Destination overview

While the official language of Belize is English, it is almost unique enough to be another language. In fact, it even has a different name - Creole. This eclectic language is just the beginning of the delights Belize has to offer. Of course, you’ll be able to enjoy everything that a marvellous tropical holiday can give you – never-ending beaches, warm cerulean seas and spectacular palm-fringed sunsets. But Belize is best known as a bird watcher’s dream and an underwater delight. Not only does it possess the second longest barrier reef in the world, it also has three major offshore atolls.

Ambergris Caye, the largest island off Belize, is only half a mile from the reef and is the spot where most people base themselves. It’s the perfect stepping-off point to experience the teeming life of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, the giant groupers, barracuda and nurse sharks of ‘the cut’, the Sand Bar, with its stingrays and nurse sharks, and the blue hole on Lighthouse Reef that plummets hundreds of feet to the floor of the ocean. Lighthouse Reef is also a protected bird and wildlife sanctuary. Ambergris Caye, being largely undeveloped, is a haven for bird and wildlife, as well. Here you’ll find over 400 of the nation’s 540 colourful bird species in Orange Walk District.

Another major attraction in Belize is the Maya temples and palaces. There are a number in northern Belize and one on the southern tip of Ambergris Caye.

Nestled between Mexico and Guatemala on the Caribbean coast of Central America, Belize is one of the few remaining unspoiled places on earth. Spectacular natural attractions and the excitement of discovering one of Mother Nature's best kept secrets draws travellers from around the globe, promising both relaxation and the richly rewarding authenticity they seek in a genuine Caribbean getaway.

With one foot planted in the Central American jungles and the other dipped in the Caribbean Sea, Belize blends the best of both worlds. Offshore, kayakers can glide from one sandy, palm-dotted islet to another, while snorkellers can swim through translucent seas, gazing at a kaleidoscope of coral, fish, dolphins and turtles. Inland, explorers can investigate ruins of ancient civilisations, and bird-lovers can aim their binoculars at some 570 species. Between National Parks, wildlife sanctuaries and marine reserves, more than 40 per cent of the country's area is protected in one form or another, creating a haven for countless creatures of land, sea and sky.

Most visitors are eager to explore the hundreds of ancient Maya sites both excavated and jungle-covered, such as Altun Ha or Lamanai. Belize hosted one of the great Mesoamerican civilisations of ancient times, the Maya. The Maya created vibrant commercial centres, monumental religious temples and exquisite art works. They possessed sophisticated knowledge about their earthly and cosmological environments, much of which they wrote down. The Maya thrived from around 2,000 BC to 1,500 AD, before succumbing to domestic decline and alien assault. The stone foundations of their lordly realm became a lost world submerged beneath dense jungle.

Belize's animal and plant life really are the stars of the country, thanks to the conservation of its forests and reefs. On offer is a range of rainforest activities to suit anyone from the quiet observer to the active adventurer. Integrated with this lush forest habitat are magnificent Maya temples, spectacular caves and sparkling rivers and lagoons that create glistening threads against a tapestry of green. There is a good variety of tours, nature walks, bird-watching trips, botanical trails and other activities for nature lovers. A guide will show you a surprising variety of creatures and plants, many of which you would never spot otherwise. Night forest walks can be especially illuminating, as you use torches to check out kinkajous, crocodiles and other nocturnal creatures. And, of course, birds are everywhere.

Moving from land to sea, you'll find the longest barrier reef in the northern hemisphere that is home to the awe-inspiring Great Blue Hole, plus hundreds of islands, snorkel and dive locations.

Belizean waters are also home to whale sharks - notably Gladden Spit, near Placencia. You will find these filter-feeding behemoths between March and June, and most commonly during the 10 days following the full moon. They will come in close to the reef to dine on spawn, so you’ll certainly get a good look at them. These are the world's largest fish, they are sharks, not whales, and can grow up to 60 feet (although the average length is 25 feet) and they can weigh up to 15 tons. And, believe it or not, whale sharks can live up to 150 years. They're grey in colour with random light-yellow spots and stripes, and are quite harmless to humans.

Sharing the coral with the larger animals is a kaleidoscope of reef fish ranging from larger barracuda and groupers to parrotfish, angelfish, butterfly fish and clown fish (they're the ones who like to nestle into the anemones). Belizean waters host nearly every species of fish and coral found in the Caribbean, plus an amazing variety of sponges. The total number of fish and invertebrate species is around 600, and there are over 40 species of coral, from hard elkhorn and staghorn coral (named because they branch like antlers) to gorgonian fans and other soft formations that sway with the current.

West Indian manatees can be seen at river mouths, in coastal lagoons and around the cayes. The guaranteed places to spot these gentle, slow-moving creatures are Southern Lagoon, near Gales Point Manatee Village and Swallow Caye, off Belize City. Manatees are the only vegetarian sea mammals in existence and just a few hundred survive in Belizean waters.

Over 10 friendly, English-speaking and diverse cultures of the Belize people will welcome you to share their natural and cultural heritage served with warm Belizean hospitality.

Street-side cafes serving local fare offer people-watching opportunities and hotels and restaurants in the more-visited tourist areas have an assortment of local gourmet and epicurean delights. Why not indulge yourself in the country's colourful arts and crafts, foot-tapping music, and local traditions?

If it’s nightlife you’re after, you’ll find it in a number of nightclubs, hotel bars with outdoor decks or beach parties.

Shopping in Belize centres around the art, crafts and furniture made by Belizean artisans, usually with shipping options provided. However, there are small boutiques and shops in all major regions with choices of tropical attire, silver and gold jewellery. Duty free shopping is also available at select locations.

But it's really the natural beauty of Belize that will amaze you. You might spot a toucan in the bird-watcher's paradise that is Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, or snorkel the reef off Caye Caulker or the Northern Cayes, explore the Mayan ruins, and generally just enjoy a bit of paradise.