world.
• Other places to make friends for the travel life are Mountain Pine Ridge and the Mayan ruins (Altun Ha, Caracol).
• Visit the ancient Mayan ruins of Altun Ha. Here you will find remains of buildings dating back to the 6th and 7th centuries. Climb the temples to get a beautiful view of the surrounding jungle.
• Go snorkeling in Shark Ray Alley. Here you can enjoy one of the beautiful colorful coral reefs that Belize has to offer and swim among the many tropical fish and nurse sharks.
• Visit the capital of Belize (Belize City) as an alternative to the beautiful nature of the country. Here you can take a look at the diversity of cultures that Belize has to offer.
• When you are in Orange Walk, you can take a motorboat over the New River to Lamanai. Here you will find a museum, remains of two 16th century Spanish churches and a 19th century sugar mill.
• The Moutain Pine Ridge is a nature reserve with a diverse flora, rivers and all kinds of animals. To the southwest lies the largest Mayan area, Caracol, which is also definitely worth a visit.
• It is better not to walk the streets at night and it is useful to avoid unlit streets.
• Drugs are prohibited in Belize, so do not do this.
• In Belize you are quickly close to nature, be aware of the possible presence of scorpions and poisonous snakes (Fer-de-Lance) in the jungle and for example the poisonous jellyfish 'Portuguese man-of-war' and the bull shark in the waters off Belize.

Updates Belize

• More about Belize, updates and contributions, see the link below.

What is the best travel and departure time for Belize?

• Northern and central Belize have a tropical climate with dry and wet seasons, from June to November. Southern Belize has a tropical climate with year-round rain.

Best travel time in Belize 

• November through May is the best time to go. During that period it is very sunny.

Worst travel time in Belize

• From June to November there is high rainfall and tropical storms and hurricanes can occur. Travel is cheaper during this period though.

Hours of sunshine in Belize

• The average number of sun hours per day is 7 hours.

Why study, do an internship, volunteer or work temporarily in Belize?

• because you won't have to deal with a language barrier there, only a different English accent.
• because in Belize there are many opportunities for study and work in both nature and (indigenous) culture.
• because Belizeans like to live in harmony with their society, with great respect for others (including foreigners).
• because your colleagues are often helpful, friendly and interested.
• because Belizeans like to help you slow down, adjust your pace of study or work to suit the country.
• because it is a relatively small country and therefore incredibly easy to explore; both the interior (natural parks), the coast (coral reefs) and the many islands.

What should you pay attention to?

• The pace in Belize is generally very relaxed (so screw your own pace back).
• Belizeans live by the day and (time) appointments are very flexible.
• The (work) culture in Belize is very cordial, but can sometimes be surprisingly formal.
• Pay time and attention to small talk (in Belize: family, sports, etc.) and let your conversation partner start with business talk.

What are the customs in Belize regarding food?

• In Belize, rice and beans are mainly eaten. In addition, Mexican meat dishes such as tacos, empanadas, tamales are also available everywhere. Turtle and lobster are regularly on the menu. Belizean cuisine is a blend of Mayan, Garifuna, Creole, and European influences.

What are the best recipes in Belize?

• Fry Jacks: deep-fried pieces of dough, often with beans, egg, jam or honey. (In Mexico, they are called Sopapillas).
• Garnaches: deep-fried tortilla topped with beans, cabbage, carrots and cheese.
• Marie Sharp's Hot Sauce, a sauce found on the table everywhere in Belize to spice up the food for Belizeans.

What are the best drinks in Belize?

• A local drink is called Seaweed. A mix of seaweed, milk, sugar and cream.

What are notable holidays and festivals in Belize?

• September celebrations: The vacations begin in Belize on the Battle of St George's Caye Day. For the 10 days that follow, there are celebrations, ceremonies, concerts and carnival parades all over the country.
• Garifuna Settlement Day: This is a celebration of the arrival of the Garifuna people in Belize on November 19, 1832. Many celebrations with music, dancing and drinking. This festival is celebrated lavishly in Dangriga, Hopkins and Punta Gorda.
• La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge: This is a four-day canoe race on the Macal and Belizer River from San Ignacio to Belize City.

What are the remarkable habits in Belize?

• Especially the people with Mayan ancestry, believe in the power of the full moon. They avoid cutting wood or thatch for their roofs during this time as they believe it weakens the materials. Planting is also done based on the lunar cycle, with the belief that planting close to the full moon leads to better crops.
• It is common to sleep in a hammock. In rural areas it is the way to go.
• Community spirit is an important value in Belize. People help each other.