Incredible Belize

Central America's Best Kept Secret 

Belize is no ordinary destination - a still unspoiled wild destination, brimming with life and diversity. Full of national parks, marine reserves and wildlife sanctuaries, Belize has EVERYTHING that curious adventure minded travellers crave.

What Makes Belize Really Special

Belize has 3 of only 4 coral atolls in the entire western hemisphere. Turneffe, Lighthouse and Glover's Reef Atoll. Magic only begins to describe what it feels like to spend time at these incredible places. Belize's atolls combined with the Mesoamerica Barrier Reef System put Belize in a league of it's own amongst Central American destinations and the Caribbean as a whole.

And It’s Your Playground

The 165 mile Belize Barrier Reef System, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the longest barrier reef in the Western hemisphere. It encompasses seven marine protected areas, three unique coral atolls and hundreds of tiny islands or cayes (“keys” as Belizean's call them). There's something for everyone in Belize.

Belize is Much More than a Water Sports Destination

And it's all within reach. In a matter of a few hours you can travel from the coral reefs to the largest remaining tracts of undisturbed rainforest in all of Central America. An animal lovers dream - the diversity of bird life is world famous and the rainforests are home to jaguar, tapir, scarlet macaw, howler monkeys and much more.

Cross Cultures Easily

The only English speaking nation in all of Central America, Belize nestles between Mexico and Guatemala. Its 400,000 residents are a super friendly and dynamic blend of Creole, Garifuna, Mestizo, Maya, Mennonites, and Europeans.

Exotic music, ethnically diverse food, colorful influences, and a relaxed vibe don’t get lost in translation, but a shared common language fast-tracks deeper exchange, making every interaction richer.

Travel Back in Time

Belize was once the heart of the Mayan world. The region is thought to have been one of the most densely populated and culturally dynamic societies on earth. We can trace this ancient civilization through Belize’s more than 600 archaeological sites - living museums of a disappeared civilization.

Experience a new frontier of Mayan archaeology in the caves of Belize. To this day, archaeologists are discovering underground ceremonial centers which are helping to unravel the meaning behind sacred rituals and sacrifices. These sites are remarkably preserved and are like living museums complete with hand painted pottery, stone tools and carved alters - all thousands of years old. 

WHAT IS THE GEOGRAPHY OF BELIZE? 

Belize is bordered by Mexico, Guatemala, and the Caribbean Sea. The entire country is roughly 9,000 square miles. Belize has the second-longest barrier reef in the world (165 miles long). The land is flat at the coast and rises to 3,600 feet inland with the Maya Mountains. Jungle and rainforest cover the central and southern regions with predominantly dry pine savannah, Caribbean pine forests, and extensive wetlands in the north and west.

WHAT'S BELIZE'S CLIMATE LIKE?

Subtropical, with prevailing north-easterly trade winds from the sea. Temperatures range from 60F (16C) to 95F (32C). Belize's wet season is from June to October and the dry season from November to May. Although the best time of year to travel to Belize is through the "dry season", Mother Nature can be unpredictable. Northern Belize is considerably drier than the far south, which can receive upwards of 180 inches of rainfall annually.  

WHAT IS THE POPULATION OF BELIZE?

As of 2024, the population of Belize is 411,000 and made up of Creole (kriol), Garifuna, Mestizo, Maya, Spanish, Mennonite, European, East Indian, East Asian, Arab, and expats from the U.S.A. and Canada. Belize in general has a very young population with over 50% of the people under 18 years old.

WHAT LANGUAGES ARE SPOKEN IN BELIZE?

English is the official language and is widely spoken throughout the country. Other languages spoken: Creole, Spanish, Garifuna, Maya, and German. 

WHAT IS BELIZE'S CURRENCY?

The Belize Dollar has a fixed rate of $2BZD to $1USD. USD currency and travellers cheques in USD are widely accepted. Credit cards can be used in most shops in major towns and cities. ATMs are becoming more common in Belize but can be problematic at times.

WHAT POWER PLUGS AND SOCKETS DO THEY USE IN BELIZE?

Type A and B (110V AC). Same as the U.S.A. and Canada. No adapters needed.

WHAT TIME ZONE IS BELIZE IN?

Central Time Zone (CST). Belize does not observe Daylight Savings Time.

CAN YOU DRINK THE WATER IN BELIZE?

Belize does treat their tap water and most locals and expats drink from the tap; however, bottled water is readily available throughout the country. Safe drinking water is accessible throughout your Island Expeditions' tour. 

HOW DO THE TAXIS IN BELIZE WORK?

Taxis are identifiable by their green license plates. Be sure to agree on a price before starting your journey. They are non-metered and fares are generally standardized. Taxis from the Belize International Airport are a standard rate which is posted upon exiting the customs area.

DO I NEED TO GET ANY SHOTS BEFORE TRAVELLING TO BELIZE?

There are no endemic diseases. No inoculations are required for entry; however, we do strongly recommend you consider a Havrix injection for Hepatitis A (or Twinrix for both Hep A & B) and an up-to-date tetanus shot. Belize was certified Malaria-Free by the World Health Organization in 2023; however its good to exercise caution in areas with biting insects. Contact your doctor or travel clinic prior to traveling to Belize.

HOW DOES THE GOVERNMENT WORK IN BELIZE?

Belize is a member of the British Commonwealth, with a stable democratic government. Each of the six districts elect members to the House of Representatives. The current federal government is lead by the People's United Party (PUP) where Johnny Briceno is the Prime Minister. The United Democratic Party (UDP) is the official opposition.  

WHAT ARE THE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR BELIZE?

Valid Passports are required for entry into Belize.

For up-to-date information on entry requirements into Belize, please check the Belize Tourism Board's Website.

Please contact our office if you have any questions (1-800-667-1630) or the nearest Belize Embassy.  

CAN I FILL OUT MY BELIZE IMMIGRATION FORM ONLINE? 

Starting December 1, 2024, you can complete your immigration and customs forms online for faster processing at the Belize International Airport. 

Click here to access the form.

HOW DO BELIZE TAXES WORK?

General Sales Tax (GST) adds 12.5% on top of most goods and services within Belize.

Belize Hotel Tax adds 9% on top of the cost of most hotel nights within Belize. Some hotels charge 5-10% as a service charge as well.

HOW DO BELIZE DEPARTURE TAXES WORK?

By Air

All passengers are required to pay an international departure tax of $39.25USD. Most of the airlines now include these fees in their ticket price - please review your airline fare breakdown for more information. 

By Land

All travellers are required to pay an international departure tax of $20USD

By Sea 

All travellers are required to pay an international departure tax of $20USD

WORLD CLASS SNORKELING - REEL AND FLY FISHING - BIRDWATCHING (600+ species), SEA KAYAKING, SCUBA DIVING - HIKING - SAILING - STANDUP PADDLE-BOARDING - BEACHES - FREE-DIVING - SPEARFISHING - WATERFALL RAPPELLING - ZIPLINE - CAVING - FOOD TOURS -  HISTORY - CULTURAL EXPERIENCES - MAYAN RUINS - CONSERVATION - AND MUCH MORE...