Nine adventure activities in bucket-list Belize
Jennifer MorrisHome to the second-largest coral reef in the world, adrenaline sports galore and ancient Maya sites, Belize is a vibrant Central America adventure alternative for your clients.
Bordered by Mexico to the north and Guatemala to the south, Belize boasts a beautiful Caribbean Sea coast alive with biodiversity. From a fascinating marine sinkhole 70km off the mainland, to the Belize Barrier Reef – a Unesco World Heritage site home to more than 500 species of fish – the compact country is abuzz with life.
Numerous reefs and atolls span the coastline, and the Hol Chan Marine Reserve covers approximately 18 square kilometres of coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangrove forest.
VISIT THE TTG BELIZE SELLING GUIDE
Here are nine ways for your clients to get their adventure fix in beautiful Belize:
1. Marine meanders
About 500 different species of marine life can be seen while snorkelling or diving in Belize, including nurse sharks, black coral, turtles, manta rays, parrotfish and trumpet fish. Clients can take a tour out of Placencia to see whale sharks in the spring months, while the top snorkelling and diving areas are Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, Half Moon Caye on Lighthouse Reef (with an underwater marine trail), Tobacco Caye and the Silk Cayes.
2. Wild watersports
If watersports are more your client’s thing, jetskiing, sailing, paddle boarding, kayaking, kite surfing and parasailing are all available on the ocean, while travellers can head to the Macal River to kayak in more peaceful surroundings. Hopping on a canoe at one of the eco-lodges on the outskirts of San Ignacio, they can seek out exotic birds, giant green iguanas and even cave bats.
3. Zipping around treetops
Elsewhere inland, southeast Belize has some of the best zip-lining in the country. High up in the rainforest canopy, thrill-seekers will take in views of the vast Maya mountains and meandering creeks stretching below.
4. Catch a cave
Most of Belize’s vast cave system hasn’t even been discovered yet, but underground exploration is a popular experience for adventurous types. Recommend Nohoch Che’en, Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave or Rio Frio Cave.
5. Equine experiences
Horseback riding tours can be arranged through many resorts or tour operators. Popular trips travel through the jungles of the Cayo District, or near to Maya sites like El Pilar, Xunantunich and Cahal Pech. Responsible travel tip: when searching for suitable horse riding operators, ensure they have strict animal welfare policies in place and care well for their steeds.
6. Hiking and biking
There are hiking trails of varying difficulty across the country, through rainforests, animal sanctuaries and Maya sites, and Belize’s quiet roads make cycling tours a popular choice. Specially-designed cycle routes are safe and well-maintained, and offer stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. One of the most popular cycle paths is the 8km Belize City Coastal Road.
7. Ancient history
As touched upon, Belize is home to many ancient Maya sites scattered throughout the country, with Xunantunich, Caracol and Lamanai the largest. Some of the most notable are located in the jungles of the northern and western regions.
8. Cultural immersion
Cultural experiences such as the Garifuna Cultural Immersion and the Maya Living Experience teach visitors traditional cooking methods such as making chocolate from scratch and making flour and tortillas. A different approach to adventure for the less active or mobile!
9. Tastebud tours
For the gastronomy lovers, why not recommend Garifuna, Maya or Creole cooking classes, an island-hopping food tour or a “cook your catch” fishing trip? Because clients’ tastebuds deserve an adventure too.
To learn more about Belize you can visit travelbelize.org.
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