Beautifully nestled between Guatemala and Mexico, Belize, a country on the eastern coast of Central America, is peppered with hundreds of low-lying islands, Mayan ruins, and spectacular beaches offering laidback atmosphere and mesmerizing Caribbean coastline. Previously known as British Honduras, Belize leaves no stone unturned to impress beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts. From relaxing sandy shores to adventure water activities, these 10 most spectacular Belize beaches promise more than just sand, sun, and surf.
Thanks to the awe-striking coastline embracing the Caribbean Sea and the spellbinding offshore islands (a few of them are well-inhabited) - Belize makes an ideal beach getaway in Central America. Most of the golden and sugary-white sand beaches are just a ferry, boat, or a plane ride away from the heart of the city. Some of the beaches are only accessible by diving aficionados, while others are thronged by anglers. Since you want to spend a day in the water, the country has many treasure-troves to discover. The Belize Barrier Reef is one of the highlights. It is one of the most magnificent reef systems on the plant.
Let’s take a sneak peek into Belize’s best beaches for casual swimming, soaking up on the sand, or just lazing around.
Feel Local Charm at Hopkins Village Beach: Overlooking the waters of Commerce Bight on the coast of Southern Belize is this five-mile stretch Hopkins Village Beach. Roughly 65 kilometers from Placencia and 140 kilometers from Belize City, this friendliest village in Belize is easily accessible by car and bus. Stroll along the sand, spot colorful local homes, feel the local charm, and dine at one of the trendiest restaurants offering mouthwatering fish dishes served in hudut (coconut stew).
Explore Placencia on Barefoot: While locals prefer exploring Placencia on barefoot, it has, thus, been described as “barefoot perfect”. Placencia is a popular tourist spot known for pristine beaches. It certainly has some of the most intriguing and the best beaches in Belize. Flaunting more than 16-mile long coastline and many immaculate beaches, Placencia is encompassed by the Placencia lagoon in the west and the Caribbean in the east. Scuba diving, snorkeling, sailing, and swimming are to name a few popular activities. From here you can opt for one-day tours to visit the Belize Barrier Reef.
A Swimming Paradise – the Split: Created in 1961 by a hurricane, the Split is a rift offering crystal clear waters, ideal for swimming and splashing the waters throughout the day. The Split can conveniently be reached from one of the Belize vacation rentals. The Split is one of the prominent tourist places in Caye Caulker. A typical day on the barrier island involves snorkeling and plenty of other things. Swing in a hammock and enjoy a vacation in a perfect laidback atmosphere.
Take Your Camera to South Water Caye: Take a ferry from Dangriga to reach South Water Caye where off-the-beaten-path snorkeling and diving activities. One thing that not just locals indulge in but most visitors prefer partaking in is clicking pictures. The stunning coastline is marvelously embellished with soft, powdery white sand. For families traveling with kids will like to spend an entire afternoon right on the beach, playing in the water, making sandcastles, and more.
Half Moon Caye – Prepare to Gasp at Idyllic Views: Another caye in Belize where you would gasp at the staggering views of shimmering Caribbean waters. The striking crescent-shaped beach is not just made up of sand and water but fringed with coconut palms. Stay at oceanfront Belize villa rentals and enjoy a family vacation.
Best Beaches in Turneffe Atoll: Southeast of Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye, Turneffe Atoll, located off the coast of Belize, 20 miles from Belize City, is one of three atolls of the Belize Barrier Reef (other two being Glover’s Reef and Lighthouse Reef). Not only in Belize but also in the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, Turneefe Atoll is the largest coral island. A trip to Turneffe Atoll will give you exposure to some of the endangered marine species. A protected area since 2012, it is flourished with rich marine life including large fish, stingrays, and colorful corals.
Goff’s Caye: A tiny but sandy island, Goff’s Caye is located not far off the pristine coast from Belize City. Its main appeal is the clear, clean bluish and green water that further promises to endless beach activities. Offshore, you will see the dazzling coral reefs studded with sea turtles and colorful fish.
Think Sleepy Beach Town, Think Ambergris Caye: Stop inline snorkeling, plenty of water sports, and a laidback atmosphere, Ambergris Caye is another jewel in Belize, Central America. The sleepy beach town of Ambergris Caye is sometimes overcrowded as compared to Belize’s other beaches. The Great Mayan Reef, also known as the stunning Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, is the main attraction of Ambergris Caye.
Glover’s Reef Atoll - Named After English Pirate Brothers: A World Heritage Site and a popular marine reserve, Glover’s Reef Atoll, named after John and Rodger Glover (English pirate brothers), is comprised of Long Cay, Northeast Cay, Middle Cay, Manta Island, and Southwest Cay. Relax and unwind in nature when you are not fishing, diving, and snorkeling.
Gladden Spit and Silk Caye Marine Reserve: Covering approximately 25,980 acres stretching 36 km off the coast of Placencia, Gladden Spit and Silk Cayes is a well-known protected marine reserve in the central part of Barrier Reef in Belize. Commonly called Queen Caye, Silk Caye is a place that you wouldn’t want to miss. Diving and snorkeling are the prime water activities in Silk Caye. Natural aquatic formations such as Hawksbill turtles, Whale Sharks, and Fire and Staghorn have stunning corals in store.
Are you up for a memorable beach vacation in Belize?
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