Belize is a country in Central America that is known for its nice beaches. It is actually the only country in the area with English as its official language, so it is quite welcoming for tourists that speak it. Belize also has a Caribbean coast that is a breathtaking sight. In fact, a large portion of travelers visit it for its stunning natural environment. Equipped with white sand beaches, pristine coral reefs, thriving marine life, the Maya Mountains and an extensive cave system, Belize is truly one of a kind.
Some of the most popular attractions in Belize are historic landmarks. Since Belize was the heart of the Mayan civilization, travelers can see ancient ruins that served as both ceremonial structures and even bustling cities. Tourists commonly visit the well preserved Altun Ha, Xunantunich or Caracol ruins. Belize is also home to the second largest barrier reef system in the world, the Great Mayan Reef. There is much more to do in Belize’s waters than a leisurely swim at the beach, especially due to its protected ocean and abundance of underwater creatures. Scuba diving, snorkeling, surfing, windsurfing, tubing, river rafting and jet skiing are the top water activities in Belize. Travelers will find that there is plenty to do in Belize, whether they prefer to see historic sites, immerse themselves in nature or simply lounge at the beach.
While Belize is a welcoming country with great features and locals, travelers should note that it is also a place that has less luxurious living. The economy in Belize is still developing and therefore it has a more humble tourism industry. In comparison to other destinations, Belize has quainter cities (though it’s worth noting that the nation is around the size of Massachusetts) which travelers may want to look into before visiting. Learn everything you need to know about Belize, including safety precautions and things to look out for.
Best Travel Advisories
Travel advisories provide the latest information on popular destinations. It is important to consider the health and safety implications that come with visiting particular places. Utilizing the leading platforms for travel tips, country health statistics and even crime rates can help travelers make wise travel decisions. In the travel world, staying informed means staying safe and comfortable.
For in depth information on local threats to safety, the U.S. Department of State and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) are reliable sources. On the Department of State’s travel advisory, Belize is listed as a level two destination. This means that travelers should exercise increased caution while in the country. Being cognizant of local crime is an important part of navigating Belize since there is an increased risk in certain areas of the country. The top safety concerns in Belize are violent (mostly due to gangs) and petty (theft) crimes. The CIA posts tips for travel on their world factbook, as well as other resources. Other resources include the website and address to the U.S. Embassy in Belize, which can serve as a place of refuge or assistance to travelers.
Local health and potential health threats are also a concern when traveling. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) provides travel health notices and detailed lists of vaccines and medicines that travelers may need. Any local diseases or preventable illnesses can be found on their website, as well as the most up to date tips for travelers to stay healthy while in particular countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) has a location in Belize and it even provides health statistics and travel advice.
Is Belize Safe for Tourists and Solo Travelers?
Belize is technically a pretty safe place to visit. Although it is not the safest place to visit in Central America, tourists usually feel comfortable while there. Solo travelers are safe in Belize but are advised to take extra precautions to ensure they are comfortable. As the Department of State recommends, travelers should always stay informed and assess the overall safety of their travel destinations.
The crime in Belize does not particularly impact tourists, but it can discourage travelers from visiting if they do not feel comfortable. Crime in Belize mainly concerns tourists due to the possibility of pickpocketing, scams or violence. Tourists generally may only experience violent crimes like muggings or robberies in public places. Although some instances occur, it is not incredibly common for tourists to be targeted for these crimes. Scams that occur in Belize include tour guide, taxi and picture scams. Tour guide scams occur when uncertified locals offer tours to unknowing tourists and charge exuberant amounts.
Taxi and picture scams are much more common since many tourists verify their tour guides beforehand. Taxi scams aim to rip off tourists by informing riders that their meter is broken and charging inflated fares. Picture scams are similar since they are opportunistic. This common scam is when a local asks for a tourist to take their photo and then “accidentally” drops their own phone/camera, only to blame the tourist and demand they pay for it. But, in general, tourists that are cautious tend to avoid incidents that may impact their trip.
How to Stay Safe in Belize
There are some precautions that travelers should take to stay safe and minimize threats while in Belize. It is generally advised that people traveling throughout Belize do not carry large sums of money. If travelers have bank cards on their person, they should always be secured. Some travelers prefer to just leave extra cash or other valuables in their accommodations safe, just to ensure they do not fall victim to theft. Anything of great value should not be flaunted on the streets. Violent crime occurs at night in Belize, so at night travelers should either amplify their safety precautions or possibly stay indoors. Tourists should stay alert while out and about, as pickpocketing goes up in tourist areas during high season.
Transportation safety is quite important for tourists navigating Belize. The roads in Belize are not the safest, although they are not considered to be dangerous. The poor infrastructure of Belize’s roads (particularly in rural areas) means that travelers are better off taking public transportation. Poor lighting, roaming animals and vehicles that are not in the best condition are all conditions that make driving around Belize not the safest for travelers. When riding public transportation, travelers should simply verify certifications and only ride with modern vehicles. Other than those basic precautions, travelers should secure their possessions, be sure not to fall asleep on public transportation and avoid riding alone at night.
Where to Stay in Belize
In Belize, the most crime occurs in the city. So, travelers will notice that while Belize City is nice, because it is a central hub it can be considered a metropolitan area that might pose a threat. Travelers should aim to stay in areas of Belize that are easily accessible and have a healthy amount of other tourists around. The best areas for travelers are Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker and Placencia. Placencia is one of the most visited seaside destinations in Belize.
Ambergris Caye is one of Belize’s largest islands and it attracts travelers that want to relax in sophistication. Caye Caulker, on the other hand, offers travelers a chill environment where they can enjoy a budget vacation. All of these areas are great options for tourists who want to avoid danger and trouble in Belize. Travelers should avoid staying in areas of southern Belize because gang activity is more common in those parts. Luckily, southside areas (like past Fabers Road) do not overlap with the more tourist-friendly areas of Belize. Places that are isolated should be avoided by travelers, especially if it is a traveler’s first time in Belize.
Best Time to Visit Belize
The best time to visit Belize is between January and May. This is the shoulder season, which has a lower volume of tourism (say goodbye to crowds) and cheaper travel costs. The weather in Belize is best from December to April, when it is the dry season. Travelers can enjoy prime weather during this time that sets the scene for sunbathing and beach going. The rainiest month is October and the hottest month in Belize is August, so travelers should plan accordingly.
People Also Ask
Is vacationing in Belize affordable? Travelers will not break the bank visiting Belize, since the cost of living is significantly lower than many other destinations.
Is Belize safe for foreigners? Yes, although travelers should take extra precautions to secure their safety.