The Belize Barrier Reef has plenty of marine adventures to offer! Enjoy swimming in clear turquoise waters or go snorkeling and be mesmerized by healthy aquatic life. For avid divers, don’t miss out on the opportunity to dive into the Great Blue Hole.
Snorkeling | Intensity: Easy
Belize is home to the second-largest Barrier Reef in the world, making a snorkel trip a must-do adventure when visiting. There are plenty of snorkel spots that promise a great day out for individuals of all ages. One of the most accessible is from San Pedro or Caye Caulker. The Hol Chan Marine Reserve is the country’s first established marine reserve.
On your snorkel, you’ll spot an array of tropical fish and beautiful corals that paint a vibrant underwater scene. For those brave enough to jump into the water at Shark Ray Alley, you can also experience the thrill of swimming with rays and nurse sharks.
Image via Ray Caye/Duarte Dellarole
Sea Kayaking | Intensity: Moderate
Sea Kayaking is a great way to see the Belize Barrier Reef. The shallow waters of Belize’s atolls make them the perfect place to kayak. It requires some energy, but you can go at your own pace. Learn the basic strokes and you will be on your way! Spend the day paddling and stopping at different snorkel spots along the way to enjoy the Belize Barrier Reef’s abundant marine life. Base camps on Lighthouse Reef and Glovers Reef are popular locations for a kayak adventure.
Kitesurfing | Intensity: Moderate
Adrenaline-fueled and yet surprisingly relaxing, you’d be among the masses if you immediately jump to the conclusion that kitesurfing is reserved for the younger generation. However, you’d be entirely wrong as more mature kite surfers are constantly appearing on the scene and realizing that it is an exhilarating sport.
Diving the Great Blue Hole | Intensity: Advanced
Belize, home to the magnificent Great Blue Hole, makes it a sought-after divers’ paradise. It’s located at the center of Lighthouse Reef, roughly 62 miles from the mainland, and is suitable for recreational diving with a limit of 130 ft.
Your adventure begins with a scenic boat ride across Belize’s turquoise waters until you arrive at the spectacular sinkhole which measures 1000 ft across and is more than 400 ft deep. Start your descent along the edge of a limestone wall, then glide past stalactite formations that are thousands of years old. Diving this natural wonder is an experience like none other and makes for an amazing full-day trip. Quite a few tour operators offer a Blue Hole dive along with two other wonderful dive spots in areas like the Half Moon Caye Wall and the Long Caye Wall.
Photo courtesy: Leonardo Melendez
Fly Fishing | Intensity: Easy
It’s no secret Belize is certainly a top-notch fishing destination. The variety of fishing and the number of chances you can get per day at some of the most difficult catches can only be matched in a few other places in the world.
Sailing | Intensity: Easy
The best part of sailing is the ability to stop for a swim or snorkel whenever you please. Belize is home to over 300 species of fish and over 100 species of soft and hard coral. Sailing in Belize’s waters can be done aboard your own vessel or on a rented vessel from one of the many local boat charters available.
Sailing into the sunset. Photo by Duarte Dellarole Photography
If you would like to sit back and relax, book yourself on a guided tour or hire a skipper to join your crew. The local skippers and guides know the coastline like the back of their hand and will be able to guide you to some of the most spectacular shores and hidden gems to catch lunch or dinner.
Sky-Diving | Intensity: Advanced
Amp up your Belize vacation with Skydive Belize! Experience the thrill of jumping from 13,000 feet above mesmerizing views of Ambergris Caye and surrounding the Caribbean Sea. This seasonal adventure is offered between the months of November and March. Safely jump with highly experienced USPA-certified instructors and enjoy “the best views money can buy”.
Parasailing | Intensity: Moderate
Lastly, fly above the crystal blue waters of Belize on a parachute as a speed boat pulls you across the sea. Fly solo or with another friend; you may even spot dolphins, sea turtles, or other colorful tropical birds. Book your tour with any parasailing company found on the islands. Sit back and enjoy a fun ride with an awe-inspiring view.
Written by CC+L editorial team. This article was published in August 2019.
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