School’s out for summer. School’s out forever! Well, maybe not but you’ve got until at least September to maximize their time off—which means there’s no time to waste on vacation. And satisfying even the pickiest of young teenagers starts with your destination. More often than not, adults select a resort and assume the pool alone is enough, or choose based on available food for their picky eaters. While many destinations offer unique adventures for families, Belize is one of the easiest to go and for all budgets. Full disclosure—many of these opportunities are not for the faint of heart and are genuinely epic active adventures.
Photo by the Family Coppola Hideaways
After all, Belize is never short on a diverse range of outdoor activities and adventure — leaving every teen very little time to be on their devices. From a glistening sugary coastline where snorkeling, scuba diving, SUP boarding, kayaking, and even sailing can be enjoyed, right down to fern-lined wilds for day hikes (or zip-lining), offerings abound. Equally, wildlife encounters—from swimming with nurse sharks, feeding wild tarpon, petting southern stingrays, or visiting the conservation-minded Belize Zoo for paw-to-hand jaguar encounters—make a very meaningful visit to our shores. Beyond physical pursuits, cultural clues and historical artifacts (like the jungle-hidden, ancient Maya ruins) are always fascinating for teens.
Swimming with sharks off San Pedro
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Ziplining through the rainforest
Photo courtesy Bocawina Rainforest Resort & Adventures
ATV Riding
Photo by Leonardo Melendez Photography
Horseback riding
Cave tubing
Photo by Esoteric Vision
Tarpon feeding
Photo by Quilz Tamay Photography
Feeding Pelicans & Hanging with Sting Rays
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Belize Iguana Project
Luis and a juvenile Green Iguana.
A Fluttering Cloud of Butterflies at The Lodge at Chaa Creek
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Jet Skis & Sea Breeze at Grand Caribe Belize
Photo by Grand Caribe Belize
Paddleboarding
Paddleboard (sitting or standing) on the sea! Image courtesy Belize Tourism Board
Kayaking
Kayaking at Glover’s Reef Atoll. Photo by Duarte Dellarole Photography
A Pontoon Tour
Photo courtesy Belizing
After a year like 2020 in an age of virtual learning and Zoom graduations, we won’t blame you if you’re a teen that’s bursting at the seams for a Belize adventure. If you’re ready for outrageous and over-the-top experiences for teens (and parents) to experience for the ultimate bragging rights back at home, then you’re ready for Belize.
