Belize Tours and Attractions

Belize tour guides are excellent - they really love to share their country with visitors. And, they have a lot to work with, because while Belize is a small country, it is blessed with jungle, beach, reef and rainforest, all within about 9000 square miles.

Following are descriptions of some of the most popular Belize tours and attractions.

Belize Jungle Tours and Attractions:

Maya Ruins: Belize is full of Mayan archaeological sites, some excavated, some not. The most visited Mayan ruins include Caracol, Xunantunich, Cahal Pech, El Pilar, Lamanai, Altun Ha, Nim Li Punit and Lubaantun. The Tikal ruins in Guatemala are also accessible on day or overnight trips. See our Mayan Ruins page for more information on these sites.
Caving and Cave Tubing: Caves accessible for tours include Aktun Tunichil Muknal, Blue Creek Cave and St. Herman's Cave. Cave tubing is done through the caves at Cave's Branch River. See our Caving page for more information.
Jungle Rivers: Belize is blessed with many rivers and a river trip is one of the best ways to see birds and jungle wildilfe such as crocodiles and iguanas. River tours can be by power boat, kayaks or canoes. Rental canoes and kayaks are also available in many locations, and jungle lodges often provide guests with complimentary or low cost access to canoes, kayaks or inner tubes. The Monkey River tour in southern Belize offers not only a jungle river tour, but also jungle hiking, jungle wildlife such as Black Howler monkeys, iguanas, crocodiles, tropical birds and manatees.
Ziplining: Ziplining involves zipping down a steep incline high in the jungle canopy strapped in a harness attached to a cable and pulley. Sound exciting? It is! Ziplining is available in Belize at:
- Calico Jack's: located in the Mountain Pine Ridge area of the western Cayo District of Belize, the Calico Jack's zipline options run from 20 minutes and 1000 feet to 9 runs and 15 platforms, with a total length of 2700 feet.
- Jaguar Paw: located near the Cave's Branch River in the western Cayo District, the Jaguar Paw zipline has 10 platforms with 105-500 feet between platforms. (Primary use by cruise ship passengers.)
- Bocawina: Bocawina is the largest zipine in Belize with 12 platforms, the longest run of 2,300 feet, and a total length of 1.5 miles. Night-time ziplining and waterfall rappelling is also available at Bocawina (100 - 500 foot rappelling drops). Accessible from Placencia as well as surrounding jungle locations.
Jungle Hiking and Horseback Riding: Most day-time jungle hiking and horseback riding will focus on jungle plants (particularly medicinal plants) and birds because most jungle animals are nocturnal, with the notable exception of Black Howler Monkeys, which can usally be both seen and heard (definitely heard) during day-time jungle treks in many parts of Belize. Night-time jungle tours offer the best opportunity for jungle wildife viewing, although nothing is guaranteed. Most jungle lodges offer night-time tours -- or can arrange one for you.
Birding: As you might expect, birding in Belize is pretty darn good, and many jungle lodges maintain their own bird lists for their properties. Also, even if you aren't a birder, don't reject a birding tour out of hand. A surprising number of people visit Belize without any interest whatsoever in birding, and leave Belize as confirmed birders. (Birding is somewhat addictive in a country that has so many beautiful birds.) Itineraries focused on birding can also be arranged.
Jungle Waterfalls: Jungle hiking/horseback riding tours often include a jungle waterfall. However, tours focusing on jungle waterfalls area also available, and one jungle lodge even offers a full day at a private waterfall on its 7000 acre property - complete with gourmet lunch and chilled sparkling white wine.

Belize Beach/Marine Tours and Attractions:

Saltwater Fishing: Belize is rightly famous for its sportfishing - fly and light tackle. By law, tarpon, permit and bonefish are catch and release only, and a fishing license is required. (US$10 per day or US$25 per week) For more information, see our Fishing page.
Scuba Diving and Snorkeling: Belize has 392,970 acres of marine protected areas and the longest living barrier reef in the western hemisphere, making Belize a much sought out destination for divers and snorkelers. Everyone knows the Blue Hole, but many other beautiful dive and snorkeling spots dot Belize's coast including Bacalar Chico, Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Gladden Spit, Laughing Bird Caye National Park, Southwater, Marine Reserve the Sapodilllas and Port Honduras Marine Reserves. Scuba diving in Belize requires proof of certification, and PADI dive shops can be found throughout the coast and cayes of Belize. Private charter snorkeling tours are available in some locations.
Sailing: With hundreds of small tropical islands and coral reefs off its coast, chartered sailing in Belize is a wonderful experience, and day sailing is also available in some locations. See our sailing page for more information.
Kayaking: Overnight sea kayaking trips include camping on small islands, snorkeling and fishing. Day kayak rentals are available in most coastal areas, and kayakers in coastal lagoons and estuaries often see rays, manatees and dolphins.