Belize
Belize packs a barrier reef, Maya ruins, rainforest and Caribbean cayes into a country the size of Massachusetts. English is the official language, which makes it one of the easiest places in Central America to explore. The Great Blue Hole, a giant marine sinkhole, is the headline act.
Why it is on my list
Diving the Great Blue Hole. It is a perfectly round hole in the reef, more than 400 feet deep, and seeing it from the air or from a boat feels like a different planet.
Best time to go
Dec to Apr: Dry season, with calm seas and the best conditions for diving and boat trips.
Apr to Jun: Hot, calm and clear, with whale shark sightings off Placencia around the full moon.
Jun to Nov: Rainy season and hurricane risk, with lower prices and quiet cayes.
Lobster season: Usually opens July 1 and runs to the end of February.
Where to stay
Caye Caulker: Laid-back, sandy and budget-friendly, with the famous Split.
Ambergris Caye: Beach resorts and the town of San Pedro.
Placencia: A long peninsula with beaches and a village feel.
San Ignacio: Gateway to Maya ruins, caves and jungle lodges. Chaa Creek is a well-known lodge.
Turneffe and Lighthouse Reef: Remote dive resorts for serious divers.
Getting there and around
Flights: Philip Goldson International (BZE) has direct flights from several US hubs.
Cayes: Water taxis run from Belize City to Caye Caulker and San Pedro. Small planes serve the cayes and Placencia.
Blue Hole: A long day trip from Caye Caulker or Ambergris, by boat or scenic flight. Allow roughly 5 hours with dives and snorkel stops.
Mainland: Buses are cheap and basic. Rental cars help for the interior.
What to eat
Rice and beans: With stewed chicken, a staple lunch.
Fry jacks: Fried dough for breakfast with beans or eggs.
Hudut: A Garifuna fish stew in coconut broth with plantain.
Conch fritters and ceviche: Fresh and local.
Johnny cakes and panades: Everyday snacks.
What to drink
Belikin beer: The national beer.
One Barrel rum: A local rum, great in rum punch.
Cashew wine: A fruity local specialty.
Fresh coconut and seaweed shake: Beach standards.
Don't miss
Great Blue Hole: Dive or fly over it.
Hol Chan Marine Reserve: Easy snorkeling with rays and nurse sharks.
Caye Caulker Split: A sunset gathering spot.
Actun Tunichil Muknal: A cave with Maya artifacts, entered on a guided trek.
Xunantunich: A Maya pyramid with a hand-cranked ferry crossing.
Placencia Beach: Quiet and golden.
Lighthouse Reef: Remote atoll with great diving.
Day trips and side trips
Altun Ha: A Maya site near Belize City.
Cockscomb Basin: A jaguar preserve and hiking.
Hopkins: A Garifuna village.
Lamanai: Maya ruins reached by river.
Festivals and events
Lobsterfest: Usually late June to July in Placencia, San Pedro and Caye Caulker.
Carnival: Usually in September around Independence Day.
Garifuna Settlement Day: November 19 with drumming and processions.
Music and dance
Punta: A Garifuna dance with strong drums.
Brukdown: Folk music from the logging era.
Soca and reggae: Heard at beach bars.
Nightlife
Belize nights are low-key and beach-centered. People gather at bars on the water for rum punch and live music.
When people go out: After sunset until 11 or midnight.
Where the action is: Caye Caulker's Split, San Pedro's beach bars and Placencia's village.
Good to know: Watch your drinks, and take taxis after dark.
Photography spots
Great Blue Hole aerial: A flyover is the best shot.
Caye Caulker Split: Pastel sky at sunset.
Xunantunich: Pyramid in morning light.
Placencia coast: Palms and sand.
Drones: Registration and permission are required for most flights, and the Blue Hole area is restricted. Check current rules.
Cost of living
Overall: $$$ compared with New York.
Coffee: $2 to $4.
Local lunch: $6 to $12.
Dinner for two: $40 to $80.
Beer: $3 to $5.
Mid-range hotel: $100 to $200.
Daily budget: $120 to $220, plus dive costs.
Belize is pricey for Central America, and diving and tours drive the budget.
Prices are approximate in US dollars as of 2026.
Working remotely
Wi-Fi: Good in towns and on larger cayes.
Coworking: A few spaces in San Pedro and Belize City.
Time zone: One hour behind US Eastern in winter, two in summer.
Visas: A remote worker residency program exists. Check current rules.
Nomad rating: 3/5.
Good to know
Language: English is official. Kriol and Spanish are widely spoken.
Currency: The Belize dollar, pegged at 2 to 1 with the US dollar. US dollars are widely accepted.
Plugs: Types A and B, 110 V, same as the US.
Entry for US citizens: Usually visa-free for up to 30 days. Check current rules.
Getting around: Taxis and water taxis. Ride apps are not reliable.
Tipping: 10 to 15 percent, check for service charges.
Water: Drink bottled water.
SIM/eSIM: Digi and Smart are the main networks.
Meeting people
Social scene: Friendly, relaxed and multicultural.
Apps: Facebook groups and hostel boards.
Etiquette: A friendly hello goes far. Ask before taking photos.
Stay smart: Respect reef rules, since the ecosystem is fragile.
Staying safe
Belize City: Keep visits short and use taxis.
Boats: Check operators, life jackets and weather.
Sun and sea: Use reef-safe sunscreen and drink water.
Diving: The Blue Hole is a deep dive, so only advanced divers should descend.