What to do in Belize as a First-Time Visitor

I must admit it was super difficult to decide what, in my opinion, would be the must see things in Belize that a first time visitor should cover – there’s just so much to see, do and eat in Belize. If you’re making a return trip to Belize, I’ve got a top 10 list just for you – filled with more local spots, off the beaten track stuff and places you might wanna check if you’ve been to all the tourist highlights. Remember guys, Belize has a lot to offer but the best way to experience it is to take things slowly and enjoy the simple things that most larger countries aren’t privy to.

So without further ado, here’s what our top 10 looks like:

10.  Feed the crocodiles at the Eco Sanctuary

As dangerous as they are, Belize is no stranger to crocs and Belizeans are quite aware that when we least expect it, we can find them sunbathing on the riverbanks, lurking in the lagoons behind the cayes, walking across the streets of Belize City and even in our backyards.

In most cases, we can watch them at a distance. But what if you could get closer. We felt up to the adventure and headed to the Crocodile Sanctuary in Ladyville. A day at the sanctuary is all you need to experience the great outdoors. Feed the crocodiles at close range, go horseback riding, throw your net to catch your own shrimps in the pond and even get do some birding. There are even some really cool night tours that can be done, where you actually get up close and personal with baby crocs. Quite an experience if your heart can handle that sort of adrenaline rush.

9.  Get lost in the world of the Mayas

If you’ve managed to get this far, in your research on Belize and not heard a single thing about the Mayas, you, my friend, are among the minority. Nonetheless, it is near impossible to visit Belize and not visit one of these ancient cities. There are more than 900 structures and just over 25 well known temples throughout the country so no matter where your holiday takes place, you’re often close to at least one.

8.  Go Slow on Caye Caulker

Okay, so it’s rare when we get tourists who just want to sit back and do nothing. But when we do, we direct them to the little fishing village of Caye Caulker. Yup! There’s literally a sign that tells you to “go slow”. It’s the perfect place to sit and enjoy the beach, seafood, and just driving around in your golf cart (without the golf). It’s our little secret getaway when we want time just for ourselves. We warn you, it can be a bit magical so don’t be surprised if you get an urge to pack up and move to the little island.

7.  Visit the “Best little zoo on earth”

Do you love animals? Are you traveling with your family and need a kid-friendly activity? Maybe the reputation of our little zoo precedes itself. Whichever it is, you’ve got to take a trip to the “Best little zoo on earth”. Located just off the highway in a tropical savanna, lies the Belize Zoo. It’s home to more than 175 animals that were orphaned, rescued, rehabilitated or born at the zoo. Find some of the most coveted animals, like the Scarlet Macaw, the Jaguar, the Tapir, the Harpy Eagle and so much more there. We’re sure that by the time you leave, you’ll think it’s the best little zoo too.

6.  Bathe underneath a waterfall

Sounds romantic? We think so too. As a tropical destination and a country that is about half covered in jungle, we boast some breathtaking waterfalls. Most of them can be found in the west and southern districts of Belize. They are beautiful acts of nature. Get a chance to swim in the pools surrounding them or go directly under one for a picture. I’m sure your guide won’t mind a few extra minutes for a selfie.

5.  Snorkel with Sting Rays at Sharkray Alley

If swimming with sharks and sting rays are on your travel bucket list, then you might want to mark it as complete during your trip to Belize. There are only a couple locations in Belize where you can swim with the sharks. Sounds scary? The first time we went out we were a bit intimidated too, but don’t worry your guide will be sure to get you a close encounter. We haven’t heard of anyone losing a limb on these tours …yet.

4.  Drink a Belikin Beer & Orange Walk Tacos

Ok, so it’s no secret that we love tacos. While the name is used commonly across the world, the Belizean tacos are not the same as the ones you’ve gotten internationally. Head up to the northern district of Orange Walk and get ‘the best’ tacos you can find in Belize. I mean we love it so much we even dedicate an entire weekend known as Taco Fest annually to showcase the various types and ways in which people make them. If you’re trip isn’t around that time, don’t worry, you can simply take the food tour so that you can taste these delicious babies. Of course, no tacos splurge can go without our local Belikin beer. Brewed right here in Belize, you have a variety of flavored options to choose from. The good thing about beer and tacos, is that you can have it any time of the day, not just for breakfast which is how most of us love to have it.

3.  Catch a panoramic view of the City by flying domestic

If you plan to go to the islands (often referred to as cayes), you’ve probably already heard that you can fly there after you land in Belize. While we do love to take a boat to the islands, taking a domestic Maya Island Air or Tropic Air flight gives you an amazing view of Belize City, the coast and some islands en route to your destination. If you are heading to Ambergris Caye, you will often get to see the waves breaking on the barrier reef. 

2.  Dive the Great Blue Hole

It’s #2 on our list but for divers and snorkelers, it’s the ultimate underwater experience. The Great Blue hole is a large sinkhole off the coast of Belize. It is a part of “the most remarkable reef in the West Indies” as described by well known author, Charles Darwin.  It’s perfect for snorkeling, diving or skydiving into. Whatever your choice of adrenaline rush, just make sure that you don’t miss visiting this UNESCO World Heritage Site on your first trip to Belize. The sea life, coral formations and crystal blue water is absolutely worth it.

1. Float down the river in a tube

And finally, our #1. The creme de la creme of places to visit and things to do as a first time visitor to Belize. Number one on our list is to float down the river in a tube. So, we all know the Mayas used the waterways and cave systems in Belize to travel from one city to another. They even used it to go from one country to another. While their preferred mode of transportation was by canoe, we like to get our butts wet as we float down the river in a tube. There are quite a few options to do this, but our absolute favorites are in the Cayo District.

Have you experienced any of our top 10 list of things to do in Belize as a first time visitor? If you have tell us about your experience and what you loved most about it.