9 Reasons You Should Add Belize to Your 2024 Travel Bucket List

Belize has long been a favorite of sun worshipers, divers, fishing enthusiasts, and those simply seeking to get away from it all.

Read on for nine reasons why you should include Belize to your 2024 vacation calendar.

1. Xunantunich 

The western Cayo District is home to several ancient archeological sites. One of the most impressive Maya sites, Xunantunich, features a 127-foot El Castillo pyramid sitting on a ridge above the Mopan River. This guided tour is the perfect mix of adventure and history, providing guests with an opportunity to learn about the culture of Belize. Guests can enjoy panoramic views of the ruins, Belize, and Guatemala from the top of the pyramid. Stay at Sweet Songs Jungle Lodge and horseback ride through the hilltops and valleys of the countryside to Xunantunich.

2. Ranguana Caye Day Trip

If playing castaway on a private island is on your list of things to do in Belize, Ranguana Caye is the perfect place. The 2-acre paradise is ideal for relaxing, snorkeling the Belize Barrier Reef, kayaking, fishing, and enjoying island-style cuisine to the sound of crashing waves. Bully’s Beach Bar has chilled cocktails and exceptional music to make guest’s island escape unforgettable.

3. SCUBA or Snorkel The Belize Barrier Reef

Belize has no shortage of incredible SCUBA diving and snorkeling sites, boasting the second-largest barrier reef in the world, the Belize Barrier Reef. The reef is home to vibrant corals and marine wildlife, including turtles, nurse sharks, and eels. PADI-certified guides ensure guests of any skill level feel comfortable and have the best underwater experience. Snorkel the Belize Barrier Reef right off the shore of your private island when you visit Ranguana Caye.

4. Drink The World’s Best Pina Colada at Hopkins Bay Resort

Nothing says Caribbean getaway like sipping on the World’s Best Pina Colada. Hopkins Bay Resort’s newly renovated restaurant, Rhum Shack, is conveniently located poolside, only steps from the beach. Guests can watch as their pina colada is freshly crafted with farm-to-table ingredients while relaxing under the warm sun for the complete tropical experience.

5. Garifuna Dancing & Drumming 

Music, song, and dance are essential to life in the Garifuna communities of Belize. Their music heavily relies on drums to lead the movement of dancers and the voice of singers. While drummers can be found all around the country, they are most prominent in the Garifuna village of Hopkins. Here, travelers can experience Garifuna culture and participate in traditional drumming techniques, dancing, and local cuisine. Visit Hopkins Bay Resort and pair your Garifuna drumming experience with a culinary adventure.

6. Fly Fishing & Reef Fishing

Belize is a mecca for travelers interested in fishing with spin, fly, and trolling available year-round. Home to rivers, premier flats, and barrier reefs, Belize has some of the most desirable fishing areas worldwide. The mouths of many rivers contain tarpon, snook, and jacks, while the flats are known for bonefish, permit, and barracuda. Find grouper and snapper near the coral reefs, or go deep into the Caribbean Sea to find sailfish, marlin, and pompano. Go fly fishing with Blue Horizon and try catching a Grand Slam, a tarpon, bonefish, and permit all in one day.

7. Ziplining

Experience the thrill of ziplining high above the South Stann Creek River and rainforest canopy with  Thatch Caye. Travelers get a bird’s eye perspective of the river canyon and surrounding mountains while local guides ensure comfort and safety. 11 decks and 7 lines allow travelers to spot exotic tropical birds, including endangered scarlet macaws, iguanas, and other jungle wildlife. After ziplining, cool off with a cave tubing excursion through the Mayan underworld.

8. Conch or Lobster Hunt

There’s nothing more satisfying than enjoying freshly made lobster or conch ceviche in Belize. The Lobster & Conch Hunt at Thatch Caye Resort and Royal Belize Resort creates an extraordinary catch-and-cook snorkel excursion. The adventure begins with searching for crustaceans and attempting to spear a lobster or conch with the help of an experienced guide. After snorkeling to secure your catch, relax on the beach while your meal is prepared. Lobster season is from June to February, and conch season is from October to June.

9. Carnivals 

September is always a wonderful time in Belize, marking the start of month-long celebrations of independence and life, beginning with Carnival Day on September 9 and ending with Independence Day on September 21. The annual Carnival Day is a multi-city event to showcase Belize’s rich arts and culture, featuring lively music, vibrant floats and beautiful costumes. Muy’Ono offers shuttles for guests to attend the parades from Turtle Island Resort and The Placencia Resort to make it easy for guests to enjoy the celebrations taking place in San Pedro and Placencia. Additionally, Thatch Caye Resort will host weekly Carnival Parades all month.