Americas · 3 cities
Things to Do in Belize
Three Belizean destinations in one place: whether the Blue Hole is worth the boat, which Maya site is the one to do, and why the language is no obstacle here.
697 tours listed by Viator 3 cities we cover Free cancellation
Where to go
Cities of Belize
In the order Viator’s own catalogue puts them — most-booked first, not alphabetical.
Full list
All cities, by region
Grouped by region using Viator’s own map of the country. The first block is the places it files directly under Belize.
Practical info
Know before you book
The things that change a decision — not a retelling of the guidebook.
The Blue Hole is a long day and mainly for divers
It is two and a half hours by boat each way from Ambergris Caye, and from the surface it is a dark circle. Divers get a wall and stalactites at forty metres. Snorkellers get considerably more out of Hol Chan and Shark Ray Alley, fifteen minutes from town.
The ATM cave is the one people remember
Actun Tunichil Muknal is a wet cave near San Ignacio containing Maya ceremonial remains in situ, reached by swimming and scrambling. Cameras have been banned inside since a visitor dropped one on a skull. It is guided-only and it is extraordinary.
English is the official language
The only country in Central America where it is, a legacy of British Honduras. Kriol is the everyday spoken language and Spanish is widespread, but every sign, menu and tour runs in English by default.
The country splits into coast and interior
Ambergris Caye is a fifteen-minute flight or ninety-minute water taxi from Belize City; San Ignacio is two hours inland by road. Most trips do a few days of each — reef then jungle — rather than trying to day-trip between them.
The dollar is pegged two to one
The Belize dollar is fixed at two to the US dollar, and US dollars are accepted everywhere. Always check which dollar a price refers to before agreeing — the difference is exactly double.
Sargassum and storms are the two seasonal risks
Hurricane season runs June to November. Seaweed on the cayes varies year to year and is worst from spring into summer; the resorts clear their own beaches, so it affects some stretches of coast far more than others.
When to visit
Belize through the seasons
What is open, how busy it gets, and when to book ahead.
Dry season
Feb–May
- Best for
- The reef at its clearest, cave and jungle trips at their easiest, reliable sun.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- The best all-round window, and the busiest — book ATM cave permits ahead.
Early wet
Jun–Aug
- Best for
- Whale sharks off Placencia around the full moons, low prices, green interior.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Rain comes in short heavy bursts rather than all day — most activities still run.
Storm peak
Sep–Oct
- Best for
- The lowest prices and an almost empty country.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Some caye hotels close entirely for these two months — check before booking.
Early dry
Nov–Jan
- Best for
- Rain easing, cooler jungle temperatures, the reef settling down.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Occasional northern cold fronts bring a few grey windy days — they pass in two or three.
Frequently asked
Belize: common questions
How many days do you need in Belize?
A week split between the two halves: three or four nights inland at San Ignacio for the caves and Maya sites, and three or four on Ambergris or Caye Caulker for the reef. Trying to do both from one base wastes a day in transit each way.
What does a tour in Belize cost?
Belize is not in our fifty-city price index, so we will not quote a median. It is noticeably more expensive than neighbouring Guatemala — guided cave trips and reef days are priced in US dollars and the guiding is licensed and limited.
Is the Blue Hole worth it?
For certified divers, yes, as a bucket-list dive rather than the best diving in the country. For snorkellers, no — five hours in a boat for a view of dark water. Hol Chan Marine Reserve gives a far better day for a fraction of the cost.
When is the best time to visit?
February to May is the dry season and the reliable choice. November through January is good with occasional fronts. June to October is cheapest, wettest and carries the storm risk, though it is also whale shark season in the south.
Ambergris Caye or Caye Caulker?
Ambergris is bigger, busier and has the widest choice of hotels and restaurants. Caye Caulker is smaller, cheaper and slower — golf carts, sand streets and less of everything. Both dive and snorkel the same reef.