Belize's small size and fantastic mix of marine life along the coast, jungle, and Mayan ruins make it an attractive choice for family adventures. Visiting Belize is often compared to Costa Rica, but Belize has the added advantage of world-class snorkeling, Mayan history, and a small land area, making it easy to go from the jungle to the beach in under three hours. It's being talked about everywhere.
We spoke with expert CB Family Travel Advisor Kiki Humes to take the guesswork out of your Belize family vacation plans. To make the most of your Belize itinerary, Kiki suggests spending a few nights in the jungle and then spending time along the coast. If you're willing to stop along the way, she says, you can get an authentic and diverse jungle experience by spending a couple of nights at the more remote Lamanai Outpost Lodge.
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Belize with Kids: A Great One-Week Itinerary
jungle
The jungles of Belize are filled with Mayan treasures and fun for active families. Highlights include caving, river tubing, walking trails, and ancient ruins.
The ruins of Xunantunich were a major Mayan ceremonial site and are popular for their free-climbing and wandering plazas, palaces and temple ruins. Families note that the area is not overcrowded with tourists, making exploration comfortable and enjoyable. Plan your trip early in the morning to avoid the heat, as there is little shade.
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Next is cave exploration, which is very popular with families. Guides are important to explore and learn about caves that date back to the Mayan era, such as Actun Tunichil Muknalcave (ATM) or Barton Creek Cave, often done by canoe. River tubing to appreciate the area's biodiversity will reward you with a fantastic parade of birds, from spider monkeys to toucans and a variety of other tropical birds.
Your time in the jungle is slow-paced and gives you the opportunity to focus on nature and spend the afternoon relaxing and enjoying leisure, as well as a taste of Belize's warm and inviting hospitality.
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Lamanai Outpost Lodge
Families can go straight from the jungle to the coast or take a short ride by road and riverboat to the bungalow-style Lamanai Outpost Lodge. This simple, secluded accommodation near Orange Walk Town gives you the opportunity to get up close and personal with Belize's terrain. Lamanai rates include all meals and activities, but nothing is set in stone. Families are free to choose from a variety of intimate experiences and outings with the hotel's professional staff, from encounters with alligators to river tubing among howler monkeys to visits to nearby historic sites.
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Coast
The Belize coast has a much more casual, almost Caribbean vibe, and the biggest attraction here (besides the delicious seafood) is the amazing snorkeling. Belize's UNESCO-protected coral reefs can be easily explored on half-day or full-day boat trips. Manatees, stingrays, dolphins and countless fish are on vivid display, and it is not uncommon to catch lobsters, snappers, perch or other sea creatures and bring them back to the hotel to cook for dinner.
Take a quick flight from Lamanai to the coast, then choose whether to anchor your coastal accommodation on land or at sea. Families rave about our multi-night catamaran cruises that offer guest accommodations on spacious, well-staffed boats with all meals and activities included. Catamaran trips can also easily suit large families with two families staying together. Or a multi-generational group.
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Traveling by catamaran makes it easy to explore North or South Cay (flat islands atop coral reefs). North Cay is great for a first trip. You can stop by the bustling town of San Pedro on Ambergris Caye and the small Caribbean island of Caye Caulker. Or explore the South Cayes, which are considered quieter. The catamaran staff is ready to help families visit the many small islands by boat or go snorkeling with ease. There is always something to do on a boat, including fishing, stand-up paddleboarding, and kayaking. You can also opt out and enjoy reading a book or listening to music in the sunlight.
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If families want to explore the coast from land, San Pedro is a popular home base. There's also Placencia, a slightly more relaxed atoll that's connected to the mainland and offers easy access to activities like Cockscomb Wildlife Sanctuary and Jaguar Preserve. Other local activities include a full-day waterfall hike, ziplining, cocoa and spice plantation tours, and a visit to a local Mayan village. Families will love exploring San Pedro and Placencia by golf cart, which can be rented in addition to your hotel stay.
With its combination of easy navigation, distinct terrain and a variety of activities, there is something for everyone on a Belize vacation with kids. A recent CB customer said this about their family trip: “Belize was amazing. People, culture, history, archeology, maritime studies, adventure, food. wow.”
What Families Need to Know
Belize is best suited to children aged 8 and over who can handle the pace and activities on offer. International flights provide easy access to Belize City year-round. Most families choose to visit from Thanksgiving through spring break to escape the summer heat, but it's worth noting that Belize doesn't have a rainy rainy season like similar destinations like Costa Rica.
Related links:
Find all family-friendly accommodation and activities in Belize at Ciao Bambino
Ancient ruins and jungle adventures in Belize with kids
Top Belize Travel Tips for Families
Family vacation in Panama, a combined continent
25 Tips for Visiting Costa Rica with Kids
Editor's note: Photo courtesy of Emily and Adam McMahan.