5 Not-To-Miss Outdoor Activities In Belize

Xunantunich, an ancient Mayan temple

One of the main draws for travelers visiting Belize is the wealth of outdoor activities the country offers. With a rugged and mountainous mainland and islands lining one of the world’s largest barrier reef systems, Belize is a paradise for adventure seekers. Many travelers split their holiday in Belize up into different parts of the country, creating “jungle and reef” packages to experience the best Belize has to offer.

Curious what there is to do in Belize? Here are five of the most popular outdoor activities that you can include in your vacation itinerary.

Fishing

Whether it’s a morning of low-key reef fishing or prized deep-sea game you are after, Belize’s coastline and cayes are ideal for both casual and professional fishermen. Reef fishing is especially popular in spots like Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker. Fishing villages on the mainland like Hopkins and Placencia offer the best options for deep-sea and large game fishing. Die-hard fishermen will want to check out Whipray Caye Lodge – located eight miles of the coast of Placencia, this small private island is designed with serious fishermen in mind.

Waterfall Rappelling and Zip Lining

Head to Dangriga on Belize’s mainland and climb 1,000 feet to the top of Antelope Falls and Big Drop Falls. Here you can take in some stunning views of Belize’s landscape and then rappel 300 or 500 feet down the waterfalls. You can also combine your afternoon of waterfall rappelling with Belize’s longest zip line. There are 2.5 miles of zip lines over 12 platforms, and three courses with over 2,000 feet runs, with the longest being over 2,300 feet. And for a truly unique experience – try zip lining at night!

Scuba Diving and Watersports

With its proximity to one of the largest barrier reefs in the word, Belize is number one for divers and snorkelers looking to explore the country’s underwater world. The Belize Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, spans 185 miles of the country’s coastline, featuring countless dive sites both inside and outside the reef, including the world renowned Blue Hole. For those looking to experience life on top of the water, there are numerous other options like canoeing one of the inland rivers, kayaking the cayes, paddle boarding, relaxing on a sailboat, or try your hand at kite surfing.

Bird Watching

Over 500 species of birds call Belize home, making it a bird watcher’s paradise. Some of the best spots to catch both migrant and resident birds are Crooked Tree and the Belizean coastline. Even if you can’t devote a full day to bird watching, numerous other activities and excursions can result in spotting some of Belize’s notable species.

Visiting Maya Temples

Belize is home to a number of very important Maya temples and historical sites throughout the country. Often called the heartland of the Maya World, you could easily design an entire vacation itinerary centered around visiting all the Maya sites in Belize. Some of the most popular historical sites include Lamanai, Xunantunich, Caracol and Altun Ha.

Disclaimer regarding adventure sports: If you have a RoamRight Adventure Sports Vacation Insurance plan, benefits will be paid up to the plan maximum, if You become injured while participating in any of the following sports: mountaineering where ropes or guides are normally used (15,000 feet limit), parachuting, bungee jumping, snowmobiling,scuba diving involving underwater breathing apparatus, jet skiing,water skiing, snow skiing, spelunking, parasailing, and snowboarding.

Note: Available plans and coverages may have changed since this blog was published.