Exploring Belize: From Jungle Caves to Caribbean Cayes

Snorkel at Hol Chan Marine Reserve

I don’t think a visit to Belize would be complete without a boat excursion or snorkeling trip to Hol Chan Marine Reserve. Hol Chan is full of vibrant coral gardens and abundant marine life. You can swim among tropical fish, rays, and turtles.

The underwater world here is calm and colorful, making it one of the top snorkeling spots in Belize. Many organized tours start early in the morning, so bring extra towels—it can be a little chilly on the ride out.

This area can get crowded with swimmers and boats, so stay together and book with a reputable company. There are tons of options ranging from large group tours to small groups and private charters, though the private ones can be harder to find and are definitely pricier.

Swim with nurse sharks

If you’re staying on Ambergris Caye, your full-day tour will likely include a stop at Shark Ray Alley, where you’ll have the opportunity to snorkel alongside harmless nurse sharks in shallow water.

Or, if snorkeling isn’t your thing, you can watch (and even feed them) from the boat. It’s safe and surprisingly exhilarating.

Stingray Alley

This is definitely an experience. Southern stingrays swim around you in very shallow water, so watch where you step!

Visit Caye Caulker

Caye Caulker is a laid-back island famous for its motto, “Go Slow.” There are no cars here. I don’t even remember seeing golf carts. The island is famous for “The Split”—a narrow channel separating the north and south sides.

It’s a great place to stop for lunch or ice cream and explore local shops, bars, and restaurants serving fresh seafood right by the water. It’s also a quieter, more budget-friendly alternative to Ambergris Caye. If you’re there for the day or a few hours, there’s a few beach clubs you can visit, with the most prominent being The Lazy Lizard at The Split and the newer, adults-only Bounty Bay Beach Club.

Secret Beach

Or “not-so-secret beach,” as my children like to say.

This is a short-ish (and bumpy) golf cart ride and is actually a lively stretch with turquoise water, soft sand, and casual beach bars.

It’s perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and socializing with locals and travelers. You can rent beach chairs from many of the bars along the shore, and there’s even an inflatable obstacle course in the water.

You can also snorkel right off the beach, which is great—and not always the case in Belize due to the seagrass in some areas. It does get crowded, so try to arrive close to opening if you want to lock down your spot. Most bars and restaurants open around 10 a.m.

Cave tubing & jungle adventure

Belize is famous for its limestone caves. Many tours combine cave tubing with a jungle hike, allowing you to explore ancient cave formations, stalactites, and underground rivers.

Some tours also include zip-lining through the rainforest canopy.

This is another excursion that can get cold—you’re in the caves for quite a while. I’d skip this one if you’re extremely claustrophobic. I’m not super comfortable with small spaces myself, but I really enjoyed the tour and the team running it was phenomenal.

Keep in mind that these tours are really only practical from the mainland or Belize City. If you’re staying in San Pedro, you’ll need to factor in transportation, which can make for a very long (and potentially expensive) day.

Mayan ruins

Belize is dotted with Mayan ruins such as Altun Ha, Xunantunich, and Lamanai. You can climb ancient pyramids, learn about Mayan history, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding jungle.

Many tours combine river travel and hiking for a more immersive experience. Again, these are best done while staying on the mainland rather than from San Pedro.

Zip-lining & jungle tours

Several operators offer zip-lining through tropical forests on the mainland. You’ll fly above the jungle canopy, sometimes finishing with a splash in a river or cenote.

Some tours also include suspension bridges and hiking trails, or you can combine this adventure with cave tours and lunch.

Parasailing & water sports

For thrill-seekers, parasailing over Ambergris Caye gives you a bird’s-eye view of the reef, cays, and turquoise water.

Kayaking, paddleboarding, and even flyboarding are also available for more active travelers.

Final note

If you can, break up your trip by spending a few days at an eco-lodge in the jungle before heading to the island. There are some incredible adventures to be had. But if you’re not especially comfortable with wildlife, opt for more modern accommodations and avoid properties with open-air concepts and thatched roofs.

My daughter and I learned that lesson the hard way when she spotted a gecko in our villa and never fully recovered… at least not until we were “safely” back on the beach.

Ambergris Caye

I didn’t find the food here to be anything exceptional. Most of it was some version of greasy, fried bar food, with a few exceptions—so foodies may want to set expectations. That said, kids will probably love it.

• Elvi’s Kitchen: Classic Belizean dishes, seafood specialties, and great sunset views.

• Wild Mangos: Fresh, healthy options including ceviche and tropical smoothies.

• The Truck Stop
: A collection of food trucks with a variety of cuisines, which makes it a crowd-pleaser. Casual options like fish tacos, burgers, and BBQ. It often turns into a gathering spot with live music, picnic tables, and yard games.

• Blue Water Grill
: One of the more upscale dining options with a focus on seafood and Caribbean flavors.

Caye Caulker

• Lazy Lizard Bar & Grill: An iconic beach bar with casual food and fantastic sunset views.

• Eat Belize
: Local flavors in a cozy setting with excellent seafood and street-style dishes.