Tucked away on the southeastern edge of the Yucatan Peninsula, bordered to the south and west by Guatemala and to the east by the glistening Caribbean Sea, is a country that calls out to adventurers of all kinds. A small Central American country that has more unique and unforgettable sights than nations several times its size. The country is Belize, and this is where you come to grab life.
Where do you start when visiting a destination with such an embarrassment of cultural and natural riches? Maybe it’s best to just immerse yourself and dive right into the deep end. SCUBA diving and snorkeling are some of the best ways to see Belize’s beauty from below. Everyone from seasoned divers to first-timers flock to Belize to take in the vibrant wildlife and stunning formations in the warm, crystal-clear waters.
The country’s biggest (in size and in popularity) underwater destination is the Belize Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996. At 185 miles long, it’s the largest barrier reef in the northern hemisphere and is an entire world unto itself. It’s home to hundreds of species of plant and animal life, including corals, sharks, turtles, and stingrays. It’s also where you’ll find the Great Blue Hole, one of the world’s greatest geological wonders, with incredible rare fish and even submerged stalactites.
After exploring underwater, adventurous travelers can then head underground into Belize’s expansive cave system, consisting of thousands of magnificent caverns. You can climb, rappel, swim, and squeeze your way through these stone cathedrals, and even see evidence of the ancient Maya civilization.
If you wish to learn more about this Mesoamerica culture who called this part of the world home a few millennia ago, head above ground and investigate our ancient archeological sites. Many towering temples and other evidence of this incredible culture have been uncovered for visitors to appreciate and learn from. It’s a truly awe-inspiring and authentic experience for any history lover.
When you’re ready to step out of the past and seize the present moment, Belize offers more than enough excitement to keep even the most avid thrill seeker’s pulse pounding. You can hike up a rushing waterfall then come back down in a much more dramatic way by rappelling down. Afterward, get a toucan’s-eye-view of the jungle by ziplining majestically over the canopy.
Once you’ve seen Belize from above and below, don’t forget to explore from sea level. Kayaking, sailing, and canoeing are great ways to see the jungle and far-flung islands that other visitors might miss out on. Short excursions are available as well as longer chartered tours. And if you’d rather stay on solid land, use either your own two feet or a four-legged friend to hoof it to places only accessible by hiking or on horseback.
If you’re planning to visit Belize solo or with friends, family, or that special someone, you can tailor your experience to any budget and preferences. While it’s the perfect destination for rugged travelers, a more luxury experience is available for those that desire it. And of course, awe-inspiring natural vistas and pristine beaches are the perfect setting for a romantic getaway. If the kids will be joining in on the fun, Belize is safe and easily navigated for adventurers of all ages.
While we’ve tried to paint a picture of this unbelievably exciting and stunningly beautiful country, there’s nothing like seeing it in person. If this sounds like an adventure you crave, then book a trip, head to Belize, and grab life!
The editorial staff had no role in this post's creation.