Belize has been on my short list of travel destinations for quite some time. Its remote islands, crystal clear waters and unique history were part of what drew me to the small country in Central America. Last week, I finally got the chance to visit and it surpassed all expectations. If you’re planning to go or just want to learn more, below are some tips for planning your next getaway to Belize.

ENGLISH IS THE OFFICIAL LANGUAGE

Belize is unique in that it is the only country in Central America where English is the primary language due to being a former British colony, although Creole and Spanish are also commonly spoken.

CURRENCY EXCHANGE RATE

The local currency is the Belizian dollar or BZ. There is an exact 2 to 1 exchange rate with the US dollar, making for easy conversions. Most restaurants and vendors accept American dollars and will give change in a mix of USD and BZ depending on what they have on hand. Credit cards are also accepted in most shops and restaurants, just be sure to notify your bank before traveling. On the island of Caye Caulker where I stayed, there is one bank and 24 hour ATM should you find yourself without cash and craving a pupusa at 3am!

EXPLORE BELIZE CITY

Belize City contains the country’s largest population with just over 55,000 people residing there. There are two airports, where all international commercial flights arrive. Visitors can then take island hoppers or water taxis to reach the outer islands. If you want to take a day or two to explore Belize City, there is plenty to do. Take a kayaking tour through the caves along the river, go ziplining or explore the ancient Mayan ruins, although it’s best to save that for the rainy season when temperatures are cooler.

SELECT YOUR ISLAND

Most travelers venture to Belize in search of sun, sand and blue waters. To find them, you’ll have have to leave the hustle and bustle of Belize City and head to the islands known as “cayes” (pronounced keys). The good thing is there are several to choose from.

Ambergis Caye – The largest island best known for its beaches and nightlife is Ambergis Caye. It is also the most developed and popular among tourists, particularly the capital of San Pedro, which is a draw for some. We were looking for a more relaxed atmosphere this trip and opted to stay on Caye Caulker.

 

On the dock at the Lazy Lizard, where we spent just about every evening.

 

One of the main streets on the island of Caye Caulker

 

Caye Caulker – My Russian and I wanted a mix of seclusion, slow pace, beaches and fun dining options and we found all that and more on Caye Caulker. The motto there is “go slow” and that’s just what we did. The island is only 5 miles long and 1 mile wide and is accessible by small plane or water taxi. With a population of only 1500, it provided the perfect balance of quiet island life with amenities like colorful shops, authentic restaurants and lively beach bars all without losing its local flare.

 

Arriving on Half Moon Caye during out dive/snorkel day trip

 

A few of the many Red-footed Booby birds that occupy Half Moon Caye

 

If you’re interested in camping on the beach, Half Moon Caye is the place to do it. There is excellent snorkeling, natural vegetation and unspoiled beauty. It is also the first area to be declared a nature reserve in Belize. The island is completely uninhabited with the exception of thousands of Frigatebirds and Red-footed Booby Birds that reside in the sanctuary there. To camp, you’ll have to book through a tour company that offers overnight excursions. Or just take a day trip there like we did! We booked a dive/snorkel trip and spent a full day island hopping and exploring the deep blue sea.

 

 

GETTING TO YOUR ISLAND

Some of the more remote islands can only be accessed by tour boats, while the larger ones like San Pedro and Caye Caulker can be reached by small plane or water taxi. I recommend taking a water taxi, specifically the Ocean Ferry Belize water taxi.

Just take a cab from the airport in Belize City to the ferry located at the foot of the Swing Bridge. The ride takes about 30 minutes and costs $25USD. From there, you’ll purchase your water taxi tickets. A round-trip costs $15USD to Caye Caulker and $25USD to San Pedro, just don’t lose your return tickets! The taxi runs every couple hours. The ride to Caye Caulker takes about 45 minutes and before you know it you’ll be walking on the sandy shores of paradise.

 

RENT A BUNGALOW

Caye Caulker does have a few hotel options, but if you want to get a feel for true island living, I highly recommend booking a bungalow through Airbnb. There were several options available and the prices were astonishingly affordable. One night on the island costs about as much as the cab ride to the ferry! We stayed at the Sea Breeze Apartments owned and operated by Hilda, whose family has been on the island for generations. She was a wealth of information and so warm and welcoming. I will definitely book with her again when we return!

BIKES ARE A MUST

The only mode of transportation on the islands is bike or golf cart. The only vehicle I saw throughout my entire stay was a maintenance truck. Many Airbnb listings include bikes, which is great, but if they don’t there are also several rental shops on the island.

 

TAKE A DAY TRIP

You could easily spend your entire stay lounging in palm shaded hammocks or enjoying one too many rum punches at happy hour each day, but there is so much more to see and do. Belize boasts some of the most stunning reefs in the world, making it a popular destination for divers and snorkelers alike.

My Russian and I booked a day trip to the famous Blue Hole with Frenchie’s Diving and it was money well spent. A day dive runs about $260 ($145 if you only plan to snorkel like me!) and includes a sunrise breakfast at 5:30am, lunch on a private island, and dives/snorkeling at 3 of the most beautiful sites in the world- The Blue Hole at Lighthouse Reef, Half Moon Caye and The Aquarium at Long Caye Wall.

After a hard day’s work, rum punch and snacks are served on the ride home and you return to the island around 5pm. It’s a long exhausting day, but definitely worth it!

Have you ever been to Belize? What tips do you have for planning a trip there? Never been? What have you always wanted to see and do there? Share your comments below!

 

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