Why should you visit Belize?
Escape your day-to-day environment for this sunny, friendly place where you can relax, unwind, and let the beauty of nature soothe your soul. Belize has incredible places to explore and to recharge. Your first trip to Belize likely won’t be your last. Visitors fall in love with the people, the weather, the country. From snorkeling and being active to laying out and wandering the village streets, you can fill your vacation needs in Belize. These are some of the amazing places in Belize where you can experience the best of Belize.
Dive down to see the Belize Barrier Reef
Belize has the second largest barrier reef in the world. The Belize Barrier Reef is a series of coral reefs straddling the coast of Belize, roughly 300 meters (980 ft) offshore in the north and 40 kilometers (25 mi) in the south within the country limits. Locals and overseas visitors enjoy world-class snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing, and game fishing conveniently in Belize. Ambergris Caye is the perfect spot to explore the Barrier Reef from, given its proximity to the reef. From Drift Inn, you’d be able to kayak yourself out to the reef and back within an hour. That’s how close it is! Tour operators can take you out from the dock out front and have you in the water within 30 minutes snorkeling among the stingrays and fish.
Walk amidst the Maya Ruins
The Maya Ruins of Belize include a number of well-known and historically important pre-Columbian Maya archaeological sites. Belize is consider part of the southern Maya lowlands of the Mesoamerican culture area, and the sites found there occupied from the Preclassical (2000 BCE–200 CE). Until and after the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century. At its peak, an estimated two million Maya lived in what is today Belize, over five times the country’s present population. So if you want to experience and learn from our Mayan heritage and culture, visit Belize! Options include Altun Ha, which is less than an hour from Belize City, or Xunantunich, which is easily paired with visiting San Ignacio, or Lamanai, which is closer to Orange Walk.
Explore the depths of Belizean Caves
There are many areas to explore caves in Belize. Let’s focus on two trips that are easily done: cave tubing and ATM caves.
Cave tubing can be done in a half day or combined with other excursions. It is an excellent way to explore some of the natural side of Belize. You’ll have a hike, wading through areas of the river to make it to the starting point for the tubing. While going through the cave, you’ll have a helmet with light to see in any direction.
Actun Tunichil Muknal, also known locally as ATM, is a cave in Belize, near San Ignacio, Cayo District. Notable as a Maya archaeological site that includes skeletons, ceramics, and stoneware. There are several areas with skeletal remains in the main chamber. This place is a must why you should visit Belize this winter. If you want to know more of the history of this cave read this article about Actun Tunichil Muknal.
Visit one of many Cayes
Belize is home to 200 Cayes (pronounced like keys), so is hard to choose which one to explore!
Most visitors spend their time on the northern islands such as Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye. These two islands are very close to the Barrier Reef which is great for some snorkeling and other sea adventures. If you drive far north in Ambergris Caye, the beachfront almost touches the Belizean Barrier Reef. In Ambergris Caye, you’ll also be able to go to the lagoon side and visit our Famous Secret Beach. Meanwhile, in Caye Caulker, there is The Split where everyone goes to party and spend their days.
Southern Cayes, such as Tobacco Caye, are typically small quaint islands. Imagine spending days on an island with less than 100 people living there and being able to navigate the entire island in a matter of minutes. You’ll be able to lay out, snorkel, and truly unwind from your typically day to day on one of the many small southern islands. Some tour operators offer multi-night sailing trips to visit Cayes across Belize!
Explore the Blue Hole
The Great Blue Hole is a giant marine sinkhole off the coast of Belize. It lies near the center of Lighthouse Reef, a small atoll 70 km from the mainland and Belize City. The hole is circular in shape, 318 m across, and 124 m deep. Divers around the world visit Belize just to dive and experience this incredible place.
Interested in planning a trip to Belize?
Drift Inn can help you plan your country-wide exploration. Our hotel is located in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize, but we have connections around the country and can help with your logistics! Contact us via Whatsapp at +501 614-0088 to start planning your dream Belize vacation now.