Belize

Belize family holiday

Belize is a small country that may not be on your radar but in our view it’s one of the best family destinations that we offer. Fantastic water sports, ancient ruins, lush rainforest and fascinating wildlife are just a few of the highlights on a Belize family holiday. The locals are super friendly, with a laid-back Caribbean vibe, the country is easy to get around and the distances are short, which means less driving, more enjoying.

Time at the beach is an essential part of every Belize family holiday

One of Belize’s main attractions lies just off-shore, under the water. Here you can find the world’s second largest coral reef, a kaleidoscope of colour and different species. This offers fabulous swimming, snorkelling and diving opportunities and the beaches are a paradise for children. Think swaying palm trees, dazzling white sand, colourful marine life and crystal-clear seas.

The rainforest in Belize is rich with wildlife including many Howler monkeys

Away from the beach, the rainforests are alive with wildlife. Howler monkeys and green iguana peer out from the dense foliage and tropical birds provide flashes of colour. The Mayan ruins are also seriously impressive and the kids will particularly enjoy the mysterious jungle-shrouded temples at Lamanai.

We feel that Belize is Central America’s best-kept secret – go now before other families discover it!

Child climbing steps of Mayan ruin on Belize family holiday

A family holiday to Belize can include visits to the region’s most impressive Mayan ruins

Why take the kids to Belize?

Belize is roughly the size of Wales, so you never have to travel far for your next adventure. Our top activities for a Belize family holiday include:

Enjoying the call of the howler monkeys on dawn jungle walks
Relaxing under a palm tree on Caye Caulker
Tunneling deep int ATM cave to view the human sacrificial remains
Learning to snorkel or dive off idyllic Ambergris Caye
Trying to spot elusive jaguar at Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary
Kayaking down the Macal River, with hummingbirds flitting around
Exploring Mayan ruins and climb an ancient pyramid
Making your own chocolate on a rural cacao farm

Throughout your family holiday to Belize, the children will be agog at all the wildlife and adventure. One day you might be paddling out in a canoe to spot manatee and caiman before taking a night safari in search of elusive jaguar. The next you could be scrambling over rocks, wading waist deep through the water and squeezing through crevices to reach an ancient Mayan burial chamber.

See our Belize with Kids Top 10 feature for a useful roundup of things to do with the family.

Belize family holiday - kids heading off for dinner wearing summer clothes

Eat al fresco at picturesque beach-side towns after a day of ocean activities

Combining Belize with other countries

Belize absolutely merits a standalone trip, particularly if you are a family that enjoys a decent amount of time on the beach. However, if you want to make the most of your time in Central America, it also combines really well with neighbouring Guatemala and Mexico.

In Guatemala you can experience authentic Mayan culture in colourful markets and friendly local villages. There are beautiful pastel-coloured colonial towns, volcanoes belching fire and magnificent Mayan ruins at Tikal. From here it’s just a short hop over the border to Belize, so that you can add gorgeous beaches and some of the best snorkelling in the world. See our Belize and Guatemala itinerary for inspiration.

Mexico also works brilliantly in combination with Belize. You can travel down through the Yucatan peninsula, ticking off highlights such as Chichen Itza, Merida and Yucatan’s famous cenotes, before crossing the border into Belize for some laid-back Caribbean charm. Our Best of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula and Belize itinerary shows you how to do it.

Young visitor making cocoa on a Belize family holiday

Making chocolate at a cocoa farm

Family holiday itineraries to Belize

All of our itineraries are bespoke which means that they are tailor-made for your family. We will take into account the ages of your children, your interests and your budget. However, to give you an idea of what you could do on a family holiday in Belize, have a look at our Belize Adventure Highlights and our Belize & Guatemala Highlights.

Also check out some of the other places that you might like to visit on your trip. If you need further inspiration, have a look at our Belize (and Guatemala) photo gallery.

Lastly, don’t forget to check what the weather will be like at the time that you want to travel. Or simply give us a ring and we’ll be delighted to advise you on the best Belize family holiday for you all.