An adventurer’s paradise, the tiny Caribbean nation of Belize offers unparalleled access to the best of the natural world. A great abundance of species and an unfathomed diversity of eco-systems place Belize as a key contributor to the globally significant Mesoamerican Biological Corridor, an important migration route used by many Central American species.
With the second largest barrier reef system in the world (number one being the Australian Great Barrier Reef) stretching for 300 kilometres off its coastline, several ancient Mayan ruin sites and swathes of dense rainforest located inland, Belize has huge appeal to travellers looking for excitement and adventure and ideal for a luxury holiday. Coral-encrusted walls, manatee and sharks, and underwater sinkholes curate one of the world's most iconic dive sites, a great temptation for adventure-seekers. Over half of the country is blanketed in dense rainforest and over three quarters of this government protected, this expansive habitat is the ideal environment for wildlife to thrive in. Much of this forested area is unexplored virgin territory, particularly within the southernmost region of Toledo, and it supports five big cat species including the puma and jaguar. Armadillo, tapir, howler monkeys and crocodiles are also rainforest residents, as are over 500 bird species, including Belize’s national bird, the fruit-loop keel-billed toucan, the incredibly fast jabiru stork, hummingbirds, and the rare agami heron.
Over the 17 years that Natural World Safaris has been established, we’ve sent clients all over the globe, to some of the most remote and least travelled parts of the planet. We are well recognised as the leading experts in our field; our awards and press coverage pay testament to this. Our team of specialists have extensive on-the-ground knowledge in Belize and have explored the country from the thick jungles to the pristine beaches in search of the best wildlife encounters and natural world experiences. Our passion for unique wildlife encounters whilst travelling off-the-beaten path, discovering the unknown and unusual, is one of the many reasons we fell in love with Belize. With remote and pristine environments ranging from thick jungles to stunning beaches and colourful coral reefs, our safaris work hard to benefit local communities and enhance conservation efforts, preserving the pristine natural environment.
Typically, expect to budget around £6500 per person for a 12-day safari in Belize. This will generally include accommodation and meals, transfers, excursions and fluent-speaking guides. For a shorter 7-day experience, staying at just 2 properties on your trip, expect to budget £5000 per person.
The ultimate luxury adventure through the rainforests of Belize, explore the steamy jungle in the Orange Walk district and visit the ruins of Caracol and Rio Frio caves and pools. Arrive and depart from Belize City, heading straight to Placencia to unwind, snorkel and birdwatch around the grounds of your boutique beachfront lodge.
From 5800 per person
An exciting trip through Belize taking in historical sites, beach relaxation and a variety of activities including canoeing, snorkelling, cave exploration and more. Belize is a perfect destination for experiencing a huge variety of natural and cultural wonders, all in one compact country that makes exploration easy. From rainforest to reef, you will then explore the vibrant wonderland of Belize's cayes and atolls, with first-class diving and pristine beaches on which to relax.
From 5500 per person
Having remained relatively underdeveloped, Belize has established itself as an ecotourism destination, with excellently preserved natural resources to entice its visitors. Add to this a country size that is comparable to Wales making it compact and easy to travel in and a friendly, English speaking population and Belize certainly becomes one of Central America’s most straightforward countries to visit – perfect for honeymooners, active travellers and those looking for a great combination of reef and rainforest.
You may wish to include the following in your Belize itinerary:
Belize offers a delightful range of hotels, including popular ecolodges set in beautiful remote locations. Vast extensive jungles surround outstanding rainforest lodges, offering a relaxing retreat with neighbouring howler monkeys and incredible wild views. Along the coast and on the Cayes, you will find hotels with a good range of facilities for the ultimate relaxation and proximity to superb beaches and dive centres to explore marine life. Read more about our experts’ recommended options, but we can blend other options into your itinerary upon consultation.
The best time to visit Belize is in the drier season, between December and May. Being such a compact country, the conditions in Belize do not have marked regional differences, but there are a range of factors to consider when planning your trip. Generally enjoying a hot and humid climate year-round, the temperature rarely fluctuates more than 4°C at any time of the year and often exceeds 30°C, but there can be huge seasonal variations in rainfall which should be taken into consideration. Read more about when to go to Belize.
Dr Alan Rabinowitz was one of the world’s leading big cat experts; dedicated to saving the world’s big cats. His extraordinary story started in childhood, where difficulties he faced communicating with the human world led him to seek out the company of animals who became his confidants. A regular visitor as a boy to the Bronx Zoo, his promise to a resident jaguar there to become a voice for big cats became the foundation for a remarkable career.
Read more about Alan
NWS Tristan Heads to Central America for his Latest Adventure
Read about Tristan's AdventureTristan was absolutely helpful and answered any questions promptly and in the best possible way, solving any doubts. The whole experience was awesome. Everything went perfectly; pick-ups, transportation, and activities. The hotels were stunning. Surprisingly everyone was telling us how wonderful Turtle Inn would be and my husband and I fell in love with Chan Chich. The location and the safaris around it were wonderful. The morning monkeys hanging around our cottage is something money can’t pay. The snorkel was absolutely breathtaking with turtles, sharks, and stingrays swimming with us. Blancaneux is also a stunning site to stay. The people at the three locations were nice and personal. Loved it.
Belize was new to me and was a really interesting destination, with its variation in terrain, birding, activities and what to see. The trip was planned as much as possible to my wishes!
It was great that our Destination Specialist, Tristan, had been to Belize just before we booked and had up-to-date information on all the places we wanted to go to. The howler monkeys were fantastic and we also saw a lot of birds and a couple of crocodiles. The app worked fine – it was very convenient to have the documents on our phone – and all of the arrangements worked perfectly. Accommodation and guides were excellent throughout. The trip was tailor-made to our requirements and was just right!
Belize offers a variety of animals that can be observed when on a safari. Here are some of the animals you might have an opportunity to see:
Discover more detail on wildlife that you can see in Belize in our guide.
The best time to visit Belize is generally during the dry season, which typically spans from late November to mid-April. This period offers pleasant weather with lower chances of rain, making it ideal for outdoor activities, beach vacations, and exploring the country's natural beauty.
A recommended timeframe for a fulfilling trip to Belize is around 7 to 10 days, allowing you to enjoy a mix of beach relaxation, water activities along the Belize Barrier Reef, explorations of Mayan ruins in the interior, and cultural experiences in towns and cities. This duration provides a balanced and immersive journey, but adjustments can be made based on your interests, whether it's diving, wildlife, or more in-depth exploration of specific regions.
Belize is a family-friendly destination offering a mix of beach relaxation, water adventures, Mayan ruins exploration, and wildlife encounters suitable for all ages. Children can enjoy snorkelling, beach activities, and wildlife spotting, while older kids and teenagers might appreciate cave tubing, zip lining, and cultural experiences. Family-friendly resorts and accommodations make for a comfortable stay, and the country's warm hospitality and diverse offerings ensure a memorable and enjoyable vacation for the whole family.
Belize is generally safe for travellers, offering breath taking landscapes and cultural experiences. While the country is welcoming, it's important to exercise caution by staying in safe areas, using reliable transportation, and being mindful of your belongings. Practising health precautions, respecting local customs, and choosing a reputable operator such as ourselves for adventure activities contribute to a secure and enjoyable trip. By staying informed and taking sensible precautions, you can explore Belize's beauty and culture with confidence.
There are no direct flights from the UK to Belize. Travellers typically need to take connecting flights through major US cities or other international hubs to reach Belize.
Many nationalities, including citizens of the United States, Canada, the European Union, and several other countries, do not require a visa for short visits to Belize for tourism purposes. Visitors from these countries are typically granted a visa-free entry or a visa on arrival for stays up to a certain duration (usually around 30 to 90 days). However, visa policies can change, and it's important to check the most up-to-date visa requirements based on your nationality before you travel. It's recommended to consult the official website of the Belizean government or contact the nearest Belizean embassy or consulate for the latest and accurate information regarding visa requirements for your specific circumstances.
