Belize is the perfect destination for nature lovers, with Mayan temples, adventure, beaches, authentic hotels and culture. If you’re looking for an exotic vacation full of adventure and natural beauty, then Belize may be the perfect place, especially while travelling with a professional guide.
The Belize Barrier Reef
The Belize Barrier Reef is the second largest coral reef in the world, covering an area of over 5,000 square miles (13,000 square kilometers). It’s protected by a series of islands and cays that make up the Belizean coastline: Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker and Placencia are just some of them. The reef itself is home to over 400 species of fish and over 500 species of coral; it’s also popular among marine biologists studying its diverse ecosystems.
The Belize Barrier Reef has long been considered one of the most pristine reefs in all of Central America–if not all of Latin America–and many travelers come here specifically for snorkeling or diving opportunities along its rich waters.
Mayan Ruins in Caracol
The largest Mayan city in Belize is Caracol, which means “snail” in Spanish. It was a major trade center with over 200,000 people living there and was once connected by roads to other cities throughout the region. The ruins have been preserved and are open for tours. There are many other Mayan Ruins in Belize that you can explore!
Caves Branch National Park
To get to Caves Branch National Park, you’ll have to drive about an hour south of Belize City. The park is open daily from 8am until 4pm and closes at 5pm during the winter months (November through April). Entrance fees cost $10 per person; however, if you’re staying at one of the nearby resorts or hotels they will often offer free admission as part of your stay.
If you’re looking for something more than just swimming or hiking while visiting Caves Branch National Park, there are several exciting activities available here too! You can go cave tubing down Copal Creek River Cave which has a maximum depth of 100 feet underground–this activity requires some physical strength since it involves climbing down steep steps into water that may be up to 12 feet deep in places. If adventure isn’t really your thing but still want something fun on your trip then try zip lining through this beautiful landscape instead! This activity takes place along an almost 3km long track where riders soar over trees and valleys before reaching their final landing point back at base camp again.”
Lime Caye
Lime Caye is a small island off the coast of Belize. It’s a great place to snorkel and dive, but it also has accommodations for those who want to stay overnight. There are several resorts on this island, as well as private homes for rent by the week or month.
Lighthouse Reef Atoll
Lighthouse Reef Atoll is a marine protected area and the largest atoll in Belize. It’s home to the world’s second largest barrier reef, which stretches over 150 miles along the coast of Central America. The reef boasts over 500 species of fish and other marine life, making it one of the best places on Earth for scuba diving or snorkeling.
Lighthouse Reef is also home to ancient Maya temples that were built by people who lived there hundreds of years ago–you can see them while exploring this paradise island!
Hol Chan Marine Reserve
Hol Chan is a marine reserve that’s part of the Barrier Reef System and home to a variety of wildlife, including manatees, dolphins and whale sharks. While you can’t swim with them (due to their size), you can snorkel or dive among them in one of Hol Chan’s two areas: Shark Ray Alley and Half Moon Caye. The latter offers shallow waters that are perfect for children who want to experience marine life without getting too deep into it.
Hol Chan also has cenotes–natural pools formed by underground rivers–as well as caves where Maya artifacts have been found dating back thousands of years ago. You can explore these on your own or take an organized tour from any nearby town; tours usually last about four hours but vary depending on what exactly they include within that time frame (for example: whether there are stops along the way).
Swimming with Sharks and Rays in Glover’s Reef
Glover’s Reef is a marine protected area, with some of the most pristine coral reefs in the world. This makes it an ideal place for swimming with sharks and rays. The reef also has a large number of fish species to spot, including turtles and dolphins.
The best way to get there is by boat from Placencia or Punta Gorda (the latter requires a flight from Belize City). Once you arrive on shore, you can choose from several activities: snorkeling tours where you’ll see plenty of tropical fish; scuba diving trips if you’d like an underwater view; kayaking tours through mangroves that are home to crocodiles; even birdwatching excursions if you want something more relaxing! Bring plenty of sunscreen–you’ll be out in direct sunlight all day!
The Placencia Peninsula
The Placencia Peninsula is a popular destination for tourists, who come to this tropical region year-round. There are many things to do in Placencia, including fishing, snorkeling and scuba diving.
Diving and Snorkeling in Belize
If you’re looking to dive, Belize has some of the best diving in Central America. There are many different types of dives you can do here, including drift dives and cave dives. The marine life here is incredible–the reefs are teeming with colorful fish and other creatures. You’ll also find plenty of Mayan ruins underwater!
If snorkeling is more your speed, there are plenty of opportunities for that too! Snorkeling allows visitors to see some of the same things they would see while scuba diving without having to learn how to use an oxygen tank or carry around heavy equipment on their backs all day long; it’s also much easier on landlubbers who might not be able to handle jumping into deep waters without some practice first (or at all).
Belize is a nature lover’s dream and the perfect destination for adventure travel
Belize is a small country with a big heart, offering something for everyone–from world-class diving to pristine beaches, Mayan ruins and rainforest hikes.
The most popular activities in Belize include snorkeling at Stingray City; cave tubing through the Caves Branch River; zip lining over tropical forests; horseback riding through jungle trails; bird watching at Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary or along its miles of coastline; deep sea fishing off Turneffe Atoll National Marine Park; scuba diving around Hol Chan Marine Reserve (great for beginners); exploring Lamanai Ruins & Nature Park via boat trip upriver from Belize City or canoe ride downriver from San Ignacio Town Center…the list goes on!
We hope that you’re inspired to visit this amazing country for yourself. Belize is full of adventure, culture and history, making it an ideal destination for anyone looking for a little bit more from their trip.