Best things to experience in Belize

A vibrant coastal city that is a mix of Caribbean laid-backness and colonial architecture. Check out the colourful houses and bustling markets. Belize City is a good base if you want to explore Mayan ruins (which are in the mainland) or diving adventures (out in the Caribbean sea).

Bucket list list experience! The Great Blue Hole is a massive marine sinkhole located about 100km off the coast of Belize. It's a nearly circular underwater cave with a diameter of about 984 feet (300 meters) and a depth of approximately 407 feet (124 meters). In 1996, the Great Blue Hole was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System. Around the reef, you will see a huge variety of marine life including Caribbean reef sharks, nurse sharks, turtles, stingrays and tropical fish. Diving into the Blue Hole itself, however, is more about the experience of exploring and swimming among the stalactites. Visiting the Blue Hole is definitely a bucket list experience, with most tour operators turning it into a full day experience. It is a popular diving destination for experienced divers because of its depth and challenging locations. You can also snorkel in the waters close to the coral reef and spot sharks and other marine life from the surface. Another option is to book a flight tour for an aerial perspective (and fantastic photos) of the Great Blue Hole. This is on our to-do list when the kids are older and more comfortable being in wild water.

One way to get close to the native animals of Belize is to visit the Belize Zoo. These are animals that have been rescued or rehabilitated from the wild, and are in spacious enclosures that is like their natural environment. This is really fun experience, especially for kids, as they get to see animals such as jaguars, ocelots, tapirs, macaws, toucans and more. The zoo charges a higher fee for international visitors, but this is still a reasonable fee. I would recommend booking a Meet and Greet experience with either a macaw, a tapir or a jaguar (or all three), or try the guided night tour for a different experience.

An archeological site with Mayan ruins located in the Orange Walk District of northern Belize. The ruins have a number of significant structures including a towering temple, a smaller temple with the carved mask of the Maya rain god Chaak, a jaguar temple adorned with jaguar motifs and a high priest's house.

Meaning 'Big Man' in Mayan, Nohoch Che'en is a large network of limestone caves located in the foothills of the Mayan mountains. It is a popular destination for adventure seekers looking to explore this underground world of waterways and clear pools through kayaking or tubing. Another option is to zip-line through the rainforest canopy, with amazing views of the jungle and the winding river below.

*Not kid friendly! One for the physically fit, as you will be hiking, swimming, climbing, wading in the dark and squeezing yourself through narrow passes to get to an archeological site. Here you will see ancient ceramics and fully preserved skeletal remains from ancient Mayan times. You will need to book a tour to experience this. It is a whole day experience and the only way out of this natural museum is the same way you came in.

A impressive Mayan archeological site in the Cayo District of Belize. The name 'Xunantunich' means 'stone woman', probably referring to the legend of the female warrior who guarded the site. Xunantunich is situated on top of a hill looking over the Mopan River, with stunning views of the surrounding rainforest. The site has several significant structures including: - El Castillo. A 40m tall temple believed to be dedicated to the Maya sun god. - Temple II: Another impressive temple with a carved mask of the Maya rain god Chaak. - The Caracol: A ball court where ancient Maya played a ritual game. - A burial chamber. One of the largest Maya burial chambers found in the last 100 years.

Another beautiful island that is a day trip from the village of Placencia. Gladden Spit is an atoll and the Silk Caye are three nearby islands. This area is one of the healthiest parts of the barrier reef and you will find beautiful coral, with plenty of fish, turtles and nurse sharks. Gladden Spit is very popular in spring time (March to June) because over 30 species of fish come here to spawn. All this breeding attracts whale sharks (toothless filter feeders) who come to feed on the spawn. To protect the whale sharks, licensed dive operators are given allocated time slots to bring visitors to snorkel or dive with them.

This is a vast expanse of rainforest which is home to a large population of jaguars. In this reserve, there are many hiking trails (guided or unguided), waterfalls, jungle pools, beautiful scenery and small local wildlife. The chances of seeing a jaguar are very slim, but this is still a fun experience for an active family.

This ancient Mayan city in the Cayo District was once a powerful city-state, making it one of the most significant sites in the region. The city has impressive structures, including towering pyramids, a large ball court and palaces. A notable structure here is Canaa, a massive pyramid that is nearly 140ft tall, that you can climb for a view into neighbouring Guatemala. You can also find intricate carvings, hieroglyphics and other artifacts throughout the site. Its remote location and dense jungle surroundings add to the allure of these ruins, making it an unforgettable visit for history buffs.