In Belize, the month of March is marked by perfect weather, complete with refreshing winds that make for some fun kite-flying. Set just before the Easter and Spring Break rush, it’s also an ideal time if you’re looking to get ahead of the crowds. The winter blues dissipate, and the sun comes out to play. And what better way to celebrate this change in season than with some well-deserved travel? Whether you’re hoping to beat the heat of the summer or experience this month’s most renowned activities, here are our top 10 picks for what to do in March in Belize.
CC+L’s Top 10 Travel Picks for March in Belize
1. Book a Weekend Escape for National Heroes & Benefactors Day
Photo courtesy Jaguar Reef Lodge
March 9th is National Heroes and Benefactor’s Day in Belize. It’s a day dedicated to honoring all those that have helped, in some way, to build the nation. This three day weekend occurs just as the spring season is beginning to roll in and is the perfect time for booking a weekend escape to the cayes or Placencia.
2. Follow the La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge
The La Ruta Maya River Challenges starts on the Mopan River. Photo Courtesy: Chaa Creek Resort
The iconic La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge: four days of hair raising, nail biting competition across 175 miles. And it all starts off in the adventurer’s haven that is San Ignacio. Following the race is an exhillirating experience that must be experienced at least once. Watch as paddlers make their way up the Old Belize River, stopping at iconic locations like Banana Bank and the village of Double Head Cabbage.
3. Whale Shark Watching
Photo by Splash Belize
Whale sharks are the world’s largest fish, but these magnificent creatures are completely docile. Every year, between the months of March and June, these gentle giants make their way into Belizean waters. Intrepid travelers from all over the world find themselves going to the Gladden Spit Marine Reserve in search of the rare chance to swim beside or simply spot whale sharks.
Fun Fact: Whale Sharks are best spotted two days before a full moon or up to ten days after
4. A Unique Day at the Beach
“Beach Days” at Sweet Songs Jungle Lodge feature lush forests and meandering rivers
Tired of the same old beach days? Try a day at a riverside beach instead! The good weather during March in Belize means the days will be perfect for taking a dip in the river or cruising down on an inner tube. When you’re done, you can enjoy some finger licking Belizean style barbecue on the river bank.
5. A Few Days at the Cayes
Photo by ROEming Belize
Embrace your inner island hopper with a trip to Belize’s popular northern islands when you spend March in Belize. Ambergris Caye’s bustling atmosphere is fit for bar hopping, indulging in epicurean eats, and doing some offshore exploration. Meanwhile, Caye Caulker’s “go slow” vibe is perfect for relaxation and forgetting all your worries. With the islands just a short boat ride away from each other, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t get to experience the best of both worlds.
6. Horseback Riding through the Jungle
Image via Ka’ana Resort
Experience Belize’s lush greenery from a different perspective when you go horseback riding. There are a number of unique horseback riding experiences available for the every kind of eco-traveler, especially in the Cayo district. Tours include rides at Belize’s Maya ruins, like Xunantunich, as well as rides through gorgeous farms.
7. Visit “the Only Island You Can Walk to”
Photo by Chabil Mar Villas
Placencia’s very own Chabil Mar Villas likes to call the peninsula “the only island you can walk to”. Despite being on mainland Belize, Placencia has an unmistakeable island vibe. Complete with the best beaches in the country, it is an ideal location for a budget friendly beach vacation that’s just as memorable as going to the cayes.
8. Do Some Cave Tubing
Cave Tubing in Belize. Image via Belize Tourism Board
Explore the ancient Maya world via inner tube in Belize. It’s a fun and easy activity that makes a great addition to any day trip. Don your life vest and headlamp before settling into your inner tube. Then, sit back and relax as the gentle current of the water takes you through historic locations.
9. Go Spelunking
Brb, gone caving. Inside the Crystal Cave. Image via Belize Audubon Society
Spelunking – it’s a fancy word for cave exploration as a hobby, but it’s an activity that’s as memorable as it is thrilling. Make your way into the places that the ancient Maya believed connected them to the underworld, Xibalba. It’s a truly spiritual experience for many, and for others it’s simply fascinating to get a glimpse of centuries of history preserved. From the easily accessible Rio Frio Cave to the renowned Actun Tunichil Muknal, caves in Belize are in no short supply. Plus, the month of March coincides with the dry season, which makes it a perfect time for easy exploration.
10. Enjoy A Sunset Cruise
Photo by Duarte Dellarole
No matter where you are in Belize in March, a sunset cruise promises breathtaking views of the country’s natural beauty. In San Pedro, enjoy a leisurely cruise that grants you the chance to admire both the barrier reef and the stunning coastline. Then, watch as the setting sun paints the sky a glowing orange hue. It’s an unforgettable sight, and an experience that never gets old.
Featured Photo: Kim Simplis Barrow for the cover of Caribbean Culture + Lifestyle: Cayo Gyal Edition
