The Best Belize Vacation Ideas for this Summer

With summer on the way, it’s time to start cooking up ideas for the ultimate vacation! Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a foodie, or someone who simply wants to relax by the beach, Belize is sure to have something for you. From flamboyant carnivals to lobster fests, this Caribbean country definitely knows how to celebrate summer. Here are some Belize vacation ideas perfect for the coming summer months. 

Attending a Lobster Fest

Photo Credit: Caye Caulker Lobster Fest on Facebook

Kick off your summer in Belize by attending one of the most anticipated events of the year: Lobster Fest. Held in various locations like Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, and Placencia, Lobster Fest celebrates the opening of lobster season with a weekend of festivities. Stalls line the streets while the aroma of delicious seafood wafts in the air.

Similar: Here’s How to Enjoy Belize Lobster Fest 2024

Enjoy delicious lobster dishes prepared in every way imaginable, including fresh off the grill with butter and garlic. The festival features live music, dance performances, beach parties, and local crafts. It’s a summer vacation activity you don’t want to miss! Lobster Fest takes place in July in 2024.

Experiencing a Caribbean Carnival

Photos courtesy of Belize Tourism Board

Carnival in Belize is a vibrant experience that immerses you in the heart of the Belizean spirit. This lively event features colorful parades, elaborate costumes, pulsating music, and energetic dance performances. The streets come alive with the joyous rhythms of soca, creating an atmosphere of pure celebration. Beyond the spectacle, Carnival in Belize is a testament to the nation’s rich cultural diversity and communal pride.

Similar: Upcoming Caribbean Carnival Dates: When and Where to Go in 2024

This year the carnival season begins in Belize City on September 7th. However, attending one of the carnivals in Ambergris Caye or Orange Walk Town on Independence Day (September 21st) shouldn’t be missed! These parades are arguably the biggest and most anticipated.  Experiencing this unique festivity at least once allows you to connect deeply with the local traditions and join in the collective jubilation that defines Belize’s identity.

Wildlife Exploration

A jaguar experience at The Belize Zoo! Photo by Duarte Dellarole

Belize is home to a rich array of wildlife, making it a paradise for nature lovers. Visit the Belize Zoo, known as the “Best Little Zoo in the World” and beloved by tourists and locals alike. Interact with native animals like jaguars, tapirs, and spider monkeys. There are even opportunities for you to feed and interact with some of them!

For a more immersive experience, explore the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, a protected area that offers excellent hiking trails, waterfalls, and the chance to spot birds and other animals in their natural habitat. Or, for a more leisurely stroll through nature, stop by the Guanacaste National Park, where vibrant avifauna and plants bloom gloriously. 

A Belize Foodie Vacation

Photo Credit: Ella’s Cool Spot on Facebook

No trip to Belize is complete without indulging in the local cuisine. While popular activities include exhilarating adventures like zip-lining, you mustn’t forget to savor the simplest experiences! From fresh seafood and tropical fruits to traditional dishes like rice and beans and stewed chicken, Belizean food is a delightful blend of flavors.

Similar: Foodie Travels: A Dish for Every Belize Destination

In the northern part of the country, try the ever-popular tacos, salbutes, and escabeche. As you travel down south, wonder at the taste of tamales, hudut, and sere. Of course, we can’t forget Belize’s unofficial national dish: Rice and beans with stewed chicken. It’s a must-try for every visitor! As you make your way through this small but vivacious country, you’ll find that its culture surrounding food is not taken lightly. You’ll leave wishing to take some fry jacks or tacos with you!

Belize offers a diverse range of activities and experiences that make it the perfect summer vacation destination. Whether you’re feasting on lobster or simply relaxing on a beach, Belize is the quintessential vacation spot. These vacation ideas are just the tip of the iceberg.

Featured Photo by Belize My Travels