You wouldn't believe how easy it is to visit Belize, the Central American country sandwiched between Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, and the hypnotically turquoise Caribbean.
Actually, the locals famously joke that you wouldn't "Belize" it.
Dad jokes aside, Belize, known for its breathtaking natural beauty, warm people, fascinating history, multifaceted cultural landscape, vibrant festivals, plentiful wildlife, and delectable cuisine.
Flights from YVR can also be fairly inexpensive, starting around $500 round-trip, although they always include a stopover, typically in the United States.
Belize is an increasingly popular travel option for Canadians
Mexico is the third-largest travel destination for Canadians outside the United States. Amidst waning U.S. travel, folks have their sights set on new destinations to visit, including options in Central America and the Caribbean.
In the Caribbean, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Jamaica rank among the most popular choices.
Belize, despite its location in Central America, is considered part of the Caribbean. It is part of CARICOM (Caribbean Community), considered the Caribbean's equivalent of the European Union, consisting of 21 countries and over 16 million citizens.
A major draw for many Canadian travellers: English is the main language
Belize is the only Central American nation where English is the main language.
Belizean Creole, also called Kriol, emerged when Europeans brought enslaved African people to the Caribbean. Slavery officially ended in Belize in 1838.
Several other languages are spoken in Belize, given its rich cultural composition. While visiting, I met people who spoke several languages, including three different Mayan dialects (Yucatec, Mopan, and Q'eqchi'), Spanish, Garifuna, and German.
Most people in Belize speak English, making communication easier, even in small villages.
Take a moment to track how locals switch between different dialects and English––it's fascinating. During a festival or holiday, you may hear a symphony of languages among merchants, bartenders, and revellers. Here, you can actively pick up words and phrases of these dialects and languages, offering a truly immersive experience.
As a result, you'll encounter a generally laid-back atmosphere, ringing with the sounds of different accents and cultures, harmonizing under the Caribbean sun (or maybe a shower if you visit during the wet season).
When are the peak times to visit Belize?
Belize is just 180 miles long and about 70 miles wide, making it the second-smallest country in Central America after El Salvador (located on the Pacific side).
The country's small population of about 400,000 expands with heavy tourism during peak season, running from mid-November to mid-May. Tourist numbers dwindle through June, although whale shark viewing opportunities draw crowds through the month.
While hurricane season officially commences on June 1 and runs through late November, many locals told me that June through July typically sees bursts of showers that don't last all day, with some thunder and lightning overnight.
August often sees what is known as a mini-break from the wet weather, although hurricanes are still possible. September sees an uptick in tourism for several festivals and holidays, including St. George's Caye Day on Sept. 10, Independence Day on Sept. 21, and the mid-month Belize Carnival. October is known as the slowest and rainiest month.
I attended in July during Lobsterfest, when locals and visitors from around the world gather to enjoy massive lobsters fresh off the grill. They serve the lobsters many ways, including straight out of the shell, in empanadas and cakes. There are even cocktails with lobster accompaniments placed inside the drink (don't knock it until you try it).
Convenient and fast transportation across the country
There is so much to see in this geographically small country, and you can reach most of it quickly, with the main airport in Belize City, Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport (BZE), as a hub.
BZE is a breeze to navigate, partly because it is comparatively small. Additionally, the warm, welcoming staff move everyone through quickly, while still doing the required checks.
Travellers, take note: When you arrive in the country, you're required to fill out the Belize Travel Declaration. This can be done digitally, but paper equivalents are also available at the airport. To avoid hassle, fill out the form online within three days before entering the country.
Once in Belize, getting around was simple. I hit several key places by shuttle or private transfer, and by Cessna planes.
Tropic Air and Maya Island Air offer routes across the country, with flights operating between larger cities and to smaller islands, as well as purely sightseeing options, including the bucket-list Belize Blue Hole.
Many of the flights to popular tourist areas are under a half-hour flight from BZE.
Another tip: If you plan to bring carry-on luggage and a personal item, you will be required to check the former on the smaller Cessna aircraft. Some of them seat up to 14 people and staff, but there is very little room for extra baggage inside the aircraft. You will find it is a bit of a tight squeeze, although the views are nothing short of jaw-dropping.
Explore everything from bustling cities to beach destinations to jungle resorts in a short stay
I travelled from BZE to Placencia upon arrival, which is a village located on the southernmost peninsula, famed for its paradisiacal shores, cultural experiences, luxury resorts, and adventure tours. You can also drive to Placencia, take a shuttle, or take a bus in under three hours. A flight costs just over C$300 round-trip from the larger airport. Once you are in Placencia, you can visit several places, including the Garifuna Villiage of Seine Bight.
If you're looking to explore the jungle, several resorts offer transfers with private drivers from the main airport. I enjoyed a three-night stay in a village resort called Black Orchid, close to the airport on the intriguing Belize River, and home to troops of inquisitive howler monkeys, shy alligators, brightly-beaked toucans, wall-climbing lizards, and, although seldom-spotted, jaguars. It is located in the Burrell Boom village.
The trip from the airport to the resort takes just shy of half an hour, travelling in the opposite direction to Belize City. The resort offers transfers from all across the country, including Placencia, although the trip is expensive. The trip from the airport cost approximately US$25 (plus 17.5 per cent tax). One of the staff members will meet you at the airport holding a sign, so it is a really seamless experience.
An important note: Bring plenty of bug repellent and long-sleeved pants and shirts to the jungle. While it may be humid, the mosquitoes come out in droves at night. It wasn't so bad at the resort I stayed at, but when I ventured off to discover ruins and go on adventures, I became an easy meal for numerous jungle critters.
Obviously, island hopping isn't accessible by vehicle, but round-trip flights from the main airport to islands like Ambergris Caye start for just over C$200 and don't take more than 25 minutes. From there, other islands and popular diving spots are accessible by boat.
Once you are on an island, you can rent a golf cart for a day (these typically cost around US$50, although prices vary) or arrange private transfers. Many great restaurants, bars, shopping experiences, and adventures are located in San Pedro on the island's south part, meaning an accommodation located in the town won't require transportation.
Thanks to Development Counsellors International and the Belize Tourism Board for facilitating a portion of the meals and activities mentioned above. All opinions and inclusions are those of the author and were based solely on personal experience. None of the businesses or entities featured were granted any previews of the story before publication or paid to be mentioned.
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