Belize Guide
Belize is the perfect destination if you’re looking for a quick flight from the U.S., but something different than Mexico. If you’re up for adventure travel, you can fill your itinerary with activities like snorkeling, diving, ziplining, cave tubing, jungle hikes, and more. With domestic flights as low as $40, you can easily explore multiple areas in Belize and get a new experience at each destination. For the ultimate Belize experience, make it a jungle and beach package to get a feel for the rainforest interior and coast.
Contact me to book any of these hotels to receive exclusive amenities like complimentary upgrades, hotel credits, etc.
San Pedro, Ambergris Caye
If you’re looking for a little more action, San Pedro is for you. It’s the biggest city in Belize with the most hotel options and nightlife. It’s a small island and you can get from the airport to any hotel within 10 minutes. Ambergris is the best place to stay if you’re planning on visiting the Blue Hole and it’s home to some of the best snorkeling in the world. From here you can hit Hol Chan Marine Preserve, Shark Ray Alley, and Caye Caulker in a day.
Hotels
Alaia - My top if you’re staying in San Pedro. It’s a brand new beachfront property with spacious rooms and several dining options. I can’t rave about their service and hospitality enough.
Mahogany Bay - Good choice for families, it’s not beachfront, but faces the lagoon. They have a water taxi that can take you to their private beach 10 minutes away. Service was lacking in areas, but their property is beautiful (it’s a Coastal Living community) and they have an onsite tour company, golf cart rentals, and multiple dining options.
Activities
Snorkeling
NOTE: I highly recommend Peppa from Tuff e Nuff tours. He’s local and knows the best spots to see turtles, manatees, seahorses, and more. A guide can make or break your trip so choose someone who is vetted by an advisor! We spent a little more to have a private tour and it was worth every penny, there's nothing worse than being shoulder-to-shoulder with strangers at sea.
Caye Caulker excursion
One afternoon is enough here. Get lunch from a local vendor — we loved Esther’s, a little seaside shack selling fresh lobster and seafood skewers. It was the best meal I had in Belize and can’t wait to go back. Grab a cocktail at Lazy Lizard and hang at The Split before heading back to Ambergris.
Truck Stop
It’s like a piece of Austin in Belize! This food truck park has several dining options, live music, yard games, and trivia nights that locals love. You must go while in San Pedro.
Hopkins
This tiny seaside village made San Pedro look like Vegas, it’s the definition of a sleepy beach town. The closest airport is in Dangriga and both Tropic and Maya Air service this area. Choosing the right hotel is really important in this area because there isn’t much to do beyond the property grounds unless you have a planned tour. Consider activities, beach access, and spa services offered at your resort before booking. Dining options are limited here, there are just a handful of local restaurants in the village, even the Lodge at Jaguar Reef had only one restaurant with specific serving hours.
Hotels
The Belize Collection Resorts - The Lodge at Jaguar Reef, Almond Beach Resort, and The Colonial
All hotels that are part of the collection share access to The Paddle House restaurant, Big Dock Ceviche Bar, and amenities. Big Dock is the main attraction and it’s a great place to spend a day swimming, jumping off the rope swing, and sipping cocktails. The Lodge at Jaguar Reef was fantastic, I loved having a personal plunge pool and outdoor space. It’s a small team that runs this resort and it gives you the opportunity to get to know the staff!
Activities
Cockscomb Jaguar Preserve
All activities and tours can be scheduled directly through the resorts. Jonathan was our guide for a night hike through the only jaguar preserve in the world. While the idea of a nighttime journey through the rainforest may seem frightening, you’ll have a better chance of seeing a jaguar and other nocturnal animals. I highly recommend using a guide, they go regularly and are familiar with trails, insects, and things you may want to avoid while in the jungle. Hikes are offered year-round, however, the best time to see wildlife is during the dry season, December-May.
Mayan Chocolate Making Class
This can be combined with a hike at the Jaguar Preserve, they are located on the same road. Fun afternoon activity for families, you’ll learn the history and process of making Mayan chocolate and make your own to take home.
Dining
Big Dock Ceviche bat - at Jaguar Reef
Innie’s for fry jacks (a popular breakfast dish in Belize)
Driftwood - pizza
Ella’s - local dishes and seafood
Placencia
I loved Placencia because it was the perfect mix of the previous two destinations. There are enough restaurants and people in town that it doesn’t feel like a deserted island, while also being “off the grid” enough to truly relax.
Hotels
Turtle Inn
From service to aesthetic, the Coppola family knocked this resort out of the park. It feels like a luxury adult summer camp with beautiful oceanfront huts complete with outdoor showers, board games, and actual “shell phones” to communicate with the front desk. It’s an eco-friendly hotel so there’s no A/C or flushing toilet paper, but it also means they grow their own produce for their onsite restaurants and plenty of local wildlife on the property.
Activities
Sunset Boat Cruise
Take a relaxing cruise around the peninsula with a bottle of Coppola wine and snacks! This is a great way to get a new perspective on the area and see the peninsula from a different view.
Spa
You’ll definitely want to book a treatment at their open-air spa — I loved their traditional Thai massage.
Dining
Barefoot Beach Bar - cocktails and snacks
Rumfish
Rick’s Cafe
The Laughing Fish Bar at Turtle Inn
