Attraction in Belize
Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System
UNESCO World Heritage
The Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System is the largest barrier reef in the Northern Hemisphere and the second largest in the world, stretching over 300 kilometres along the Caribbean coast. Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996, it encompasses seven marine reserves protecting more than 500 fish species, 65 coral species, the West Indian manatee, and three species of sea turtle. The system includes the Great Blue Hole, a circular marine sinkhole 318 metres across and 124 metres deep, formed during the last glacial period and famed for its stalactites and unusual deep-water clarity.
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Travel Guide
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Belize
Entry requirements vary by passport. Check the requirements for your specific passport on the Belize page at Yoogo.
The Belize dollar (BZD) is the official currency, pegged at a fixed rate of 2 BZD to 1 USD, and US dollars are widely accepted at that rate across tourist areas. Card payments are accepted at most hotels, larger restaurants, and tour operators, though smaller villages and market stalls tend to prefer cash. ATMs are available in Belize City, San Pedro, and San Ignacio.
Belize has a higher crime rate than some of its Central American neighbours, particularly in parts of Belize City, and petty theft can occur in tourist areas. Outside of urban zones, most travellers visiting the cayes, jungle lodges, and archaeological sites report few incidents. Checking your government's current travel advisory before departure is a sensible step.
Water taxis connect Belize City to the offshore cayes including Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye, while small domestic airlines such as Tropic Air and Maya Island Air operate regular flights between key destinations. Buses run between most towns on the mainland, and renting a 4x4 vehicle is practical for exploring the Cayo District and southern regions independently. On the cayes, golf carts and bicycles are the standard modes of transport.
The dry season, running from late November through to April, is generally considered the best time to visit, with lower humidity and calmer seas ideal for diving and snorkelling. February through April offers the most reliably dry conditions, while the shoulder months of May and November can offer good value with fewer crowds. The rainy season from June to November coincides with hurricane season, though tropical storms are not guaranteed.
English is the sole official language of Belize and is widely used in schools, government, and tourism, making it accessible for English-speaking travellers. Belizean Creole is the most commonly spoken everyday language, and Spanish is prevalent in the north and west. Smaller communities speak Garifuna, Maya languages, and other minority languages.
Hepatitis A and typhoid vaccinations are commonly recommended for travellers to Belize, given the risk from food and water. Malaria prophylaxis is recommended for most areas outside Belize City, and travellers arriving from yellow-fever-endemic countries may be required to show proof of vaccination. Consulting a travel health clinic at least four to six weeks before departure is advisable.
Tipping is customary and broadly expected in Belize, particularly in tourist areas where US tipping culture has become the norm. A gratuity of 10 to 15 per cent is standard at restaurants unless a service charge is already included, and tour guides and drivers typically receive BZD 10 to 20 per person for a day tour. It is worth checking your bill before adding a tip, as many hotels and upscale restaurants add a service charge automatically.