Where To Go in Belize? A Beautiful Paradise in the Caribbean
WELCOME TO CARIBBEAN PARADISE
You might think that Caribbean islands can’t be that different, but we found out that there are indeed significant differences. In the end, we were glad that we chose – spoiler alert – Caye Caulker as our base for the 5 days.
Let us explain why we answered the question, “Where to stay in Belize?” in that way.
OUR BELIZE HIGHLIGHTS
WHAT TO FIND HERE
CAYE CAULKER TRAVEL GUIDE
WHY TO TRAVEL TO BELIZE
Belize is located in the Caribbean region and is part of Central America. It has around 400,000 inhabitants and, with an area of 23,000 square kilometers, is roughly the size of El Salvador. The mainland stretches about 290 km (180 mi) long and 110 km (68 mi) wide, making Belize the country with the fewest people and the most space per person in Central America.
When we think of the Caribbean, probably just like you, we imagine sandy streets, palm trees, crystal blue waters, BBQ, the smell of weed in the air, and always smiling people. After our three-week, exhausting, and exciting journey through Guatemala, this was exactly what we were looking for – and we found it in Belize!
Though we only had 5 days in Belize, it wasn’t possible to explore the entire country, so we focused our time on Caye Caulker, one of its 450 islands, and it didn’t disappoint.
WHERE TO GO IN BELIZE
Especially during a shorter stay, it’s important not to waste too much time on travel. That’s why Caye Caulker (pronounced “Key Caulker”) was the perfect choice for us. The good news for you is that if you’re wondering where to travel in Belize and arrive at the international airport in Belize City, you can easily reach the ferry terminal! From there, it’s only a 45-minute boat ride to Caye Caulker.
If you want to visit more islands, after your stay in Caye Caulker, you can take another ferry to San Pedro, famous from Madonna’s song “Isla Bonita.”Â
We decided to take a day trip from Caye Caulker to San Pedro. If you want to learn more about it, feel free to read our Belize Travel Guide.
GOOD TO KNOW
We arrived from Guatemala to Belize City. Entry by bus was seamless, and as of 2024, citizens of 106 countries, including the United States, Canada, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Mexico, and most European countries, can enter Belize without needing a visa. Ensure that your passport is valid for at least six more months, you have a return or onward ticket, at least one night of accommodation booked, and that your passport has a blank page. You can check it on this website.
Going back from Belize to Guatemala by is also straightforward.
In Belize, the official language is English, making it the only country in Central America where English is the official language. However, Spanish is also widely spoken, and many locals spoke Creole, a mix of English and African languages, as well as a few Mayan languages.
The currency used in Belize is the Belize Dollar (BZD). The exchange rate was around 2 BZD to 1 USD, but it’s always a good idea to check the current rates before your trip. This made conversions very easy for us, and USD was, of course, also accepted.
When is the ideal time to visit Belize? The best time to explore Belize is during the dry season, which runs from January to May. We visited Belize in September, and similar to Guatemala, we experienced some rainy days.
In Belize, the standard electrical voltage is 110-120 volts, and the frequency is 60 Hz. The country primarily uses Type A and Type B power plugs:
- Type A: Two flat parallel pins.
- Type B: Two flat parallel pins and a grounding pin.
If you’re traveling from a country with a different plug type or voltage, you may need a plug adapter and possibly a voltage converter.
Tap water in various locations in Belize is not always safe to drink, and we recommend against consuming it. We never tried the tap water because, especially in Caye Caulker, many supermarkets and restaurants sell bottled water.
Traveling in Belize can be safe, but like any destination, it requires some precautions. Here are some tips that we always respect:
Stay aware of your surroundings: Be mindful of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas or unfamiliar neighborhoods.
Secure your belongings: Keep your valuables secured and avoid displaying expensive items like jewelry or electronics.
Use reliable transportation: Take safe transportation options, such as licensed taxis, UBER or organized tours, especially at night.
Stay in safe areas: Choose accommodations in safe neighborhoods and read reviews before booking.
Avoid certain areas at night: Some areas, particularly in larger cities, can be less safe after dark, so it’s best to avoid them. Check before you go, where those areas are.
Be cautious with alcohol: We enjoy having a few drinks while traveling, but if you choose to drink, do so responsibly and avoid getting wasted.
