Belize: A Playground of Adventure

WRITTEN BY: LOUISE ROE

Belize’s lush jungle, pristine barrier reef, ancient Maya cities, rich culture and natural beauty make it the perfect playground. Its diverse terrain results in a guaranteed destination for some fun, suitable for all levels of endeavors.

Discover nature trails that lead you to beautiful hidden waterfalls, get your heart racing as you rappel down gushing cascades, or simply spend the day river tubing in crystal clear waters. There are countless “off-the-beaten paths” waiting for be explored.

For more water adventures, The Belize Barrier Reef has plenty to offer.

Looking for a relaxed holiday?

Enjoy swimming in clear turquoise waters or go snorkeling and be mesmerized by the healthy aquatic life of The Belize Barrier Reef. For avid divers don’t miss out on the opportunity to dive the Great Blue Hole.

As you wander Belize’s great outdoors, go at your own pace and you will be sure to have a fantastic time.

PHOTOS:LEONARDO MELENDEZ

ST. HERMAN’S BLUE HOLE NATIONAL PARK – CAYO DISTRICT | INTENSITY: EASY

Located within the Blue Hole National Park, off the Hummingbird Highway, is St. Herman’s cave. Start your adventure with a life jacket, headlamp, and an inner tube in hand. Make your way down a steep nature trail to the cave entrance. An easy 15-20-minute walk in the jungle, will take you to the 180 ft wide entrance. Fed by an underground river, you can float peacefully through the cave, admiring the stalactites and stalagmites. Its superb geological structures make it a magical and easy adventure for many.

BARTON CREEK – CAYO DISTRICT | INTENSITY: EASY/MODERATE

Located in the Cayo District, Barton Creek is one of the easiest caves to explore as it is accessible by canoe. Forming part of a riverine system, a tranquil river leads the passage for your exploration. The underground river extends for roughly five miles, with only the first mile open for public exploration. Nevertheless, within that first mile is where many treasures lie. On the ledges you can spot remains of pottery, ceramics, artifacts, and ceremonial weapons used for ritual and spiritual activities. Believed to date back to the early classic period (A.D. 200 to 600) to the Late Classic Period (A.D. 600 to 900), exploring this mysterious cave is a remarkable voyage in itself.

ATM CAVE – CAYO DISTRICT | INTENSITY: ADVANCED

The Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave, situated in the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve in the Cayo District, is considered one of the top 10 sacred caves in the world by National Geographic. A trip to the cave requires almost a full day starting off with a hike which entails crossing two flowing streams. Entering the cave requires a short swim at the caves doorway making for a refreshing dip. With the cave being over 5km long, you’ll spend roughly 3 hours inside hiking through water streams and boulders. Crossing sacred ground by foot, you can see pottery and magnificent geographical formations. 600 m into the cave evidence of human remains have been documented by archeologists. Lay your sights on a Crystallized skeleton, the “Crystal Maiden”, proof that Maya Sacrifice once took place in this sacred cave.

THOUSAND FOOT FALLS – MOUNTAIN PINE RIDGE FOREST RESERVE | INTENSITY: EASY

Located in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, this is the tallest waterfall not only Belize, but in all of Central America. This natural watery heaven is a splendor to watch as a cascade of water plummets 1,600 ft into pristine natural pools below. Beautiful green pine forest surrounds this majestic waterfall, offering a spectacular panoramic view of the Mountain Pine Ridge valley. This waterfall is one of the easiest to enjoy as you can set your sights on it from an accessible view point.

BIG ROCK FALLS - MOUNTAIN PINE RIDGE FOREST RESERVE | INTENSITY: MODERATE

Located in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, this picturesque waterfall is one of a few waterfalls in the area worth visiting for a swim. Getting right to the base of this 150-foot waterfall, requires a 15 to 20-minute hike, which is marginally steep, making it it a less trafficked waterfall. Nevertheless, visiting this striking waterfall will be well worth it, especially when you have a good chance of having it all to yourself!

WATERFALL RAPPELLING -MAYFLOWER BOCAWINA NATIONAL PARK INTENSITY: ADVANCED

Covering 7000 acres of pristine tropical rainforest, Mayflower Bocawina National Park is the perfect playground for adventure seekers and nature lovers. Those looking for a challenge, start the journey with a hike along a jungle trail 1000 ft up to the top of Antelope Falls. Take a minute to catch your breath and enjoy the breathtaking views of Belize’s lush rainforest. You can spend some time cooling off in the emerald pools at the top of the falls before making your exhilarating decent. Accompanied by a licensed guide, you’ll descend 250 ft over two rappels. The hiking and waterfall rappelling complete within half a day, but you are sure to get your fill of adventure.

Marine Adventure

SNORKELING | INTENSITY: EASY

Belize is home to the second largest Barrier Reef in the world, making a snorkel trip a must-do adventure when in Belize. There are plenty snorkel spots, sure to be a great day out for individuals of all ages. One of the most accessible from San Pedro and Caye Caulker is Hol Chan Marine Reserve, the countries first established marine reserve. On your snorkel, you will spot an array of tropical fish and beautiful corals that paint a vibrant underwater scene. For those brave enough to jump into the water at Shark Ray Alley, you can experience the thrill of swimming with rays and sharks.

SEA KAYAKING | INTENSITY: MODERATE

Sea Kayaking is a great way to see the Belize Barrier Reef. The shallow inshore waters at Belize’s atolls make it the perfect place to kayak. It requires some energy, however you can go at your own pace. Learn the basic strokes and you will be on your way! Spend the day paddling and stopping at different snorkel spots along the way to enjoy the Belize Barrier Reef’s abundant marine life. Base camps on Lighthouse Reef and Glovers Reef are popular locations for your kayak adventure.

DIVING THE GREAT BLUE HOLE | INTENSITY: ADVANCED

Belize, home to the magnificent Great Blue Hole, makes it a sought after divers’ paradise. Located at the center of Lighthouse Reef, roughly 62 miles from the mainland, you start your adventure with a scenic boat ride across Belize’s turquoise waters until you arrive at the spectacular sinkhole which measures 1000 ft across and is more than 400 ft deep. Suitable for recreational diving with a limit of 130 ft, you start your descent along the edge of a limestone wall. Diving this natural wonder is like no other experience as you glide through stalactite formations dating back to 153,000 years ago. Diving this marine treasure is a full day trip with many tour operators offering three dives – the Blue Hole and two other wonderful dive spots in the area such as the Half Moon Caye Wall and the Long Caye Wall.