The Caribbean's Best Kept Secret: La Isla Bonita, Belize

Snorkel or dive the barrier reef

The coast of Belize is home to the world’s 2nd largest barrier reef, after Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. The crystal-clear waters surrounding the Cayes are home to sea turtles, dolphins, manatees, spotted sting rays, nursery sharks and vibrant colorful fish. We loved Inland & Sea Tours, a locally owned and operated tour company that employs several expert guides. The guides will take you out to Hol Chan Marine Reserve and the coral gardens that make up the reef, with stops at shark and ray alley and the manatee wildlife sanctuary.

Spend the day at the neighboring island Caye Caulker

The main port in Caye Caulker has a more laid-back vibe than San Pedro. On a weekend, you’ll see locals drinking Belican beers on the dock, grilling on the side of the dirt road and hanging out waist-deep in the water. While there’s not much to do on this little island with only two streets (front and back), there is so much about this island to appreciate. I recommend dedicating at least one full day to hanging out and meeting the locals, trying some incredible grilled seafood, enjoying a drink in a hammock or a picnic bench while sipping a cocktail or just enjoying the warm water.

Don't miss it: In the early evenings, sting rays come to the shore at the back of the island for feeding time. If you stand knee-deep in the water, they’ll nestle up against your leg and let you pet their backs (this is the one place it’s okay to touch wildlife).

Visit the iconic Blue Hole

If you’re adventurous (and certified), you can dive the blue hole. If you prefer to appreciate this natural mystery from afar, local airlines also run fly-over tours. The price is steep at around $200, but it’s worth it in my opinion.

Take a five-stop food tour in San Pedro

Visit the best local spots with Belize Food Tours. If you’re not already in love with this island for the weather, the water or the people, you’ll fall in love with the food. This food tour was so good, I came back years later to do it again (and it did not disappoint). Tour guides Melva and Norma are so nice and make the tour that much more fun and inviting.

Chocolate-making class

Take a chocolate-making class at Belize Chocolate Company. Chocolate and the beach. Need I say more.

Local markets

Shop the local markets. Here you’ll find all different kinds of handmade goods, including woven tote bags, wood carvings, hot sauce and tasty treats.

Day trip

Visit the Mayan Ruins: The small country of Belize is dotted with ancient Mayan archeological sites. Three of these sites you can visit on your own or as part of a tour on a day trip from Belize City or the island. There is Altan Ha, Lamanai and Xunantunich, although you’ll have to make your way back to the mainland. It may be worth spending your first night in Belize City and doing this the first day of your trip. Altan Ha is easiest to get to from San Pedro. There are plenty of tour companies that will take you there from the island. I personally recommend making the trek to Lamanai and opting to travel by boat on a wildlife river cruise. You can do a self-guided tour and walk the small museums at the entrance of these uncovered ruin sites. Tour guides provide a rich history of the Mayan people, their customs and how Belizean culture is still influenced today.

In truth, I go to Belize to eat. Everything. Yes, the beautiful weather and turquoise waters are nice, but the food is incredible. In terms of Latin/Caribbean cuisine, I have yet to travel somewhere that does it better. Everywhere you go, you get the freshest seafood and the most flavorful sauces. I came home with three large bottles of Belizean hot sauce.

The best spots for elevated dining

Pro tip: Make reservations a day or two before via WhatsApp.

• El Fogon: This restaurant has been family-owned for generations. What started as an open-air restaurant that consisted of a fire pit and four picnic tables has expanded, as has its appeal. You must try the conch fritters while you’re there!

• Elvi’s Kitchen: My personal favorite and arguably the most famous on the island. Known for their craft cocktails made with local seasonal ingredients, coconut curry and seafood specials.

• Caramba: Caramba is situated on a vibrant street with lights strung overhead and music playing from the cigar shop across the way. On the weekends, everyone is lined up outside the restaurant to select the best piece of fish, which the chef will prepare for you inside, however you’d like.

The best local spots for cheap eats that don’t disappoint

• Fry Jack House: Every Belizian breakfast is accompanied by fry jacks, but this place makes the best ones. A local couple decided to open this place designed for locals to enjoy their favorite treat during the pandemic. It became so successful that they’ve decided to keep it going. You can get a fry jack for any meal of the day — a classic breakfast (similar to a breakfast burrito), one filled with chicken for lunch/dinner and a trio of sweet fried pastries with different toppings for dessert.

• Big Taste: A local mother and daughter duo recently re-opened this place after losing their original space during covid. Big Taste has locals lining up for Mama Taste’s daily lunch specials. And at night, the crowds come for the Birria en Queso or Pibil tacos.

• Pupuseria Salvadoreno: The island's locals have adopted this El Salvadorian specialty as an essential part of their cuisine on the island.

The best spots for the vibes

• Gill E’s Pour House: Gill E’s is where you can mingle with locals and sip rum punch with your toes in the sand. Go on Friday nights for a beach BBQ and live music.

• Ramon’s: This bar is a great place to enjoy a Belikin beer beachside. Their Pineapples restaurant comes highly recommended for special occasions, and is accessible for pickier eaters.