The Best Belize Travel Tips for Families

On the eastern coast of Central America, with Mexico to its north and Guatemala to its west, Belize is small compared to its neighbors but still manages to pack in plenty of adventure.

Snorkel in the Belize Barrier Reef, the second-largest reef system in the world and home to 500 species of fish. Spot toucans, panthers, monkeys and crocodiles in the dense jungles. Visit several Maya ruins to learn about the country’s ancient past. You can even learn to make chocolate from cacao bean to bar.

And, of course, so much of travel is the people you meet along the way. Belizeans are incredibly warm and generous, drawing from several backgrounds themselves. Most locals are Mestizo, a mix of Spanish and Maya heritage, who came from Mexico in the mid-1800s. Kriols, Maya, Garifuna, Mennonites and others make up the remainder of the country’s ethnic groups.

With nature beauty, wildlife, archaeological sites and welcoming people, Belize makes for a perfect family adventure with a little bit of everything. We spoke with our preferred travel partner in the region for insight into the best of Belize with kids. Ready to plan a trip? Contact us — our expert Family Travel Advisors can create a custom vacation just for you!

Belize Travel Tips: When to Go, Itinerary Ideas and More

What are some reasons families might choose Belize over nearby countries such as Mexico or Costa Rica?

Belize is a small country in both size and numbers, making it possible to execute a meaningful itinerary that includes reef and jungle within a week — all while having personal interactions with locals that can leave a lasting impression. Its current population is approximately 400,000, compared to Costa Rica’s 5 million or 128 million in Mexico. While Belize is no newbie to tourism, it has far less commercial infrastructure than its neighbors, which can make it still feel relatively untouched. (This means there’s not a single McDonald’s or other U.S. fast food chain across the country to date!) Plus, English is the primary language spoken in Belize, making it easier to communicate with others as well as navigate surroundings.

When is the best time of year to visit, and how long should visitors spend to get a good taste of what Belize has to offer?

The dry season, from November through May, is an ideal time to visit, with comfortable temps and only the occasional shower. February is usually the driest month of all.  The wet season is from June to October. That said, even during the wet season, the rain isn’t debilitating and can have its own charm with everything looking incredibly lush and green.

Is Belize a good fit for families with younger children, or best with older kids?

Most families heading to Belize are seeking soft adventure, including snorkeling, ziplining and cave tubing. Kids age 5 and up tend to enjoy these activities more, but it really depends on the individual family. But families with younger children can still visit and have more of a relaxing holiday compared to an active one. Belize is also a fantastic multigenerational destination and itineraries can be tailored to be as active or relaxing as required by the group.

To get a good picture of Belize’s natural beauty, wildlife and ancient past, how would you suggest setting up an itinerary with time at the reefs as well as jungle and Maya ruins?

A combination of 3 to 4 days inland followed by 3 to 4 days at the cayes (islands) serves as an ideal itinerary for families. Most international travelers arrive to Belize City International airport. A suggested itinerary could take a family by road and boat inland to the Lamanai area, where they can spot a variety of wildlife and also visit the Lamanai Archaeological Reserve, which is one of the best due to the sheer fact that so few people visit it.

From Lamanai, try cave tubing and ziplining experiences near Belmopan, followed by a flight out to Ambergris Caye for snorkeling and fishing. So much of these experiences for families come down to private transport and kid-friendly private guides who can manage the logistics and share their knowledge. Cave canoeing in Barton Creek is another great way to explore the caves.

What about the Maya ruins in Tikal in Guatemala across the border?

Many visitors to Belize do cross the border to visit the Tikal complex of Maya ruins, one of the most renowned archaeological sites in Central America. However, it is a 3- to 4-hour road trip each way, so it’s recommended that families spend the night in Tikal rather than try to fit it all into one day.    

Relevant Links: 

Browse all family-friendly accommodations and destination ideas in Belize on Ciao Bambino

Belize with kids: Ancient ruins and jungle adventures in a Caribbean paradise

Costa Rica off the beaten path: Our best kept secrets

Living la pura vida at the Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica

UnCruise Adventures review: Explore Panama and Costa Rica in casual small-ship comfort

Best things to do in Nicaragua with kids

Editor’s note: This post was accurate when published. We advise checking independently for the latest information and updates. Ciao Bambino does not accept responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in, or for any actions taken based on, the information presented.