Belize tours

If you ask anyone on our Go Ahead staff, they’ll tell you: Belize is an underrated vacation destination not just in Latin America, but the world. There are so many hidden gems to experience in Belize. A few things you can do on Belize escorted tours, like our A Week in Belize: Ruins, Reefs & Rainforests tour, include:

• Exploring Maya ruins that date back to 800 B.C.
• Snorkeling along one of the biggest coral reefs on the planet
• Visiting a local orange farm
• Touring a Mayan chocolate factory
• Participating in an interactive Garifuna drum lesson, a UNESCO-recognized art form

For more things to do, check out 6 hidden gems to visit on tour in Belize →

To enjoy warm temperatures and clear skies, consider booking one of our Belize guided tours that departs between late November and mid-April, which makes up the country’s dry season. You might encounter larger crowds this time of year, but the pleasant, warm weather will more than make up for it.

Whether alongside your tour mates on a guided excursion or on your own during free time on one of our trips to Belize, here are some of the top attractions to check out on tour.

• Great Blue Hole. One of the world’s most sought-after Scuba-diving sites, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to underwater tunnels, rock formations, and caverns—and a can’t-miss for adventurous travelers on trips to Belize.  
• Hol Chan Marine Reserve. Wildlife enthusiasts won’t want to miss a visit to this sanctuary for stingrays, eels, sharks, and other creatures.
• Jaguar Paw Park. Adventurous travelers on tours of Belize love visiting this spot for guided cave-tubing tours.   
• Ambergris Caye. This 25-mile-long island off northern Belize’s coast is a popular spot for snorkelers, divers, and outdoor enthusiasts.
• The Cayo District. Located west of Belize City, this district is home to a grouping of ancient Mayan sites, butterfly gardens, and San Ignacio, a small town that’s home to restaurants and hotels.

Trips to Belize typically include outdoor activities, so pack accordingly.

• A swimsuit. For snorkeling, diving, sunning, and swimming at any of the beaches or reefs you might explore when you visit Belize.  
• Sun protection. Travelers on Belize tours typically spends lots of time outside, where the sun is strong and reflects off the water. Sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen (reef-safe, ideally) are essential for all Belize trips.
• Comfortable walking shoes. A pair of sneakers or boots will keep your feet comfortable for city strolls and rainforest walks alike.
• Light layers. Though days in Belize can be warm, nights can be cool when sea breezes kick in. Take a light jacket, wrap, or cardigan along for boat rides and alfresco meals.
• An underwater camera. To snap pictures of turtles, rays, and other aquatic life you spot while snorkeling or swimming.

One of the most exciting things to do on our Belize tours is trying local cuisine. Our Belize tour packages include visits to local restaurants, plus free time so you can follow your taste buds to local restaurants of your choice. Here are a few dishes to try.

• Beans and rice. A staple of the Belizean diet, this duo is often served with lobster, shrimp, or spiced meat, plus sides like potato salad and plantains.
• Belize fruit cake. This sweet and boozy Belizean treat is soaked in rum, packed with preserved fruit, and commonly served during holidays.
• Johnny cakes. Made with flour and coconut milk, these small cakes are often served for breakfast or lunch, along with toppings like refried beans, cheese, and meat. 
• Seafood. If you travel to Belize and don’t eat fresh seafood, did you really go? You can’t go wrong no matter what you order, but conch and ceviche are high up there on the must-try list of Belizean dishes.  
• Soursop. A fruit high in healthful properties and bursting with a sweet-tart flavor, the soursop is widely available in Belize and makes for some pretty delicious ice cream.
• Belikin beer. Though it’s not exactly a must-try food, locally made Belikin beer is a point of pride for Belizeans. It pairs equally well with spicy dishes—and spectacular sunset views.

Home to the world’s second-longest barrier reef, and some of the most sought-after snorkel and dive sites in the world, Belize is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers. But daredevils and adrenaline junkies aren’t the only travelers who can enjoy Belize escorted tours. Here, there’s something for travelers of all abilities and interests, from exploring Mayan ruins to spotting birds and other creatures in the country’s rainforests and reserves.

When it comes to spending money, remember that while credit cards are widely accepted, using them often comes with an extra fee. Conveniently for American travelers, both Belizean and U.S. dollars are accepted; just remember to clarify which currency prices are listed in. By law, the Belizean dollar is tied to the U.S. dollar at a fixed rate of two to one, respectively. Happy shopping!