Belize is a small Central American country with a big reputation for natural beauty. From dense rainforests to deserted islands and sandy beaches, Belize has it all when it comes to exploring its abundance of wildlife. The country has been identified as one of the 25 hottest destinations in the world due to its exotic tropical landscape and array of experiences that visitors can enjoy, including waterfalls, caves, fishing villages, rivers, and lakes. If you love nature and want to see some of the most beautiful places in the world then check out these 10 breathtakingly awesome experiences in Belize.
Blue Hole
When it comes to spectacular natural wonders, the Blue Hole in Lighthouse Reef, Cayo District, Belize, is definitely one of the most spectacular. It is formed when the winds, tides, and waves of the Caribbean Sea have eroded an almost perfect circle in the barrier reef, creating an almost unbelievable aqua-blue lagoon. It is almost 900 feet deep and 35 meters wide, and is one of the top scuba diving attractions in the world. The water is so clear that divers say they can see the bottom while they are still swimming upwards from the boat. Visitors can swim in the lagoon, snorkel, or dive into the Blue Hole, but be aware that the water is extremely clear, so the current is strong. The best time to visit is during the dry season between April and November when the water is at its calmest. To protect the environment, visitors are asked not to remove any souvenirs or collect any sand or sea shells from the ocean around the Blue Hole. While in the mouth of the blue hole you will be sure to see various types of marine wildlife in Belize.
Danté/Mayan Ruins
The Mayan Ruins of Danté are the perfect place to explore the history and culture of the ancient Mayan civilization in Belize. Located in the Southern District, this UNESCO World Heritage site is the largest known Maya city in Belmopan and is believed to have been built around 350 AD. It is believed that about 20,000 Mayans lived in Danté at its peak. Today, visitors can explore the ruins, temples, plazas, ball courts, and pyramids, including the Temple of the Great Jaguar, which is the largest pyramid in Belmopan. Visitors can also go on guided tours to explore more of the Southern District, which is known as the “Wild South” due to its abundance of wildlife. To visit the Mayan Ruins of Danté, you will need to travel from the Southern District to Belmopan, which is about a two-hour journey. Danté is about a 30-minute drive from the city center of Belmopan, located on the Western Highway. All visitors can go to the site, but children under 10 years old are not allowed and people with heart or back problems are advised not to climb the temples. Admission is free and the site is open daily from 8 am–5 pm.
Jumping from Angel’s Rock
Angel’s Rock is located in the Stann Creek District on the island of Indian Creek, is one of the top things to do in Belize. This is a must-do experience that will take your breath away and leave you wondering how you got so lucky to see such an incredible place. The views are truly breathtaking, especially at sunset. To get to the jumping point, visitors need to take a boat ride across the Indian Creek Lagoon to the small island, followed by a 10-minute walk through the jungle, so be prepared for a little adventure. It is important to know that you must jump from the correct place and obey any instructions given by the guides. The proper place to jump is about two meters above the rock. Jumping from too high a place could break the surface of the water, which could be dangerous. If you are not sure whether you are jumping from the correct place, then ask a guide. If you are not feeling brave enough to jump, then there are plenty of places to sit and relax while you enjoy the view. Angel’s Rock is located about an hour and a half away from Placencia.
Kaanapali Reef
Kaanapali Reef is a must-do experience when visiting Belize. This stunning reef is in the Southern Barrier Reef System and is located at mile marker 13 of the Western Highway. It is one of the most spectacular reef systems in the world and is the perfect place to see some of the most colorful and diverse marine life in the world. Visitors can choose from various activities, including snorkeling, diving, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Kaanapali Reef is a great place to go for people of all ages, but it is important to remember that the reef is protected and that there are rules about touching the coral. You must be careful not to stand or walk on the coral, or pull any pieces from the reef. Whatever you do, it is important to remember to keep yourself safe. It can be easy to get caught in the current or to trip over the rocks when you are in and around the water.
The Meso-American Reef and Shark Research Center
The Meso-American Reef, which stretches from the Gulf of Honduras to the Yucatán Peninsula and is the second-largest barrier reef in the world, is one of the top scuba diving locations in Belize. Located in Belize City, the Shark Research Center is the perfect place to learn more about the Meso-American Reef and the sharks that call it home. Visitors are able to climb into a cage and dive with nurse sharks, which are considered to be the most gentle and harmless shark species in the world. The Center is open daily from 8 am–5 pm, and admission is free. It is important to remember that the Center is not a tourist attraction or a place where people come to see the sharks, but a research facility where scientists conduct their work. The Center is not a place to visit if you are looking to see a shark. It is a place to visit if you want to understand sharks and help scientists continue their important work.
Ruins of Mayapan and the Great Ball Court
The Ruins of Mayapán are one of the most important Mayan archaeological sites in Belize. Located in the Mayan city of the same name, the Ruins of Mayapán are approximately 22 kilometers from the center of the city of San Ignacio. Today, the site is a large, wide-open field with scattered pieces of carved stones and Mayan artifacts that have been dug up over time. Visitors can explore the Great Ball Court, which is a unique architectural feature of Mayan culture. The Ruins of Mayapán are open daily from 8 am–5 pm, and admission is free. It is important to remember to leave the artifacts and stones where they are and not to disturb the ground around the site. Visitors should also dress appropriately when visiting the Ruins of Mayapán, as they are in a rural area.
Spanish Creek and the Blue Channel Excursion
Spanish Creek is located in the Stann Creek District and is a great place to go for people who want to experience the natural beauty of Belize without going too far from the city. To visit Spanish Creek, visitors can go on the Blue Channel Excursion, which takes you through the mangrove estuaries and wetlands, where you will see many different types of wildlife. Seeing the abundance of wildlife in the Blue Channel is a great experience, but it is also very important to keep a respectful distance from the animals. Visitors can also visit the nearby Maya site of Spanish Creek on the same trip. Spanish Creek is open daily from 8 am–5 pm, and admission is free. It is important to know that Spanish Creek is not a tourist attraction or place where you would see many people. The Blue Channel Excursion is a great place to go for people who want to see wild nature without the crowds.
Snorkeling with Turtles
Turtles are one of the most magical creatures on earth and are the perfect subject for photographs. There are many places you can go to see turtles in their natural environment, including the Belize Barrier Reef, which is one of the top 10 scuba diving locations in the world and is also the nesting site for more than 90% of the world’s olive ridley sea turtles. If you are lucky, you might even get to snorkel with them. There are many tour companies that offer snorkeling trips to go and see the turtles. These tours are located in various parts of the country. There are also some companies that will take you out to sea to go and see the turtles. The sea