Sports and leisure activities Belize

Budget & Tips

It may seem expensive to spend a few days on one of the marvellous islands that dot the barrier reef, but in doing so you'll often have free access to numerous activities such as kayaking, snorkelling and even sometimes, as on Ray Caye for example, a range of water toys available to guests. Excursions on the mainland are quite expensive, as they are usually guided by a professional, but they can also be made with your own vehicle, which represents a considerable saving. Divers should expect to pay at least US$ 375 to discover the Great Blue Hole...

If you stay next to Lamanai, at the Lamanai Outpost lodge, you'll have the chance to visit the Mayan city early in the morning, before the tourists arrive - an experience that alone is worth spending at least one night there.

What's very local

Depending on the region you visit, you'll find that each community has its own rest day habits. The Garifunas are passionate about music, mainly percussion, and can spend an entire Sunday playing or listening to Punta rock, a music invented in Dangriga by Pen Cayetano, whom you can visit in his Dangriga art gallery. The Mayans, meanwhile, will probably spend their free days in the wilderness, while the Mennonites will of course attend mass in full regalia on their horse-drawn carts. Discovering the leisure activities of each community is an excellent way to get to know the country.

Your documents please

For diving, don't forget your medical certificate to avoid having to consult a doctor on site, which could cost you quite a bit. Don't forget to bring your logbook and certifications to avoid having to go through an evaluation dive.

Forcar rentals, your national license will suffice if you're staying less than 3 months.

If you wish to rent a boat without a captain, which is difficult to find, it's best to carry a coastal or offshore license, and above all to be able to justify your experience. However, given the importance of the barrier reef, it's best to hire the services of a captain.

To be booked

Diving trips and guided tours must be booked in advance, as they are very popular and places are often limited.

Main events

Chocolate fans, don't miss the Chocolate Festival of Belize in May, an opportunity to sample the many delicious artisan chocolates available throughout the country, particularly in the Punta Gorda and San Ignacio regions, home to the Mayans, who have been chocolate specialists for centuries.

Tourist traps

As the Great Blue Hole is one of the country's major attractions, some operators mislead you on prices and pass themselves off as authorized centers when in fact they are simply subcontracting this service. Be careful and check prices before signing.