4 Things To Do In Belize If Swimming Is Not Your Thing

by Dion Vansen

Belize is a country offering many options for that perfect getaway, both for locals and visitors. And while this beautiful nation facing the Caribbean Sea is popular for activities involving swimming and scuba diving its majestic barrier reef, if swimming is not in your plans, don’t worry. We got you covered! Whether you are planning to travel to the islands or visit other places on the mainland, these are some activities you can include in your itinerary without the need to swim, but with the guarantee of a memorable Belizean adventure. If you head to the Cayes, either Caye Caulker or Ambergris Caye off the northeast coast of Belize, there are plenty of activities to choose from besides swimming. From biking and driving to lounging on the beach, each option is unique. 

Cruise The Sunset 

One of those which never disappoints is cruising along the island’s coast aboard a sailboat enjoying the views and the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. If you are in Ambergris Caye, sunset sailing with a local company like Xsite Belize Sailing Tours is unforgettable. Most tours leave from a dock downtown prior to sunset, earlier if it is wintertime when the days are shorter. The sailing boat travels slowly along the coast of San Pedro, allowing you to enjoy the vistas of both the town and the second largest barrier reef to the east. With music, snacks, and drinks aboard, your ride will be entertaining, and as the tour reaches the southern tip of the island, the reward unfurls right in front of you. Depending on the atmospheric conditions, the perfect sunset will appear as a reddish floating balloon on the horizon, slowly disappearing underneath the sea. Don’t forget your cameras to immortalize such a special moment.

Go (Dry) Spelunking In A Cave

Crystal Cave. © Karyme Cabrera/Belize Audubon Society

Spelunking is the recreational sport of exploring caves, called caving, done on your own two feet. While cave tubing is a popular activity in Belize, dry caving offers an alternative to the invigorating temperatures and those not comfortable with floating through a dark cave. Instead, the central tours at St. Herman’s Blue Hole National Park, whether inside Crystal Cave or St. Herman’s Cave, take you through the majestic Maya underworld with views of stunning stalactites and stalagmites formations, Maya ceremonial pottery, wall carvings, fire pits, and crystal curtains among other attractions.

Explore An Ancient Maya Site

Cahal Pech Maya Site belize cayo

Cahal Pech Maya Site. Photo by Duarte Dellarole

Make your way to San Ignacio Town, in the western Cayo District, and visit what used to be a royal palace of an elite Maya ruling family during the Classic period. The Cahal Pech which means ‘place of ticks,’ is a Maya temple within the hilly sides of San Ignacio and it can be accessed via a trail in the middle of the lush rainforest.

Hike The Tallest Waterfall in Belize

A different perspective of the 1000 Foot Falls in Belize. Image by Kevin Quischan

Hike through Belize’s mountain pine ridge and discover the 1,000-foot waterfall. It is an attraction that you must go to see if you are the adventurous type. If admiring the water falling over the steep cliff, hike your way down the mountainside to explore the base of the waterfall.

Header image via Hamanasi Resort Guest.

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