belize educational travel

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Phone/Fax: 312-702-1256

Belize: +501-671-4421

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Toucan Education Programs Inc.

Discover the Most Comprehensive Study Abroad Programs in Belize

Global Learning that helps you SERVE … LEARN … EXPLORE … ethically and responsibly

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ABOUT TOUCAN EDUCATION PROGRAMS

Why choose us.

Since 2010, Toucan Education Programs (Toucan) has been an international program administrator for short-term study abroad programs for college students and educators in Belize. We are a Belizean owned and operated social enterprise with a focus on offering life-transforming educational programs that contributes meaningfully to students personal and professional development while meeting the needs of our community partners.

Rhondine Petrof, Founder of Toucan brings her more than 18 years in the field of international education coupled with her passion to serve students, educators, and her community to each program designed and administered through Toucan.

Currently, we offer five inspired, high-quality study programs for college students. In addition, our expert team works closely with faculty to transform their courses into a customized education abroad experience.

All our programs draw on Belize’s rich cultural, ecological, and historical resources.

We are a group of people from various backgrounds who have come together to serve our stakeholders from the heart. 

Therefore, when you work with us, you can be confident that you will be connected directly to community-based projects and experiences that are safe, experiential, reciprocal and meet the academic rigor that colleges and universities expect. Our study abroad programs are designed to foster intercultural learning and reinvestment in the host community who are pivotal to the success of our students.

Explore Unlimited Options For Learning and Growth

Toucan’s study abroad programs will help you discover your inner strengths and give direction to your professional development.  Grow your international network through ethical and reciprocal service to the community. Learn from innovative and intentional experiences, and explore the wonders Belize has to offer while being environmentally and culturally responsibly. An experience of a lifetime awaits.

Ready To Serve, Learn, Explore, Overseas?

Take the first step and schedule an advising session.

Our Programs

Virtual International Programs

Intern In Belize

Service-Learning In Belize

Sustainable Development

Culture Learning in Belize

Natural Resource Tourism

Faculty-Led In Belize

Our Services

Are you curious to learn about people, places, and environments that are different from your home country? Do you dream of an overseas experience that is designed to connect you to diverse groups of people and places in the host community? At Toucan Education Programs, we are committed to helping students fulfil their study abroad dreams with educational programs that further enhances personal and professional growth through hands-on and intercultural learning.

Faculty can focus on teaching their students and leave the rest to us. Our faculty-led programs are tailored to meet each professor’s course learning outcomes through well planned co-curricular hands-on learning, discussions with local experts, and extra-curricular activities that fosters cultural and environmental responsibility.

As a social enterprise, we re-invest 68% of your program fees into the Belizean economy through the various services we use to facilitate your time with us. Your fees are spread across accommodation and transportation vendors, host families, and others who help make your experience amazing.

Toucan also commits 5% of its profits to The Marilyn McElwain High School Scholarship for Belizean students.

Serve, Learn, Explore Education Abroad in Belize.

Our Reviews

Toucan education programs [tep] reviews.

Latest Blog Post

Be a Green Globe Trotter: Your Guide to Sustainable Travel in Belize

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Upcoming Events

We are excited to announce that applications for our 2024 winter, spring break, and summer study abroad programs are now open! 

Explore your options and take the first step towards your unforgettable adventure with us! Start your journey abroad today!

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P.O. Box 178, San Ignacio Cayo District, Belize, Central America

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World Leadership School

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Programs in Belize

World Leadership School works with host communities throughout Belize. A School-to-School Partnership student travel program in Belize includes an orientation on the mainland with a visit to Mayan ruins, a community project in a rural host community, and final reflections on a small island in the middle of the Belizean barrier reef. Each host community provides a rich and unique glimpse into daily life in Belize and allows students and faculty to build lasting relationships that grow every year. World Leadership School only sends 2-3 traveling schools to each host community in order to ensure the sustainability and authenticity of our Belize student travel programs.

Wedged between Mexico and Guatemala to the west, and the turquoise waters of the Caribbean to the east, Belize is a sliver of green. One of the few English-speaking countries in Latin America, it is peaceful and easy place for visitors to navigate.

Mountainous rainforests lie along Belize’s western border. From these heights, streams and rivers cascade to the drier coastal savanna below. Belize’s coast is fringed with beaches and mangrove swamps and dotted with thousands of white, sandy cayes.

There are few countries that have been as hard hit by climate change as Belize. Changes in temperature and rainfall patterns are altering Belize’s watersheds and affecting the rainforest ecosystems. Belize’s reefs are second only to those of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef and serve as a living laboratory where the effects of climate change can be scrupulously studied. It is also a place that holds important keys for unlocking a host of potential solutions.

The safety of our programs rests on the experience and skills of our Staff, Country Coordinators and Instructors, who convene at our annual training in Colorado’s Arkansas Valley.

• The Staff of World Leadership School have decades of experience working in different educational environments. Their focus is logistics, risk management, program design, professional development, and consulting.
• Our Country Coordinators live and work year round in our overseas countries. They screen our homestay families, evaluate our transport and other service providers, and provide ground support for our groups.
• Our Instructors are veteran educators with extensive international experience. They have wilderness first responder training and often have past affiliations with Peace Corps, Outward Bound, NOLS , and/or independent schools.

We strive to responsibly manage risks. Our itineraries minimize highway travel and maximize immersion in rural communities that we know well. We update our risk management protocols, integrate feedback into program design, and invest in safety and communication equipment. Despite these efforts, World Leadership School cannot guarantee safety nor can it eliminate the inherent and other risks of international student travel. For information regarding program activities and associated risks, risk management, and student and parent responsibilities, please contact our office.

“I think [this trip] planted a seed, a curiosity about the world and other cultures that will continue to grow. I think it helped John to see the difference between need and want. He was very moved by the children – their beauty, their simplicity, the generous spirit. I think that touched him a way that has softened his own heart a bit.”

— Parent from Stanley Clark School

“Not only does she want to return, she is further committed to service. This trip had a specific impact on her desired college major and thus, college choice.”

— Parent from Landon School

“Everyone really opened up, and I felt I was surrounded by friendship and trust.”

— Student from Greens Farms Academy

“I’ve always wanted to do something big in my life, and this trip helped me by showing me how.”

— Student from Holton-Arms School

Costs & Itinerary

“Coming here, we did not expect to have as much fun as we did today for the community project. Being able to work with students in a completely different school community was definitely eye-widening for all of us. Learning new games, teaching the students, and helping build the volleyball court are all things we will never forget.” - La Jolla Country Day School, Belize 2019

“After a swim in the river and lunch at Clarissa Falls, we headed back to San Ignacio for a tour of a cocoa plantation. The owner showed us the cocoa plant and explained how pods are pointed and harvested. We then roasted some raw cocoa beans, peeled them, ground them, and finally made hot chocolate from the paste. We got to taste the cocoa at each stage.” - Vail Mountain School, Belize 2020

“Before we left for Belize, we didn’t think we would overcome so many fears and learn so much just by wandering around a market and paying attention to our surroundings or visiting new places. We have learned to go outside of our comfort zones and remain calm in our surroundings.” - Holton-Arms School and Landon School, Belize 2018

“Today we woke up as normal, beginning our last day at Maya Center. We enjoyed a delicious breakfast that satisfied everyone’s growling, morning stomachs. Following breakfast, we traveled to the St. Jude’s School to say our final goodbyes to the students we have all grown to adore. After drying our tears, we visited the Women’s Co-Op and browsed the colorful shelves for gifts to bring back home.” - Buckingham Browne & Nichols School, Belize 2016

Frequently Asked Questions

We use the term “Collaborative Leadership Programs” to describe all of our student travel. Collaborative refers to all the relationships and learning that happen when students work alongside peer students and local leaders from the host community.

WLS is more than a travel provider. We are a school change agent. We not only help our schools build immersive travel programs, but we integrate these programs into classroom learning in order to drive innovation.

We are disciplined about the travel programs we work on in order to pursue our mission to “partner with K-12 schools to reimagine learning and create next-generation leaders.” We focus on long-term, partnership-based travel programs with schools that are seeking to bring greater purpose to learning. We support the integration of these programs into classroom learning via support services for educators such as workshops, coaching, and conferences.

There is an understandable backlash against service learning done wrong. For too long, organizations have offered experiences that are poorly planned, episodic, and transactional. Volunteers arrive and depart with the illusion of helping. The reality is that these volunteers can do more harm than good. At World Leadership School, we believe that traveling students can be a powerful force for good if service learning is done responsibly. We have a long track record of positive results in the communities where we operate. Many of our programs involve Community Projects, while other programs focus on NGO collaboration or work with our partner nonprofit, TeachUNITED .

Our approach to service learning is “Walking Together.” We build long-term, year-round relationships with communities via our country coordinators, who live close to our communities. We pair a maximum of two traveling schools with a host community to ensure sustainability and deep relationships. We listen to and work alongside local leaders in order to accomplish community goals, rather than come in with new ideas. Our students are prepared ahead of time to listen and learn, rather than help.

• Focus on one place, one partnership. Our groups spend their entire time in a single community and the focus is building a strong partnership. Our traveling schools go back year after year to this same place. Though students change each year, many faculty return year after year to the same community.
• Work like an NGO . Since 2007, our sister nonprofit World Leadership Foundation has invested $950,000 in donations raised each year by students. These funds are invested in Community Projects , which are planned by the communities in which we operate.
• Our traveling students also support many of the same rural schools served by TeachUNITED, which spun off from World Leadership Foundation in 2020. TeachUNITED works to transform rural education in Tanzania, Costa Rica, and rural USA through an innovative combination of side-by-side instructional coaches, teacher workshops, tablet technology, and online learning.

Each year, World Leadership School staff, instructors, and country coordinators manage approximately 900 students and faculty on immersive programs across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the U.S. Our staff and instructors have extensive experience and training in risk management, which is a focus of our annual spring instructor training retreat. World Leadership School offers risk management workshops to our partner schools.

Our approach to risk management emphasizes three principles:

Risk management is a continuous conversation that happens at all levels of a program at once and we structure that conversation with a simple tool we call AMP (Analyze, Manage, Prepare). This conversation happens at the level of our Staff , who are in close connection with school leaders and parents; our Coordinators , who work with our communities before, during, and after a program; our Instructors and Faculty , who build a close working relationship; and our Students , who run AMP sessions each morning.

Keep it simple. We make risk protocols simple so that our Staff, Coordinators, Instructors, Faculty, and Students are all on the same page.

Education and risk management go hand in hand. When programs are integrated with classroom learning, risk management improves. We help our schools integrate off-campus programs into the classroom via a variety of educator development services.

We strive to responsibly manage risks. Our itineraries minimize highway travel and maximize immersion in rural communities that we know well. We update our risk management protocols, integrate feedback into program design, and invest in safety and communication equipment. For a complete summary of our approach, read this article in Independent School magazine.

Despite these efforts, World Leadership School cannot guarantee safety nor can it eliminate the inherent and other risks of international student travel. For information regarding program activities and associated risks, risk management, and student and parent responsibilities, please contact our office .

For more information about our COVID -19 policies, please visit the COVID -19 page .

Most of our programs have 10-15 participants, 1-2 faculty from the traveling school, and 1-2 Instructors. We strive for a 1:4 ratio of adults to students. WLS also designs full-class programs with 60-80 students and 10-15 teachers. We work closely with these schools to divide the larger group into smaller groups during the day.

Many World Leadership School students travel each year to places like Peru and Costa Rica with no knowledge of Spanish, to Tanzania with no knowledge of Swahili, to Haiti without knowledge of Haitian Creole, etc. We believe communicating across cultural lines in the absence of a common language is an important 21st century skill. To help students manage homestays in another language, we help students develop a survival vocabulary in the local language. We also take language fluency into account when doing homestay pairings.

Many of the students from our programs come back from their extraordinary experience and wonder: “What is next?” There are many ways to stay engaged once a program is over. Past World Leadership School alumni have taken their WLS experience deeper by working with their partner community on a research project throughout college.

We love to hear from all past program participants and students! Please take this quick online survey to give us an idea of what you’ve done since your WLS experience. Like us on Facebook , follow us on Twitter , and Instagram , stay connected to the WLS Alumni Network , and be sure to check out our blog .

Our instructors are seasoned educators who have between 10-15 years of teaching experience in the classroom, wilderness settings, or overseas programs. Many of our instructors are full-time classroom teachers and have a background with the National Outdoor Leadership School or the US Peace Corps. Our instructors have traveled extensively in the developing world and are current on their Wilderness First Responder training. Our instructors are amazing human beings who love working with children, engaging with the world, and leading immersive experiential learning. We bring all our instructors together each April at our annual staff training. For instructor profiles, see “Who We Are.”

Contact us! Either by email at [email protected] or by calling (303) 679-3412 — we would be thrilled to speak with you!

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Educational Programs

Learn more about tide's programs.

CONSERVATION, DISCOVERY & ADVENTURE

The natural choice for responsible travel.

There is no better way to truly experience Southern Belize than through our Ridge to Reef Expeditions program (R2R). Open to anyone, the program offers hand-on learning experiences to those wanting to contribute to local conservation and community projects, or study groups seeking to learn about tropical ecology and sustainability.

Programs are developed in conjunction with our parent organization, the Toledo Institute for Development and Environment (TIDE), which manages 160,000 acres of land and seascape in the region. Participants on our programs work with TIDE rangers, scientists and educators for a truly unique experience.

With programs available for solo travelers, families or groups, and trips available from a few days up to a few weeks, we can tailor something to everyone’s needs.

You can download our Study Abroad brochure  here .

For more information about our Ridge to Reef programs, please  contact us.

What Expedition Is Best For You?

Check out some conservation theme adventures.

Beau of the Blue in Belize

Bird Watching Expedition

Cave Swimming Expedition At Blue Creek Cave

Conservation Expedition Getaway

Cultural Experience

Farm To Table Cacao Experience

Feathered Friends Of Southern Belize

Footsteps Of The Maya

Maya Cultural Experiences

Monkey Watching & Sweet Stop

Nim Li Punit Maya

Ridge To Reef Adventure

Rio Blanco Waterfall Tour

River Tubing – Medina Bank

Secrets of Belize

Snorkeling At Port Honduras Marine Reserve

Spice Farm Experience

The Perfect Catch | Grand Slam

Zip Lining Adventure At Big Falls

STUDY ABROAD PROGRAMS

Welcome study abroad planners.

For almost twenty years, TIDE Tours has been providing study abroad opportunities to students from around the world. Through our Ridge to Reef Expeditions program, we can now connect students even more closely to TIDE’s conservation and community projects, providing outstanding learning experiences and cultural exchange in a hands-on environment.

Belize trips

What do rest and relaxation, heart-pumping adventure, and ancient history all have in common? Belize. From sunning on white-sand beaches and snorkeling through coral reefs to ziplining through lush jungle and gawking at millennia-old ruins, you’ll do it all on a group trip to Belize. Oh, and rum punch. Can’t forget the rum punch.

Belize: Rainforests, Reefs & Ruins

Mexico & Belize: Tropical Adventure

New Year's in Belize

Spring Break: Mexico & Belize

Spring Break: Belize

Traveler photos from Belize

An unbelizeable time.

“Our tour director, Dinziel, was great and gave us a lot of fascinating info on Belize’s rich culture and history. I loved visiting Tikal, Guatemala. The beaches were so beautiful, the rum was delicious, snorkeling and zip lining was so fun! All you need to have a guaranteed amazing time on this trip is sunscreen and bug spray!”

– Andrea, traveled on Belize: Rainforests, Reefs & Ruins Dec. 2022

Memories to last a lifetime!

“I experienced so many new things and met incredible people; I'm walking away with lifelong friends! Dinziel was an amazing Tour Director and had nothing but positivity and energy throughout the whole trip. Cave tubing and the Mayan ruins in Tikal were two of my highlights. Seriously, don't miss out on this trip!!”

– Alexa, traveled on Belize: Rainforests, Reefs & Ruins July 2022

Better Belize it

Know before you go

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Even though English is the official language of Belize, it’s fun and helpful to try your hand at the second language, Spanish! Try out some of these popular words and phrases:

• Hello: Hola
• How are you? ¿Cómo estás?
• Goodbye: Adiós
• Thank you: Gracias
• Please: Por favor
• How much does this cost? Cuánto cuesta?
• bathroom: el baño
• bus stop: la parada de autobús
• pharmacy: la farmacia

Unlike travel in Europe or even other countries in Latin America, Belize is a country that straddles the jungle and the Caribbean Sea. You won’t find big city experiences here; instead you’ll explore the mysterious ruins of Mayan civilization, snorkel in some of the best reefs in the world, and encounter wildlife at every corner. As you prepare to spend time in this new culture, here are some expert tips to help you understand the ins and outs of Belize and help you live like a true Belizean:

• Cash. Is. King.
• Bugs. Are. Everywhere. Well, not everywhere, but bring your bug spray.
• The Yucatan Black Howler monkey is in Belize, and it’s a monkey… that howls. Prepare your eyes and your ears.
• Throughout Belizean culture, from food to music, you'll find a blend of Creole, Mayan, Mestizo, Garifuna, and Latin influences.
• The pace of life is laidback and unhurried. Think "island time", despite Belize not actually being an island.

Food & Drink

You’ll sample a variety of local dishes on your trip, but read on for tips, tricks, and delicacies you must try.

• Rice and Beans: Comes as a stew of coconut milk, red beans, and rice, or served separately
• Johnny Cakes: A savory biscuit with butter, usually for breakfast!
• Cashew and Craboo wine: Wine made from the cashew fruit, not the nut…
• Ceviche: When in Latin America, right??
• Tamales: Squares of cornmeal stuffed with chicken, pork, or beans and vegetables, THEN wrapped in plantain leaves, THEN steamed over open fire, THEN devoured by everyone.
• Belikin Beer: You didn’t think we’d leave out a local beer recommendation, did you?

We plan it all. And then some.

Our group trips to Belize come with everything included. That’s accommodations, daily breakfasts, activities, and an expert Tour Director who always knows where to find the best hidden-gem beaches.

Round-trip flights & airport transfers (or book ’em yourself)

Multilingual Tour Director & local guides

Sightseeing activities and excursions

Entrance tickets to top attractions

Metro passes in major cities

Hand-picked accommodations

New travel BFFs

Welcome Dinner & Farewell Dinner

Private deluxe motorcoaches

See everything we include →

More popular destinations

Dominican Republic

More regions to explore

Latin America

North America

Middle East

Australia & New Zealand

ENROLL NOW FOR SUMMER 2024!

Our programs.

We have amazing two-week winter and summer field courses.

Combine 2 two-week summer courses for discounted tuition on 4 weeks in Belize!

INTERNSHIP AND STUDY ABROAD PROGRAMS

Go Beyond Belize

Are you interested in healthcare in developing countries?

Check out our program in chiang mai, thailand.

Healthcare in Developing Nations

We are the center for engaged learning abroad.

At CELA Belize, we provide a wide variety of experiential learning programs focused on animal science, wildlife conservation, nursing, and other facets of One Health!

We love sharing the wonders of Belize while providing educational services to students. We are thrilled to see the sense of awe when students experience new knowledge first hand through their field work and community services. Belize challenges students to move outside their comfort zones. Watching a student grow personally with a new view of the world makes us feel CELA Belize has accomplished something worthwhile.

OUR PARTNERS

At CELA Belize, we are fortunate to work with great organizations across the country when bringing you the educational experience of a lifetime. These connections enrich each program and support our partner’s efforts as well. Our valued partners include:

Community Baboon Sanctuary

The Community Baboon Sanctuary (CBS) is a pioneering project in grassroots conservation whose goal is to sustain the habitat of the Black Howler Monkey (“baboon” in the local Creole dialect) while promoting economic development in local communities.

Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT)

PACT is a strategic partner in the funding management and sustainable development of Belize’s natural and cultural resources for the benefit of Belizeans and the global community.

Forest Department - Gov of Belize

The Forest Department is a leading modern and committed government agency with a well trained, accountable and professional staff efficiently coordinating resources for the sustainable management of Belize Natural Resources.

Tumul K'in Center of Learning

Tumul K’in Center of Learning is a registered non-governmental Maya Organization that responds to the challenges of poverty and marginalization in rural Toledo by promoting a sustainable development with identity through intercultural education, training and research fusing modern and Maya values, knowledge and philosophy.

Friends of Conservation and Development

FCD is a respected organization whose role in the national conservation agenda is fully recognized by both the Government and the general public. It continues to build its networking capabilities both locally and internationally, while capitalizing on its strengths as a reputable community-based conservation organization.

National Institue of Culture and Heritage (NICH)

NICH encourages Belizeans and persons interested in Belize to better understand Belizean’s historical and ethnic roots and instill pride about the country’s unique cultural heritage and shared national identity. The Institute of Archaeology focuses on the Protection, Preservation and Promotion of Belize’s rich cultural heritage.

Belize Bird Rescue

Belize Bird Rescue started “rescuing” birds in April 2004 and continues to offer care for sick and injured birds on their private reserve in Cayo District of Belize.

Belize Botanic Gardens

With 45 acres of native plants in their garden and arboretum, the Botanic Gardens sits between the Maya Mountain foothills and the Macal River.

The Belize Zoo

The Zoo provides a home for a wild animals that were previously orphaned or rehabilitated. It was started in 1983.

Copyright 2023 – C.E.L.A. Belize, a Loop Abroad company

Belize Tropical Ecology

Monitor coral reef health

Assist with neotropical bat surveys and herpetology studies in the rainforest

Participate in a cultural exchange with local Belizeans

View a sample itinerary

Investigate fragile ecosystems and astonishing wildlife in a country at the crossroads of environmental change and preservation. On your Belize adventure, students will conduct research in the Maya Mountains, explore the phenomena of the Belize Barrier Reef, and immerse themselves in traditional Belizean culture. Your group will come away with a better understanding of field research techniques and the tools to help protect the ecosystem in your own community.

On all of EPI’s student travel programs, students participate in real-life, ongoing wildlife conservation projects with experts in their field. Lessons and activities are rooted in the NGSS standards and are designed to spark students’ passion for environmental science and conservation. It’s time to discover a student travel program like no other, where exploration and science go hand-in-hand!

TUITION & DATES

Health & Safety

Planning & Support

Tuition, Financial Aid, & Fundraising

*Enroll at least 9 students with deposits by July 1st to receive early bird pricing

Your Fieldwork

Dive into marine research.

Alongside our scientific partners at a research station in the Maya Mountains, you’ll contribute to terrestrial research projects including neotropical bat surveys and herpetology studies. From there, you’ll head to the spectacular Belizean cayes, where you’ll collect data on the second largest barrier reef in the world.

REQUEST INFORMATION

"EPI has played a vital role in introducing me to the flora and fauna of my own home country, Belize. I got the chance to explore, research, learn, and to build meaningful relationships with both humans and nature."

- Elbert, Belize Alum

"This opened my eyes to the vast biodiversity of the ocean and all its wildlife, and its importance in co-existing sustainably with us." 

-Denton, Belize Alum

Partner  Profile

The Toucan Ridge Ecology and Education Society (T.R.E.E.S.) is dedicated to conserving Belize’s natural and cultural heritage. Based at a welcoming research station in central Belize, T.R.E.E.S. works to achieve this through education, local and international networking, capacity building, and conservation-based community projects. Their ecological studies include avian, small mammal, and herpetological monitoring and habitat restoration projects. Their focus on community education and outreach makes them an ideal partner for EPI.

16 things to know before traveling to Belize

Jan 5, 2024 • 7 min read

Travel to Belize with ease using these tips © Joe Tabacca / Shutterstock

It may be the second-smallest country in Central America but Belize delivers across the board .

Eco-adventures by the score, cultural heritage as diverse as the landscape, Maya temples that tower over modern human-made structures, hundreds of islands with talcum-white sands , the world’s second-largest barrier reef, made for diving ... you get the idea .

On the mainland, overgrown rainforests reveal hiking trails to double waterfalls. Complex cave systems run underground, while winding rivers are best enjoyed by inner tube. Then there’s the food: aromatic, franchise-free bites can be found on every other street corner, as is the inviting Belizean spirit.

But where to start? Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Belize before you even set off.

1. You’ll need at least seven days in Belize

Belize can feel like both the Caribbean and Central America all at once – and you can experience it all in a single vacation, as it’s easy to cross the entire country in a one-day road trip . Still, it’s better to do things the Belizean way: unhurried.

Aim to spend at least a week here. Split your itinerary between Northern, Central and Southern Belize , and plan to stay at least three nights in each area. This will allow you enough time to enjoy your accommodation, visit the top-rated sights and recover in between.

2. You probably won’t need a visa

A select few countries do, however. Verify whether you need an entry visa to Belize on the Immigration Department’s website . But note that all visitors — even visa-free entrants — will need to apply for an extension to stay in the country for more than 30 days, depending on your citizenship.

3. Drive during the day

With rental cars costing as little as US$50 per day, it’s a doddle navigating the five major highways of Belize.

However, they’re dimly lit and the single-lane roads are often lined with “sleeping policemen,” a colloquial nickname for speed bumps. They’re often unpainted too, so it’s best to stick to driving in the daylight hours.

4. Watch out for wildlife on the roads

Green signs are directional, while yellow signs warn that wildlife could be crossing. Look out for tapir on the John Smith Airport Link Rd and coatimundis on the scenic Hummingbird Highway.

5. Try the street food

Scooped from deep pots of fragrant stews, coconut milk-infused rice and beans are often served with caramelized fried plantain. A quasi-religious meal, everything is homemade and some may take offense if you don’t attempt to finish your plate.

Street food is relatively cheap here . Don't miss the gravy-filled meat pies that fog clear-plastic containers balancing on the bicycle handlebars of mobile vendors, or the “johnny cakes,” coconut-based baked biscuits sliced and stuffed for long journeys.

Other staples include masa (a dough of ground corn) that is transformed into deep-fried favorites like panades (crispy crescents of beans, cheese, or hashed fish) and salbutes (open-faced rounds piled with shredded chicken and cabbage).

Late-night grub is often meat-heavy street tacos, pupusas (a cornmeal cake stuffed with beans, cheese and fried pork), burritos, or a not-so-humble hotdog with bacon and caramelized onions. Any griddle on wheels will fill your stomach for BZ$10.

6. It’s OK to drink tap water in Belize but filtered water is the norm

While it’s OK to drink tap water in Belize, filtered water is the norm. It usually comes in small bottles or from a five-gallon water dispenser.

Since Belize’s single-use plastic ban took effect in April 2019 (albeit excluding disposable water bottles), carrying a reusable water bottle is applauded. Hotels and resorts will often have large dispensers available near the front desk and most restaurants will refill your bottle for free.

7. Time feels more like a suggestion in Belize

Belize offers a very slow, laid-back pace of life. That goes for everything from government offices (including immigration) to public transportation. Be flexible with your plans and be patient, even on the mainland.

Public transportation overland and on water is less than a third of the cost of domestic airlines such as  Maya Island Air and Tropic Air  but, unsurprisingly, it will take you much longer to go the scenic route. Both the water taxis and bus routes are unlikely to leave on time, so account for 15 minutes of wiggle room.

To avoid stopping for every roadside hitchhiker along the way when using the bus system , always choose the “Express” option if your final destination is advertised on the windshield.

8. Be polite if you want to impress the locals

Locals will greet one another and reciprocity is expected. Bidding a general “good morning” as you enter a room goes a long way, and a simple nod of acknowledgment is returned with a smile. Belizeans like to chat, so expect to make small talk while waiting in a queue.

9. Petty crime is your main safety concern in Belize

Like any destination, it’s best not to make yourself a target for crimes of opportunity. Avoid isolated areas, don’t be flashy with money or jewelry, and don’t take public transport alone at night.

Taxis are pricier but safer and easily recognizable with green license plates. Hotels will also usually have their own list of trusted drivers.

In tourist zones, some vendors may be persistent, but a polite “no, thank you” should do the trick. Crime in Belize is largely drug- or gang-related, more notably in select pockets of Belize City.

Unless actively seeking them out, the average traveler naturally bypasses infamous hotspots entirely by sticking to designated tourism zones. Beyond signage, Tourism Police are omnipresent on foot, bicycle and ground patrols, but there’s still no better indicator of safety than your own gut.

10. Don’t forget to tip

Tourism has helped to instill a tipping culture in Belize, but it’s not an outright requirement. Some restaurants auto-charge up to a 20% sit-down service charge, so double-check receipts before (unnecessarily) adding more.

A gratuity is expected in cash for servers, appreciated for tours and goes a long way for housekeeping, but it’s totally discretionary based on the service you experience. You can skip tipping elsewhere but taxis sometimes round up a fare as Belize has no fixed tariffs.

If you’ve received great service, you can match the 12.5% General Sales Tax on the receipt. For an exceptional tour, a 20% tip is recommended.

11. Pack some US dollars

You won’t need to carry loads of cash, as there are plenty of point-of-sale machines and ATMs in the more popular destinations.

US dollars are accepted across the country at a rate of two-to-one, though try to carry US$10 and US$20 notes as they are easier to make change. You’ll likely get smaller bills in Belize dollars back.

12. Don’t fear the rainy season

Belize’s rainy season (June to November) coincides with the Atlantic hurricane season. This means cheaper hotel rates, lower room occupancy, and better deals.

Major attractions – like Maya sites, archaeological reserves, hiking trails and waterfalls – will all stay open during this period unless nature decides otherwise. All in all, it can be a good time to visit.

Flooding risks tend to subside within 48 hours and the high winds are more of a risk to your driving than the downpours. Some hotels and restaurants will close during their slowest months, such as October, so check ahead.

13. Buy travel insurance

This is always recommended but especially so if you decide to visit during the rainy season. Buy travel insurance to protect your trip should a hurricane cut it short.

14. Belize has decriminalized weed, but that does not mean it’s legal

In November 2017, Belize amended its Misuse of Drugs Act to decriminalize marijuana use on private property for adults in possession of up to 10g.

However, be warned: selling, growing, or smoking weed on public property remains a federal offense. Despite the impression given by some, it’s best not to buy or sell marijuana.

15. The LGBTIQ+ community is generally accepted

Although homosexuality wasn’t formally legalized in Belize until 2016, it was the first former British colony in the Caribbean to overturn its anti-sodomy laws. Still, public displays of affection between same-sex couples may solicit stares here. The main tourism zones, such as Ambergris Caye , are the most gay friendly.

16. Solo women travelers are welcomed

No stranger to solo travelers or backpackers on a budget, Belize is also fairly safe for women traveling alone. Harassment will often come in the form of cat-calling, but nuisances tend to back off once if you stand your ground or ignore them outright. “No” is largely respected here, but sometimes you may have to say it loudly.

This article was first published Jul 19, 2023 and updated Jan 5, 2024.

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Things to Do In Belize with Kids: Our One Week Belize Itinerary

Belize with kids was somewhere that was on our bucket list for quite a while before we were able to actually go visit. The marine life, jungle, history, and adventure called to us. Plus, when we traveled to Guatemala previously, we really wanted to visit the ancient Maya site of Tikal, but it was a bit far from our base in the southern part of the country. We realized it would be a much shorter and easier trip to visit from Belize, and had been anxiously awaiting that opportunity, as well.

Here’s how we spent our time on our family vacation to Belize and all my tips to traveling to Belize with kids. I hope this one week Belize itinerary is helpful as you plan, too!

Cheap Flights to Belize

Our first step was figuring out reasonably priced flights to Belize. Fortunately for us living in California, traveling to Belize with kids is pretty quick. There are several nonstop flights from Los Angeles to Belize City that only involve about 5 hours of flight time. With an additional short hop from San Francisco, it felt pretty manageable, especially for an international trip for a large family.

We ended up flying on Alaska Air. We monitored flights on Scott’s Cheap Flights (my favorite place to find cheap flights for families ) for a while and found some that were pretty reasonable. On the way there, we flew from SFO-LAX-BZE. On the way back, we flew from BZE-LAX and rented a car so that we could spend a few days in Southern California, then drove home.

Getting Around Belize with Kids

We used several different forms of transportation to get around the country while in Belize with our family, all of which were straightforward and easy.

Renting A Car in Belize

In case you’re wondering, “should I rent a car in Belize,” I wanted to share our experience. For the mainland, the easiest way to get around for a Belize family trip was to rent a car . The main roads were very well maintained and marked, and it was easy to drive. Plus, coming from the US, we even drive on the same side of the street so it felt very much like driving at home. Having a car meant we had flexibility on timing and were able to do some activities and food on our own easily, which also saved us money.

How to Get to Ambergris Caye

After spending a few days on the mainland, we went out to one of the islands (Ambergris Caye – more below). To get there, we took this ferry , which was cheaper than flying, especially when doing a whole family trip to Belize. It ran on time and was comfortable. The trip took about 90 minutes one-way.

Once on the caye, we rented a golf cart one of the days and walked the rest of the time. More on this below!

One Week Belize Itinerary with Kids

Here’s how we scheduled our one week Belize itinerary with a list of our favorite things to do in Belize for families. We loved our Belize vacation with kids and I hope this is helpful as you plan out what to do in Belize with kids!

Itinerary for San Ignacio Belize with Kids (Family Trip to Belize Cayo District)

There’s so much to do in San Ignacio Belize for families! We absolutely loved our time there. I’ll share how we structured our time below, and here’s a full post on all the can’t miss activities in San Ignacio . We spent about 3 days in San Ignacio Belize with our 5 kids, although we split the third day with one afternoon on the front end and one morning on the back end.

San Ignacio Belize Day 1: Outdoor play + chocolate making

The day we flew into Belize City, we rented a car at the airport and drove straight to our hotel, Nature Resort Belize . When traveling with kids, we try to remain flecible and since it was already dark by the time we got there, we just ate some dinner there and went to bed.

The next morning, was our first full day of our Belize vacation with kids. Our kids loved running around and exploring the property of our hotel. They found tons of lizards and iguanas and had tons of fun. As our time in Belize City was short, I don’t have a ton of things to do in Belize City to recommend.

Belize Chocolate Making Class

From there, we drove to San Ignacio to attend a family friendly Belize chocolate making class. It was an amazing Belize excursion for kids and they were so great with the kids. They showed us the entire process, and then we were able to drink some Maya-style hot chocolate at the end. So fun!

After that, we headed to dinner at Hode’s Place , which we enjoyed for the food, outdoor seating, and fun playground for the kids. When we finished dinner, we drove to our hotel, the Mariposa Jungle Lodge . If you are looking for the best family resort in Belize, this was a great pick. We absolutely loved our room there, which was beautiful and had plenty of space for our whole family. It’s also very reasonably priced, especially for this area, but in an absolutely gorgeous setting. It fit all our needs when searching for the best family resort in Belize.

San Ignacio Belize With Kids Day 2: Barton Creek Cave Tour + Big Rock Falls

Barton creek cave tour with kids.

The next morning, we headed out on a tour of Barton Creek Cave . Our guides picked us up from our hotel, the Mariposa Lodge , and drove us there. While you can technically drive yourself and hire a canoe guide upon arrival, the road is extremely rough in parts. We had a couple of stream crossings and it was very bumpy. We were very grateful to be in a 4×4 vehicle with an experienced driver instead of doing it in our rental car.

Once we arrived to the base of our Barton Creek Cave tour, our guide figured out the canoes and we took two of them into the cave. Our guide rowed one and Dan rowing the other. We knew we wanted to experience some sort of cave tour that had ancient Maya artifacts but several of the caves didn’t work when visiting Belize with toddlers as they have a height minimum. Finding a Belize excursion for kids that worked for toddlers as well was a bit tricky. We considered splitting up but since we were on a relatively short timeline, decided to find a family friendly Belize cave tour we could all do together. This Belize cave tour for families was perfect, and the canoe ride was relaxing, if a bit eerie. The kids also loved jumping in the water once we exited the cave.

Big Rock Falls Belize with Kids

After our cave tour, we went back to our hotel for lunch and to relax for a bit. From there, we jumped in our car to drive to Big Rock Falls in the nearby Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve. The road to get there is a bit bumpy but not too rough. There’s a small parking lot that fortunately had several spots available when we arrived.

Once we parked, we took the short hiking trail (about 10 minutes and down about 100 fairly uneven steps) down to the falls and spent a couple hours playing, splashing, and jumping off rocks into the water (just be careful where you jump). Big Rock Falls was SO fun and absolutely beautiful – definitely a highlight of our time in Belize with kids.

San Ignacio Belize Day 3: Tikal

The next morning, we got an early start to do a day trip to Tikal in Guatemala with kids. We were so excited for this adventure in Guatemala! Most rental car agreements will not allow you to cross the border. Instead, we drove to the border and parked in the parking lot there before going through border control and connecting with our Guatemalan tour guide. We could’ve also hired a tour guide to pick us up from our hotel, but driving to the Guatemala border ourselves saved us a bit of money and gave us flexibility to stop on the way back for food. It took us about 45 minutes to drive to the border from our hotel (only about 20 minutes from San Ignacio), and then about 2 hours from the border to Tikal.

Once crossing the Belize-Guatemala border, our driver took us straight to the site, where our guide took us around Tikal for several hours. He was incredibly knowledgeable about the history, architecture, and flora & fauna, and we really appreciated all he shared with us. It was a perfect way for us to have an enriching visit (we learned SO much more than we would’ve had we visited on our own) and also support locals in the Guatemalan tourism industry.

We had a late meal at the on-site restaurant before driving the several hours back. On the way, we stopped in the town of San Ignacio Belize to pick up some snacks. We weren’t super hungry at this point so we got some bread and yogurt and such.

San Ignacio Belize Day 4: Zipline + Green Iguanas + Market

While we technically only spent 3 days in San Ignacio Belize, we split the third day with just the afternoon on the first day (when we did the chocolate making class) and the morning of our last day.

We started our morning with breakfast at our hotel by the pool, where the kids loved swimming (it was plenty warm even in the early morning). We had breakfast at the San Ignacio hotel each of the days and they were all varied and delicious, and made our mornings easier. Having breakfast at the hotel is always a wonderful way to make traveling with kids much easier.

Family Friendly Belize Zip Line: Zipline in Belize with Toddlers

Once we’d packed up and loaded the car, we headed to the nearby Calico Jack’s to go ziplining. They are super reputable Belize family excursion and certified so we felt safe taking even our youngest kiddos. I loved that they involved and made zip lining safe for the whole family (they allowed even our 2 year old to go tandem with a guide, and always had her tethered while standing on a platform).

They have a number of different Belize zip lining tour options available. While the one with a rope crossing and rappel sounded super fun, we were a bit short on time so we chose the option with 4 zip lines. It was the perfect Belize zip line tour with little ones and still really beautiful and exciting for the rest of us.

San Ignacio Green Iguanas + Market

Once we’d finished up ziplining, we drove into San Ignacio and headed straight to the Green Iguana Conservation Project at the San Ignacio Resort Hotel (another great Belize resort option for families if you’d prefer to stay in a more traditional hotel setting). There, we got to meet a variety of iguanas, and were able to hold and feed the adorable baby iguanas. My kids thought meeting and feeding the green iguanas the San Ignacio resort hotel was the greatest thing!!

From there, we stopped by the San Ignacio farmers market. While the market is biggest on Saturdays, it was still worthwhile to stop by and see the produce vendors and also pick up some pupusas for lunch.

After that, we drove back to Belize City, where Dan dropped us off at the ferry terminal while he returned the rental car and took a cab back to us. From there, we all took the ferry from Belize City to Ambergris Caye out to our hotel, Alaia Belize Autograph Collection, there.

Ambergris Caye Itinerary: San Pedro Belize with Kids

Like many kids, ours absolutely love the water so we were really excited to spend time on the Belizean islands. Here’s what we did in Ambergris Caye with kids!

Best family resort in Belize, Ambergris Caye: San Pedro Hotels for Families

While in San Pedro, we chose to stay at the Alaia hotel . We chose it because they had units (Reef houses) that could accommodate our larger family and they had lots of family-friendly amenities, like multiple great pools.

Overall, we enjoyed our stay at the Alaia , and it was great for the reasons we chose it (space and kid-friendly amenities). That said, we had a number of issues with our stay, as well. Missing towels, broken toilet/air conditioning, empty bath products, inaccessibility, and more. None was a huge issue on its own, but we had probably 15-20 of these little things over the course of our stay. Wouldn’t be a dealbreaker for a more reasonably priced hotel, but definitely shouldn’t have happened for a place charging as much as they do. We likely wouldn’t return there and wouldn’t put this on our best family resort in Belize list either.

If you’re looking for other Belize kid friendly hotels, we’ve heard that great things about these other San Pedro hotels with kids that provide a convenient and comfortable place to stay on Ambergris Caye. The Grand Caribe Belize has large units that can accommodate full families, and has 6 different pools. It also has complimentary kayaks/paddleboards and a sandy beach on property. The Caribbean Villas Hotel is a great option that’s much easier on the budget but can still accommodate families. The Xanadu Island Resort is another option. Finally, Ramon’s Village Resort is a bit closer to the main town if you prefer. Any of these may be better for your family, if you are looking for the best family resorts in Belize.

San Pedro Belize Itinerary Day 1: Swimming + Secret Beach

On our first day, we started the morning by spend some time in the multiple pools. The kids loved swimming and playing and we loved having a less hectic morning after a few busy ones.

After lunch, we rented a golf cart, which is the easiest way to get a large family around Ambergris Caye. You’ll see tons and tons of golf carts everywhere. We used MK Golf Cart Rental and had a great experience. He brought the cart to our hotel and picked it up from there so it was very easy, and explained how to use all the functions.

Once we had our golf cart, we drove over to the Belize Chocolate Company . Since we’d already done a chocolate making class, we didn’t stop for that, but we did pick up some frozen hot chocolates, which were delicious. Perfect to drink while we were riding around Ambergris Caye Belize with kids!

Secret Beach Belize with Kids

From there, we drove over to Secret Beach, where we swam and played for a while. This isn’t a super sandy, long beach. Instead, it’s a bit rocky but the water was warm and clear and was shallow for a long while. This was perfect when visiting Belize with toddlers! We did have our youngest in a life jacket while there (and also at the pool – she’s very convinced she can swim but cannot).

While there, we swam for a while, then Dan took the 4 older kids over to the Secret Beach Water Park , a fun inflatable obstacle course. Meanwhile, baby M and I hung out playing in the shallow water and having some snacks. Then we hopped back in the golf cart to head to The Truck Stop for dinner, an outdoor dining area with several different food trucks and outdoor games like ping pong, cornhole, etc. It’s such a fun place to hang out with various different food options.

San Pedro Belize Itinerary Day 2: Swimming + Snorkel Tour

Our second full day in San Pedro Belize with kids, we started out again with swimming in the morning. It was a great way to enjoy the beautiful weather and amenities and we loved starting our days this way!

Then in the afternoon, we scheduled a snorkel tour with Argyle & David. We knew we wanted to visit some of the incredible marine areas of Belize’s reef system, so this was a great way to do it.

Our guides took us to the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, where the older 3 kids and Dan all tried out scuba with Dan, and while I snorkeled since I’m pregnant. The two youngest also got in to see some marine life. During our time at Hol Chan Marine Reserve, we saw tons of fish, sea turtles, a Moray eel, and more here. So beautiful. Then we went over to Shark Ray Alley (technically still part of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve), where we snorkeled with nurse sharks and saw several rays. It was an amazing day in Belize with kids!

After that, we had some light left in the day so since we had our own boat, they asked if we wanted to so see some more, which we did. So we went over to Caye Caulker and saw some pelicans and seahorses, as well as lots more rays by the shore. After walking through town, we stopped by the platform to jump off into the water, and then went on the boat back to our hotel. Such a wonderful day in San Pedro Belize with our family!

San Pedro Belize Itinerary Day 3: Swimming + Ferry to Belize City

We spent our final morning swimming again – we loved having time for that before checkout. Then we showered and went to get some Garifuna food for lunch, which was really fun to try. Finally, we took the ferry back to Belize City on the mainland. When we got off, we took a taxi to our Airbnb in Belize City and got takeout dinner from the delicious Sahara Grill Lebanese restaurant before flying back to the US early the next morning.

That’s about it! We definitely didn’t see it all, but it felt like we got a great overview of the various treasures of Belize. When we return, we’d like to visit the ATM Cave , which is more adventurous and had a minimum height requirement. We’d also like to explore some other Belize excursions. The top of our list of things to do in Belize next time are more Maya sites, do some rappelling, and visit the southern coast of the country, especially to learn more about the indigenous Garifuna peoples.

I hope our one week Belize itinerary with kids was helpful to you as you plan your own trip!

IF YOU LIKED THIS POST ABOUT OUR ONE WEEK ITINERARY FOR BELIZE WITH KIDS, YOU MIGHT LIKE THESE POSTS TOO:

• Can’t Miss Things to Do in San Ignacio Belize with Kids
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NOT PLANNING A FAMILY TRIP TO BELIZE JUST YET, PIN THIS POST FOR LATER!

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Exploring Belize with Kids: International Travel Guide

If you’re an outdoorsy, nature-loving family looking for the ultimate destination that combines family-friendly adventure with a healthy dose of relaxation, then add Belize to your bucket list. From ancient Mayan ruins to lush rainforests and tropical beaches, Belize has it all! As a mom of three (who knows a thing or two about traveling with kids), I know you want a vacation that will keep the whole family entertained, provide unique experiences, connect you with nature, and still provide plenty of time for relaxing. My family recently spent a week exploring Belize, and I can’t wait to share every detail with you! In this post, we’ll dive into why Belize is the perfect destination for families, especially if this is your first international trip with little ones. From snorkeling in the world’s second-largest barrier reef to zip-lining through the jungle, I’ll share tips on what to pack, where to stay, and how to keep kids of all ages entertained. Plus, I’ll sprinkle in some honest advice on handling the inevitable moments of chaos. Are you ready to explore Belize?!

*This post is sponsored by Coco Beach Resort . Accommodations and some activities were exchanged for review purposes. All opinions expressed, and all photos contained herein belong to the author.

Exploring Belize with kids

Exploring Belize with kids is a blast! The country offers a variety of outdoor activities, diverse nature, a rich culture, and a welcoming personality. When you arrive in Belize with your family, one of the first things you’ll notice is the warmth and friendliness of the locals. Belizeans are incredibly kind and accommodating, and they love kids! Don’t be surprised if strangers wave to your little ones or go out of their way to make them smile. Safety is also a top priority in Belize, which means you can focus on having fun and making memories without worrying about the little things.

In Belize, it’s easy to find outdoor activities and unique experiences that interest the whole family. From snorkeling the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean to exploring the jungle where you might spot howler monkeys swinging through the trees or going back in history to ancient Mayan ruins like Xunantunich or Caracol, Belize it all.

International travel considerations

To travel internationally from the US to Belize with kids, you’ll need to ensure you have the proper documentation. Here’s what you need to do and what documentation to prepare:

Passports : Each traveler, including children, must have a valid passport. Ensure that the passport is not expired and has at least six months of validity remaining from the date of your return trip. If you’re applying for passports for your kids, be sure to give yourself plenty of time. We submitted our kids’ passport applications about four months prior to travel and they were issued in about a month (giving us plenty of time to spare.

Consent forms: If you are traveling solo with your children or if someone other than the legal guardian is accompanying them, you must have a notarized consent form from the non-traveling parent(s). This form should grant permission for the child to travel internationally and may be required by border officials or airline personnel. This is required even if the parents are divorced or you’re meeting the other parent there.

Travel insurance: Consider purchasing travel insurance that covers trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and other travel-related risks. This is especially important when traveling with kids.

Customs forms: You might need to fill out customs and immigration forms upon entering Belize. These will be given to you on the plane or when you arrive in the country. Make sure you have these completed as required. 

Copies of essential documents: Bring additional identification for children, such as a copy of birth certificates or school IDs, especially if there’s any question about guardianship or identity. This can be useful in various situations, including at border control or when proving a child’s age for certain activities. We also had copies of our passports (and took photos of them on our phone), so we didn’t need to carry passports with us while we traveled within the country.

About Belize

Belize is a democratic, English-speaking nation in Central America. Belize is located just south of the Yucatán Peninsula, bordered by Mexico to the north, Guatemala to the west and south, and the Caribbean Sea to the east. Formerly called British Honduras, Belize achieved independence in 1981, but it has retained its historical link with the United Kingdom through membership in the Commonwealth. 

Belize has a rich and fascinating history. The Maya civilization spread across the territory of present-day Belize around 1500 BC, and flourished until about 900 AD, leaving behind more than a dozen ancient ruins such as La Milpa, Xunantunich, Altun Ha, and Caracol. Today, Mayans, Creole (African and British ancestry), Meztisos (mixed Mayan and Spanish heritage), and Garinagu (descendants of the Carib Indians and Africans) are the most common ethnic groups in Belize. 

As for industry, the service and tourism sector of the economy accounts for the largest share of Belize’s GNP, taking over from farming. Fishing, boating, swimming, and diving along the Belize Barrier Reef are popular on the coast and islands, and ecotourism is a leading industry in the interior, which has grown exponentially over the past few decades. 

Areas of Belize

Northern cayes.

Belize’s primary tourist areas are the northern Cayes (islands) and atolls. There are hundreds of islands between the mainland and the Belize Barrier Reef. The reef, easily visible from many of the cayes, offers some of the world’s best snorkeling, scuba diving, and fishing. The most developed cayes (Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker), have numerous hotels and small resorts, while some of the less developed cayes maintain the feel of fairy-tale desert isles.

Cayo District/Western Belize

The Cayo District in Western Belize is a mountainous district near the Guatemalan border and Belize’s second most popular tourist destination, where you can stay in one of many jungle lodges. The limestone mountains of this region are dotted with numerous caves, sinkholes, jagged peaks, underground rivers, and waterfalls. There are clear-flowing rivers for swimming and canoeing and miles of unexplored jungle forests full of exotic wildlife and birds. This is also where you’ll find Belize’s largest and most impressive Mayan ruins, Caracol, one of the largest known Classic Maya cities ever uncovered. Closer to the main town of San Ignacio, you’ll find Xunantunich, Pilar, and the smaller Cahal Pech.

Southern Belize

Southern Belize encompasses two districts, Stann Creek and Toledo. The former includes the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary and the coastal towns of Dangriga, Hopkins Village, and Placencia. Dangriga is the country’s center of Garífuna culture, and Placencia has the country’s best beaches. Farther south, the jungles of the Toledo District are home to numerous Kekchi and Mopan Mayan villages. The Toledo District is emerging as an ecotourism destination, with the country’s richest, wettest, and most undisturbed rainforests.

Northern Belize

In northern Belize, you’ll find Orange Walk Town and Corozal Town; both have a strong Spanish feel and influence. The Maya lived here, as evidenced by the ruins of Altun Ha, Lamanai, Cerros, and Santa Rita. The land was once submerged and is still primarily swamp and mangrove. Sugar cane, bananas, citrus fruits, and pineapples are grown where the land is cleared. Northern Belize has some of the country’s best nature lodges and prime destinations for bird watchers, including the Shipstern Nature Reserve and Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary.

Nature in Belize

Belize is a land of mountains, swamps, caves, plains, jungles, and tropical islands. Belize has an incredibly wide variety of natural outdoor spaces and nature-based adventures for everyone. Whether you’re looking for palm tree-lined beaches, cascading waterfalls, tropical rainforests , or limestone caves, Belize is a one-of-a-kind paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

The abundant wildlife of Belize includes such animals as tapir, deer, jaguar, puma, crocodile, howler monkeys, and manatee, as well as many species of turtles, tortoises, birds, reptiles, insects, and fish. The herbivorous Baird’s tapir can weigh as much as 600 pounds and has a protected status as the national animal of Belize.

Belize is also home to the world’s second-largest barrier coral reef system (and this hemisphere’s longest). Many cayes are surrounded by the reef, which is easily accessible to snorkel or scuba dive. The reef lies one-half mile east of the Ambergris Caye shoreline and runs the entire 25-mile length of the island. This has made San Pedro Town the dive and water sports capital of Belize and Central America. The Great Blue Hole,  Turneffe  Islands, Shark Ray Alley,  Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Mexico Rocks, Lighthouse Reef, and many other diving areas are all only a short boat ride away from the island.

Why Belize?

There are so many reasons why we chose Belize for our first international trip with kids. Here are a few of the top reasons for traveling to Belize with kids:

Proximity to the US – Belize is surprisingly easy to get to with kids, thanks in part to its proximity to the United States. Our direct flight from Houston to Belize City was under 2 hours! This meant we didn’t have to deal with any long flights, overnight travel, or jetlag! 

No language barrier —With English being the official language of Belize, communication is simple, making it easy to navigate and interact. Spanish and Creole are both spoken in Belize, so we did have a chance to hear other languages, but we didn’t have to worry about miscommunication, translation issues, or teaching the kids non-English phrases. 

Affordability – With an advantageous exchange rate and lots of affordable accommodations and food, traveling to Belize does not have to break the bank. Most places in Belize also accept US dollars, and converting to Belizean dollars was easy enough for the kids to understand ($1 Belize = $2 US). 

Culture and history – Belize has a rich and absolutely fascinating history. Our tour guides were so knowledgeable about the history of the country, the industries, and the people. We learned a ton, in a way that felt authentic (and not like learning for the kids). Plus, there are multiple ancient Mayan ruin sites to visit, without tons of tourists.

Access to nature – This may be my top reason to visit Belize…nature is all around you! Belize offers a wide variety of ecosystems, from remote tropical islands to rainforest jungles. The wildlife is abundant, the scenery is gorgeous, and the weather is lovely. 

Range of activities – Our family loved (and appreciated) the wide variety of outdoor activities and adventures offered in Belize. My kids have a wide range of interests and vary in age, but it was easy to find things to do that the whole family loved. From world-class snorkeling and diving for the teens to cave tubing and jungle safaris for younger kids, there’s something for everyone in Belize.

Safety – Belize is safe for families. While traveling anywhere internationally with kids, there will be safety concerns, care to exercise, and places to avoid. However, tourism is important industry, and tourists are well-cared for and appreciated. 

Food – The food in Belize is amazing! It’s a mix of Caribbean, Mexican, and Central American influences, heavy on seafood and fruit, making it both unique, healthy and comforting for families traveling with kids. 

Getting to Belize

Traveling to Belize with kids was surprisingly simple and easy, thanks in part to its proximity to the United States. Just a few hours’ flight from many major US cities (our flight from Houston was under 2 hours), Belize City serves as a convenient gateway to an international adventure without jetlag or overnight travel.

Many airlines offer direct flights to Belize City, so you can skip the stress of layovers and get to your destination quickly. This shorter flight time is a game-changer for parents who know all too well how antsy kids can get on long-haul flights. Plus, with the small size of the country, you can land in Belize City and be exploring the jungle or relaxing on a beach within hours. 

We flew Southwest and used miles (and a companion pass) to cover most of our travel, making it very affordable. Prices vary widely by the season that you’re traveling and the days of the week. From St. Louis, we had a 1.5-hour flight to Houston and then another 1.5-hour flight to Belize City. The short flights made it super easy on the kids and we arrived in Belize City just after lunchtime. 

Navigating customs in Belize was straightforward and easy, even traveling with kids. The lines move quickly, and the customs officers are friendly and used to families. Belize is an English-speaking country, so there’s no language barrier to worry about, which is a huge relief when you’re trying to manage kids, luggage, and travel documents.

Belize City is a modest-sized port city located on the mainland, at the mouth of the Belize River. It is Belize’s transportation hub, with the only international airport, an active municipal airport, a cruise ship dock, and all the major bus-line and water-taxi terminals. From Belize City, you can get anywhere in the country in a variety of ways.

Getting to Ambergris Caye

We stayed on Ambergris Caye (an island off the coast of Belize), so we opted for a commuter flight to the island from Belize City. Two airlines (Maya and Tropic) fly back and forth to and from the islands multiple times a day from the international airport. Both airlines are reputable and similar in pricing. Flights can be purchased directly online and were about $130/person each way. The flight takes about 15 minutes. 

We gave ourselves a little over two hours from the time we landed in Belize City for our flight to San Pedro and did not have any issues or feel rushed. Getting through customs was a relatively easy process (just make sure you have all necessary documentation and the paperwork filled out ahead of time). We flew Maya Air, and the experience was amazing! The planes are small, which the kids really got a kick out of. And if you’re lucky, you might even get to ride in the jump seat up front with the pilot!

Alternatively, you could take a water taxi from Belize City to Ambergris or any of the other islands. Belize City Airport is about 25 minutes away from the ferry terminal in a taxi, which is easy to get outside the airport. Water taxi rides are about 90 minutes to San Pedro and are significantly less expensive than flying (about $30/person each way). 

Where to stay

Deciding where to stay (which part of the country) in Belize is the first step in planning your trip. Because we wanted easy access to water for snorkeling, boating, swimming, and fishing, we knew we wanted to stay on one of the islands so we’d have easy access to the ocean and barrier reef. With so many islands, there are a lot of options to choose from. We opted to stay on Ambergris Caye, the largest and most developed island, which gave us tons of things to do and places to explore. 

While we usually opt for a vacation rental home when traveling with kids, for this trip, we knew we wanted to stay at a hotel/resort, which would give us access to concierge services and family-friendly amenities (such as golf cart rental, pool, restaurant, bar, etc.). However, we were not interested in an all-inclusive (I’m not even sure there are any all-inclusive resorts in Belize) because we love to explore and get off-site to try new things. At Coco Beach Resort , we found everything we wanted. 

Coco Beach Resort on Ambergris Caye

Coco Beach is a 4-star luxury resort located 3 miles north of San Pedro Town. We stayed in a two-bedroom ocean-view suite equipped with a full kitchen, two bathrooms, a dining room, a living room, and a wrap-around balcony. This gave our family of five plenty of space to spread out! I can’t tell you how nice it was for the kids to have their own bedroom (with a door we could shut when the little one went to bed early) and to have a fully-equipped kitchen (for cooking and having snacks on-hand). 

Situated right on the beach, the resort has a dock (for boat access and water shuttles), a swimming area, and is within kayaking range of the coral reef. Because the barrier reef breaks the waves offshore, the beaches are a bit different in Belize (see note below on this). The waters off the coast are shallow and calm (no big waves here), which allows seagrass to take root. It’s probably not the white sandy beach you expect, but if you like to fish, it’s the perfect place for shallow wading and catching bonefish, barracuda, and snook (which my husband and son did daily!). 

Coco Beach has two pools for swimming: a deep “adventure pool” with a water slide out of a rock structure and a shallower pool with zero entry (great for toddlers) with a volleyball net. There’s also a hot tub and a heated swim-up pool bar for adults. Tables and chairs are located all around both pools, with a full-service wait staff, serving a comprehensive menu from the on-site restaurant for poolside drinks and dining. 

Coco Beach Resort services and amenities

I honestly can’t say enough good things about Coco Beach Resort. We felt completely taken care of (and totally spoiled) while we were there. It’s definitely one of the nicest resorts on the island and probably the nicest place we’ve ever taken the kids! There were lots of other families there, along with a good mix of older and younger couples.

Here are a few special touches and services that really made Coco Beach Resort stand out for us, as a family of five:

• Airport shuttle service – From the minute we arrived in San Pedro town, we were taken care of. A representative from the resort met us when we deplaned, helped us with our luggage, and loaded us on a very nice (air-conditioned) shuttle van. There is a $30 surcharge for shuttle service to/from the airport, but it was definitely worth it. Our driver provided us with bottles of cold water and gave us great information about the island and San Pedro town as we made our way to the resort. The ride is only 3 miles but takes 20-30 minutes. 
• Full kitchen – Having a full kitchen in our suite was a game-changer for us. I don’t know about you, but we spend a lot of time outside, my kids are hungry! All the time. Having our own kitchen meant we were able to stock the fridge with all kinds of snacks and beverages, make our own meals (particularly breakfast, which saved us money), and bring home delicious leftovers from our meals out. 
• Gear & golf cart rentals – Coco Beach has daily (FREE) kayak, SUP board, golf cart, and bicycle rentals on a first-come, first-serve basis. If you know you want to have access to a golf cart for your entire trip, you can pay to reserve one for the day/week at a very reasonable rate. (We found the hotel rate to be a bit cheaper than it was in town and about ten times cheaper than what we’re used to paying in Florida.) 
• Concierge services – I was so impressed by how helpful and responsive the concierge services were. They can help you book tours and excursions with the most reputable providers on the island. They’ll make all the arrangements and provide you with details on what to pack, what to expect, and helpful tips. They’re located in the main lobby but also available via WhatsApp, which is as easy as texting questions, concerns, or requests. 

• Towel service –  Bringing beach towels for an entire family takes up a ton of space in your suitcase. And no one wants to repeatedly use a wet dirty towel for a week. Beach towels are provided by the resort (one per person) and can be swapped out for a fresh, clean, dry new towel at the main desk any time! This may sound like a small thing to offer, but we used it more than I ever expected.
• Variety of room options – 
• Spa services – While (unfortunately) we didn’t have the chance to use their services, there is a full-service spa on-site at the resort. They offer a complete menu of services and use all locally sourced organic products. You can even choose to have your manicure, pedicure, facial, or massage done in your room or on your balcony! This would be such a fun option for a mother-daughter bonding activity if you have teen/tween girls. 
• Other on-site activities – There’s more to do on-site than just the pool. There’s a life-size outdoor chess board and tabletop tennis. There are outdoor barbecues and buffets set up around the pool. Water aerobics and yoga. I was really surprised by how much there was to do there, without the “big resort” feel. 
• Resort restaurant – While there are plenty of amazing dining options on the island, it was really nice to have a restaurant on-site for times when we didn’t feel like cooking or going off-site to eat. The food was really good, and the menu had lots of options that the kids and the adults liked. You can eat poolside, at the Copacabana restaurant, or have food delivered to your room. They even cooked the fish we caught from our fishing trip for dinner for us one night! 
• Safety – When traveling with kids, safety is always a concern. We felt incredibly safe at the resort (and everywhere we went on the island). There was always staff around, gated security off the main road, and the resort was well-lit at night. 

Exclusive discount – Coco Beach Resort

If you’re interested in staying at Coco Beach Resort, they’re offering our readers (that’s YOU) an exclusive 40% discount from now through August 2024! Click this link and use the code RUNWILDMYCHILD .

This is your chance to create lasting family memories without breaking the bank. With this fantastic deal, you can take advantage of everything Coco Beach Resort has to offer, from its family-friendly amenities to its convenient location. Imagine spending your days snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters, exploring ancient Mayan ruins, or simply relaxing at the pool with a drink in hand while your kids play.

Getting around on Ambergris Caye and San Pedro Town

Ambergris Caye is the largest island in Belize, and San Pedro is the only town on the island. San Pedro is a bustling small town filled with restaurants, shops, homes, and businesses. Getting around on Ambergris Caye is part of the adventure, especially when you realize that golf carts are the primary mode of transportation. They’re such a fun and easy way to explore the island, and kids absolutely love golf cart rides.

Renting a golf cart is easy, with many rental agencies in San Pedro town offering hourly or daily rates. Our resort offered complimentary golf carts on a first-come first-served basis, or you could rent one by the day/week to make sure you had one (that’s what we did). You drive on the right side of the road (just like the US). Just watch out for potholes, speed bumps, and the occasional crocodile crossing! (Yes, you read that right.)

What to do on Ambergris Caye: family-friendly activities

Snorkeling – hol can marine reserve.

If your family enjoys snorkeling, this is the place to go! Snorkeling at Hol Chan Marine Reserve is one of the most popular things to do in Ambergris Caye, and for a good reason…it’s amazing!

Hol Chan Marine Reserve is located just a few miles off the southeast coast of Ambergris Caye in a protected 3-mile area. It’s a quick boat ride, and most tours combine a visit with Shark Ray Alley (see below). Outside of Hawaii and Australia, this is one of the best places to snorkel in the world. The water is shallow and crystal clear along the barrier reef and you’re guaranteed to see a wide variety of sea life.

You have to go with a guide service – we used Amigos del Mar , and our guides were fantastic! They were so friendly, knowledgeable, accommodating, hilarious, and great with kids. We combined our snorkeling trip with a day on the water, exploring Caye Caulker and the surrounding area. They picked us up from our resort’s dock in the morning, outfitted us with the right gear, and made sure we had everything we needed for a full day of adventure. As the mom who’s always packing the stuff and planning the adventures, it was so nice to be taken care of and have guides that were great with the kids and made sure everyone had fun. Amigos del Mar also offers a variety of other snorkeling, fishing, and scuba diving excursions. I highly recommend them if you’re snorkeling with kids.

At Hol Chan, we checked in at the preserve, got wristbands, and learned the rules for snorkeling. We got fitted up with our gear and jumped in the most gorgeous water. As we snorkeled, we saw turtles, eels, sharks, rays, barracuda, lobster, and so many colorful fish. It felt like swimming through an aquarium! This was the first time snorkeling for my kids and they did great! My littlest guy (age 5) stayed with our guide, using a lifejacket for support. The guide was wonderful with him, showing him exactly what to do and pointing out all the fish. The big kids were blown away by how amazing the snorkeling experience was! We’re still talking about it daily, months later! 

Swim with sharks – Shark Ray Alley

Our next stop was Shark Ray Alley. As you might expect, this is the place to swim with sharks and stingrays. Our boat pulled up, and we had the option to jump in the water or stay on the boat to watch from a safe distance. We all chose to jump into the shark-infested waters, and it was incredible!

Underwater, we got up close and personal with some giant nurse sharks. They brushed up against us and came inches from our faces. It was a relatively quick stop, but absolutely amazing! I could have stayed here all day! My oldest son has always been interested in sharks and stingrays, so this place was a dream come true. Definitely a bucket list experience. 

Island hopping – explore Caye Caulker

The island of Caye Caulker is an ideal spot to explore with kids for a day trip or a few hours of fun. Known for its relaxed “go slow” attitude, Caye Caulker is easy to navigate on foot or by bike, laid-back, and fun! We only had a few hours to explore the island, but absolutely loved every minute of it.

One of the highlights of Caye Caulker is “The Split,” a narrow channel that divides the island into two sections. This split was made when a powerful hurricane ripped through the area, dividing the island in two. Now, it’s a popular spot that’s great for families to swim, snorkel, or just relax by the water. The shallow, clear blue waters are perfect for kids. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can jump off the raised platform into the water (we all loved this!) or rent kayaks or paddleboards and explore the area.

There are a few lively beach bars right here and we had lunch at a place called the Sip ‘N Dip, which was right on the water with swings and hammocks, so the kids could splash around and play while we waited for our food. The laid-back vibe, with reggae music playing in the background, the ocean access and the gentle breeze from the Caribbean, made this one of our favorite meals! After lunch, we explored the island’s quaint streets, with charming little shops selling handmade jewelry, local art, ice cream, and souvenirs.

Right off the coast of Caye Caulker, you can feed the tarpon! There’s nothing quite like waving a sardine over the side of the boat while giant tarpon swim below, ready to leap into the air and grab the sardine from your extended arm! It’s such a rush! You can also head over to Stingray Beach, where you can spot seahorses in a protected area, and pet stingrays! These gentle giants love rubbing up against your legs and feet as you stand in the water with them! It was an incredible experience! 

One of my favorite ways to get to know any new destination we travel to is by doing a food tour! We absolutely loved our experience with Belize Food Tours . It’s a great option for families of all ages, as it gives you something to do for a while that everyone can do, and it feeds you!

My two littlest kids (ages 5 and 9) joined me for the “Belizean Bites” lunch tour in San Pedro town. We had a small group (about 12 people with a few other families) and got to venture a bit off the beaten path to some absolutely amazing “mom-and-pop” kitchens in the area. During the tour, we made six stops (the whole thing took about 2.5 hours) and got to sample a wide variety of local favorites! 

We got to choose our “bites” and beverages at each location, which the kids appreciated. All the food was local and delicious! From traditional rice and beans with chicken (my 9-year-old said this was the best meal of her life!) to seafood soup, from rum-cream to chocolate! This was such a fun and unique way to get to know/explore the local area, learn about the country’s history and culture, and, of course, discover some amazing food and restaurants! My kids tried (and loved) foods they never would have ordered off the menu, which was a nice surprise. We loved a few of them so much we went back for dinner with the whole family! 

Chocolate class 

If you’ve ever wanted to learn how chocolate is made, definitely take the Chocolate Class at Belize Chocolate Company in San Pedro. Chocolate Class is held on weekdays at 10:30 am. Groups are kept small so that you can really get the full experience, ask a million questions (it’s super interesting) and taste chocolate at each stage of the process. The class is held outside on the back patio, overlooking the beach, with a lovely breeze!

The class goes through the entire chocolate making process, starting with the cacao, which is picked when ripe and fermented – it was slimy and tasted like a tropical fruit!  Next, the beans are separated and roasted. The shell rubs off (and can be blown away), leaving you the “nibs,” which are ground down with a stone. They one they were using ancient Mayan (THOUSANDS of years old) and made from an unknown volcanic material. At this point, the taste is very intense and bitter. The Mayans combined this with water and spices to make a drink, which we also got to try. And then we added some sugar to make a delicious ground chocolate paste. 

I love that the kids had a chance to be involved in the process and got to take their turn at grinding down the beans. Tasting the product along the way made us so appreciative of all the work that goes into this process. At the end of the class, we got to taste the final product – dark chocolate, milk chocolate, and white chocolate! All were delicious! 

Secret Beach

Secret Beach on Ambergris Caye is anything but a secret! This fun hot spot is tucked away on the west side of Ambergris Caye, offering stunning views, clear blue waters, tons of beachside food and drink options, a floating obstacle course, and a laid-back vibe that’s perfect for families.

Getting to Secret Beach is an adventure in itself, as it involves a golf cart ride through the island’s sandy roads and tropical landscapes. From San Pedro town, it’s about a 45-minute ride, but the journey is part of the fun, especially when you’re exploring with kids who will enjoy the bumpy ride and the scenic surroundings.

The shallow, calm waters are ideal for swimming and wading, making it a safe spot for younger children to splash around. It’s location on the West side of the island means that there are no waves and it’s protected from the strong winds that came in from the sea. There is no reef on this side but there are crystal clear waters with stunning craggy limestone shores and sandy bottoms. The water is still and relatively shallow. You have to walk a good way out to get above your waist in some areas.

Grab a table in the water or a beach chair on the sand and soak up the sun while sipping on a refreshing coconut drink. Let the kids live out their American Ninja Warrior dreams at the Secret Beach Waterpark—a floating monstrosity that my kids loved. The place can get really crowded, but there’s room to explore and spread out if you look around.

If your kids have any interest in fishing (like mine!), Belize is paradise! Fishing with kids in Ambergris Caye is an unforgettable experience. The island is renowned for its world-class fishing, with a variety of options suitable for all ages and skill levels. Whether you’re into fly-fishing, reef fishing, or deep-sea fishing, there’s something here for everyone.

I recommend chartering a fishing guide to get you started. Most guide services offer full-day or half-day options. Guides are incredibly knowledgably about where to go, helpful with hooks and handling fish, and great with kids, ensuring they have a safe and enjoyable experience. If you don’t have much fishing experience, guides will help teach your kids the basics of fishing, like casting and reeling, and share their knowledge about the local marine life, keeping everyone entertained during the trip.

The most common fish to catch are snapper, grouper, and barracuda. If you’re into fly fishing, you can also fish for tarpon, bonefish, and the elusive permit! My husband and son spent two days on the water with a guide from Tres Pescados Fly Shop and caught enough fish for our family to eat for dinner! The restaurant at our resort prepared the fish for us, and it was amazing!

Exploring San Pedro

What to do on the mainland of Belize – family-friendly activities

One of the best things about staying on Ambergris Caye is that you’re not limited to staying on the island and you don’t have to spend a lot of time traveling between ecosystems! The mainland (and all the adventures to be had there) is only a short flight or boat ride away from Ambergris Caye. Many mainland excursions can be done in a day (and you can pack multiple stops into one trip over), making it easy to explore the whole country, from the beach! We booked our mainland excursion through our resort with Tuff-E-Nuff Tours . Our guide was fantastic – he was incredibly knowledgeable, great with the kids, a wonderful storyteller, took great care of us, and made the whole experience amazing.

Mayan ruins

If you’re in Belize, exploring the ancient Mayan ruins is a “must do” activity. Exploring any one of these incredible sites is like stepping into a real-life history lesson, filled with mystery, culture, and adventure.

Belize is home to some of Central America’s most significant Mayan archaeological sites, offering families a glimpse into the ancient civilization that once thrived here. The Mayans were renowned for their advanced knowledge of astronomy, mathematics, and architecture, and their legacy is preserved in the towering temples and intricate stone carvings found throughout the country. A visit to any of these ruins can spark curiosity and inspire young minds to learn about the rich history of the Mayan people, making it an educational and engaging experience for kids.

Which ancient Mayan ruin should you visit?

Among the most accessible and family-friendly ruins in Belize is Xunantunich, located near the town of San Ignacio. To reach the site, you take a hand-cranked ferry across the Mopan River, which is always a hit with kids. Xunantunich is known for its impressive El Castillo temple, standing over 130 feet tall and offering breathtaking views of the surrounding jungle and Guatemala’s border. Climbing to the top is a rewarding experience, and there’s plenty of open space for kids to explore safely. My husband and I visited this ruin back in 2009 when we were there for our honeymoon. It’s incredible. 

Another excellent site for families is Altun Ha, situated closer to Belize City (this is the ruin pictured on the Belikin beer bottle). Altun Ha is smaller in scale but has beautifully restored structures and is easy to navigate with younger children. The site’s central location makes it an ideal day trip for families staying in Belize City or on the nearby islands, and a trip here can be combined with other fun mainland activities (that’s what we did!). 

For any history buffs who want a more immersive experience, consider visiting Caracol, the largest Mayan site in Belize, located deep in the Chiquibul Forest Reserve. Caracol’s vast expanse and towering structures, like the Caana pyramid, offer a sense of the Mayan civilization’s grandeur and influence. The journey to Caracol is a bit longer, but the scenery along the way is stunning, and the site itself is worth the trip.

The Belize Zoo, located about 29 miles west of Belize City, is a must-visit destination for families with little kids. Established in 1983, the zoo began as a rescue center for wild animals that had been used in a documentary film about tropical forests. What started as a small collection of animals soon transformed into a full-fledged zoo dedicated to conservation and education.

The Belize Zoo prides itself on providing a naturalistic environment for native wildlife, and it has become a sanctuary for over 175 animals representing more than 45 species, all native to Belize. Its unique setting in a tropical savannah makes it an immersive experience, allowing visitors to see jaguars, tapirs, monkeys, and a variety of birds in their natural habitats.

My kids loved the tapirs, howler monkeys, otters, birds, and jaguars. It’s crazy to me how different the wildlife is here, which was such a short plane ride away! Our guide so great at calling to the animals and getting them to interact with us, which was such a fun surprise. There are a ton of great educational signs (and funny poetry), as well as a great café where we had lunch.

Cave tubing

One of the most unique and incredible experiences you can do in Belize is cave tubing! Did you know that Belize is known for its extensive network of limestone caves, many of which were sacred sites for the ancient Maya? The ancient Maya believed the limestone caves of Belize were entrances to Xibalba, their ancient underworld, and were used as ceremonial sites. 

Cave tubing in Belize combines adventure, natural beauty, and a touch of mysticism. It’s a family-friendly activity that involves floating through underground caves on large inflatable tubes, allowing you to explore the stunning cave systems carved out by ancient rivers. Our cave tubing experience started with a short hike through the jungle, which added an extra layer of excitement for kids. Our guide pointed out various plants and animals on the hike, including giant anthills and allspice trees.

Once we reached the river and the entrance to the cave, we loaded up in our tubes (all tied together) and floated into the mouth of the cave. We were surrounded by limestone rock formations, including stalactites and stalagmites. The gentle flow of the river makes it safe for kids, and the guides provide helmets with headlamps, so everyone can see the captivating scenery within the caves. There were a few places where we all turned out our lights and the darkness was crazy cool!

Wear clothes you don’t mind getting wet and shoes for hiking and crossing rivers. Bring a waterproof bag for phones or anything else you don’t want to get wet. There is a minimum height requirement for the cave tubing (40 inches), but my kindergartner (5 years old) was tall enough.

7-day family-friendly Belize itinerary (from Ambergris Caye)

• Arrive in Belize City
• Travel (via Maya Air) to San Pedro
• Shuttle from airport to Coco Beach Resort
• Unpack, swim in the pool, grab a drink and snack at the bar, explore the resort property 
• Hop on a golf cart
• Dinner at The Truck Stop
• Boat pick-up from your dock
• Pit stop at Amigos del Mar shop to sign waivers and get equipment
• Snorkel Hol Chan Marine Reserve
• Swim with the sharks at Shark Ray Alley
• Look for manatees
• Explore Caye Caulker (grab lunch at the Sip ‘N Dip)
• Feed the tarpon
• Pet the stingrays/see the seahorses
• Boat ride back to resort
• Relax poolside and have dinner at Coco Beach Resort
• Golf cart ride into San Pedro
• Belize Food Tour in San Pedro town for lunch (can be booked  through the resort )
• Explore/shop in San Pedro
• Check out the Iguana Eco-Sanctuary
• Back to Coco Beach for pool time, hammock time, spa services
• Evening fishing from the beach/dock
• Dinner at Aji’s Tapas Bar (the kids will love the bathroom!)

Day 4 

• Boat pickup from your resort dock
• Short walk to the airport in San Pedro
• Flight to Belize City and meet your tour guide
• Head to Altun Ha ancient Mayan ruins
• Belize Zoo (have lunch here)
• Cave Tubing 
• Flight back to San Pedro and return to resort
• Dinner at Tipsy Lobster (ask to see the crocodiles!)
• We recommend guides from Tres Pescados or El Pescador  
• Boat pick up from resort dock
• Spend a few hours on the water catching fish
• Return to the dock and clean the fish with your guide
• The resort restaurant will cook your catch for you! Eat at the restaurant or have dinner delivered to your room and relax.

Day 6 

• Breakfast at Etels’s Dine by the Sea
• Chocolate class at Belize Chocolate Company
• Spend a few hours swimming and playing at Secret Beach (about a 25-minute golf cart ride from the resort)
• Let the kids try the inflatable ninja course at the Secret Beach Waterpark
• Dinner at Blue Water Grill in San Pedro

Day 7 

• Breakfast burritos from Sol Cafe (across the street from resort)
• Pack up while the kids swim at the resort pool
• Shuttle to airport in San Pedro
• Flight to Belize City (Maya Air)
• Flight home (look through your photos and marvel at what an adventure you just had!)

Belize FAQs & things to note

What is the best time of year to visit belize with kids.

Is there ever a bad time for adventure?! No! Anytime is a great time to visit Belize, and it depends on what you want to do and where you stay.

The dry season runs from late November to mid-April. This period is characterized by warm, pleasant weather, with minimal rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor activities like snorkeling, diving, and exploring ancient Mayan ruins. During this time, you can expect daytime temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to mid-80s Fahrenheit, perfect for beach outings, jungle adventures, and other family-friendly activities. We’ve been both in December (over Christmas break) and March (over Spring break). However, summer is also a great time to visit. Since this is considered off-peak travel season, you won’t have to deal with the crowds and can take advantage of lower prices. 

Is Belize safe for families?

Belize is generally very safe for families, with a welcoming and friendly atmosphere that attracts tourists from around the world. The country’s tourism industry is well-established, and many popular destinations are specifically designed to cater to families, offering safe activities and amenities for children. We felt very safe everywhere we traveled in Belize.

However, like any travel destination, you’ll want to take common-sense precautions to ensure your family’s safety. Stick to well-known areas and reputable tour operators, especially when exploring remote locations like the jungle or ancient Mayan ruins. In larger cities like Belize City, be mindful of your surroundings and follow local advice on safe areas to visit. Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, Placencia, and the various Mayan ruin sites are generally considered safe and welcoming for families.

Can you drink the water in Belize?

It’s generally not recommended to drink tap water in Belize, especially for visitors who aren’t accustomed to it. To avoid any risk of illness or upset stomach, it’s best to stick to bottled water or filtered water. Most hotels, resorts, and restaurants in Belize provide bottled or filtered water for guests, so you won’t have trouble finding safe drinking water. When you’re out exploring or participating in activities, bring bottled water to stay hydrated. 

Are there good beaches in Belize?

One thing to note about Belize is its lack of pristine, sandy white beaches. Beaches in Belize are different, but don’t let this turn you off. Because Belize is protected by the Belize Barrier Reef, there’s less wave action, resulting in calm, shallow waters. While this is ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and other water activities, the reef’s presence also means that the beaches can have seagrass and other marine vegetation, which may not be as visually appealing to some visitors (although, it makes for great fishing!). On Ambergris Caye, there are designated swimming locations with more of a beach feel, or you can swim off-shore a bit from some of the boat docks. 

Plan your trip to Belize with kids – exclusive offer

If you’re dreaming of a family vacation that combines adventure, relaxation, and unforgettable memories, then it’s time to book a trip to Belize and experience the magic of Coco Beach Resort . Coco Beach is a paradise for families, offering luxurious accommodations, all the amenities you could want, and endless activities to keep everyone entertained. Whether you’re exploring the nearby Belize Barrier Reef, taking a leisurely ride on a golf cart to Secret Beach, or just lounging by one of the resort’s two massive swimming pools with water slides, there’s something for every family member to enjoy.

And now, we’re thrilled to offer our readers an exclusive 40% discount on trips booked through the end of August ! Just use the code RUNWILDMYCHILD when you book through this link .

But hurry, this special offer won’t last long! Don’t miss out on the ultimate Belizean family getaway—book your stay at Coco Beach Resort now and take advantage of this incredible discount! Your dream vacation awaits, and you won’t want to miss it.

Is exploring Belize with kids on your bucket list?  What are you waiting for?! 

About the author

Sara McCarty is the Founder of Run Wild My Child, a resource website, online community, and podcast, all about connecting families through outdoor activities and adventures. Run Wild My Child offers busy parents helpful content about outdoor activities, nature crafts, kid-friendly travel, gear recommendations, parenting advice, and more. Sara’s a mom of 3, a wife, and a former corporate securities lawyer turned writer. She lives in St. Louis, Missouri, and is determined to raise her city kids to be as wild and feral as possible. You can usually find her family exploring a creek, fly fishing, hiking, duck hunting, camping, canoeing, biking, or geocaching. She’s passionate about reading, photography, plants, coffee, cooking, and key lime pie.

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Bask in Belize City 's sun

Home to the country's main airport, most Belize trips will kick off in Belize City , a lively urban center brushed with colonial history. Delve into the country's distinct culture at the Museum of Belize and marvel at the historic St. John's Cathedral. The vibrant marina area of Old Belize is an ideal spot for a waterfront lunch and dinner, while the Altun Ha ruins are just a day trip away.

Pause for a bit in Placencia

Placencia is one of the best places to vacation in Belize thanks to its pristine beaches and unhurried pace of life. Here, you can unwind on the unspoiled sands of Maya Beach and dive in the vibrant coral reefs. This oceanfront village charms with its wooden buildings and quaint sidewalk cafes. Explore local boutiques, taste fresh seafood, and soak up the laid-back vibe of this picturesque peninsula.  

Soak up San Ignacio 's charm

Venture to San Ignacio on your Belize vacation and experience its Mayan history and colorful culture. Roll back the years at the Xunantunich Mayan ruins, a quick day trip away. In its heyday, this spiritual center was home to palaces and temples. Canoe through the ancient Barton Creek Cave, or lose yourself in the lively San Ignacio Market. Don't miss the Green Iguana Conservation Project, where you can see these fascinating creatures up close.

Break away in Belmopan  

Swerve off the beaten path on your Belize vacation and step into Belmopan . Trek through Guanacaste National Park, just minutes away, and encounter Belize's vibrant wildlife. Explore the mysteries of nearby Actun Tunichil Muknal cave, or spend the day tubing or canoeing along the Belize River. If you have a sweet tooth, venture to the nearby cacao farms to learn all about chocolate-making, naturally with a tasting to boot.

Catch a tan in Caye Caulker

No Belize vacation package is complete without a visit to the charming island of Caye Caulker . Unwind by the azure waters at The Split, Caye Caulker 's iconic swimming spot, renowned for its clear, inviting waters. If it's adventure you're craving, snorkeling at the nearby Great Blue Hole unveils colorful coral and vibrant marine life. As evening falls, kick back in Northside Beach Club, a lively beachfront spot known for its nightlife.

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Frequently asked questions, discover the most popular places to visit in belize, placencia beach.

Discover the Belize whale shark on a diving trip from one of the cays and islands near this sandy beach. Enjoy its restaurants and cafés too.

Feel the gorgeous golden sand beneath your feet as you walk around this community made up of homes, bars, resorts and an art gallery.

The Great Blue Hole at Lighthouse Reef

You can take time to visit The Great Blue Hole at Lighthouse Reef during your travels to Lighthouse Reef. While you're in the area, wander around the natural setting.

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