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In this article, we’ll go over the best places to visit in Belize. These are the top destinations, towns and islands in Belize that should be on your itinerary when you plan your vacation to this amazing country. As always, we’ll include a mix of tourist destinations, as well as off-the-beaten-path places you should visit in Belize.

Belize is a beautiful and diverse country. In a short time, you can get from the beautiful blue coastline to the deep and lush rainforest. The contrasts in this small country are mind-blowing. That so much diversity can be found in such a small space. It’s truly a beautiful place to discover.

Most people visiting Belize will stay on the main tourist track – visiting Caye Caulker or San Pedro, Placencia or Hopkins, and San Ignacio. With a 2-week vacation, it may be the most you can squeeze in. But we invite you to get off the beaten path and explore everything this small country has to offer. We have an article covering 4 different 14-day itineraries you can choose from, where you can see what your interests are, and what places can answer your needs.

If you’re looking to plan your own itinerary, you’re in the right place. This article will cover the best places to visit in Belize, offering a mix of tourist destinations, off-the-beaten-path towns, remote atolls and islands, and more.

This article may contain affiliate/compensated links. For more information, please see our disclaimer here. We take all the efforts necessary to ensure the information included in this post is accurate, correct and current, sometimes, things just change! Travel information like opening hours, business operations and prices may change. If you find anything in this post that is incorrect or outdated, please let me know in the comments so I can update it for other readers. Cheers!

The 15 best places to visit in Belize

If you’re looking to explore and add some beautiful places to visit during your Belize itinerary, here are the best destinations to discover during your Belizean vacation. We’ve broken the places out into different categories to make it easier for you to plan your trip.

On our extensive list, you’ll find a good mix of popular tourist destinations (they draw in the crowds for a reason), lesser-known towns, islands, atolls, attractions and landmarks that you should add to your Belize bucket list.

We’re hoping this article will give you enough insight to plan an epic Belize vacation!

The 6 best islands in Belize you need to visit

Visiting the islands in Belize is one of the best things to do. There are some bucket list activities to experience, no matter where you head. The islands in Belize are unlike anywhere we’ve been, from snorkeling to scuba diving, partying or taking it slow, there’s something for everyone and every budget.

1. Caye Caulker, one of the chillest islands to visit in Belize

The motto in Caye Caulker is simple – Go Slow. And it’s something that everyone takes to heart. You’ll often hear people saying it to each other when they’re going too fast on their bikes or golf carts. You’re only mission while in Caye Caulker is to chill out, enjoy the barefoot island and soak in the Caribbean vibes.

The best thing to do in Caye Caulker is to find a beach bar and hang out in the water. Or to go to the Northside beach and enjoy the quiet time – it’s one of the best beaches in Central America. This is why Caye Caulker is a must on your Belize itinerary.

If you’re looking to get more active, Caye Caulker also has a slew of activities to offer. From snorkeling the reef around the island to windsurfing, sailing tours to the nearby marine parks, or cruising around at sunset. If going slow is not in your DNA, don’t worry because you’ll have so much to do on this tiny island.

If you’re looking for a place to stay while in Caye Caulker, we recommend El Ben Cabanas. Located on the north island, these cabanas are a great place to hang out. The hotel has 2 pools, a pool bar, restaurant where they serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. The cabanas are comfy and spacious. There are many other hotels on the south island as well, if you’re looking to be a little more central.

The chill vibes and crystal-clear waters make Caye Caulker a must-see destination in Belize.

2. San Pedro, the party island to explore in Belize

For those who love some lively entertainment and want to party, San Pedro is the island for you. When planning your Belize itinerary, add this destination to your list if you’re looking to spend the night dancing away, or if you want to be in the middle of the hustle and bustle of a larger island.

San Pedro is the older sibling to Caye Caulker. The crowds here are a bit older, prices are a bit higher, and the nightlife is louder. People here get around in golf carts and the vibes are much more hectic than in Caye Caulker. Sometimes, it may even be hard to pick which island to visit: Caye Caulker or San Pedro. Both have something unique to offer.

Being much larger than Caye Caulker, San Pedro has more variety. You’ll find a ton of different restaurants here, as well as different accommodation options. We recommend staying at The Watermark, a newly built hotel that is just past the bridge. It has a rooftop pool which is the perfect place to catch the sunset.

If you’re looking for things to do in San Pedro, you won’t be disappointed. Here, you can quickly get to the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. You can also head to Secret beach, the most famous beach in Ambergris Caye and one of the nicest in Central America. There are also a ton of dive shops and activity vendors all around the island.

For anyone who wants to party all night and hang out all day, San Pedro is the perfect place in Belize. It has the perfect balance of action and relaxation.

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3. Lighthouse Reef, the perfect place to visit in Belize for scuba diving

For those who love to scuba dive, Lighthouse Reef is the place to be. This is the atoll where the Great Blue Hole is located. So if diving in this famous sinkhole is on your Belize bucket list, then Lighthouse Reef should be on your list of best islands to visit in Belize!

Lighthouse Reef is located about 2 hours away by boat from Belize City. There are 2 resorts on Lighthouse Reef – Huracan Dive Lodge and Izta Resort. We spend 4 nights here with Huracan, diving the nearby reefs, and as avid scuba divers, we can confidently say that this was the best dive resort in Belize. It was also one of the best diving experiences we’ve had anywhere in the world.

For scuba divers, Lighthouse Reef should be at the top of your list of places to visit in Belize, especially with Huracan diving, and here’s why: All the dive sites are minutes away. The local dive sites are only 2-5 minutes by boat. The Great Blue Hole was about 15 minutes away, and Half Moon Caye, another incredible island that is a protected area, is 20 minutes away.

Being so close to all these dive sites, we were often the only ones there, which meant we got to enjoy every single dive with our small group. Plus, the waters were super clear, the marine life was fantastic and the staff was amazing. There’s really not much more you could ask for. In fact, this was like being on a liveaboard, but with none of the inconveniences that come with it.

4. Glover’s Reef, a unique island to discover in Belize

Another far and distant atoll that should be on your Belize itinerary is Glover’s Reef. This island is about 1.5-2 hours away from Dangriga. It’s what Island dreams are made of. If you love to scuba dive, snorkel, kayak, paddleboard or hammock surf, this is the place for you.

While in Belize, we had a fascination with visiting these distant atolls. The reason was simple – they connect you to nature unlike anywhere else! To be in the middle of the ocean, vulnerable to the elements, and living life to Mother Nature’s beat was such a great experience.

We got to spend 4 nights on Glover’s Reef during our one-week adventure with Island Expeditions, and it was such a great experience. We would spend our days exploring the nearby reefs and soaking in their beauty. We would kayak out to a nearby coral reef. Drop our anchors and snorkel around checking the marine life there. We got to scuba dive on Long Caye, a famous dive site on Glover’s. We even went on a night excursion, where we got to see so many octopuses in their natural habitat. We got to explore so much and it was an unforgettable experience!

During our time with Island Expeditions, we spent our time on South West Caye on Glover’s Reef, where they have their camp. Here, we slept in canvas tents and got to make some new friends we won’t forget anytime soon. Such a great experience that confirmed that Glover’s Reef should be on your list of must-see destinations in Belize.

5. Tobacco Caye, the postcard island in Belize

When people think of Belize, one of the most iconic images that come to mind are the overwater bungalows on a tiny island surrounded by the most beautiful turquoise waters. This is Tobacco Caye – what Belizean dreams are made of.

Tobacco Caye is located about 30 minutes away by boat from Dangriga. This tiny island is one of the coolest places to be. There’s not a ton to do here, so it’s the perfect place to unwind and soak in the Belize vibes. 

We got to visit Tobacco Caye with Island Expeditions and it was such a welcomed treat! We stayed in the overwater bungalows, which are simple but comfy. We got to kayak around the island and check out the sunset at the other end of the island. Meals were shared family-style with the staff and it was such a fun time!

There’s not too much to do on Tobacco Caye. You can go scuba diving with the dive shop on the island, kayak around snorkel and hammock surf. There are 2 bars where you can hang out, the furthest one is the perfect place to catch the sunset. You can also see the sunrise on your deck.

Life is simple on Tobacco Caye, which is why it’s the perfect place to visit in Belize.

6. Half Moon Caye, a protected island to visit in Belize

Half Moon Caye is a beautiful protected island located in the Lighthouse Reef Atoll. It’s a hard destination to get to, but it’s very much worth the detour, especially if you’re looking to go off the beaten path in Belize.

Half Moon Caye, an old coconut farm, is known for its natural beauty and its wildlife. Its main inhabitants are the red-footed boobies. These sea birds use the island as a nesting spot after mating. During the right season, you’ll see hundreds of them here nesting and raising their chicks.

Since the island is protected, this is a prime location for scuba diving and snorkeling in Belize. We got to visit Half Moon Caye during our time with Huracan. Unlike other dive shops in Belize, we got to spend a whole day on the island, taking in its beauty. We also go to do 3 dives, including the renowned Half Moon Caye Wall, famous for its coral and marine life.

You can also sleep on Half Moon Caye as it’s one of the destinations that Island Expeditions goes to. Having slept on 2 other remote islands with Island Expeditions, we can only imagine how epic this experience must also be!

Some scuba and snorkel shops in Caye Caulker and San Pedro offer trips to Half Moon Caye, so if you’re excited to visit this beautiful island in Belize as a day trip, that is also possible.

3 amazing towns to visit in Belize

Belize is not just an island paradise. In fact, there are a few towns to add to your Belize itinerary where you can get a different flavor of what Belize has to offer. From quiet beach towns to more lively ones, as well as the adventure capital of Belize, there is something here for every interest and every budget.

7. Placencia, a great town to visit in Belize

Placencia is a great place to visit if you’re looking for laid-back vibes, some of the most beautiful beaches in Central America, nearby cayes to explore and some of the nicest places to stay. We got to explore so many parts of Placencia and enjoyed it so much, which is why we recommend adding this to your Belize vacation.

Located on a peninsula near the south of Belize, Placencia is known for its beaches and is a great place to explore the reef. Some of the best things to do in Placencia, other than chill is to head out to Laughing Bird Caye or Silk Caye, national parks, where you can snorkel and scuba dive. The Cayes are also perfect for day trips as they also have lovely beaches.

If you don’t head out to the Cayes, you can also hang out on the beach in Placencia town. The beach near the pier is the nicest one of all, soft sand, calm waters and sheltered from the wind. The long strip of beach is also nice, but the winds tend to get a little brutal. You can also walk along the world’s narrowest street. This street, right along the beach, is lined with restaurants, stores, vendors and art galleries. It’s a great place to get a feel for this little town.

The best place to stay in Placencia is just outside of town, at Naia Spa and Resort. This is one of those hotels you immediately fall in love with. The cabanas on the beach, the amazing restaurant, the pool, the kind staff and the beautiful spa. There’s also a gym facility and yoga studio. They also have 3 shuttles a day into town, so you can go back and forth if you want. But we warn you, once you come to Naia, you won’t want to leave.

8. Hopkins, a town in Belize with plenty of Garifuna culture

Another wonderful place to explore in Belize is Hopkins. This small town is known for its beaches and its Garifuna population. If you’re looking to get immersed in the Garifuna culture, this is one of the best places to do it, considering it’s not too much off the beaten path.

Hopkins is a town located between Dangriga and Placencia. It’s home to a great cacao culture, as there are many farmers here. They have plenty of places where you can learn how to make it and learn all about the ancient cacao culture. We had a great time making (and eating) chocolate at Ch’eil cacao makers.

Another great thing to do in Hopkins is hanging out at the beach. It’s the perfect place to chill out, soak in the sun and enjoy the vibes. This town is also great for learning about the Garifuna culture. Belize has the second-largest Garifuna population in Central America, and many of them call Hopkins home.

The Garifuna people are descendants of West African, Central African, and Arawak and Carib indigenous people. The Garifuna have their own unique language, music, dance, and cuisine. In Hopkins, you can experience their traditional culture, like drumming, dancing and try their food.

Hopkins is also close to the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, or what they call the Jaguar Reserve. There are plenty of hikes here, and waterfalls to explore. We’d say you might even see some jaguars or pumas, but these are nocturnal creatures, so the best you’ll see here are plenty of birds!

Hopkins is a great place in Belize to spend a few days. Chill vibes, beautiful beaches, and plenty of cacao. Its vibes are more laid-back than Placencia, so if you’re looking for a quiet getaway, this is the place for you!

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9. San Ignacio, your best town in Belize for adventures

No trip to Belize would be complete without a stop in San Ignacio. This is the adventure capital of Belize after all… Ok, we named it this way, but you’ll quickly understand why!

San Ignacio is perfectly located near so many of the best attractions in Belize. First, it’s super close to the ATM Cave – this is probably the #1 thing to do in Belize. This archeological site is a full day of climbing on rocks, wading through water in a cave, and exploring ancient Mayan artifacts. Basically, you get to be Indiana Jones for a day. But we’ll tell you more about the ATM Cave shortly.

Near San Ignacio, you also have many of the best ruins and archeological sites in Belize, like Xunantunich, Caracol, Cahal Pech, Barton Creek Cave, and so many more. There are nature reserves, hikes, caves and waterfalls. You can spend all day enjoying the great outdoors. There are also plenty of conservation efforts for the iguanas and birds of prey that you can also support there.

Basically, regardless of what you’re into, you’ll find something amazing to do in San Ignacio. Which is why it’s on this list of the best places to visit in Belize.

Iconic landmarks to visit in Belize

10. Great Blue Hole national park, a bucket list destination in Belize

Would this list of amazing places in Belize be complete without including the Great Blue Hole? Whether you want to scuba dive it, snorkel in it or fly over it, the Great Blue Hole is a must! This massive underwater sinkhole is over 300 meters (984 feet) across and over 120 meters (394 feet) deep.

We had the pleasure of scuba diving in the Great Blue Hole while staying with Huracan Dive Lodge on Lighthouse Reef. It was one of the coolest diving experiences ever. Not because there was plenty of fish, but because of the amazing rock formations – huge stalactites that drop down low.

We were also with snorkelers who saw plenty of fish while being not so deep in the water. Again, the best thing about going with Huracan is that our snorkelers and divers were the first ones to arrive on the scene and to explore the waters here.

As for flying over the Blue hole, we would recommend it as a last resort because flying, even a short 1-hour flight, is not great for the environment. Although seeing the Great Blue Hole from above must be an incredible sight, it would be best to opt for snorkeling or scuba diving first.

Either way, the Great Blue Hole is one of those amazing bucket list places in Belize that should be on everyone’s list.

11. ATM Cave, a must-see landmark in Belize

Another must in Belize is the ATM Cave. Located near San Ignacio, these caves are absolutely insane! Part adventure hike (think Indiana Jones) and part archeological site, the ATM Cave is an amazing wonder!

Home to many artifacts, the ATM cave is a full-day adventure. You’ll get picked up in the morning, and taken to this cave. You’ll have a bit of a hike to do, crossing a few creeks, before you make it into the cave. Here, you’ll be climbing on rocks, wading in water that is chest deep, and exploring some of the coolest cave structures ever.

During your exploration, you’ll see some pottery, but also some human remains. The star attraction is the Crystal Maiden.

All tours to the ATM Cave are guided. The ticket price will include your entrance fee for the cave, as well as transport and lunch. Cameras and cell phones are not allowed in the cave (as a few people dropped them and damaged the artifacts.

We would not be exaggerating if we said that visiting the ATM caves was one of the most thrilling days we’ve had in Belize.

12. Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, a perfect outdoor destination in Belize

Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve is one of the best places to explore near San Ignacio. Here, you’ll find caves, hikes, waterfalls, rock pools and so much more. You can spend a whole day exploring the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve and still not see enough of it.

We had the pleasure of visiting the Reserve on a beautiful day. We recommend following our route as it was one of the best ways to see the highlights of the park.

First, start with the Rio Frio Cave. This huge cave was an archaeological site, although no artifacts are still in it. Instead, you will find these cool rock formations – stalactites and stalagmites, huge rocks and a little water source with cold water.

Next, head to the Rio On Pools where you can set up camp, claim one of the rock pools and enjoy your lunch there. Chill out at the pools and cool off. Because the next stop is a bit of a trek to get to.

Once you’re done at the pools, head to the highlight of the Forest Reserve – the Big Rocks waterfall. The trek to get to the falls is not so easy, but very doable. The steps are a bit precarious and steep, but the hike is about 10-15 minutes long. The payoff is a beautiful waterfall, refreshing rock pools and beautiful scenery!

The Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve has so many other gems to explore above these three highlights, which is why it’s on this list of amazing destinations in Belize. If your time in San Ignacio is limited, we recommend taking a tour so you see all the highlights in the Moutain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve.

13. Bocawina Rainforest, your adventure destination in Belize

Bocawina Rainforest is the coolest place to stay in Belize. If you love adventure, birding and being surrounded by nature, look no further than the Mayflower Bocawina Rainforest Park. Located about 30 minutes inland from Dangriga, and close to Hopkins, the rainforest is your gateway to adventure.

As part of our Island Expeditions tour, we got to spend 3 nights at the amazing Bocawina Rainforest Lodge. Our days were spent doing some of the most bucket-list-worthy things to do in Belize. We first got to hike up to some natural pools created by Antelope Falls. We then put our harnesses on so we could rappel down the 100-foot ledge of Antelope Fall.

But that’s not all! Bocawina is also home to the longest zipline in Belize. Stretching across 2,300 feet, over the jungle canopy, sliding down the Fast and Furious Zipline is one of the most thrilling things to do in Belize. The adventure tours offered at Bocawina are some of the best in Belize.

Seeing as Bocawina Park is a lush rainforest, birding here is one of the best things to do. Early in the morning, to the sound of howler monkeys, you can spot all sorts of amazing birds. They fly around all day, making it the perfect place to learn about some more bird species. There are also plenty of hiking trails to walk along where you can bird-watch.

Bocawina is a great place to visit in Belize for those seeking adventure, thrills and excitement.

14. Xunantunich, an unmissiable landmark in Belize

Xunantunich is a place that should be on everyone’s list of places to visit in Belize. Located in San Ignacio, close to the border with Guatemala, Xunantunich is an ancient Mayan ruin that is built on a natural ridge overlooking the Mopan River Valley, and was occupied by the Mayans from the 7th century AD until the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century.

The name “Xunantunich” means “Stone Woman” in the Mayan language, and is thought to refer to a legend about a ghostly woman who appears at the site. The main structure at Xunantunich is the El Castillo temple, which stands at over 40 meters (130 feet) tall and offers stunning views of the surrounding jungle and countryside.

The site also features a number of other structures, including several smaller temples, palaces, and residential buildings. The structures are built of limestone and feature intricate carvings and friezes depicting Mayan gods and rulers.

Visitors to Xunantunich can explore the site on foot, and can climb to the top of El Castillo for a panoramic view of the surrounding area. Guided tours of the site are also available and provide visitors with in-depth information about the history and culture of the Mayan people who lived at Xunantunich.

The site is open to visitors daily, from 8 am to 5 pm, and there is a small admission fee to enter the park ($10 BZD for non-residents). The site is a popular destination for tourists and history buffs alike and offers a fascinating glimpse into the ancient civilization of the Mayans. Guided tours are best if you want to get the full history of this amazing place. It’s one of the best places to visit in San Ignacio and Belize alike.

15. Caracol, a must-see place in Belize

The final landmark in Belize you should visit is Caracol. We placed it last on the list because it’s a bit of a trek to get to, even though it’s located near San Ignacio, within the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve.

Caracol is an ancient Mayan city, founded in 1200 BC, and it’s one of the largest and most important archeological sites in Belize. Back in its hey day, Caracol was a major Mayan center. At its peak, it was home to over 120,000 people.

Today, Caracol is known for its impressive architecture and larger-than-life structures, especially its tall pyramid, the tallest in Belize, the Caana. This tower stands over 43 meters high, making it one of the tallest man-made structures in Belize. Quite impressive for something so old! The ancient city also features many other temples, palaces, residential buildings, ball courts and ceremonial structures.

You can explore Caracol on your own or with a guided tour. Getting to Caracol is quite a long route – about 2 hours on a bumpy dirt road, which is why you’ll need a rental car if you plan to visit independently. The tour will include transport, plus you’ll get so much info about this must-see place in Belize. You’ll need a good 2 hours to visit the site, so bring plenty of water, sunscreen and insect repellent.

If you’re looking to visit an ancient Mayan Ruin that is a bit off the beaten path, Caracol is the place for you! Its rich history and unique location make it one of the best places to visit in Belize.

The 15 best places in Belize you have to visit

There you have it! The 15 best destinations in Belize. We made sure to include a good variety of places in your Belize itinerary, from beautiful but touristy islands to more remote atolls, from small towns to amazing landmarks and historic sites. We hope this list will make your trip “un-Belize-able” as the locals like to say jokingly!

1. Caye Caulker
2. Ambergris Caye (San Pedro)
3. Glover’s Reef
4. Lighthouse Reef
5. Tobacco Caye
6. Half Moon Caye
7. Placencia
8. Hopkins
9. San Ignacio
10. Great Blue Hole National Park
11. ATM Cave
12. Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve
13. Bocawina Rainforest
14. Xunantunich Ruins
15. Caracol Mayan Ruins

Let us know in the comments which place you’re most excited to explore. Have you ever been to any of these places? Which one was your favorite? Or did we miss another place that we should add to our list? We’d love to go back to Belize and discover new places!

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