Belize volunteering guide
From IDing sea turtles to building boardwalks – read our guide to find out more.
Belize travel advice
Packing tips
Adam Roberts from Exodus Travels, our leading small group tour operator to Belize:
“Pack your swimming costume as a trip to Belize isn't complete without getting wet a few times! Whether you choose to scuba dive at the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, wade through the eerie Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) cave system, or snorkel in the protected Hol Chan Marine Reserve, there are abundant opportunities for underwater exploration.”
“Pack your swimming costume as a trip to Belize isn't complete without getting wet a few times! Whether you choose to scuba dive at the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, wade through the eerie Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) cave system, or snorkel in the protected Hol Chan Marine Reserve, there are abundant opportunities for underwater exploration.”
Dan Hancock, from our supplier Audley Travel:
“Take a good torch – great for spotting the wildlife at night and helping to take some good photos when the light is dim. Take insect repellent, a hat and plenty of sun-cream.”
“Take a good torch – great for spotting the wildlife at night and helping to take some good photos when the light is dim. Take insect repellent, a hat and plenty of sun-cream.”
Wildlife tip
Adam Roberts from our supplier, Exodus:
“Be sure to stay at least one night in a wildlife sanctuary, and brush up on your bird knowledge in advance! The Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary comes recommended and is located in a wetland area that provides habitat for almost 300 species of bird, including the migratory Jabiru stork. Crocodiles, monkeys, otters and freshwater turtles can also be spotted here.”
“Be sure to stay at least one night in a wildlife sanctuary, and brush up on your bird knowledge in advance! The Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary comes recommended and is located in a wetland area that provides habitat for almost 300 species of bird, including the migratory Jabiru stork. Crocodiles, monkeys, otters and freshwater turtles can also be spotted here.”
Culture tips
Polly Alford, from our supplier ReefCI:“People speak English and most people are very friendly and generally want to help. Try and sample local music and culture, most places will have some Garifuna or Creole drumming playing somewhere close! Try the Marie Sharp’s hot sauce, it is a perfect complement for rice and beans!!!”
Itinerary tips
Polly Alford, from our supplier ReefCI, a marine conservation vacation specialist based in Belize:“Personally I love the coral cayes and the diving, especially the wall dives. Go swimming with whale sharks!!! Placencia is my favourite beach town, it has a Caribbean, laid back feel and at the same time there is a lot of choice of restaurants, bars, tours etc. and more laid back and less touristy than San Pedro, Ambergris caye. Try and do as much of the country as you can and get off the beaten track! It is a small country and has a great internal plane system and bus service. The Southern cayes and Southern Belize are still undiscovered and not spoiled by tourism.”
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2023: 19 Nov
2024: 14 Jan, 21 Jan, 10 Mar, 31 Mar, 27 Oct, 10 Nov, 17 Nov, 18 Dec
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Belize travel advice
At Responsible Travel, we think the best people to advise our travelers are often... other travelers. They always return from our tours with packing tips, weather reports, ideas about what to do - and opinions about what not to.
We have selected some of the most useful Belize travel advice that our guests have provided over the years to help you make the very most of your vacation.
We have selected some of the most useful Belize travel advice that our guests have provided over the years to help you make the very most of your vacation.
Heard Howler monkeys every morning. The island is small, but doesn't feel cramped. Be open to new people and appreciate the beauty and remoteness of it.![]()
– Michelle Lamarca
“Southern Belize is a very chilled and relaxed place, be prepared to live the motto 'go slow’.” – Karen Whitham on a marine conservation vacation in Belize
“Be aware that menu prices (and, I guess some accommodation tariffs) do NOT include a 12.5% Government tax and an optional 10% service charge. I have no problem with the service charge… but it does hike the prices up when - maybe - you weren't expecting it. My husband and I both thought it one of the best vacations we'd been on. Superb destination. Fantastic people. Great culture. Stupendous wildlife. I think I've overdosed on superlatives.” – Joanna Lloyd
“One week is definitely not enough. I stayed two weeks and wish I could have stayed longer.” – Ulrike Kachel
“Pack wet weather gear. It can really rain in Belize.”– Hilary Johnson
“Be aware that menu prices (and, I guess some accommodation tariffs) do NOT include a 12.5% Government tax and an optional 10% service charge. I have no problem with the service charge… but it does hike the prices up when - maybe - you weren't expecting it. My husband and I both thought it one of the best vacations we'd been on. Superb destination. Fantastic people. Great culture. Stupendous wildlife. I think I've overdosed on superlatives.” – Joanna Lloyd
“One week is definitely not enough. I stayed two weeks and wish I could have stayed longer.” – Ulrike Kachel
“Pack wet weather gear. It can really rain in Belize.”– Hilary Johnson
If you're looking to do some sort of eco-diving then I'd def read up on what fish and coral life there is in the caribbean beforehand – it'll benefit you massively when you're out there.![]()
– Richard Atkins
“Although the island accommodations are comfortable and the staff is amazing, this is not a high-end luxury trip. The staff takes good care of you, but there are a few (modest) inconveniences such as no WiFi during the day, limited fresh water and limited electricity. These are good things if you are trying to get away from it all, but would be a challenge if you are trying to conduct business. Let's face it, you should not be conducting business on a SCUBA diving trip in the middle of the Caribbean Sea, but if you want to do that, you should find another location. If you want to focus on diving with a great bunch of people, you can't do much better than this.” – Eric Strobel on a lionfish spearing vacation
“Don’t be put off by weather forecasts - the weather on the Caye is completely different to that reported for Belize City. The weather was fantastic. The only time it rained was whilst we were asleep.” – Faye Bennett
“Don’t be put off by weather forecasts - the weather on the Caye is completely different to that reported for Belize City. The weather was fantastic. The only time it rained was whilst we were asleep.” – Faye Bennett
Responsible Travel would like to thank Belize for their sponsorship of this guide.
More Belize articles
Wondering about the best time to visit? Temperatures are fab year-round, with refreshing rains starting in June.
Our guide reveals that it’s not all about the sea – there are also Maya temples, Caribbean culture and wildlife hiking trails.
Belize’s highlights are scattered across land and sea, with a jungle-lined coast, plus hundreds of cays and islands.
Read about the history, where to see the great sites, and what sort of adventures await on our Maya journeys in Belize.
Head south to Toledo on a Garifuna cultural vacation to meet this community.
Explore inland Belize with local guides who can illuminate the culture and beliefs of their communities.
Belizean cuisine reflects the country’s multicultural population and its magnificent Caribbean coast location.
As well as exploring the much celebrated marine life, wildlife vacations in Belize will take you inland.
Family vacations are so exhilarating and easy that many are hooked for life, thanks to the adventures at every turn.
Lionfish spearing in Belize tackles an invasive species causing serious destruction.
Diving and snorkelling helps conserve the world’s second-largest barrier reef.
Belize kayaking vacations can take you along jungle-clad rivers or along the Barrier Reef between idyllic cayes.
While it has plenty of paradise beaches, Belize is very much a honeymoon destination for adventurous couples.
An extraordinary array of birdlife, from kingfishers to hawks, can be spotted.
Marine conservation vacations in Belize all revolve around its Barrier Reef Reserve System.
Tailor made vacations in Belize give you more freedom in where you go, and what you do.
Read more about responsible tourism in Belize, where sustainability is taken seriously.
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