10 Reasons To Visit Belize In 2023 | Hot Travel Destination Alert
Hottie alert: Belize is one of the top travel destinations for 2023. After visiting in March, we became convinced that this country’s popularity is only going to continue to take off. Below, we share the top 10 reasons to visit Belize in 2023, explaining exactly why we think this destination is the total package.
With crystal blue waters, near perfect weather, and incredible biodiversity, Belize is a destination worth keeping your eye on. In fact, you might want to plan your trip before this off-the-beaten-path country becomes even more of a hot commodity!
Ambergris Caye, Belize
Blue Waters Of Belize
Heads up: Links in this post are affiliate links. This means that if you click the link and make a purchase, we receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Your support helps us continue to travel the world and share our experiences, and for that we are forever grateful!
Table of Contents
1. Belize is a short flight from the U.S.
If you’re playing the field (meaning you only have 3-7 days to explore a new place) you need a destination that doesn’t require a full travel day just to reach. Belize is just a 2 hour flight from Florida, making it an easy connection from many places in the U.S. You shouldn’t have to spend too much of your precious time off on a plane.
Plus, flights to Belize can be affordable if you book in advance. We like to compare flights on Google Flights or Wayaway. Wayaway is a flight booking platform that gives travelers the best rates on airline tickets and other travel deals. Users who sign up for the WayAway Plus membership plan get additional cashback on bookings of flights, hotels, rentals, and more. Use our code (baggagegirls) for 10% off your Wayaway Plus membership!
Local Shops In Caye Caulker
Flying To Belize
2. Belize is small & easy to navigate
Belize is approximately the same size as Massachusetts, making it a pretty small country compared to its neighbors, Mexico and Guatemala. Once you fly into Belize City, you can take hopper flights or, in some cases, just a short car ride to reach your vacation destination.
What’s more, Belize offers a reliable transportation system that allows visitors to easily access popular destinations such as Placencia, the Cayes (islands), and the jungle in San Ignacio.
Placencia
- By plane: $150 roundtrip (15 minutes)
- By bus: $30 roundtrip (4.5 hours)
- By shared shuttle: $60 per person
The Cayes (Ambergris & Caye Caulker)
- By plane: $175 roundtrip (10-15 minutes)
- By water taxi: $59 roundtrip (60-90 minute ride), plus the price of the taxi from airport to water taxi ($30 USD)
San Ignacio – Jungle
- Shared Shuttle: $20 per person, 1 way (2 hours)
- Private Shuttle: $200 for up to 4 people (2 hours)
Biking Around San Pedro
Small Roads of Caye Caulker
3. Visit Belize to explore the ocean AND jungle
For those who just can’t choose, Belize has it all. From pristine beaches and vibrant coral reefs to dense jungles teeming with wildlife and ancient ruins, this country showcases eye-catching and diverse landscapes.
Start your trip by traveling to San Ignacio where you can trek through jungles, discover hidden waterfalls, and encounter exotic wildlife.Then after a few days, book this bus ride that will take you right to the water taxi port for Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker. On these islands, you can spend a few days snorkeling alongside colorful marine life and relaxing on white sandy beaches.
Ultimately, Belize’s unique combination of natural landscapes makes it the total package for adventurous and outdoorsy travelers.
Mahogany Bay Resort
Coco Beach Resort
4. Visit Belize to snorkel the 2nd largest barrier reef in the world
The main reason we traveled to Belize was to see the 2nd largest barrier reef in the world. For this reason, we chose to stay on Ambergris Caye, an island where the reef is just offshore.
When you visit Belize, you get the chance to explore the vibrant underwater ecosystem, swim alongside colorful marine creatures, and discover breathtaking coral formations. During our stay, we saw nurse sharks, spotted eagle rays, sea turtles, and countless different fish on this tour that we booked.
The Great Blue Hole, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is also located in Belize and a must-visit for divers looking to witness this natural wonder firsthand.
@baggagegirls Let’s BREAK UP with toxic travel together 💔 We’re excited to start this series on sustainable travel tips! Our blog is all about the idea that lots of small changes add up to have a BIG impact on our 🌎. So here are 5 tips you can follow to help protect the Belize Barrier Reef as you travel to Belize! P.S. We promise we’ll actually start posting on Tuesdays from now on, but this video wasn’t quite ready to go yesterday 😅 Source: travelbelize.org @Travel Belize sustainabletravel sustainabletraveltips belizebarrierreef travelbelize travelinspiration centralamericatravel baggagegirls
♬ Say Hey (I Love You) (feat. Cherine Tanya Anderson) - Michael Franti & Spearhead
5. Belize accepts U.S. currency
Belize really impressed us with how easy it is for U.S. citizens to travel here. For example, Belize accepts U.S. currency, so you can bring and use U.S. dollars throughout your trip. What’s more, the exchange rate is 1 USD to 2 BZD. Prices on menus and grocery store items in Belize are often written in BZD, but it’s quite easy to convert to USD in your head – just half the price of the item!
Produce Shop In Ambergris Caye
Coffee Shop In Ambergris Caye
6. Belize is a dream vacation destination
Around here, we believe there’s a big difference between traveling and vacationing. To us, traveling is about falling in love with a new place, really getting to know it. When we travel, we’re exploring new cultures, expanding our knowledge, seeking personal growth, the list goes on.
But when we vacation, we want a break from our busy routines to relax and unwind. Of course, the best trips probably include a little bit of both. But we’re here to say that Belize is a dream vacation destination if you want to get away.
Ambergris Caye is a particularly good spot to vacation in Belize. This island has stunning resorts and hotels that are perfect for families, honeymooners, or groups of friends planning a spring break. The primary mode of transportation on this island is a golf cart. On Ambergris Caye, you’ll find the laid back island vibe that will make you instantly feel as if you’re a world away.
Beautiful Beach In Ambergris Caye
Mahogany Bay Resort
7. Belize is great for young travelers AND families
There are many destinations that we recommend for young travelers. There are also many destinations that we recommend for families with young kids. But rarely is there one destination so great for both groups of people as Belize is!
The island of Caye Caulker is a perfect match for young travelers, as its full of BnBs and hostels. Caye Caulker is also known for its party scene, and it offers popular beach bars like the Split where you can sip drinks and swim in crystal clear water.
The island of Ambergris Caye is a perfect match for families, as it offers everything from affordable to luxury resorts, and a variety of activities kids will enjoy. Plus, we saw many families take kids along on snorkel tours. Our 9 year old brother came along on one of ours and loved every minute of getting to swim with the marine life and explore the reef.
Family Snorkeling At Hol Chan Marine Reserve
Feeding Tarpons In Caye Caulker
8. U.S. citizens are settling down in Belize
The English-speaking population and the ease of travel from the United States has got people thinking…about settling down in Belize. People are interested in developing a more lasting relationship with this country. An increasing number of Americans are purchasing property in Belize.
Why are U.S. citizens purchasing property in Belize? Here are a few reasons:
- Foreigners can buy property outright in Belize, unlike many other countries
- The real estate is cheaper than average here (at the moment)
- Belize is an eye-catching retirement destination
- Belize offers incentive programs to help tourists become residents
Mahogany Bay Resort
Mahogany Bay Resort
9. Tourism is Belize’s Largest Industry
Your visit to Belize will positively impact the economy. Just make sure to minimize your negative impact on the environment. Tourism is the biggest contributor to Belize’s economy, and it’s on the rise again after the drop it took during Covid-19.
When you visit Belize, make sure to prioritize supporting the local economy by shopping at local businesses, eating at locally-owned restaurants, and purchasing foods and goods from local vendors. At Baggage, we are all about sustainable tourism – meaning that we aim to travel in a way that positively impacts the people we encounter, the local economies of the places we visit, and the environment. That’s why we do our very best to share local accommodations and tourism offerings whenever possible. We’re breaking up with toxic travel in favor of sustainable travel tips on this blog – and you should join us!
Dive Shop In Caye Caulker
Local Shop In Caye Caulker
10. Belize is focused on Sustainable Tourism in 2023
Now more than ever, Belize is working hard to protect its natural resources that make this country such a desirable destination for tourism.
One recent example is the Fish Right, Eat Right program, which was implemented by the Belize Fisheries Department (BFD) and Belize Tourism Board (BTB). This program promotes the responsible sourcing of seafood and educates tourists and consumers to make the right choices about the food they’re eating. We expect to see ecotourism offerings in this country continue to emerge, from eco resorts to eco tours and we’re excited to travel back to Belize to highlight ecotourism more in future years.
Wrap it up: Visit Belize
As you can see, Belize is uniquely poised to become the next big travel destination in 2023. From the second-largest barrier reef in the world to its lush rainforests and ancient Maya ruins, Belize offers experiences that cater to many types of travelers. The ease of navigation, accessibility, and the country’s commitment to sustainable tourism make Belize a hot commodity.
There is no better time than now for a little love affair with Belize. You pack your bags, and we’ll plan your trip. Below, you’ll find all our Belize travel guides to help you decide which island to stay on, which resort is your perfect match, and what to do during your vacation in Belize!
- Ambergris Caye or Caye Caulker? Where to Stay in Belize
- Where To Stay In Ambergris Caye, Belize: 3 Resorts You’ll Love
- The Best Belize Travel Itinerary | Explore The Cayes
All our love,
Baggage girls
