available in Belize
offering Safaris
Reserves and Wildlife
Areas
Overview
Belize, located on the eastern coast of Central America, has the lowest population and population density in the whole of Central America. It is bordered to the north by Mexico, to the south and west by Guatemala, and to the east by the Caribbean Sea. Belize is known for its extreme biodiversity, from swamplands and beaches to forests and jungles, as well as the largest cave system in Central America. With its distinctive ecosystems and abundance of flora and fauna, Belize also encompasses a variety of national parks perfect for wildlife safaris.
Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the middle of the jungle, in the shadow of the Maya Mountains, and contains acres upon acres of tropical forest. Here expect to see a variety of big cats, as well as deer, the fascinating tapir and a large variety of neotropical birds, reptiles and insects. If you are extremely lucky, you may catch a glimpse of the elusive and endangered jaguar. Activities in the area include hiking, camping, birdwatching and river tubing.
Blue Hole National Park boasts unique archeological features such as the St. Herman’s Cave and the Blue Hole, which are connected by an underground stream. It also encompasses 575 acres of forest home to over 200 bird species. The Blue Hole was formed by the collapse of an underground limestone cave and now provides an exquisite cool, clear pool which is extremely popular with hikers and walkers. Other activities in the area include bird watching safaris, snorkelling and caving.
Whether you enjoy adventure, leisure, or both, the Mayflower Bocawina National Park has plenty on offer. This park lies on the eastern end of the Maya Mountains and contains three major waterfalls: Bocawina Falls, Three Sisters Falls and Antelope Falls. Although at times hard to spot, wildlife in the area includes Baird’s tapir, jaguar, ocelot, deer and gray fox, as well as nearly 200 bird species and over a dozen bat species. In this park, visitors can hike along waterfalls or in search of flora and fauna, bird watch, zip line, or take part in waterfall rappelling.
Travel Seasons
- Dec-Apr – High Season. It is dry weather at this time of the year so a great time to travel. Be aware that this season coincides with the northern hemisphere winter and is popular with American, Canadians and European travellers.
- May-Nov – Low Season. This is the rainy season and it can get hot and humid. Most rain falls from June to October. The low season is a good time to take advantage of discounted rates.
General Information
- Capital city – Belmopan
- Currency – Belize Dollar
- Language – English, Belizean Creole and Spanish
- Size – 22,966 million km²
- Population – 387,879
Travel Insurance
- Travel insurance is essential for all international travel. Click below to find out more:
Travel Health
- The following vaccinations are advised for Belize: hepatitis A, typhoid, measles. Check with your doctor which other vaccinations you might need and make sure your routine vaccinations are all up-to-date.
- There is a low malaria risk in Belize, but they do have mosquitoes and ticks so precautions are advised.
- It is best to stick to drinking bottled water.
- Medical facilities and medical care in Belize is not always of a high standard so it’s important to have extra travel cover for emergencies.
Pros
- Fantastic diving and snokelling
- Underground rivers and caves
- Remarkable wildlife
- 25% of the land is protected
- 570 resident and migratory species from the coast to the deep forest, a birders nirvana!
- 3,000 year old Maya culture
- Belizeans are very friendly
Cons
- Can get crowded during peak season
- Local transport isn’t always reliable
- Walking around on your own is not recommended
Arriving in Belize
- Most tourists will arrive at Philip Goldson International Airport in Belize City.
Getting Around
- There are taxis from the airport to Belize City.
- You can rent a car at Philip Goldson International Airport and getting around is relatively easy. Hire cars are not that cheap but the alternative of domestic flights puts it into perspective. Watch out for erratic driving, flooding, speed bumps and potholes.
- Domestic flights are provided by Maya Island Air and Tropic Air. They are efficient and well priced with a selection of daily flights on small planes between the main centres.
- If you have booked with a tour operator they will more than likely have included all your ground transportation arrangements in the cost of your trip.
Visas
- For most visitors, visas are issued on entry and are valid for 30 days.
- A valid passport with at least three months left is required plus proof of return travel and funds.
- Further visa information can be obtained from from Belizean embassies and consulates as well as the Belize Tourism Board.
Belize Safaris
Belize Birding Safari
- 10 Days
On this action-packed birding safari in Belize discover tropical avifauna such as the rare crested eagle...
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Country:Belize,
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Departures:Year Round
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Length:10 Days
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Start/end:Start/end in Belize City International Airport,
Partners offering Safaris in Belize
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Guatemala
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