Attractions in Belize

11 Must-see Attractions in Belize

If you are planning a trip or vacation and figuring out where the best attractions in Belize are, you have come to the right place. Sitting on the amazing Central American east coast, the country benefits from nice Caribbean temperatures and stunning beaches on the Caribbean Sea.

Wildlife seekers, adventure enthusiasts, and culture hounds can all enjoy the time of their lives here. Wondering why?

Because there is so much to do in Belize! And that is not all; Belize offers a huge range of stunning attractions that tap into the rich ancient history of this region and are also immensely enjoyable. 

Vacationing in Belize

You may use San Pedro as your base to tour most of Belize, which includes other cayes as well as much of the mainland.

You can enjoy fishing, bird watching, scuba diving, and caving on the mainland, as well as on the lagoon side of the gorgeous Ambergris Caye.

Belize has many great accommodations, such as condos from Paradise Management, and is an excellent place to enjoy and have fun in the warm, clean, and turquoise-blue water of the Caribbean. 

Belize Tourist Attractions

For a small country, Belize certainly boasts so many amazing cities, beaches, towns, and archeological sites for people to see! Here are eleven of the best places to see in Belize.

Hol Chan Marine Reserve

Hol Chan Marine Reserve

You should include Hol Chan Marine Reserve in your list of must-see attractions when visiting Belize. The great thing is that this gorgeous aquatic zone is home to various sea creatures, such as eels, sharks, stingrays, and other creatures.

Note that it is separated into the Shark Ray Alley, the reef, the mangroves, as well as the sea-grass beds. So, many scuba divers and snorkelers prefer to spend their time here.

Snorkelers and scuba divers staying in Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye are perfectly located to visit Hol Chan Marine Reserve.

The Belize Zoo

The Belize Zoo

Note that the Belize Zoo is certainly one of the must-visit attractions for tourists in Belize. The zoo was opened back in 1983.

Fortunately, since then, it has become a very popular place for tourists and locals to find out a bit more about animals in the country.

If you want to see the elusive jaguars or other shy creatures up close, you will be better off coming early or late in the day.

The zoo has more than 175 animals, with around 45 native species represented in this zoo. This zoo is unique as they really take good care of the animals and you will have a great time here.

Placencia

Placencia Belize

Placencia is perfect for you if you are looking for a great underwater paradise. Snuggled on the end of a vast sandy peninsula, this place is a very popular beach resort and fishing village.

You can come here to eat fresh and delicious seafood at the excellent restaurants, bask on the beautiful and exquisite white-sand beaches, kayak, and fish the lagoon. You can also dive and snorkel in the beautiful Silk Cayes Marine Reserve. 

The place offers a laidback and serene vibe, making it easy for people to settle in and unwind.  You can cool down with a yummy gelato or walk up to Sunset Pointe for an adventurous boat ride to any public swim-up bar. 

Great Blue Hole

great blue hole

This is perhaps one of the biggest tourist attractions in the country. The giant sinkhole is perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving.

You can plunge into one of the best caves in the world and discover the amazing coral fringe as well as the calcium deposits which resemble icicles.

You can also go on a Blue Hole flyover to view the gorgeous spot from a plane if you are more interested in appreciating this beautiful wonder from above.

Caye Caulker

caye caulker belize

Often known as a diamond in the rough, Caye Caulker is certainly a hotspot for both budget travelers and backpackers.

It is an excellent place to spot lively seahorses at the gorgeous Iguana Reef Hotel while holding a sundowner cocktail. 

You will love the food on this island too. You will find fresh fish, ceviche, and lobster when it is in season. Also, the famous fry jacks on the island will have you coming back for breakfast each morning.

The tiny island is fringed by coconut palms and mangroves and lies around 24 kilometers south of Ambergris Caye.

Xunantunich

Xunantunich belize

Xunantunich is an amazing Mayan ruin site near San Ignacio. Many people who visit San Ignacio tend to venture out a little further in order to see the impressive ruins of Xunantunich.

It is within viewing distance of the popular Guatemalan border with a wide range of structures of different ages and sizes.

The 2nd tallest structure in the country, El Castillo, sits at Xunantunich and is an excellent spot for taking timely photos.

Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve

Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve belize

Note that the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve is amazing as it provides you with a soothing contrast to the usual tropical humidity of this coast.

It is just a fantastic place to cool off in Belize as it is hot year-round. You can follow the small river through the cave and come out the other side at a secluded and sandy beach.

Keep in mind that the higher elevation here helps keep daytime temperatures down, offering a respite from mosquitoes. If you hike among the green pine forests, you can explore waterfalls, cool gushing rivers, and pools.

El Pilar Maya Ruins

El Pilar Maya Ruins belize

Another fantastic site, the El Pilar Archeological Reserve, is a legally declared cultural monument in Belize as well as Guatemala.

The Reserve covers about 5,000 acres, half in Belize in the Cayo District, and the other half in Guatemala in the Peten Department.

Turneffe Islands Atoll

Turneffe Islands Atoll belize

Hailed as a paradise for anglers and divers, Turneffe Islands Atoll has more than 200 coral islands that surround a beautiful lagoon.

It’s one of the 3 main atoll reefs you will find in Belize’s waters. Seascapes here can range from creeks and lagoons to crystalline flats. 

Laughing Bird Caye

Laughing Bird Caye belize

If you are looking for a perfect place to escape for some scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming, or even to enjoy some of the local birds, this tiny island 11 miles off the coast of Placencia should be on your list.

If you come here with a keen sense of adventure and respect, you might just get to photograph some sea turtles, barracuda, and stingrays.

Museum of Belize

Museum of Belize

There is no doubt that the Museum of Belize is a must-see place – you’ll catch a glimpse of the rich history and culture of Belize here from the ancient days of the Maya Civilization.

Final Thoughts 

Whether you are looking for some adventure or a relaxing vacation, Belize can satisfy you with these eleven must-see attractions.

You can go diving, fishing, and snorkeling, or you can visit a zoo or an archaeological site to make the most of your trip.

**Please note that this post may contain affiliate links. When booking through one of our links, we earn a small kickback at no extra cost to you and it’s a big help to keep the site up and running.

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