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8 Epic Adventures in Belize
If you’re a nature-loving, adventurous traveler, there is no shortage of things to entertain you in Belize! From the beautiful and relaxing Caribbean waters along Belize’s coastline, to its lush jungles and ancient ruins – you can find a variety of activities to suit your adventure level.
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If you’re a nature-loving, adventurous traveler, there is no shortage of things to entertain you in Belize! From the beautiful and relaxing Caribbean waters along Belize’s coastline, to its lush jungles and ancient ruins – you can find a variety of activities to suit your adventure level.
Here are 8 epic adventures you should have in Belize. (You’ll definitely want to add these to your itinerary!)
Table of Contents
Trek Through Mayan Ruins
Perched atop the Vaca Plateau — in the heart of the Chiquibul Forest Reserve near the Guatemalan border — you’ll find the ancient Mayan civilization of Caracol.
In its prime, Caracol covered an area much larger than present-day Belize City and supported close to one million inhabitants — more than twice the modern city’s population.
Wandering around Caracol with our guide was definitely a highlight of our trip to Belize. Unlike other ancient ruin sites, visitors to Caracol have the freedom to explore on their own and even climb around on the ruins.
You can even climb the Sky Palace — the tallest man-made structure in Belize.
Another reason Caracol should be on your Belize itinerary? This important site only receives about 10,000 visitors a year, so you’ll have it almost to yourself!
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Why visiting Caracol is one of the top adventures in Belize
The road to Caracol alone makes this ancient Mayan civilization adventurous! The name “Caracol” actually means “snail” and refers to the winding roads that lead you there.
I recommend doing this adventure on one of your first days in Belize, because you’ll get a good base of knowledge for the ancient Mayan civilization. If you go with a tour company like Maya Walk, you’ll also get to visit the Rio Frio Cave and the Rio On Pools as part of your tour to Caracol.
What to Wear & Bring to Caracol
Bugs like mosquitos and sand flies can be annoying and persistent. Wear a pair of lightweight, long pants and a long-sleeve shirt if you’re like me and biting insects can’t get enough of you. This also helps you not have to reapply sunscreen (I love this mineral powder sunscreen — perfect for on-the-go applications throughout the day) and bug repellent all day.
Plan on wearing a pair of comfortable athletic shoes or hiking sandals (I’ve had Tevas and Chacos and I vastly prefer these from Teva) and clothing that won’t show sweat — ‘cause girl you’re gonna be sweating!
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Snorkel With Sharks & Rays
When Drew and I were looking for things to do on the tiny island of Caye Caulker* swimming with sharks and stingrays kept coming up. But I was hesitant. I’m just not a big fan of jumping into the home of super predators. (And, yes I know that nurse sharks aren’t really dangerous.)
But I couldn’t imagine anything that my dad – a former fisheries biologist — would love more. #BucketList
So we booked the excursion and I steeled my nerves.
What to Expect When You Swim With The Sharks in Belize
During the first part, a trained diver took our small group out to the the Coral Garden reef and pointed out various types of coral and fish. We saw a ton of colorful fish, barracuda, conch shells, and some stingrays burying themselves in the sand.
It was beautiful and clear and the water was warm. It was a dream!
When we got to Shark Ray Alley, we didn’t have to search long for the sharks and rays. They’re attracted to the sound of boat engines and beeline it to boats in the area.
Avoid Outfitters That Feed The Sharks, Rays & Other Fish
They’re actually “trained” because many tour operators feed them in order to give their groups a good experience. While this controversial practice is less common nowadays, I recommend asking if an operator feeds the fish or sharks – and choosing another operator if they do.
The water in this area is shallow and generally calm and clear which makes it a great spot for kiddos and those who aren’t strong swimmers.
I would avoid putting your feet down (do like Dory and “Just Keep Swimming…”). Both Drew and my dad stepped on sea urchins while we were out there.
We went with Salt Life Eco Tours because of their focus on enjoying nature…in a sustainable and friendly way. They don’t use any single-use plastic aboard their boats, they don’t touch or feed the fish, and they give back a portion of their profits to local community projects.
*Caye Caulker is a 70-minute ferry ride from Belize City or a 30-minute ride from San Pedro.
Pro Tip
There are several places you can swim with sharks and stingrays around Belize. The most popular is “Shark Ray Alley” located in Hol Chan Marine Reserve – which is a few miles from Caye Caulker. Doing this excursion (confusingly…also called “Shark Ray Alley”) in Caye Caulker gives you the same experience for less money. Also, you can only visit Shark Ray Alley with a certified operator.
Why snorkeling with the sharks and rays is one of the top adventures in Belize
Spending the day on a boat – out in the Caribbean – with fun and knowledgeable guides is reason enough to take on this adventure! You’ll love swimming in the warm, crystal clear water and peeping on some timid fish as they hide amongst the colorful coral reef. Then you’ll feel like a bada$$ when you jump into (nurse) shark infested waters and watch them swim around you.
Recommended Tours in Belize
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Cave Tubing
Cave tubing might not sound adventurous, but as a claustrophobic who’s terrified of dark water…this was on the upper scale of adventure for me.
We booked this cave tubing excursion with MayaWalk and, once I got over the darkness and the thought of a monster eating my butt through the inner tube, it was one of the more relaxing and interesting things we did in Belize!
When we arrived to the Caves Branch site, we geared up with helmets, waterproof headlamps, and inner tubes. Our guide, Giselle, was extremely knowledgeable and, on the way to the cave entrance, pointed out various plants along the jungle hiking trail.
What it's like inside the cave?
Once at the mouth of the cave, we plopped into our tubes and began our journey into the cave.
As we floated, Giselle told us all about the geology and ancient history of the limestone system.
Over the course of Cave Branch’s seven mile cave system, we passed by underground waterfalls, stalagmites and stalactites, and beautiful cave “windows” that filtered in moody light and mist from the surrounding jungle. Giselle even made time for our group to do some cliff jumping inside the cave!
Pro Tip
You’ll definitely want some bug repellent during this portion of the journey. In addition, you’ll need to be able to carry your inner tube as you walk about a mile through the jungle to the mouth of the cave. It’s lightweight and shouldn’t be a problem for most, but it’s worth noting.
We also learned about the Mayan culture and the ceremonial purposes they had for cave systems like the one we were in.
Imagine how brave you would have to be to venture into a cave like this – 2,000 years ago – with nothing but a lighted torch…and your imagination.
Why cave tubing is one of the top adventures in Belize
Traversing seven miles through a dark cave in an inner tube is so adventurous – and relaxing! You’ll learn more about the Mayan civilization – and how they viewed caves like the one you’ll float through. And you’ll get the chance to swim around in some of the clearest fresh water you’ve ever seen.
What to Wear & Bring to go Cave Tubing in Belize
Wear your bathing suit, shoes you won’t mind getting wet (like Tevas or Chacos), t-shirt, and athletic shorts. Don’t forget to bring along a change of clothes and towel. Extra points if you have a dry bag to store your wet things in – and to keep your things dry if you’re taking them into the cave.
Spelunk Your Way Through the Mayan Underworld
A trip to Belize isn’t complete without journeying into the ancient Mayan underworld of Xibalba – the Actun Tunichil Muknal cave!
The National Geographic rated the Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) cave as the #1 Sacred Cave in the World because of the amount of relics researchers have found at the site.
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Many thousands of years ago, the Maya – desperate to appease their gods during an extensive drought period – used the ATM cave as a sacrificial site. They drug ceramics, stoneware, and human sacrifices deep inside the cave…where you can still see them today.
The ATM cave can only be experienced with a trained, certified guide (we used a guide from MayaWalk). No cameras are allowed inside the cave…but this journey is so memorable you definitely won’t need one to remember what you see here.
Why visiting the ATM Cave is one of the top adventures in Belize
If seeing ancient human sacrifices miles within a dark cave doesn’t sound like an adventure to you, I think we need to talk!
Seriously though, this is one of the best things I did in Belize….maybe one of the coolest things I’ve ever done.
You simply can’t leave Belize without exploring the ATM Cave.
Do Go Chasing Waterfalls
You’ll find the secret – okay, maybe not so secret – Big Rock Falls tucked away inside Belize’s Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve near San Ignacio.
Secret or not, it is a hidden gem. Its relatively isolated location and the difficult, red dirt, semi-paved road you must take to get there make it pretty sparsely visited. In fact you might have it all to yourself!
Pro Tip
Bring along a pair of sturdy water sandals with a nonslip sole because you will have to do a little bit of scrambling to get down to the swimming hole. You will also need a four-wheel drive vehicle to access this area.
After climbing over granite boulders and fallen logs you’ll find yourself at the bottom of the 150-foot waterfall. A small pool is at the base of the waterfall – which then flows into a bigger cenote.
While you’re in the area, you should consider stopping at the nearby Rio On Pools as well.
Why Chasing Waterfalls is one of the top adventures in Belize
I really can’t ever get enough of waterfalls. And to have one to myself? Even better. Plan to bring a picnic lunch while you’re visiting Big Rock Falls and make a stop by the Rio On Pools and the Rio Frio Cave.
Fly Through the Forest Canopy
If you’re up for it, I highly recommend taking a zip line tour while you’re in Belize. From the forest canopy you’ll be able to see some of the densest areas of biodiversity like orchids, bromeliads, moss, and lichen as well as spider monkeys and kinkajous.
Our zip line tour had a series of eight platforms of varying heights and speeds. My favorite platform was one at the end where you fly over a beautiful, clear river.
We got a discount by combining our inner tube cave tour with this canopy zip line tour. Both of these tours were in the Cave Branch area and arranged by MayaWalk.
Pro Tip
If you’re afraid of heights, don’t look down! I was able to trick my brain a little by simply keeping my eyes fixed outward.
Why Zip Lining is one of the top adventures in Belize
Zip lining is always a good time – and the zip lines here are super safe! While you’re at the top, you’ll get to witness all the incredible plant and animal life that’s high above the forest floor.
Dive the Great Blue Hole
It’s hard to imagine a trip to Belize without an adventure to the Great Blue Hole! The 1,050-foot-wide, 407-foot-deep sinkhole can actually be seen from space!
Whether you’re a seasoned or an amateur diver, there are ways for you to explore the Great Blue Hole. Newbies can snorkel around the reefs that surround the hole. You’ll see beautiful sponges, sea fans, and colorful coral.
Experienced divers will, of course, want to journey into the sinkhole itself. (Which is how the horror movie starts, right?! Can you tell that I didn’t dive into the Great Blue Hole?!) Divers are rewarded with amazing underwater 40-foot-long stalagmites and stalactites. (But really though, is death by an undiscovered underwater sea monster worth it? I don’t know….)
If you’re like me and diving into the Great Blue Hole just sounds scary AF, consider an aerial tour! There are a lot of operators that that fly over the area and give you beautiful views of the site – no claustrophobic, sea monster tempting dives required.
Why exploring the Great Blue Hole is one of the top adventures in Belize
Whether you fly over, dive, or snorkel the Great Blue Hole, you absolutely must see this wonder before you leave Belize.
Repel Into a Black Hole
A 1.5 mile hike into the Mayan Mountains leads you to the “Mother of All Caves” — Actun Loch Tunich! Keep your eyes open to spot some of this area’s more elusive wildlife like Pacas, armadillos, tapirs, snakes, lizards, and iguanas.
Steel your nerves as your knowledgeable guides lower you over the edge…300 feet above the sinkhole basin below.
Once at the bottom, you’ll see that it’s not actually dark down there! Look around and when you’re ready, enjoy a traditional Belizean lunch at the bottom of the Black Hole.
When you’re done exploring, you’ll climb out of the cave by doing a little rock climbing and utilizing an available ladder.
Finish your fun adventure with a well-deserved dip in the pool and a cold drink!
Why repelling into the “Mother of All Caves” is one of the top adventures in Belize
It’s that first drop for me…
After about 100 feet of thinking this might be the end for you, you lean into the experience and trust the ropes. Conquering your fears and having an amazing picnic lunch at the bottom for a reward makes this one of the best adventures in Belize!
Frequently Ashed Questions
While we absolutely loved traveling around Belize with our knowledgeable guides, you can absolutely get around Belize without one. Some ideas of things to do that don’t require a guide are:
- Snorkel in one of Belize’s beautiful outer islands.
- Tour a Mayan ruin.
- Sample Belizean cuisine. Try the delicious food in Belize City or San Ignacio.
- Go bird watching. Belize is home to close to 600 birds, 20% of which are migratory. This means that you’ll have the opportunity to see colorful birds all year long in Belize. Good places to go bird watching are Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, Caracol Archaeological Reserve, and the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Relax on the beach in Caye Caulker.
- Visit the Belize Zoo. The Belize Zoo is extremely special and you should consider visiting if you have the chance. It’s currently home to more than 175 individuals of 48 species – all native to Belize. No animal at the zoo has been taken from the wild; residents were either people’s pets, donated to the zoo, injured and brought in for healing and rehabilitation, born at the zoo, or sent to the zoo from another zoological facility.
You won’t be able to see everything in the country in 7 days, but that’s a good amount of time to visit Belize’s highlights.
Belize is known as having the world’s second largest barrier reef but is also home to the Great Blue Hole, jungles, pine forests, waterfalls, and caves – all ready for you to explore!
Late November to mid-April (the country’s dry season) is the best times to visit Belize.
I got absolutely eaten alive by mosquitos and sand flies in Belize. They apparently love early mornings and late evenings; keep that in mind and have bug repellent ready.
About Sarah
Sarah hails from the land of fried chicken, sweet tea, buttered biscuits, and the friendliest people you’ll ever meet…Alabama! She loves exploring undertouristed locations and sharing them with you.
Outfit Ideas
Keep cool and stay stylish when you visit Belize with these outfit ideas.
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