5 Dad-Approved Activities in Belize for Father’s Day

by Gisselle Hernandez
Fly Fishing Punta Gorda belize copal

Father’s Day is on June 18th, and with travel in Belize on the up and up, Dad’s special day this year deserves to be kicked up a notch. Whether you wish to celebrate your dad, granddad, or a special fatherly figure, they’re all bound to feel appreciated with a Belize vacation. Belize caters to every aesthetic: from adventurous, devil-may-care dads to beach-bumming aficionados, the country truly is one-size-fits-all. Here are some can’t-miss experiences to share with your old man.

ATV Riding & Cave Tubing Combo

atv

Photo by Leonardo Melendez Photography

What screams “That’s something dad would do,” more than driving an ATV in the jungles of Belize? The exhilaration of whizzing through the trees on a dirt path with your dad is surely a gift for you, as well. Pair the experience with a cave tubing tour right after to fully appreciate the wildness of Belize. Bobbing along the river through the dark Nohoch Che’en caves is so otherworldly, that your dad is sure to feel transported through time. Plus, take it from me, there’s nothing spooky about a dark cave when your dad is making shadow puppets on the cave wall with his overhead lamp.

Camping

Photo by San Miguel Campgrounds

With over 70% of forested areas blanketing the country, there are bound to be superb campsites across Belize. Mountain Pine Ridge is an ideal region for this activity, especially since so many natural attractions are nearby. Imagine waking up to the sounds of aracaris, gushing waterfalls, and the sight of light fog over the rolling hills. Stripped away from worldly worries, your dad will appreciate sharing the great outdoors with one of his favorite people.

Fly-fishing

What’s Father’s Day without some good ol’ fashioned fly fishing? Belize is known to be the go-to destination for avid anglers, and with good reason. Don’t let your dad miss his chance to catch a Grand Slam, a feat sure to be looked back on fondly as one of his most fun achievements. Spend a few days gracing the flats near Ambergris Caye until you catch a Bonefish, Tarpon, and Permit all on the same day.

Swimming with Whale Sharks

June also falls under Whale Shark season in Belize, a highly-anticipated time for divers and snorkelers. If you truly want a once-in-a-lifetime experience to share with your father, spotting that elusive gentle giant is sure to knock all other marine activities out of the park. There’s nothing more humbling yet ethereal than swimming alongside Whale Sharks. Try your luck by booking a few diving days near Gladden Spit Marine Reserve, a spot they are most likely to be found feeding.

Tarpon Feeding

Photo by the Belize Tourism Board

Yes, another fish-related activity, but this one is the epitome of a heart-racing undertaking. If you’re spending a few days on famous Caye Caulker (which we do recommend,) Tarpon Feeding should be on your list. Tarpon is giant fish – weighing about 50 to 60 pounds – and it’s nothing short of invigorating to see them leap out of the water. For only $5, you can purchase a sardine to entice them near the lagoon in Caye Caulker. All you need to do is hold the sardine over the water and wait. Just be sure to have your camera trained on your dad’s face when that pre-historic-looking fish jumps to grab the bait mere inches from his fingers. It’ll create some buzz as his new Facebook profile picture, to say the least.

This article was published in June 2021 and it has been slightly modified since then. Header image courtesy Blue Horizon Fly Fishing Lodge, a Muy’Ono Resort.

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