5 Best Excursions In Belize + 8 Close Places To Stay

If you are visiting Belize and want to enjoy some excursions, it is important to know which ones are the best on the island. Narrowing down the best excursion experiences in Belize will save you time on researching Belize excursions and money that could be wasted on an excursion that doesn’t provide what you are looking for.

What are some fun excursions to take while vacationing in Belize?

The best excursions in Belize are snorkeling, zip-lining, jeep excursions, flights over the Blue Hole, horseback riding, cave tubing, scuba diving, ATV tours, Lamanai tour, Tikal day trip, Caracol Mayan Ruins, Xunantunich tour, Belize City tour, Belize Zoo, and Secret Beach waterpark.

These excursions provide great experiences, value for the money, and are the perfect way to enjoy the island of Belize. They give great options whether you are seeking adventure or want to do something relaxing.

With the wide range of excursions in Belize, it is important to have a list of the best ones available in each category of excursions so you can choose the best excursion for you or your family. These excursions have been researched by travel experts and reviewed by visitors from all over the world.

Belize Overview

Belize is a beautiful country that is located in Central America. It is on the northeastern coast and borders Mexico to the North, the Caribbean sea to the east, and Guatemala to the west and south.

Belize has the lowest population and population density in Central America. The history of Belize lies heavily in Mayan heritage and culture. The Mayan civilization moved into Belize between 1500 BC and AD 300. It was around until about 1200.

Belize boasts a very rich culture and history. It is the only Central American country that speaks English as the first language. However, Brazilian Creole is the most widely spoken dialect. The second most commonly spoken language in Brazil is Spanish.

Belize is also known to be one of the top places in the world for snorkeling and scuba diving.

Best Time To Travel To Belize

If you are planning a trip to Belize, it is a good idea to know when the best times to travel to Belize are, especially if you are wanting to spend time on the beaches and on excursions.

Peak season in Belize will bring in many tourists, which can lead to crowds in highly sought-after places, but if you plan ahead, you can still enjoy a trip during the peak season. Belize is considered a tropical destination and therefore does have periods of heavier rainfall. The dry season in Belize is typically November-April. This is the best time to travel to Belize to avoid outdoor activities being ruined by the weather.

Beginning April, the weather will warm up significantly and once it reaches June, you are getting into the wetter season. Some people will choose to travel in the off-season to beat the crowds of tourists, so if you are wanting to come during a slower time then September and October will be the quietest months. It is important to note that some businesses will shut down during the off-season due to not enough business. So if you do choose to travel during this time be aware that certain establishments may not be open.

Best Excursions in Belize

There are many excursions available in Belize that range from relaxing to adventurous. There is something guaranteed to fit the wants of any visitor regardless if you are traveling alone or with a large group.

Snorkeling

1. Nauti Time Tours All-Inclusive Snorkeling at Hol Chan

This Nauti Time tour visits one of the most popular and one of the most beautiful snorkeling spots in Belize. It includes an all-day adventure stopping at six different sites around the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. You will likely see nurse sharks, southern stingrays, and manatees. It also gives you the opportunity to explore a shipwreck as well as see much different tropical fish.

All-day snorkel adventure
Lunch included
Ferry to the starting point in Caye Caulker
WIFI on board
Use of snorkeling equipment

2. Salt Life Eco Tours Hol Chan Full Day Bucket List Snorkeling and Marine Life Tour

This all-day Salt Life Eco tour explores the coral reef and provides three different stops so you can enjoy a wide variety of snorkeling opportunities. You will have the chance to swim with nurse sharks, sea turtles, and beautiful tropical fish.

Lunch provided
Underwater photography with GoPro cameras
3 different stopping points
Use of snorkeling equipment

3. Blue Tang Inn Snorkel Tour on Sailboat

This snorkel tour through Blue Tang Inn is a fun way to experience snorkeling in Belize. You will board the 40’ Sirena Azul sailboat and be guided by your skippers. You will swim in the beautiful waters of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Alley.

Half day tour
Snorkel gear included
Beverages

4. Island Dream Tours All Day Snorkeling Cruise

What better way to snorkel in Belize than on this first-class boat tour with Island Dreams Tours. You will board the catamaran named the YOLO, where there is plenty of seating in both the shade and the sunshine. The crew will serve fresh fruit juice cocktails as well as other beverages while moving to the different stopping points.

Chef cooked lunch
Snorkel gear provided
Limitless open bar
Stops at Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Shark Alley, and Caye Caulker.

5. Ambergris Divers Great Blue Hole Snorkel and Lighthouse Reef Day Tour

This amazing snorkeling tour with Ambergris Divers will take you to the infamous sinkhole in Belize that was formed over 15 thousand years ago. The ocean rose and flooded the caves creating the now 400-foot-deep Blue Hole. Around its 1,000-foot radius is a stunning coral reef that makes for amazing snorkeling.

Not only will you explore right by the Blue Hole, but you will get to snorkel along Half Moon Caye and Long Caye as well.

Includes breakfast, lunch, as well as beverages
Multiple snorkeling stops
Final stop at a bird sanctuary to complete the trip

Zip Lining

1. Belize City Tours Cave Kayaking and Zip Lining

This is a great tour with Belize City Tours to combine zip-lining along with another fun activity. You will have the chance to kayak through ancient cave systems on the Caves Branch River and then zip line through the Belizean forest.

Two popular outdoor adventures in one day
7-cable zip line course
All equipment included
Alcoholic drinks provided
National park fees included

2. Hopkins Tours Thrilling Zipline Adventure at Bocawina Rainforest

This zip lining and rappelling tour with Hopkins Tours is in the Mayflower Bocawina National Park. There are several tour times throughout the day so it is a great excursion to fit into your time while in Belize. It is a long 2.5 mile course with 12 platforms and 8 runs total for a fun-filled adventure.

Zip line through Belizean forest
Up to 2,300 foot runs
Food and drinks provided
Hotel pick up and drop off
All necessary equipment included

3. Explore Belize Caves Zip Lining and Cave Tubing

This fun tour with Explore Belize Caves will take you on a small group adventure through the caves of Belize as well as a zip lining experience. With the small group, the trip will feel more personal and your guide will be with you the entire way.

Small-group tour
Great family excursion
Includes lunch and bottled water

4. Salt Life Eco Tours All Day Adventure

This all-day tour with Salt Life Tours not only includes zip-lining, but also includes a stop at the Mayan temple Altun Ha as well as a hike through the jungle to intertube through the caves. You will end the tour with zip lining high over the canopy.

Explore the cave systems while relaxing in an innertube
Discover the Mayan temple Altun Ha and hike to the top
Enjoy the rush of zip lining over the beautiful Belize canopy
Pickup in Belize City at 8 am

5. Bocawina Rainforest Resort & Adventures Thrilling Bocawina Zipline

This zipline tour with Bocawina Rainforest Resort & Adventures features 9 different runs and over 2 miles of time in the trees. The longest run is over 2,300 feet. The ziplines feature triple safety and it takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours to complete.

Provides incredible views of Belize
Great for small or large groups
Safety is a priority

Adventure

1. Shore Excursions Group Jungle Jeep Adventure and Sibun Wildlife River Cruise

This fun adventurous excursion with Shore Excursions Group will begin with you taking a scenic drive through the countryside to Hattieville. At this point, you will then hop into your Jeep Wrangler for a fun 30-minute drive through some rugged terrain. You will stop for a short hike and then continue on your drive until you reach your lunch spot. Your excursion will end up with a 45-minute boat ride.

Adventurous excursion
Included jeep adventure and boat ride
Lunch and beverages included

2. Tropic Air Blue Hole From The Air Tour

The Blue Hole is one of the most popular and beautiful sights to see in Belize. With this unique experience with Tropic Air, you will get the chance to fly over the Blue Hole multiple times to see it in a way not many people do. Along with your flight, you will also get to see the Belize Barrier Reef and have the opportunity to witness sharks, manatees, and dolphins from above.

A unique experience to see the Blue Hole
Opportunity to witness ocean wildlife from above
3 and 11 seat aircraft’s available

3. San Ignacio Tours Horseback Ride to the Forgotten Jungle City

This full-day horseback riding adventure with San Ignacio Tours will take you through the jungle to the city of Minanha. You will have the chance to explore hidden caves, ceremonial temples, and burial chambers that have been left behind.

Full day horseback riding tour
Includes a Belizean lunch
Meeting location in central San Ignacio
Great way to explore Mayan heritage

4. Belize Paradise Tours Cave Tubing Paradise

With a passion for cave tubing, this 4 hour excursion with Belize Paradise Tours will provide you with one of the best cave tubing tours on Belize. A 45 minute hike will start your excursion until you get to the cave openings. From there your guide will help you get into your tubes and attach the tubes together so you can stay with your group. You will enjoy a fun cruise through the caves as your guide shares the history and geology of the caves.

Learn about the history of the caves in Belize
Relax and cruise while your guide describes everything you are seeing
Great excursion for groups

5. Ambergris Divers 2 Tank Belize Barrier Reef Scuba Diving Trip

The beautiful Belize Barrier Reef is the perfect dive location for visitors. Ambergris Divers has put together an incredible tour for divers. Belize is one of the top scuba diving destinations in the world and well worth the trip. This dive trip is only 5-10 minutes away from Ambergris Divers pier and allows you to experience depths of 60-80 feet.

You will likely see nurse sharks, groupers, eagle rays, and turtles during your dive amongst beautiful coral and tropical fish. This dive is perfect for beginners to advanced divers.

2 dives included
Snacks and drinks provided
Tank and weights provided
Dive certification required

6. Julian Transfers & Tours ATV Jungle Adventure and Waterfalls

This ATV tour with Julian Transfers & Tours that includes a waterfall swim is a short distance from Hopkins Village or Placencia peninsula. You will have the opportunity to drive an ATV through the jungle with your guide pointing out any significant nature, animals, and rivers along the way. During the trip you will stop and swim at a beautiful waterfall to give you some time to relax.

Great combination of adventure and relaxation
4 hour tour
Water provided

Historical

1. Discover Belize Lamanai and New River Safari Tour

This fun historical excursion with Discover Belize will take you on a tour from Belize City to the Lamanai ruins. The Lamanai ruins are one of the top Maya sites in Belize to visit. The tour begins with a 49 mile drive where you will get to witness some of the incredible communities along the way. After this portion of the trip is complete, there is an opportunity to use the restroom before boarding the boat. The only way to reach this area is by water so you can enjoy a nice 25 mile cruise down the river. You will then be served lunch and make your hike to the Jaguar Temple.

Visit Lamanai Ruins and Jaguar Temple
Lunch included
Opportunity to spot wildlife while on the river cruise

2. Belize Family Adventure Tikal Day Trip

For an incredible day of seeing one of the most sought after sights in the world, you can join Belize Family Adventure for a day trip to Tikal. Although Tikal is in Guatemala, the Belize Family Adventure guide will transport you from Belize over the border into Guatemala. You will depart from San Ignacio to Tikal National Park. Once in Tikal National Park you will get to explore the ancient Mayan city that is full of incredible history and over 3,000 structures that archaeologists have uncovered.

All day trip
Lunch will be provided
Great way to explore an incredibly historical city
Can explore the ruins independently with your group

3. MayaWalk Tours Caracol Maya Ruins Tour

This is a full day tour that departs from San Ignacio and will give you the incredible experience of visiting the Mayan city of Caracol with MayaWalk Tours. Caracol spans nearly 80 square miles and rivals Tikal. The tour will also include the Rio On pools and the Rio Frio Caves. You will follow your tour guide through the large archaeological site and learn about the city of Caracol. Following the tour through Caracol, you will finish the day with swimming in the natural pools and seeing the limestone cave system in Pine Ridge.

Visit Caracol and swim in the pools
All day tour
Lunch and drinks provided

4. Belize Family Adventure Xunantunich Day Trip

This Belize Family Adventure tour of Xunantunich is a great way to explore the temples, plazas, and royal palaces of this famous site. You can climb the El Castillo temple and view the Belize River.

This tour begins in San Ignacio and is a 15 minute drive to the entrance. Once you are inside, you will be shuttled to the excavation site. You will then spend the next 2 hours exploring the site and learning about the life and ceremonial practices of those that lived there. The El Castillo temple is an incredible sight to see here. It is 130 feet above the central plaza and one of the tallest structures in Belize.

Great archaeological site to explore
Can hear the birds and monkeys nearby
Incredible views from the El Castillo temple

5. Belize Caribbean Tours Belize City Tour

This historic tour of Belize City by Belize Caribbean Tours is perfect for those that love history. The tour is 1.5 hours and will take you through the largest city in the Central American region of Belize. The city was almost entirely destroyed in 1961 by Hurricane Hattie, but it survived. The city is full of history, culture, and great structures to view.

1.5 hour tour of Belize city
Highlights historic scenery through the city

For Kids

1. MayaWalk Tours Belize Zoo

This tour to the Belize Zoo with MayaWalk tours is perfect for those traveling with kids. The Belize zoo was founded in 1983 and has been highlighted on shows such as Steve Corwin Adventures and National Geographic due to their conservation efforts. They are one of few zoos in the world that work with only injured or rehabilitated animals, which makes it a great learning experience for children and adults.

4 hour tour
Easy for kids to do
Recommended to bring reusable bottles or cups for coffee or water

2. Secret Beach Waterpark

Located on Secret Beach in Ambergris Caye in Belize is this waterpark that is the perfect daytime activity if you are traveling with kids. It features lots of blow-up water toys that kids can jump, splash, swing, and bounce on. They will provide life jackets and the height limit is 3 feet 7 inches.

Open 11am to 5pm
Perfect for younger kids to go play during the day
Lifeguards on duty

Where To Stay In Belize

Similar to the Florida Keys, Belize has cayes, which are pronounced “keys.” These are smaller islands that surround mainland Belize and many people that travel to Belize stay on these cayes.

Ambergris Caye

Ambergris Caye is the largest island in Belize and the most popular for those that are visiting. It stretches down the Belize Barrier Reef all the way to Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula. The main town on Ambergris Caye is San Pedro.

In San Pedro there are lots of shops, restaurants, and bars. It remains pretty lively and a fun place for tourists. There are quite a few hotels and resorts on Ambergris Caye as well so you have plenty of options if you choose to stay there. It is very laid back and a great Caye to depart from for diving and snorkeling.

Caye Caulker

Caye Caulker is a much smaller island, but still a popular one nonetheless. It seems to be a more popular destination for budget travelers. It is a very quiet caye and great for those that want to have more of a local experience.

The main activities are similar to Ambergris Caye as most people will do diving and snorkeling excursions off the island since it is right by the Belize Barrier Reef.

St. George’s Caye

St. George’s Caye is a small private island in Belize. It is only 7 miles from Belize city and a more secluded place to vacation in Belize. There is a beautiful resort on the island and stunning beaches to visit. It is considered a luxurious caye and one of the most peaceful.

This caye is a great place to visit if you are looking for relaxation and quietness. It is not a crowded island due to the size, but is also a great place to snorkel and dive.

Placencia

Placencia has been growing in popularity over the last several years. It is a stunning peninsula off of Belize’s mainland, which is very appealing to some visitors. You are not as isolated as you are on one of the caye’s and have access to Belize’s mainland quite easily.

On Placencia you have access to dive and snorkel the southern barrier reef as well as explore Belize’s jungles or even take a boat to one of the cayes for the day. If you choose to stay on Placencia, you have quite a few excursion options right at your fingertips.

Placencia is now home to some of the most luxurious resorts in Belize and has beautiful sandy beaches for relaxing.

Belize City

If you are wanting to stay in multiple places during your time in Belize, then Belize City is a great stop for a night or two. Most people do not spend their whole stay in Belize in the city because they want to enjoy the beautiful beaches.

Even if you do not want to stay in Belize City overnight, you can always make a day trip, especially if you are staying in Placencia. There are many historical sites and attractions in and around Belize City as well as the Belize Zoo, which is a great place to go if you have children with you on your vacation.

There is incredible culture in Belize City and it is a great place to learn a lot about Belize in general. If you have a night to spare, it is a great stopping point for a night on your way to your intended destination in Belize.

Hopkins

Hopkins is a small seaside village on the coast of Stann Creek in the Southern area of Belize. It is full of culture and there are many Garifuna people living there. It has a laid-back Caribbean vibe, which attracts visitors that want to learn about the Garifuna culture as well as explore the barrier reef and nearby jungle attractions.

Hopkins was established in the 1940s when an area nearby was destroyed by a hurricane and many people relocated there. Many years ago the area was supported by fishing and farming, but tourism keeps the economy thriving now.

It is now a very safe area for tourists with upscale resorts, restaurants, shops, bars, and gift shops all over the village. Hopkins is a great place to stay for both beach and jungle excursions.

Tobacco Caye

Tobacco Caye is not the place to stay for those looking for a lively and bustling atmosphere. Tobacco Caye is a tiny island in Belize that has a population of less than 100 people. There are a handful of guest houses that visitors can stay in. This island is perfect for those that are there to scuba dive as you can go right off the Caye and find some of the most incredible diving experiences in the world.

You can also snorkel directly off the beaches of Tobacco Caye and it is the perfect place for those that want something isolated and quiet to just simply relax.

South Water Caye

With a slightly larger size than Tobacco Caye, South Water Caye also boasts a very isolated and quiet environment to visit. It is 15 acres and is great for those seeking relaxation. There are not any large resorts on South Water Caye, but there are places to stay for those that truly wish to stay there. It is a great caye for snorkeling and diving.

Weather in Belize

The climate in Belize is very mild and comfortable all year round. This is why people visit throughout the year and can expect warm temperatures no matter what month it is.

In the Summer months, the temperature is typically around 86 degrees Fahrenheit and in the winter the temperature rarely falls below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Humidity usually stays around 85 percent all year long.

Since temperatures are so mild, people refer to the weather in Belize in two seasons- wet and dry season. The driest months in Belize are February through May, with showers starting in about the middle of April. These showers tend to be light and sporadic moving through quickly.

June through December marks the wettest months of the year in Belize. Parts of Belize can receive up to 150 inches of rain per year along with heavier rain and tropical storms in the late afternoons. June and July typically have the most rain and there is a small period in late July or August referred to as the “little dry” period because the rain takes a small break during this time.

Along with the wet season comes hurricane season. Hurricane season is typically the worst in September and October and although Belize does not have many direct hits, it can have some effects of surrounding hurricanes including high winds and heavy rain. It is not advised to travel to Belize during hurricane season due to the risk of potentially having to evacuate and vacation plans ruined by the weather.