Popular team sports
Soccer. Soccer is undoubtedly Belize's favourite sport. The country joined FIFA in 1986, five years after its independence. Its national team, nicknamed The Jaguars, has since won the unconditional support of its people, despite almost non-existent results on the international stage. A people eagerly awaiting their first qualification for the World Cup! In the spring of 2024, the selection was ranked 184th (out of 210), eight years after its best ranking (114th).
Basketball. Basketball is a very popular sport in Belize. Brought over from the United States, it has taken root in the country's villages and schools. As with soccer, the national team has taken part in several regional tournaments, but has never managed to enter major international competitions.
A paradise for scuba divers
With hundreds of atolls and islands to explore, Belize is one of the world's leading diving destinations. Belize also boasts the largest barrier reef in the Northern Hemisphere, considered one of the most beautiful underwater jewels on the planet. The Great Blue Hole was considered by Captain Cousteau to be one of the most exceptional sites in the world. Whether you're diving with a tank or just a mask and snorkel, you'll be able to explore the world's second-largest coral reef, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and come away with unforgettable memories. A must-do activity!
Other water sports on the programme
Inland. Inland, you'll also come across a few canoes, especially on the rivers around San Ignacio. Given the large number of rivers in the country, canoeing has easily found its place among the Belizean population's favorite sports. Several races are held throughout the year, the most famous of which is the Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge. Over a period of 4 days, participants must canoe 270 km from San Ignacio to Belize City. Mythical!
On the sea, the best place to practice water sports is on the island of San Pedro, which is very popular with tourists, but has the largest number of facilities. There are also a number of water sports centers on the coast, notably at Hopkins and Placencia Village. On the program: all motorized water sports (jet-skiing, water-skiing, wakeboarding, towed buoys, parasailing, etc.) of course, but also boat trips with or without skipper for days out at sea, barbecues and snorkeling in general.
A fishing destination
The year-round presence of experts from all over the world casting their flies in Belizean waters is proof of the particular enthusiasm for this small country with its highly favorable fishing conditions. Between the coral reef, the rivers and the swamps, the possibilities are extremely numerous. Whether it's fly fishing or big-game fishing, Belize abounds in exceptional spots where you can catch the rarest fish. Belize is home to some of the most famous permit fishing spots in the world, and is also famous for its tarpon and bonito spots, other fish that are the dream of many anglers. You can also catch more classic fish such as barracuda, dorado, tuna, swordfish, mahi-mahi and wahoo. All this, of course, in the postcard-perfect setting of the Caribbean Sea! The most popular spots are the northern cayes, such as Ambergris Caye, San Pedro and Caye Caulker. The best fishing seasons are from October to November, and from late February to mid-July.
Beautiful walks
Jungles and national parks are synonymous with hiking! Most of the country's lodges and hotels located near natural sites offer day treks to discover the country's flora and fauna. It would be a shame to miss out, especially given Belize's exceptional biodiversity. Even if some routes are signposted in national parks and other reserves, it's always better to set off with a professional guide, who knows all the paths to take and the dangers to avoid. The most beautiful hikes are in Chiquibul National Park and St. Herman's Blue Hole National Park, in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest, Cokscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary and Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, and through the country's great Mayan ruins (Xunantunich, Altun Ha, Caracol, Lamanai...).
On horseback. As you travel the roads of Belize, you'll be amazed at the number of horses lining the roadside. Equines are abundant in the country, and several lodges and hotels offer excursions into the Mayan Mountains on horseback.
The assault on caves and tunnels!
Caving. Belize is famous for its underground networks, once occupied by the Mayans, which are fascinating to explore in terms of both history and geology. The best-known sites are located in the Cayo district. These include ATM - Actun Tunichil Muknal, an ancient Mayan burial site, where you can still admire skeletons and ceramics laid down by the Mayans some 2,000 years ago. Barton Creek Cave, also used by the Mayans as a burial site, can only be reached after a one-hour canoe trip. The day trip underground to Crystal Cave, not far from Belmopan, is also worth its weight in gold.
Cave tubing. There's really no translation for this activity, which is great fun and requires very little effort. Many local tour operators offer cave tubing, so you'll have no trouble giving it a try. The idea is to float down rivers in large rubber buoys and then explore the underground caves. Fun and a change of scenery guaranteed! Excursions usually begin with a short hike to reach the river.
