When recommending Belize as one of our most wonderful travel destinations in Central America to our partners and clients, many people tent to only picture its Caribbean flavors, beautiful islands, and turquoise beaches. While these are undeniably remarkable, there’s so much more to Belize… So here are 5 must-see experiences every traveler should add to their Belize bucket list.

Ancient Maya ruins and archaeological sites, underground exploration, rich cultures and nature, and underwater worlds. It is a small country, but a stunning landscape that offers some of the most unique and immersive travel experiences in Central America that can be combined to create a truly unforgettable adventure.

1. The Garifuna Experience

Also known as Garinagu, they are a distinctive Afro-Indigenous people with roots on the Caribbean Island of St. Vincent. After being exiled to the Honduran coast in the late 1700s, many migrated to Belize, where their descendants still live today. Primarily a coastal community, but also thrives in towns and villages, making a living through fishing and agriculture.

Garifunas are soulful, and storytellers. Music and dance are their language, their culture is usually shared through drumming that plays a big part in their history. You can even learn to play traditional drums Primero and Segunda in a hands-on drumming lesson an extraordinary way to connect with their culture.

A Garifuna cooking class is another immersive way to connect with their traditions, plus you’ll learn to make hudut (a traditional fish stew with coconut and plantains, using authentic techniques that are passed down for generations).

Each November 19th, Belize’s Garifuna communities celebrate Settlement Day, a joyful event highlighted by drumming, dancing, and traditional food, all commemorating the resilience of the Garifuna people and their lasting cultural legacy. Visiting these communities offers a meaningful, authentic look into a part of Belizean history that’s alive, and eager to share its story with the world.

 

2. San Antonio Women’s Cooperative Experience – A Mayan Heritage

A unique visit to the San Antonio Women’s Cooperative in the lush Cayo District. Here, the remarkable Timotea Mesh and her all-female team welcome you to explore their traditions up close. Roll up your sleeves to try ancient pottery techniques, watch colorful Huipil needle work come to life, and savor a delicious Maya meal made from fresh, locally grown ingredients.

 

Connect with a community devoted to preserving its roots and empowering future generations. An experience of unforgettable stories, hands-on crafts, and the flavors of Maya culture and help keep these traditions alive!

 

3. Explore, Tube or Kayak Through Underground Caves

An adventure through stunning natural wonders shaped over millions of years. The Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) cave, known for its ancient Maya artifacts and human remains, is a must visit. Hike, swim through the cave and connect with its sacred history. Other caves, like Barton Creek and Nohoch Che'en, allow for kayaking or tubing through underground rivers to reveal dramatic stalactite formations and fossilized remains.

4. Tour an Ancient Maya Archaeological Site – The Maya History and Current Culture

Believe it or not, Belize is home to remarkable Maya archaeological sites and the ancient civilization's rich history. Places like Caracol, with its towering pyramid Canaa, and Xunantunich, known for El Castillo, reveal the Maya’s advanced architecture and influence in the region. Visiting these sites not only connects us to the Maya's incredible past but also celebrates their enduring legacy and vital role in Belize’s culture.

Consider a half-day chocolate tour in the village of Maya Center. Led by a Mayan family, this tour takes you through the full chocolate-making process, from the cacao farm to the finished bar. Along the way, you’ll get to taste fresh cacao, spot wildlife, and end the day with chocolate you’ve made yourself.

 

5. The Barrier Reef and The Best Snorkeling & Diving Sites

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the largest barrier reef in the Northern Hemisphere and a sanctuary for marine life. Stretching over 185 miles, home to over 500 species of fish, 100 types of coral and marine creatures.

Diving or snorkeling here offers an experience into an underwater world, with shallow mangroves, seagrass beds, and dramatic coral formations. This reef is a crucial part of ocean health and provides valuable insights into marine conservation and a reminder of the magic of nature and the importance of protecting them. Here are some of the main sites to explore for snorkeling & diving enthusiasts.

Hol Chan Marine Reserve & Shark Ray Alley: This is a beginner-friendly site with easy access to nurse sharks, rays and colorful coral formations.

 

Silk Caye: Perfect for all skill levels, it features gorgeous spots for shallow dives and encounters with nurse sharks, rays, and sea turtles.

Laughing Bird Caye: Reef and shallow wall diving; ideal for beginners and intermediate divers. This long, narrow island lies on a shelf atoll formation and hosts a wide range of marine life such as nurse sharks, angelfish, parrotfish and lobsters. Rich in soft and hard corals, with an especially colorful backdrop for underwater photography.

 

Turneffe Atoll: Known for healthy corals and sponges. Accessible for day trips from Ambergris Caye and Belize City but staying at Turneffe lodges offers the best access.

 

Fly over the Great Blue Hole or Dive into the unknown: A breathtaking underwater sinkhole, 1,000 feet across and 410 feet deep. It was formed over thousands of years, and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its crystal-clear waters and home to a variety of marine life. It's a top destination for experienced certified divers with unique views of ancient stalactites and coral. If viewed from above or below the surface, the Great Blue Hole is a stunning reminder of nature’s beauty and power. The true draw here is the descent into the dark blue depths.

At Travel Pioneer, we can help you create an off the beaten path adventure that can also be combined with some of our favorite Guatemalan experiences.