Going for a swim in Belize means more than hitting the pool or beach. Instead, here are 10 epic swimming spots where you can cool off after a day in Belize’s tropical sun.
Big Rock Falls
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This waterfall is in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve. You can’t swim or walk through the waterfall, but you can swim in the pool below it. It’s one of the most pristine waterfalls in Belize. Looking to spend the night? Checkout Blancaneaux Lodge or Gaia Riverlodge.
Davis Falls
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At 500 feet, it’s the second tallest waterfall in Belize. Davis Falls is in a rugged, remote section of the Stann Creek District. Davis Falls is close to the town of Dangriga, which makes it a convenient stop-off for an epic swim. The best way to visit Davis Falls is on a guided tour.
Butterfly Falls
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This lovely waterfall is on private property. Guests of the Hidden Valley Inn can arrange a guided tour of the fall. It’s also located in the Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve.
Mayan King
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Belize’s most popular waterfall features two cascading streams, a walkway lined with orange trees and a natural tree canopy known as “the cathedral.” Mayan King is located close to Placencia. It makes for a great stop during any excursion in the Placencia area.
Five Sisters Falls
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This is a good choice if you don’t want a tough, rugged hike to your waterfall. Five Sisters is a group of five pools and falls, a private escape on-site at Gaia Riverlodge. They’re in a part of the Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve that’s easy to reach and has well-marked walkways. Added bonus? Bypassing the 360 steps back up by taking the tram, before rewarding yourself with lunch at Gaia.
Rio Blanco
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Visit the Rio Blanco waterfall at the Rio Blanco National Park in the Toledo District. This is not as well-known as other Belize waterfalls. It’s ideal if you’re looking for a quiet, secluded getaway. Additionally, you can travel with a purpose and support the conservation of these protected areas; most are members of APAMO Belize, who encourage protected areas to be your new travel destinations.
Billy Barquedier
Billy Barquedier National Park. Photo courtesy Quilz Tamay
This waterfall isn’t especially tall, but it has a wonderful location and a large natural pool. It’s in the Billy Barquedier National Park in the Stann Creek District.
San Antonio Waterfall
It’s in a small village rural village in the Toledo District. The road to the waterfall is paved, so it’s an easy drive from anywhere in southern Belize. The San Antonio Waterfall is a shady, cool natural pool.
Rio On Pools
Rio on Pools. Photo courtesy Duarte Dellarole
There’s no better way to cool off after your expeditions through jungles or Maya ruins. This is a group of pools and waterfalls in the Mountain Pine Forest Reserve located close to the Caracol Maya site. Not to mention, Mountain Pine Ridge hosts some of the most epic swimming spots in Belize.
Tiger Fern Waterfall
Tiger Fern via IG @natalie_hassana
This scenic waterfall is in the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary. It’s about three miles from the park entrance, and although self-guided, you can take a guided tour to get there. Wildlife and birds frequently visit Tiger Fern.
Cool off the natural way in Belize
When you’re visiting ancient Maya sites, wildlife parks, caves and other spots in Belize, you can work up a sweat. Cool off the natural way in a waterfall or natural pool.
Featured photo via Instagram @tahneealanawilson.
This article was first shared on July 11th, 2020
