TravPa

Belize

Maya temples and jungle caves around San Ignacio, the Belize Zoo on the way, then Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker for snorkeling at Hol Chan and Shark Ray Alley.

Best timeJan to AprMoneyBelize dollar (BZD)Plugs[plug types and voltage]Main airportBelize City (BZE)
Approved by TravPa Editors, Nov 7, 2026
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Overview

Most first trips pair the Maya sites and caves around San Ignacio, about 67 miles west of Belize City, with the reef off Ambergris Caye. The Belize Zoo sits at Mile 29 on the way west, about 30 min from Belize City. San Pedro Belize Express boats take about 1 hr 30 min from Belize City to San Pedro and about 45 min to Caye Caulker, and the two islands are about 30 min apart by boat.

The dry season runs from December to April, with little rain and the busiest weeks around the holidays. The rainy season runs from June to November and brings lower prices and fewer crowds. Heavy showers usually fall in the late afternoon, and Belize has a hurricane season, so check the forecast before booking island trips.

When to go

BestGo with a plan
janBestfebBestmarBestaprBestmayMildjunRainyjulRainyaugRainysepRainyoctRainynovRainydecBusy

San Pedro holds a Boat Lighting Parade in the holiday season, and December cold fronts can pull night temperatures down to about 55°F (13°C).

Every month in detail: weather and recent fares

Itineraries

[Photo: Ambergris Caye (San Pedro)]
Ambergris Caye in 2 daysSan Pedro Town, Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Shark Ray Alley, Caye Caulker, The Split, Secret Beach, Mexico Rocks, Great Blue HoleBalanced pace
[Photo: San Ignacio]
San Ignacio in 2 daysCahal Pech, Green Iguana Conservation Project, Burns Avenue, Xunantunich, Hawkesworth Bridge, Big Rock Falls, Rio On Pools, Rio Frio CaveBalanced pace
[Photo: Belize]
Belize in 7 daysSwing Bridge, Belize Zoo, Cahal Pech, Xunantunich, Big Rock Falls, Barton Creek Cave, Hol Chan, Caye Caulker, Secret BeachBalanced pace

Where to stay

Ambergris Caye (San Pedro)San Pedro Town for restaurants and nightlife on foot; north of town for beaches by golf cart; south of town toward Hol Chan for shorter boat rides to the reef.Best areas to stay in Ambergris Caye (San Pedro)Hotels in Ambergris Caye (San Pedro)
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Belize CityThe old port for early boats to the islands and the museum; near the airport for late arrivals; the Belize Zoo area for a first night in the forest.Best areas to stay in Belize CityHotels in Belize City
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San IgnacioSan Ignacio town for walking to Burns Avenue and Cahal Pech; Santa Elena across the Hawkesworth Bridge for a quieter side; San Jose Succotz for early Xunantunich mornings.Best areas to stay in San IgnacioHotels in San Ignacio
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Getting around

  • Water taxis: San Pedro Belize Express runs from the Belize Marine Terminal to Caye Caulker in about 45 min and to San Pedro in about 1 hr 30 min, with several departures a day.
  • From the airport: The ferry terminal is about 25 min from Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport, and shared shuttles to it run from the airport.
  • Domestic flights: Tropic Air and Maya Island Air fly between Belize City and the islands; the flight to Caye Caulker takes about 15 min.
  • Buses and cars: Public buses stop at the Belize Zoo about every half hour, and rental agencies are based at Belize City and the airport.

Before you go

Travel insuranceHealth insurance from home often doesn't cover care abroad. Check what your plan includes, then compare travel cover for your dates, and confirm it covers caving and scuba diving if you plan them.
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Phone dataMobile data helps with ferry times, cave and ruin ticket bookings and tour pickups between Belize City, San Ignacio and the islands.How a travel eSIM works
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