You might have seen photos of the famous Blue Hole and thought, “Where is THAT?” Belize might best be known for this giant sink hole in the ocean that attracts scuba divers from all over the world, but trust me, Belize is much more than that. Belize is the perfect place for the ultimate family adventure trip because it is one of the few countries where you can discover underwater caves and rivers, Mayan ruins, jungle and mountains, AND the world’s second largest reef. For adventure lovers, Belize has it ALL!
Not only does Belize have a diverse landscape in a small geographical area, it also has a unique culture and wildlife you won’t find many other places. From jaguars, to scarlet macaws and toucans, to giant green iguanas, to nurse sharks and Eagle rays, to every kind of fish you can imagine, Belize is truly a feast for all the senses.
We’ve put together the ultimate family adventure trip to Belize because we realize that it can be overwhelming when deciding where to go and what to do in Belize when planning a family vacation there. This will be one epic trip that your family will be talking about for a long time!
Before we dive into an itinerary though, let’s discuss a couple of crucial factors to consider when planning a trip to Belize such as, “When is the best time to go?”
While Belize is great to visit any time of year, it’s important to note a few things. The first is knowing when it’s high and low season. This information determines what kind of prices you will find. For example, if you choose to go to Belize in the high season (late Nov to end of April), also the dry season, expect to pay higher prices for accommodations and even flights. This also means more tourists.
In the low season, May-Nov (also known as the wet season), prices tend to be lower and you’ll find fewer tourists too. Keep in mind that the wet season doesn’t mean it rains everyday. It just means to expect more rain than in the dry season. You might want to avoid the wettest months, however, which are Sept and Oct (also hurricane season). May and June are typically the best months to visit Belize in the low season for less rain.
The next important factor to consider when planning a trip to Belize is knowing how much time you should plan to spend there. We personally think a minimum of 10 days is best, however you could spend less time in Belize and still have a terrific vacation. For this specific itinerary, we have put together a 10 day itinerary (which you can shorten if needed), but have also included some ideas if you plan to lengthen your trip.
One more thing to note: the major international airport in Belize is just outside of Belize City (PGIA/BZE). This is the only airport that serves international flights coming and leaving the country. Another option to consider depending on cost and time is to fly into Cancun, Mexico and then take a shuttle to Belize, which is probably a good 7+ hour drive.
We often use apps like Sky Scanner or Momondo to find the best flight deals. If you choose to rent a car (which is ideal in Belize), we suggest using Booking.com for all the lowest rates.
Keep in mind, that this ultimate Belize adventure itinerary does not include travel days in/out of the country and can be easily adjusted to your preference and desires. We have also included additional options should you choose different activities or if you lengthen your stay. There is also a mix of low cost to free activities with paid excursion options in this itinerary, so pick and choose according to your budget and personal desires.
Day 1 to 4: San Ignacio, The Heart of the Jungle and Mountains
In our opinion, the best way to really experience Belize is to spend the first part of your trip in the jungle and mountainous region of Belize first, and then the second half near the ocean and reef.
and jungle regions of Belize.
From Belize City, San Ignacio is about a 2 hour drive if you have your own car (if you go via shuttle bus, add on extra time). San Ignacio is central to some of the best adventures in all of Belize so trust us, spending a few days here is well worth your time.
Where to Stay
In San Ignacio, you can find a variety of lodging options to suit your needs and budget from fancy 5-star resorts, to eco-lodges and hostels, to everything in between. If you’re wanting luxury accommodations, we suggest Blancaneaux Lodge or The Lodge at Chaa Creek, both amazing properties situated in the Maya mountains not far from San Ignacio.
However, if you want a more budget-friendly, yet incredibly authentic Belizean experience, we would recommend staying in Casa de Caballo Blanco, which is near the heart of town in San Ignacio.
We absolutely loved our time staying at Caballo Blanco for several reasons. The first being the location. It is a beautiful property overlooking the valley with horse pastures and palm trees lining the walkways. The gardens are lush and well-kept and it is quiet, making it ideal for a quiet retreat. The climate here is cooler and less humid than the coast too.
Another plus about staying at Caballo Blanco is there are only 6 bungalows so they give great attention to each of their guests. In fact, they treat you like family! The staff is extremely helpful and welcoming and will go above and beyond to make sure your needs are met and you are comfortable staying there.
We also loved that Caballo Blanco offered easy access to the natural and cultural wonders of Belize. That is a big reason why we chose this property to stay at. It was a centrally located from all the action–ruins, caves, waterfalls and rivers. Plus, you have a variety of dining options in San Ignacio, a 5 min drive to town.
Make sure to ask for Ricky and Ronnie (father and son) you stay here, they are the main caretakers here and the most wonderful people. They are also certified tour guides and native to the area, so they know all the best places to go and can even take you on guided tours if you choose.
What to Do
You will not find a shortage of activities to do in the San Ignacio area of Belize, but there are definitely a few we would highly recommend.
Visit Mayan Ruins
The first is to visit the Mayan ruins at Xunantunich. They are near the Guatemalan border and absolutely incredible. It’s a short 30 min drive from San Ignacio and worth spending at least part of a day here. You can visit these ruins self- if you choose and just pay a small entrance fee, or you can do a guided horseback tour with Maya Walk which make it extra fun and a great activity with kids too!
You could opt to visit the famous Mayan ruins of Tikal in Guatemala, instead of Xunantunich, which is located just over the border about an hour or so. This would be a long day, but definitely worth the trip. We spent an entire day here (starting with sunrise) and loved every minute of it.
Canoeing at Barton Creek
One of our favorite activities that we did in Belize was canoe through Barton Creek, a giant cave that stretches almost 5 miles deep! Barton Creek is located about 60 min west of San Ignacio. *Important to note: You have to go with a guide due to Mayan artifacts found in the cave. We would recommend this tour with Maya Walk. Plan for half of a day for this activity.
The cave is stunningly beautiful on the outside, as well as on the inside. Your guide will give you headlamps and/or flashlights to navigate through the creek in this cave, as it gets dark fast. And if you’re lucky you might see some bats and ancient Mayan artifacts!
Swim at Big Rock Falls and Rio On Pools
If you’re looking for some “free” outdoor adventures, look no farther than Big Rock Falls and Rio On pools. These are both located near each other and you could easily spend an afternoon here swimming and jumping off rocks. Also closeby is Rio Frio cave, which is another cave to explore (although not deep).
If you’re a waterfall lover, you could also consider going to 1000 Foot Falls and Bullet Tree Falls also in the Mountain Pine region near San Ignacio. Another free (or nearly free) activity you could consider is floating down the Mopan River. We spent a couple hours one afternoon (we went with a local!) doing this and had a blast. We saw lots of iguanas along the river and even found a rope swing!
must in the San Ignacio area!
Go Cave Tubing at Cave’s Branch
You can’t come to Belize without going cave tubing! It’s one of the top activities in Belize and a MUST in our opinion! Belize is home to some of the longest cave systems in the world. Back in ancient Mayan times, the Mayans used these caves for spiritual rituals like sacrificing to their Gods and bloodletting.
Nohoch Che’en, otherwise known as Cave’s Branch is a long river that runs through this underground cave. Here you will discover stunning stalactites and stalagmites formations, fire pits, Maya ceremonial pottery, wall carvings, glyph writings and even skeletal remains of sacrificial victims.
Tubing through Cave’s Branch is the best way to experience these caves and the perfect family adventure (fit for all ages)! Plan for almost an entire day for this activity including getting there and back from San Ignacio (about 1 hour away). The adventure starts with a short 20 min hike through the jungle to the spot where you put your tube in the river.
The rest of the adventure is floating down a mellow river (your guide will provide you headlamps) most of the time in the cave. There are sections of the river that aren’t in the cave, but the majority of it is in a cave. It is beautiful and you will love seeing some of the ancient artifacts and remains!
We loved going with Maya Walk because their guides make it so fun, but also know a lot about these caves and the Mayan history. Lunch is also included, which is a typical Belizean meal. We can’t recommend this tour enough!
Explore the ATM Cave
If you have older kids (over the age of 12), and want a real “Indiana Jones” adventure, the ATM Cave (Actun Tunichil Muknal) is THE cave to see in Belize. This is the final resting place of the “Crystal Maiden”, an ancient Mayan ceremonial victim, as well as the remains of 13 other sacrificed men, women, and children. It is also the most “sacred” Mayan cave, and for that reason alone, there is no photography allowed within this cave.
This cave tour requires hiking, swimming and wading, and climbing. We were unable to do this adventure due to age limitations, but everyone we talk to says this was one of the best things they did in Belize! If you like adrenaline-filled adventures, you might prefer this cave tour over Cave’s Branch or even Barton Creek.
Sample Itinerary:
Day 1: Canoe Barton Creek
Day 2: Big Rock Falls & Rio On Pools
Day 3: Xunantunich ruins (AM)/Optional: Float Mopan River (PM)
Day 4: Tube Cave’s Branch or explore ATM Cave
Day 5 to 10: Hopkins, Where the Ocean Meets the Reef
The second part of the ultimate Belize family adventure trip takes you to the quaint fishing village of Hopkins, located on the coast just north of the popular destination of Placencia (about a 3 hour drive).
*A quick note on Placencia: While we spent some time there and loved it, we actually preferred Hopkins because it’s more centrally located and less touristy. We also found more affordable lodging and dining options there.
Where to Stay
There are quite a few lodging options in Hopkins, but hands-down the best place to stay in our opinion is either the Lodge at Jaguar Reef or Almond Beach at Jaguar Reef. Both of these resorts are located next to each to other and share the same restaurant and some of the same amenities. There is a third property next to the two as well, The Colonial at Jaguar Reef which offers more affordable accommodations.
unwind at the end of everyday.
We stayed at Almond Beach and fell in love with this property which consists of 12 beachfront “casitas” with offers breathtaking sunrise and sunset views of the ocean from your porch. We also had our own plunge pool and outdoor shower!
There is also a gorgeous pool that overlooks the beach with a swim-up bar and a hot tub too. In addition, there is an amazing floating “ceviche” bar shared between the properties, hammocks on the beach, and paddleboards and kayaks you can use. They also offer complimentary bikes you can take around town (comes in handy if you don’t have a car) and hobie cat sailboats you can rent.
Another plus about staying at Almond Beach is they can also take care of all your excursions. We spent a day horseback riding with them just outside of the Jaguar Cockscomb Basin and it was absolutely beautiful and so fun! We also spent a day snorkeling in the South Cayes (read more about that below) which we would highly recommend!
One more thing to note about the resorts at Jaguar Reef. Because Hopkins is a Garifuna fishing village, they also have some local Garifuna families come to the restaurant regularly and provide some cultural entertainment. This was really neat to learn about their unique customs that make up much of the Caribbean culture in Belize.
What to Do
You will want to take full advantage of the world’s second largest reef, the Mesoamerican Reef, and Hopkins is a great place to access several of the best places to scuba dive and snorkel along this famous reef.
However, don’t also miss some of the more inland activities close to Hopkins, such as Mayflower Bocawina National Park and Jaguar Cockscomb Basin. These places not only offer beautiful nature to observe, but some awesome wildlife viewing opportunities as well!
Island Hop and Snorkel in the South Cayes
Want to get a taste of some of the best snorkeling spots on the Reef? Go island hopping in the South Cayes! This was one of our favorite activities and memories from our trip in Belize. We saw so many amazing fish, turtles, eels, and rays! The water is amazingly clear and calm, making it perfect for young or inexperienced snorkelers alike. You won’t believe the color too! Every shade of blue you can imagine.
We booked this tour through our resort at Almond Beach, but both Coconut Row and See More Adventures, tour operators located in Hopkins also take daily tours to the South Cayes as well. This excursion usually lasts all day and includes lunch. They take you to a spot on the reef to snorkel at in the morning, then you are transported to South Water Caye where you have lunch and can relax, before going to a second spot on the reef to snorkel.
Spend a day on the private island of Ranguana Caye
If you’re the relaxing type, you will LOVE this day. Spend an entire day on the remote, uninhabited island of Ranguana Caye. From Hopkins, you will need to head south to Placencia to board the boat that departs to Ranguana. This is about a 45 min drive, so be sure to leave with plenty time to spare.
Once you arrive to Ranguana Caye, enjoy an entire day relaxing on the beach, playing volleyball, snorkeling, paddleboarding or kayaking. There is a bar on the island, and lunch is included in this all day excursion. It truly is blissful day you will never forget!
Rappel off waterfalls at Mayflower Bocawina National Park
If you want an action-packed day filled with zip-lining, rappeling off a waterfall, and hiking, the Antelope Package at Mayflower Bocawina National Park is a must-do. This is an all-day adventure, but you will not regret it. The rappel is about 250 feet, so be prepared for some serious adrenaline!
As an alternative (and less expensive) option, you could just hike to Antelope Falls on your own, which is rated as a moderately challenging trail. Another popular, yet easier hike goes to Bocawina Falls.
Snorkel or Dive at Half Moon Caye
Few islands in Belize offer walk-in snorkeling from the beach, but Half Moon Caye is one unique location that does. This crescent-shaped caye is located on the Lighthouse Reef Atoll, a protected marine reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site . This remote and pristine caye has world class walk-in snorkeling sites right from its beaches.
It’s quite the trek in getting out there (3 hours away by boat) regardless of where you are coming from, however keep in mind that coming from Hopkins vs San Pedro is a little longer. There are a few outfitters that take divers/snorkelers from Hopkins to Half Moon Caye, but we suggest Beaches and Dreams or Hopkins Bay Resort, both out of Hopkins.
Many of these trips combine Half Moon Caye with Blue Hole, which is a bucketlist experience (especially if you are a diver).
Take a hike at Jaguar Cockscomb Basin
Jaguar Cockscomb Basin is the world’s first and only dedicated jaguar preserve and rightfully so. It boast most of the Belize’s jaguars, but also other exotic wildlife such a birds, tapir and other wildcats. It is also known for its spectacular waterfalls, mountain views, and nature trails. Your chances of seeing a jaguar are pretty slim, but if you go on a guided hike, there is a good chance of spotting jaguar tracks. The best time of day to spot a jaguar or other wildlife is early in the morning or at night when they are livelier.
You can enter the park for a small fee and wander the trails on your own, or you can go on a guided hike. If you choose to go on your own, we would recommend either the River Path (easy), Green Knowledge trail combined with the Gibnut trail (for great birding sightings), or the Waterfall trail (probably the most popular hike in the park).
Spend a day paddleboarding
Hopkins offers a great location for paddleboarding, so you might want to consider spending a half or full day paddleboarding. Gliding along the surface exploring the creeks and inlets of one of the thousands of mangrove cayes on the Belize Barrier Reef is simply the best way to look for those ideal snorkel sites.
It is here you may encounter a manatee, the shadow of a spotted eagle ray, a turtle or a diving pelican. All of that is before you get into the water to snorkel the pristine coral reefs of The Belize Barrier Reef. SUP Hopkins offers tours that cater to your needs and desires.
Optional: Swim with whale sharks at Gladdin Spit
If you come to Belize between the months of March-July (May and June being the prime months), you can have the incredible experience of swimming with whale sharks. This is something we had hoped to do when we were in Belize, however we were there a little early before the whale sharks had arrived.
Each year during springtime, dozens of whale sharks visit a spot in Belize known as Gladdin Spit, an area on the reef about 30 miles east of Placencia. They come to feed on the eggs of Black or Cubera snappers. What makes Gladden Split so unique is that this is the only place where you can dive with these gentle giants and encounter huge schools of spawning fish at the same time.
We would recommend going with Seahorse Dive Shop out of Placencia because they offer diving and snorkeling options with whale sharks.
Sample Itinerary:
Day 5: Transfer from San Ignacio/Relax at resort
Day 6: Snorkel in the South Cayes
Day 7: Spend a day at Ranguana Caye
Day 8: Rappel waterfalls/hike at Mayflower Bocawina National Park or take a hike at Jaguar Cockscomb Basin
Day 9: Snorkel/dive at Half Moon Caye/Blue Hole or swim with whale sharks at Gladdin Spit
Day 10: Spend a day paddleboarding/snorkeling
(Extended Itinerary) Day 11-14: Ambergis Caye or Caye Caulker, All About the Reef
For those that plan to spend a few more days in Belize, we have provided a sample itinerary to include some of the best spots to dive/snorkel and view marine life in all of Belize.
Where to Stay
The million dollar question when coming to Belize: Ambergis Caye or Caye Caulker? While both offer their advantages and disadvantages, for this purpose, we have provided some information to help you decide which place would better suit your needs and wants.
Ambergis Caye
Often referred to as San Pedro, Ambergis Caye is the busier of the two, but offers more lodging and excursion options. If you prefer more restaurants, shopping, a night scene or even just want to be closer to the mainland, Ambergis Caye is more ideal.
There are plenty of accommodation options ranging from luxury, 5-star resorts to budget friendly hotels. Our picks? On the higher-end we love Las Terrazas Resort & Residences or Victoria House Resort & Spa. Some good mid-range, family-friendly options on Ambergis Caye are X’tan Ha, White Sands Cove and Caribbean Villas. Make sure to use Booking.com for the best rates!
One other thing to note about Ambergis Caye. Most people rent golf carts to get around, but depending on where you stay, you might just be able to walk to town!
Caye Caulker
Caye Caulker, in our opinion is more beautiful, but it’s smaller and in general, more expensive because there are less options for accommodations and food. If you stay on Caye Caulker, you might feel more isolated which can be good and bad. For a few nights though, it’s a great location. Personally, when we go back to Belize, we would choose Caye Caulker over Ambergis Caye.
Our top picks for Caye Caulker would be Seaside Villas and Hummingbird Cabins which get high ratings on Booking.com and Trip Advisor and are good middle-of-the-road budget options.
What to Do
You don’t come to Ambergis Caye or Caye Caulker without spending time on the reef. In fact, that is what YOU DO. If you’re only spending a couple of days here, we have a few recommendations.
Sail and snorkel at Hol Chan Marine Reserve & Shark Ray Alley
This is a pretty popular tourist excursion, but with good reason. The snorkeling is AWESOME. We saw tons of eagle rays, sting rays, eels, turtles and so many different species of fish like pufferfish, trumpet fish, parrot fish, and needle fish. And did we mention sharks? Yes, sharks. But don’t worry, they are nurse sharks and harmless (they don’t have teeth)! The reef is healthy and colorful and the water pristine and clear.
We would recommend taking a catamaran out to the reef to snorkel at these two spots. We did the Caye Caulker Snorkel & Sail tour with Seaduced by Belize and it was by far our kids’ favorite activity in all of Belize because they got to be on a catamaran and swim with sharks! This will be a day you won’t forget!
Snorkel or dive at Mexico Rocks
Another great spot to snorkel near San Pedro on the reef and probably less crowded than Shark Ray Alley and Hol Chan is Mexico Rocks. Seaduced by Belize offers a half day tour to Mexico Rocks, as well as Neptunes Cove. This is a famous dive spot too, so if you scuba, you might consider booking a full day trip to fully explore this reef and the surrounding area.
less touristy than some of the other spots.
Conclusion
And that concludes the ultimate Belize family adventure trip! This will be a trip for the books that you will most definitely want to do again. It’s not as cheap as other neighboring countries like Mexico and Guatemala, but it’s EPIC!