Belize is an entire vibe.
And that’s not to be taken lightly. It’s no wonder — with wildlife sanctuaries, chocolate factories, Mayan ruins, miles of sandy beaches and the second-largest reef system in the world, Belize has been dubbed the jewel of Central America, and for good reason. Sharing borders with Guatemala, Mexico, and the Caribbean Sea, Belize is packed with islands, adventure and culture.
If you’re looking for a vacation where you can see, touch, do, Belize is the adventure traveler’s dream. Scattered along the barrier reef, a chain of islands – known as cayes – protect the mainland from the ocean swell, and make wonderful bases for snorkeling and diving; the cayes are most travelers’ top destination in the country. Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker are the best known, though many of the less developed islands, including picture-perfect Tobacco Caye, are gaining in popularity.
The enchanted destination has so much to offer for every type of traveler (even the ones in your friend group who complain about everything) – world class resorts, pristine reefs, secluded Maya temples, secret waterfalls, wellness treatments for body and soul, and intimate culinary experiences. If you’re planning a visit — or at least considering one — here’s why the Central American destination should be on your Black girl bucket list.
Getting there.
The easiest and most popular way to get to Belize is by flying into the Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) in Belize City. There are five major US airlines and five other airlines that fly into Belize.
Where to stay.
San Ignacio
Located in the west of Belize, San Ignacio is a great base for exploring the Mayan ruins of Caracol and Xunantunich, as well as the mysterious Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave, which is home to a Maya sacrificial site. When staying in San Ignacio, there’s simply one choice: Ka’ana. Hailed as one of the best hotels in not just San Ignacio, but all of Belize— the minimalist-modern villas with their private plunge pools and lush garden walkways connecting its two-acre organic garden, provides ingredients for the restaurant’s seasonal menu. Nestled deep in the tropical jungle of western Belize, the boutique resort is an oasis of style, culture, personalized service, and modern amenities for well-seasoned adventurers and tastemakers alike. The location on the doorstep of an ancient Maya city has inspired Ka’ana’s name, which means “Heavenly Place.”
Ambergris Caye
Travelers love the lively town of San Pedro in Ambergris Caye for its blend of island relaxation and abundance of activities to do. There’s a reason why it’s one of Belize’s most popular islands to visit – it’s home to the famous Hol Chan Marine Reserve, and it’s not far from the Belize Barrier Reef and the Belize Blue Hole. The set-up of the Phoenix Resort lends itself to long-term stays, as the rooms are more like condos than a typical hotel room. It features 30 full condos, but has a pool complex, restaurant, bar, and spa. After check-in and a welcome drink in the lobby, one of their warm employees will lead you to one of four modern, three-story buildings that house one-, two- and three-bedroom condos. They are immaculately maintained and range in size from 1,325 to 1,825 square feet — perfect for friend trips and families.
What to do.
The best thing about Belize — there’s no shortage of things to do. Whether baecation, family getaway, or a great girlfriend’s escape, there’s something here for every type of traveler. Here are a few options if you’re looking to tap into your adventurous spirit.
Go diving in the Blue Hole.
Diving enthusiasts from all over the world flock to Belize to explore its pristine coral reef and dive in the famous Blue Hole, a large marine sinkhole right off the coast of the country. The best way to access the Blue Hole and the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef is from Ambergris Caye, the largest island in Belize. Book a day trip to experience the Great Blue Hole, about 45 miles from the mainland.
Swim with stingrays and (nurse) sharks at Shark Ray Alley.
If snorkeling is more your style, or if you just want to spend part of a day at sea, a trip to Hol Chan Marine Reserve also offers snorkeling and diving among an array of tropical fish, sharks, rays, and sea turtles.
Take a cave tubing & ATV tour through Xunantunich.
Xunantunich was the first excavated Mayan site in Belize that was opened for the public. Though it is smaller compared to the other Mayan sites, it consists of one of the tallest structures. The huge statue of the Sun God, El Castillo, and the 130-foot tall pyramid are a couple of structures that attract visitors. Xunantunich means “Stone Woman” or “Maiden of the rock” in the Yucatec dialect. These names are derived from the image of a woman depicted in one of the paintings.
Make your own chocolate at Belize Chocolate Company.
The Belize Chocolate Company offers a variety of chocolate products including bars, truffles, chocolate tea, cocoa powder, and chocolate body products (seriously one of the best chocolate chip cookies you’ll ever have!). Head over and make chocolate with them on their 45‑minute crash course that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
Where to eat.
Belize, like many other Caribbean destinations, is known for their flavors, fresh seafood and spices. Guava Limb Cafe, a short walk from downtown San Ignacio Belize, provides patrons with finely crafted cuisine, using farm-to-table fresh ingredients. On the San Pedro side, Blue Water Grill, overlooks the pristine waters of the Caribbean Sea, and serves up deliciously fresh meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner, while Hurricane’s Ceviche Bar and The Truck Stop are crowd favorites for their party-like environment, great food and even better cocktails.