Explore Belize
BELIZE BARRIER REEF
185-MILE NATIONAL MONUMENT
The Belize Barrier Reef sits just miles off the coast of Belize and is part of the larger Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, second in size only to the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. Home to hundreds of species of coral and fish, it is a hot spot for divers, snorkelers and biologists from all over the world.
THE LARGEST REEF SYSTEM IN THE NORTHERN HEMISPHERE
For 185 miles, explore all that the reef has to offer, including swimming with whale sharks near the Placencia coast, diving deep into the Great Blue Hole and snorkeling off more than 400 white sandy islands that surround the reef.
500 SPECIES OF FISH FOUND ON THE REEF
Listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the Belize Barrier Reef provides a crucial balance within the surrounding marine system. Help us preserve this reef when you visit by wearing reef-safe sunscreen, avoiding contact with the coral, and picking up trash and recyclables on the beach.
MAYA HEARTLAND
THE PAST IN OUR PRESENT
No matter what vacation you take in Belize, our history is there. Ancient Maya temples are hidden throughout the country, leaving glimpses of the past you can discover for yourself. The temples you’ll find here make for a vacation unlike any you’ve taken before.
1,400 RECORDED MAYA SITES
Belize is thought to be the heart of the Maya civilization that dominated Central America during its height, due to the number and concentration of temples compared to other regions. The Maya left behind 1,400 recorded sites and an incredible amount of evidence of their presence in Belize, including ceremonial temples, structures and artwork made of jade, stone and clay.
THE MAYA CIVILIZATION DOMINATED CENTRAL AMERICA FROM 250–900 AD
Archaeologists and students from all over the world come to Belize each year to study clues left behind from this ancient civilization.
You can find many of the artifacts and works of art on display in the Museum of Belize in Belize City, including the largest carved jade object ever discovered.
THE MYSTERIES OF MAYA WITHOUT THE TRAPS OF TOURISM
With only a small percentage of our ancient Maya temples uncovered, it’s not uncommon to come across ancient pieces of pottery or hear that a distant hill is actually a temple.
Whether you want to explore for an afternoon, a day or a week, the ancient Maya sites are well worth it. All sites are managed by the Institute of Archaeology and have interpretive centers, as well as trained guides to show you around.
From Caracol and Cerros to Lamanai and little villages and forest areas, pretty much anywhere you go here, you’ll find ancient Maya temples. Get your hat and whip ready, Belizean-a-Jones.
BELIZEAN CULTURE
MANY RHYTHMS, ONE HEARTBEAT
Our small country isn’t defined by one culture, but a unique blend of influences from all over the world. It’s this blend that gives the people of Belize the distinct ability to make anyone feel welcome. While you may be far from it when you visit, we’ll make you feel right at home. From cuisine to language to dancing, explore the cultures and traditions that make Belize so unique.
RICE & BEANS IS A DIFFERENT DISH THAN BEANS & RICE
From the language to the food, the Creole (or “Kriol”) culture always leaves you wanting more. Its origins date back to the late 1700s when British settlers and African slaves gave birth to this new Creole population and they remain one of the staple cultures of Belize.
THE CREOLE CULTURE MAKES UP 24% OF THE BELIZE POPULATION.
Popular Creole dishes are universally enjoyed throughout Belize and include Rice and Beans, Beans and Rice (yes, they are two different dishes), Stew Chicken and Salad, and “Boil Up.”
The Kriol language is best described as a broken English dialect that is understood (mostly) and spoken by all cultures in Belize.
THE MESTIZO MAKE UP 48% OF THE BELIZE POPULATION
MESTIZO
Mestizo—a culture of the past that is still present today. Mestizo is a vibrant culture whose heritage originated from the Maya and Spanish. Today, the majority of Mestizo descendants populate districts in Northern Belize.
THE MESTIZO ARE PEOPLE OF MIXED SPANISH AND MAYA DESCENT
As documentations indicate, a Spanish sailor named Gonzalo Guerrero had shipwrecked off the coast of Belize shortly after the New World discovery. It was this arrival that eventually sparked a new friendship between the Maya Ruler, Nachanhan, and Guerrero. Eventually, this Spanish ally married Nachanhan’s daughter and their children were seen as the first Mestizo of Belize.
With the blending of these cultures came a fusion of traditions, practices and foods, unique to Belize. Take a trip to the North to immerse yourself in this foodie-haven and celebrate the many festivities held annually to celebrate Mestizo culture.
THE GARIFUNA CREATED PUNTA: A HYPNOTIC DRUMBEAT MUSIC.
GARIFUNA
This Belizean culture is known not only for their vibrant colors and delicious food, they’re the creators of a popular hypnotic drumbeat music, punta. The rhythm of the drums will let you hear, feel and move to the Garifuna culture in Southern Belize.
GARIFUNA SETTLEMENT DAY IS CELEBRATED ON NOVEMBER 19.
November 19 commemorates the arrival in 1823 of the Garifuna (descendants of Carib, Arawak and West African people) and their contribution to the Belizean landscape. In 2001, UNESCO proclaimed the Garifuna language, music and dance to be among the masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.
With festivals throughout the year, it’s impossible not to experience the warm and vibrant Garifuna culture during your visit to Belize.
THE MAYA CULTURE BEGAN AS EARLY AS 1500 BC
MAYA
The Belizean Maya occupation began as early as 1500 BC, but it was not until sometime between 250 AD and 900 AD that the Maya population is thought to have exceeded 1 million people. However, much about the ancient Maya still remains a mystery.
MAYA POPULATION IN BELIZE REACHED 1 MILLION IN 250 AD
Maya culture is still alive and well in Belize. Today, you can tour authentic sites left by this great culture and, in many cases, be guided through these sites by a direct descendant―a modern-day Maya. In many cities, you can also find Maya cuisine and festivals celebrating this ancient civilization.
To explore Maya sites in Belize, check with your hotel or local tour operators throughout the country to see what ancient Maya temples are open for exploration. And if you get the chance, be sure to speak with contemporary Maya families. They will be happy to tell you about their culture and share stories that have been passed down through generations.
DIVE RIGHT IN
SCUBA DIVING
Divers from all over the world come to Belize for a diving experience unlike anywhere else. We’re home to the largest barrier reef in the Northern Hemisphere and three of four coral atolls in the Western Hemisphere, with drop sites inside and outside of the reef. From masters to newly certified divers, there’s a dive site for everyone here in Belize.
400 ISLANDS TO EXPLORE
The water at the reef is some of the best in the world. Crystal clear with visibility routinely extending hundreds of feet, you’ll always get the best view and diving experience. No matter what month you’re visiting, surround yourself with warm water and plenty of marine life to take in including corals, sharks, turtles and stingrays.
THE GREAT BLUE HOLE IS 406 FEET DEEP
The Belize Barrier Reef is home to the Great Blue Hole–one of the greatest geological wonders of the world. Just 43 miles off the mainland, it is easily experienced on a day trip. A site for more experienced divers, a deep dive into the Great Blue Hole will unveil a whole new world full of rare fish and stalactites not found in other sites near the water’s surface.
Apart from the famous Great Blue Hole, Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Ambergris Caye, and dozens of other sites off the coast of Belize are listed as some of the top destinations for divers in the world.
Infinite Shades of Blue…
The Great Blue Hole is undeniably Belize’s biggest tourist seduction, and for good reason. Guidebooks are crammed with the ubiquitous “Jacques Cousteau” line and a must for scuba divers. But what is often overlooked (pun intended) is seeing the 407-feet deep funnel-shaped UNESCO World Heritage Site from a narrow 6-seater plane.
The cobalt-colored sinkhole, part of the Lighthouse Reef Atoll, lies just 43 miles from the mainland.
The Tour: The entire aerial roundtrip tour takes about 1.5 hours. After a mere half-hour or so in a light aircraft – and through at least four shades of blue – you will be able to spot the Blue Hole in the horizon. The ride to the sinkhole itself is one entirely devoid of ordinary. After passing the first reef, the water becomes more tumultuous; white-tipped waves crashing against one another resemble squirming white specks.
Though some might be unnerved by the tiny size of the plane (you have to crouch to get in), it allows every single passenger a clear uninterrupted view of the watery marvel. This is where the pilot’s skills really come in. No angle is left unturned as the aircraft dips to the left, dips to the right, then flies literally parallel to the Blue Hole. Infinite opportunities for all kinds of Blue Hole #selfies.
After the dizzying – but amazing – tricks, the plane gently lowers to a bewildering 100 feet above the sinkhole.
A few feet more, and you’d feel like skimming your fingers atop the water.
The facts
406.9 feet deep, 1049.8 wide
43 miles off the mainland
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Consists of Hammerhead Sharks, among other extraordinary marine life
Other attractions: There’s more than just a pretty, giant hole in our sea; on the way, the two reefs are a sight to behold, like two shades of blue chastely kissing. There is also a large ship-wreck some little ways a way from the sinkhole. Although the history of it is unclear, the rusting relic feels like a little keepsake from the vast ocean.
SHIRTS, SHOES AND WORRIES ARE OPTIONAL.
PLACENCIA PENINSULA
Known locally as “Barefoot Perfect,” Placencia Peninsula is 16 miles of golden sand, the only golden-sand beaches on mainland Belize. After hanging out on the beach, snorkeling and scuba diving, head into town and get a feel for what a traditional Kriol (Creole) fishing village is like. There are also village restaurants, bars and art galleries. About the only thing Placencia doesn’t offer is stress. It’s just not allowed here.
Snorkel with the stingrays
As translated in Maya as “Little Channel,” the Hol Chan Marine Reserve refers to the deep cut or “quebrada” in the barrier reef off Ambergris Caye. This protected zone encompasses a total of 13,632 acres of marine waters, which includes four (4) zones:
– Zone A: Coral Reef (640 acres)
– Zone B: Sea Grass Beds (5,376)
– Zone C: Mangroves (6,336)
– Zone D: Shark Ray Alley (1,280)
Located approximately four (4) miles south of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, this top snorkeling zone is Belize’s first marine reserve legislated in July 1987.
Its popularity has been primarily centered on the schools of friendly docile nurse sharks, silver and colorful fishes. This snorkeler haven is also home to a few endangered species of marine life, such as: Loggerhead Turtle, Green Turtle, Nassau Grouper, Star Coral, Staghorn Coral and Elkhorn Coral.
