Luxury holidays in Belize

Belize Where coral reefs, jungle ruins and wild landscapes meet the Caribbean Sea

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Belize with True Travel

Small country, big adventure

Blink and you’ll almost miss it. But that’s Belize’s appeal. Flying under the radar, this little country is surprisingly rich in wildlife, wilderness and wonder. Dive into the Belize Barrier Reef, one of the world’s great underwater playgrounds, or descend into the mysterious depths of the Great Blue Hole. On land, ancient Maya cities lie deep in the rainforest, while jaguars roam one of the highest-density populations anywhere in the world. After dark, the adventure continues with boat trips and swims through waters illuminated by bioluminescence. Stay in secluded island retreats or atmospheric jungle lodges and experience a country that packs an extraordinary amount into a very small space.

Specialist Tip

Belize combines Mayan rainforest ruins with the world’s second-largest barrier reef. Explore atmospheric caves like ATM before heading to the cayes for diving and snorkeling.

Evie Oswald, Latin America Programme Manager

Journeys we’ve loved

Featured Belize itineraries

Each of our journeys starts from a conversation. Every detail, from the route to the hotels, is built and rebuilt around you until it fits. To provide you a taste of what True Travel can create, our team of global destination specialists have created a selection of suggested journeys, from our recent travels. Get in touch to start planning your next adventure.

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Belize

Classic Belize

Delve into Belize’s Maya Forest before ending the 9 day experience with time among the coral reefs of the Caribbean. In the foothills of the Maya Mountains, swim through freshwater…

Guatemala | Belize

Guatemala & Belize: Ruins, Rainforest & Reef

Take 12 days to travel from Guatemala’s colonial heart into the Maya ruins and rainforests of the north before crossing into Belize for time on the Caribbean coast. In Antigua,…

EXPLORE THE COUNTRY

Places in Belize

Our Favourite Places Caribbean Coast & Cayes Belize's Caribbean coast and cayes sit alongside the second-largest barrier reef in the world, a wall of coral running the length of the country and protecting some of the clearest diving and snorkelling in the Caribbean. The Great Blue Hole, a near-perfect circle of deep blue water visible from the air, remains the region's best-known dive site. Small cayes such as Caulker and Ambergris offer a barefoot, unhurried pace once the boat trips are done for the day.

Belize

Dive the Blue Hole

Dive Belize’s Great Blue Hole, a vast marine sinkhole famous for its deep blue waters and dramatic underwater formations. Descend with an experienced dive team to explore the cavernous walls and encounter marine life around the reef.

Belize

Garifuna community experience

Spend time with a local community, meeting people, learning about their traditions and gaining a more personal perspective on life in the region. These experiences are designed to create meaningful connections while supporting locally led projects and initiatives.

Belize

Explore the ATM caves and their ancient artefacts

Explore Belize’s Actun Tunichil Muknal caves with an expert guide, travelling through jungle and underground chambers to discover ancient Maya artefacts. Learn about the rituals and beliefs that made these caves an important ceremonial site more than a thousand years ago.

Belize

Jungle expedition to the Caracol ruins

Venture deep into the Belizean jungle to explore Caracol, one of the country’s largest and most remote Maya archaeological sites. Climb the ancient temples, discover the scale of the former city and learn about the civilisation that once flourished here.

Blancaneaux

Owned by filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola, Blancaneaux Lodge occupies a remote corner of Belize's Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve. Thatched villas and cabanas are scattered along the Privassion River, surrounded by waterfalls and forest. From here, guests can explore ancient Maya sites, ride horseback through the reserve or cool off in the natural pools and rivers that make this region so special.

Turtle Inn

Located on the Placencia Peninsula, Turtle Inn was created by filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola as a beachfront retreat on Belize's Caribbean coast. Its collection of thatched cottages and villas draws inspiration from traditional Balinese design, while the nearby Belize Barrier Reef offers excellent diving and snorkelling. Beyond the beach, mangrove waterways, wildlife reserves and Maya sites are all within easy reach.

Cayo Espanto

Just off the coast of Ambergris Caye, Cayo Espanto occupies its own private island in the Caribbean Sea. With only seven villas, the resort offers a level of privacy that is difficult to match, while the Belize Barrier Reef lies just beyond the shore. Days can be spent snorkelling, diving, fishing or exploring the surrounding islands and coastline.

True Travel Journal

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Explore destination guides, travel news and stories from our specialists’ travels around the world, from new hotels and destinations to the experiences worth seeking out. Discover fresh ideas and insider knowledge to inspire your next trip.

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Zambia

What our guests say

From the travel and transfers to the lodging, it was the most magical and perfect trip that we will remember for the rest of our lives. The hotels were beautiful and luxurious, with the most amazing staff. Every day was 10/10, and the trip was so well balanced with adventure and relaxation.

Amy, UK

It was one of the best trips I've ever done, and 95% of that was down to True Travel and their team. The organisation was perfect, as was each destination and guide. I hope I can travel again with them soon.

Fatima, Spain

True Travel arranged all our internal flights and transport, which ran like clockwork. Each accommodation was lovely, as was being able to explore Ecuador's varied regions and amazing people, culture and animals. As usual, True Travel delivered a seamless trip.

Jane, UK

My sister and I spent 12 days in Cambodia, planned by True Travel. Everything went perfectly. We stayed in four different amazing locations, had wonderful guides and drivers, and did so many different activities. The team at True Travel were really easy to deal with and great at communicating.

Jill, USA

Best trip ever. This trip was awesome. We were treated like royalty. We were taken care of from beginning to end. We saw everything we expected and then some. The accommodations were fabulous. I could go on forever, but just to say everything was planned to perfection to the finest detail. I hope to use them again and will recommend True Travel to everyone. A trip we'll never forget.

Jean, USA

The True Travel team provided excellent service throughout, from initial planning and finalising the details to support during the trip. They were extremely knowledgeable about Australia, including off-the-beaten-path destinations, boutique hotels and restaurants. Their local partner was always on hand to help with any issues or changes. Using True Travel meant I could relax and enjoy the trip without worrying about the logistics or small details.

Liza, USA

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Quick Answers

Common Questions

Is it true Belize is the only English-speaking country in Central America?

Yes, English is Belize’s official language, a legacy of British colonial history that sets it apart from every other country in Central America, where Spanish is the norm. Belizean Creole and Spanish are also widely spoken day to day, but English works confidently everywhere from Belize City to the remote cayes, making this one of the more linguistically effortless destinations in the region.
How does the Belize Dollar's peg to the US Dollar work for budgeting?

The Belize Dollar (BZD) is fixed at exactly two to one against the US Dollar, a rate that hasn’t changed in decades, so converting prices is as simple as halving the BZD figure. US dollars are also accepted virtually everywhere alongside Belize Dollars, often interchangeably at the same till.
What time zone is Belize in?

Belize operates on Central Standard Time (CST, UTC-6) year-round, with no daylight saving changes. Early departures for reef excursions are common, so adjusting to local time promptly on arrival is worth doing.
Can I drink the tap water in Belize?

Tap water in Belize City and larger towns is generally treated, though bottled or filtered water is the standard, recommended default at resorts on the more remote cayes, where water is often collected as rainwater or produced through desalination. Reputable island properties provide filtered water as a matter of course.
Should I carry cash or are cards widely accepted?

Cards are accepted at larger hotels and resorts, but smaller cayes, dive shops and local restaurants often expect cash, in either currency. A mix of Belize and US dollars in small denominations covers day-to-day spending more reliably than relying on cards on the outer islands.
Is tipping expected in Belize?

Tipping around 10 to 15 percent in restaurants and for dive guides is customary, reflecting the US dollar’s strong presence in everyday transactions here. Cash left directly, in either currency, is the standard and most practical approach.
What plug sockets are used in Belize?

Belize uses a mix of Type A, B and G sockets, reflecting both British colonial and American influences on its infrastructure, running at 110V. A universal adapter is worth packing given this genuine variation between properties.
Do I need reef-safe sunscreen specifically, and is regular sunscreen actually restricted?

Yes, several marine reserves along the Belize Barrier Reef specifically require reef-safe sunscreen, free from oxybenzone and octinoxate, given the reef’s ecological sensitivity and importance as the second-largest barrier reef system in the world. Packing this specifically before you travel, rather than assuming any sunscreen will do, avoids being turned away from a snorkelling or diving excursion.
Can my itinerary combine the Barrier Reef with Mayan ruins inland, and what should I pack for both?

Yes, combining reef time with inland sites like Caracol or Xunantunich is a genuinely popular and practical itinerary shape in Belize, though it demands packing for two quite different environments within the same trip. Reef gear and sun protection cover the coastal half, while sturdy walking shoes, insect repellent and lighter layers for humid jungle heat matter for the inland ruins.

Belize Where coral reefs, jungle ruins and wild landscapes meet the Caribbean Sea

Small country, big adventure

Belize With Us

Featured Belize itineraries

Classic Belize

Guatemala & Belize: Ruins, Rainforest & Reef

Places in Belize

Experiences on offer

Dive the Blue Hole

Garifuna community experience

Explore the ATM caves and their ancient artefacts

Jungle expedition to the Caracol ruins

A Taste of Where We Stay

Blancaneaux

Turtle Inn

Cayo Espanto

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