Belize Vacation Ideas and Itineraries for Families

Belize is a small, beautiful country located in Central America with a unique culture and tons of natural beauty. Here are some places you might want to visit:

To check out many of these amazing places, consider taking this 10 day tour of Belize.

Ambergris Caye: This island is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches and crystal clear waters. It’s a great place for snorkeling and diving. There are many tours from Ambergis Caye.

Belize Barrier Reef: The Belize Barrier Reef is the second largest coral reef in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It offers some of the best snorkeling and diving opportunities in the country. The Belize Barrier Reef is the second largest coral reef in the world, spanning over 190 miles. It is home to a diverse range of marine life, including over 500 species of fish, as well as sharks, sea turtles, and dolphins.

Great Blue Hole: The Great Blue Hole is a giant sinkhole located in the Belize Barrier Reef. It is over 1,000 feet in diameter and over 400 feet deep. It is a popular spot for diving and is home to a variety of marine life, including giant groupers and reef sharks.

Caye Caulker: This small island is known for its laid-back atmosphere and offers plenty of opportunities for water activities, such as snorkeling, diving, and fishing.

San Ignacio: San Ignacio is a town located in the Cayo District of Belize and is a great place to explore Mayan ruins, such as the ancient city of Xunantunich.

Lamanai: Lamanai is another ancient Mayan city located in northern Belize. Visitors can explore the ruins and climb the temples for stunning views.

Belize City: Belize City is the largest city in Belize and the country’s main port. Visitors can explore its historic sites and museums, such as the Belize Museum and the Government House.

Rio on Pools: Located in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, Rio on Pools offers a series of waterfalls and natural swimming pools.

Hopkins: Hopkins is a small Garifuna village located on the coast of Belize. It’s a great place to experience Garifuna culture and cuisine, as well as relax on the beach.

Actun Tunichil Muknal is a cave system located in the Cayo District of Belize. It is home to ancient Mayan artifacts and human remains, as well as a variety of stalactites and stalagmites.

Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary: The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is a nature reserve located in southern Belize. It is home to the world’s first jaguar preserve, as well as a variety of other wildlife, including monkeys, tapirs, and over 290 species of birds.

Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve: The Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve is a natural wonder located in western Belize. It is home to a variety of waterfalls, such as the Rio on Pools, as well as a variety of wildlife, including jaguars, tapirs, and howler monkeys.

Caracol: Caracol is an ancient Mayan city located in the Chiquibul Forest Reserve of Belize. It is one of the largest Mayan cities ever discovered and is home to a variety of ruins, including the impressive Caana temple.

Barton Creek Cave: Barton Creek Cave is a cave system located in western Belize. It is home to a variety of stalactites and stalagmites, as well as ancient Mayan artifacts, such as pottery and skeletons. Visitors can explore the cave on a canoe tour.

Things to do with Kids in Belize

1. Explore Mayan ruins: Belize is home to several Mayan ruins, such as Caracol and Xunantunich. These sites offer a great opportunity for families to learn about the ancient civilization and explore the ruins.
2. Go snorkeling or diving: Belize has the second largest barrier reef in the world, offering some of the best snorkeling and diving opportunities in the Caribbean. There are several tour operators that offer family-friendly trips, with guides who can help children and beginners feel comfortable in the water.
3. Visit the Belize Zoo: The Belize Zoo is a great destination for families, offering the chance to see a variety of animals native to Belize, including jaguars, tapirs, and howler monkeys.
4. Explore the jungle: Belize is home to vast tracts of jungle, which can be explored through guided tours. Families can hike through the jungle, spot wildlife, and even go ziplining through the canopy.
5. Relax on the beach: Belize has some beautiful beaches, such as Placencia and Ambergris Caye. Families can relax on the beach, build sandcastles, and enjoy water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding.
6. Visit a chocolate factory: Belize is known for its high-quality chocolate, and several chocolate factories offer tours where families can learn about the chocolate-making process and even make their own chocolate.
7. Take a river tour: Families can take a river tour on the Belize River, where they can spot wildlife like crocodiles, iguanas, and birds.
8. Visit a butterfly farm: Belize has several butterfly farms, where families can learn about the life cycle of butterflies and see them up close in their natural habitats.
9. Go horseback riding: Several tour operators offer horseback riding tours through the jungle, which can be a fun and unique way to experience Belize’s natural beauty.
10. Learn about Garifuna culture: The Garifuna people are an indigenous group in Belize, and families can learn about their culture through cultural tours, music and dance performances, and traditional meals.
11. Take a food tour: Take in the smells and tastes of Belize on a fun food tour to try new and exotic things.

Family Resorts in Belize

1. Chabil Mar: Chabil Mar is a luxury beachfront resort located in Placencia, Belize. It offers a range of family-friendly amenities, including a swimming pool, private beach, and on-site restaurant. The resort also offers activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, and fishing.
2. Hamanasi Adventure & Dive Resort: Hamanasi Adventure & Dive Resort is located in Hopkins, Belize, and offers a range of family-friendly activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, and jungle excursions. The resort also has a swimming pool, on-site restaurant, and family suites with separate sleeping areas for children.
3. Coco Plum Island Resort: Coco Plum Island Resort is located on a private island off the coast of Belize and offers a range of family-friendly activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding. The resort also has a swimming pool, on-site restaurant, and family cottages with separate sleeping areas for children.
4. Belizean Dreams Resort: Belizean Dreams Resort is located in Hopkins, Belize, and offers a range of family-friendly activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, and jungle excursions. The resort also has a swimming pool, on-site restaurant, and family suites with separate sleeping areas for children.
5. Victoria House Resort & Spa: Victoria House Resort & Spa is located on Ambergris Caye, Belize, and offers a range of family-friendly activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, and fishing. The resort also has a swimming pool, on-site restaurant, and family suites with separate sleeping areas for children.
6. Sleeping Giant Rainforest Lodge: Rustic-chic jungle lodge within a gorgeous mountainous rainforest offering refined quarters, pool, hot tub & an upscale restaurant.
7. Vacation Homes: There are so many GORGEOUS large homes for large groups and families in Belize. This is a great option if you’re looking for more space, privacy and want your group to be together in a shared space.

Is Belize Safe?

Belize is generally considered a safe country for tourists, but like any other country, it is important to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings. The CDC advises travelers to Belize to take precautions against mosquito-borne illnesses, such as dengue fever and Zika virus, and to be aware of the risk of food and waterborne illnesses. Travelers should also be aware of the potential for violent crime and take precautions to protect themselves, such as avoiding walking alone at night in urban areas and not displaying signs of wealth. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind while visiting Belize:

1. Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night and in less populated areas.
2. Keep your valuables secure and out of sight, and avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
3. Use reputable tour operators and transportation companies, and avoid using unlicensed taxis.
4. Avoid walking alone at night, especially in urban areas.
5. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry or other valuables while in Belize.
6. Be cautious when swimming or snorkeling in the ocean, and always follow the advice of local guides and officials.
7. Be aware of the risk of dengue fever and other mosquito-borne illnesses, and take precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
8. Respect local customs and traditions, and avoid engaging in any activities that could be considered disrespectful or offensive.