Are you planning your next family vacation to Belize and you don’t even know where to start?
A vacation is a perfect time to bond with your family. And with the abundance of fun activities, beautiful beaches, and tasty food in Belize, you are sure to have an unforgettable family vacation. Whether you spend your time on a tropical island or exploring the ancient Maya ruins, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
- Do you want to know the best hotel to stay with family in Belize?
- Are you looking for some inspiration to travel to Belize with your family?
Then you have come to the right place.
In this article, you will find the best Kid-Friendly Hotels and Vacation spots in Belize.
There are many family-friendly vacation destinations in Belize that are definitely worth going to. But to enjoy our precious and sometimes rare family vacations, we must choose the best ones knowing that we are going to hit the mark.
Belize is the best tourist destination that has spectacular and varied landscapes between Mayan vestiges, dense jungle, and the Caribbean Sea. Addresses adapted to families, to live in full board for total tranquility.
Follow in the footsteps of the former freebooters of the Caribbean and offer your children an adventure in Belize, between tropical forests, Mayan sites, and dream beaches!
Your family trip to Belize will take place in a perfectly preserved nature, where the mangrove swamps into the jungle.
This will allow you to combine moments of relaxation on the beach, between diving, kayaking, and idleness with exciting excursions to the most beautiful Mayan sites in Latin America. In a relaxed and warm atmosphere, you will play in turn explorer, archaeologist, and Robinson Crusoe for an original enriching trip with your children.
Planned activities: visits to Mayan sites, jungle walks, wildlife observation, snorkeling.
Best Kid-Friendly Hotels in Belize
When we review properties in person around Belize, we assess how each feature stacks up against the competition, from the rooms to the pools to the restaurants. So if you are planning a family trip and need a place to start, you have come to the right place. Take a look at our top expert kid’s picks in Belize and get inspired!
Belize tourist attractions are very varied: the Great Blue Hole, the keys, and the coral reef. It is an ideal destination for lovers of nature and the sea, perfectly suitable for families and couples who seek to relax on the beautiful beaches of the Caribbean. Here, we are going to review the best family-friendly (Kids-Friendly) vacation spots in Belize.
Most hotels, lodgings, and resorts accept children and many of them offer special activities and even babysitting services. In many places children (usually under 12 years old) stay for free or at a reduced price. In this guide, the icon indicates accommodations designed for families.
It is recommended to look for suites, cabins, or apartments in which you can cook. Eating “at home” is a good way to save, to avoid waiting for a table and other inconveniences of eating out with children. In addition, it is a way to ensure that everyone eats well.
In the accommodation, it is advisable to ask in advance if they have high chairs and cots. Some resorts and restaurants have them, but it’s best to make sure.
Caye Caulker Beach Hotel
The first hotel we will talk about is Caye Caulker Beach Hotel. Located on Caye Caulker, it is the ideal beach hotel for backpackers. The hotel has a solarium, terrace, and barbecue area. Great for enjoying a meal or two with family and friends! The hotel also offers various activities for an additional fee. You could go snorkeling, diving, and fishing. And if you want to explore the key, just rent a bike at the hotel.
Caye Caulker doesn’t have many nearby attractions. However, Rainbow Bar & Grill restaurant and Go Slow Market are only 0.1 km away.
The room rates are affordable. You can book a double room for as little as 54 USD per night! And if you’re visiting with your family, larger rooms are also available for $ 95 per night. This makes it ideal for backpackers or traveling with a larger group of people.
Blue Wave Guest House
Blue Wave Guest House is a small but cozy beachfront hotel. It is one of the best hotels in Belize when staying on a key. Located on Caye Caulker, this hotel is a great affordable option. You only have to pay 30 USD per night if you don’t mind sharing the bathroom. But if you prefer, rooms with a private bathroom are also available for $ 60 per night. The rate varies depending on the room and if you have a balcony. But don’t worry about paying too much. The most expensive room is only 90 USD!
The hotel has a private beach area and several outdoor areas. A picnic area and terrace allow you to enjoy the view of the beach while enjoying your meal. The place also offers a shared kitchen, perfect for those who are more budget-conscious.
But if you don’t feel like cooking, there are restaurants like Paradiso and Blue Wave Divers across the street. The ferry to a nearby city is only 0.6 km (0.3 mi) away, allowing you to explore more Belize. If you are looking for an inexpensive option to stay overnight, this hotel will do it. It offers the comfort and facilities you need at an unbeatable price!
The Great House Inn
We love the Great House Inn for several reasons. Located in Belize City, this hotel has a beautiful colonial design. You can see this not only on the outside but in every corner. Each room also maintains the colonial look. Even better, some open onto the large deck out front. Here you can enjoy exceptional views of the ocean! The hotel also has a terrace and a garden where you can sunbathe.
When it comes to activities, the hotel offers some off-site for an additional fee. Snorkeling, horseback riding, diving, and fishing are some of the things you can do. The Belize River is 0.4 km from the hotel, giving you the option of canoeing.
And when you’re hungry, there are several restaurants available less than a mile away. Another great feature is the fact that Sir Barry Bowen Municipal Airport is just 1.8 miles away. As for the rate, it is a little higher and the lowest is 157 USD per night. But we assure you that it is worth it. The design, convenience, and location of the hotel make it one of the best hotels in Belize.
We’Yu Boutique Hotel
Located on Caye Caulker, We’Yu Boutique Hotel is one of the best hotels in Belize that are close to the beach. Its location promises some of the most beautiful views on the beach! Hotel facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, a garden, a bar and an on-site restaurant.
As if that were not enough, it also has a nightclub for the entertainment of guests. And this is not the only entertainment available. The hotel offers off-site activities such as snorkeling, diving, canoeing, and fishing. And if you don’t want to leave the place, you can enjoy the water park within the hotel area.
Despite not having nearby attractions, you can easily visit them with the hotel service. Airport pickup and drop-off service is available, as well as the option to purchase public transportation tickets. As for its rooms, the hotel offers several options for you to choose from.
Regardless of their capacity, all of them are very spacious. Prices per room range from USD 299 to USD 400. The feeling of luxury each room offers is worth every penny!
Hopkins Bay Belize To Muy’Ono Resort
Hopkins Bay Belize a Muy’Ono Resort offers one of the most exclusive experiences. It is located on a private beach on Hopkins Bay Beach, allowing you to spend the most peaceful and relaxing time. It has a terrace, solarium, garden and balcony. You can also enjoy a family barbecue, as it has a barbecue area. Rhum Shack, the hotel’s restaurant, serves local and international cuisine. And if you follow a certain diet, special meals can be prepared on request. Perfect for maintaining your fitness goals while on vacation!
Since you are far from the center, most attractions are not within walking distance. However, you can organize excursions to popular sites like Mayan ruins, wildlife sanctuaries, and cays with the hotel. And if you prefer water attractions, this is your ideal hotel.
- The Belize Barrier Reef is just 1 mile away.
- The resort rooms vary in size and therefore in price.
- Each starts at $ 478 and can go up to $ 1,484.
- If you are willing to spend more, choose this hotel.
- It is one of the best hotels in Belize.
Best places to visit with family in Belize
Belize is a country located in Central America, bordered to the north by Mexico to the west and south by Guatemala, and to the east by the Caribbean Sea. Despite being a small country, it is full of great natural and cultural wealth. Belize has a large network of national parks and animal life sanctuaries as well as thousands of beaches around the Caribbean Sea.
You can find a great species of animals such as spider monkeys, iguanas, more than 500 species of birds, wild boars, and some jaguars. In addition, it has Mayan sites, islands, and keys. Belizeans are very affectionate people and represent a mix of nationalities such as mestizos, Creole, Garifuna, and Mayan.
This combination of natural treasures, culture, and friendly people make Belize a paradise that deserves to be visited.
The main places to visit in Belize are the caves
- Actun Tunichil Muknal,
- San Pedro in Ambergris Cay,
- Cayo Caulker,
- San Ignacio and
- Placencia.
Although there are places that are growing and have become more popular.
All-Inclusive Vacation San Pedro Belize
San Pedro is located on Ambergris Key, the most famous key on the Belizean coast; located south of the peninsula of Mexico. Ambergris Caye is the largest island in Belize and has a wide variety of restaurants and nightlife. On one side you can find the largest coral reef in the western hemisphere, and you can practice water sports or relax on the beaches.
One of the biggest attractions is that you can swim with whale sharks, but if you don’t like this, after taking a nap on the beach you can have small talks with the locals.
Among the fun activities that you can do in San Pedro are superficial diving (snorkeling) and scuba diving (scuba diving), sailing, fishing, kayaking, paddle surfing, etc.
Caye Caulker
Caye Caulker is the second largest island in Belize. It is a cheaper option than its neighbor Ambergris. Its proximity to the coral reef makes it a very attractive island for divers. The island is only 4 miles long but the town is only one mile long so you can walk to any restaurant or bar.
And touring it by bicycle is very simple. If you want to relax on an island of beautiful beaches, go on ecotourism, water sports or explore the mainland in one day, this is the island to choose Also, due to its size it does not have as much traffic as Ambergris.
Blue Hole
One of the biggest attractions in Belize is the Blue Hole, located in Lighthouse Reef, a cave that collapsed millions of years ago. The Blue Hole measures a little less than 305 meters in diameter and 125 meters deep, which makes it an excellent place to go scuba diving.
The further you dive, the more crystalline the water, so you can clearly see fish, limestone formations, and stalactites.
Placencia Family Beach Resort Belize
Placencia city located on the coast of Belize, 231kms from Belize City, has an extensive golden sand beach of almost 26kms.
During the day you can swim on the beach, sail, dive, watch birds in the Cockscomb Basin nature reserve or you can go to the village and see what a traditional Kriol fishing village is like.
San Ignacio
Belize is divided into districts, Cayo District is one of them. In the Cayo District is the capital of the country, Belmopan; but the district capital is San Ignacio, which is the largest town in the Cayo district. Cayo District is known for being the place that attracts people looking for adventure and excitement. Here you will find a great mix of culture, nature, adventure and beautiful landscapes.
Among the highlights is Mountain Pine Ridge, an ideal place for walking, horseback riding, kayaking, bird watching, etc. In addition to nature, you can visit one or several Mayan sites and contemplate the ruins of the temples. Another attraction is that from San Ignacio you can make a one-day visit to the Mayan site of Tikal, in Guatemala.
Actun Tunichil Muknal
A place that is very worth mentioning are the Actun Tunichil Muknal caves, also known as the ATM caves. It is located in the heart of the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve. Located 45 minutes from San Ignacio, it is the most impressive Mayan cave in the world.
Actun Tunichil Muknal means “The cave of the stone tomb”, it received this name because inside a sacrificial chamber, in the cave system, the bones of a young Maya were found. The caves also contain ceramic remains. The Mayans considered the caves a door to the afterlife so they performed rituals in the place.
The diversity of marine life is accessible to any diver, even a beginner, and the opportunity to swim with the stingrays, turtles, and placid sharks of Shark Alley!
What are the top 10 family vacation spots in Belize?
Belize is a somewhat rustic destination, but great for travelers who want to feel that there are still nooks in the world to discover. When traveling to Belize, you will discover the second largest coral reef in the world, behind the Australian one, a true underwater paradise.
Its jungle brings together a huge network of national parks and nature reserves, its Mayan sites have nothing to envy the Mexicans, Guatemalans, or Hondurans, and the growing tourism industry has developed all kinds of adventure proposals in nature, which range from zip lining to discovering caves for miles
1. Ambergris Caye
Also called the Beautiful Island (for the famous Madonna song), Ambergris Caye is the quintessential paradise vacation destination. For many visitors, it is the perfect image of a vacation: very relaxed, but also fun. Not much to do, true, but who cares?
You can snorkel the reef, kayak the lagoon or windsurf through the straits; It is also possible to be pampered at a spa or challenge yourself with a yoga class or simply take a nap on a jetty. At sunset, you can enjoy the most delicious dinners and the most lively night in the country.
The island is long and narrow: 40 kilometers long by eight kilometers wide at its peak, although most of it does not exceed one kilometer.
2. Garifuna drums at Hopkins
The Garifuna culture has a great presence in southern Belize and is especially identified by music and drums. In Dangriga and Punta Gorda you can study percussion and learn how to make drums with local masters, although for a truly special experience you have to go to the welcoming and somewhat neglected Garifuna town of Hopkins and participate in a drum ceremony at the percussionist center.
At Hopkins, life hasn’t changed much in the last few decades. Children sell homemade chocolate and coconut cakes on the only street in town, men fish by day and drum at night, and the pace of life is slow.
The beach is narrow, but in good weather, it has spectacular views of the Caribbean. Garífuna People’s Day is November 19.
3. Discover the Mayans in Caracol
In the largest Mayan settlement in Belize, you can walk through a city that, in its time, had the same political weight as Tikal, and that for many are even more spectacular. It is shrouded by jungle, near the border with Guatemala, about 84 kilometers south of San Ignacio.
Its discovery and excavation are relatively recent and every year there are archaeological campaigns that reveal new details.
From the center of the temples, palaces, artisan workshops, and markets you can feel the power and glory of the ancient Caracol.
At 42 meters tall, the Caana (palace of heaven) remains the tallest building in Belize.
4. No Rush on Caye Caulker
Throughout Belize you can see signs that read “No shirt, no shoes … no problem” (no shirt, no shoes … no problems), but on Caye Caulker this motto is almost religion. Nothing seems like a problem on this tiny island of unpaved streets and road signs urging golf carts and bicycles to “slow down”.
The wind blows almost always (especially from January to June) and creates the optimal conditions for sailing, windsurfing or kiteboarding.
The second-largest barrier reef in the world is just a few kilometers from the coast and invites snorkelers and divers to play with the fish.
The mangroves are teeming with life and can be explored by kayak.
Despite being a setting for action, tourists still flock to Caye Caulker to lie in a hammock, read a book, and drink fresh fruit juice.
5. Altun Ha
After tasting the beer, visit these ruins that served as the inspiration for the Belikin bottle label and the Belizean banknotes.
Altun Ha, the easiest-to-access site in Belize (they are 55 kilometers north of central Belize City) is a smaller and less imposing archaeological site than other Mayan centers, but with its immaculate central plaza, it is also spectacular. with 10 different buildings from the 6th and 7th centuries, such as the Temple of the Masonry Altars.
It was also the richest site in the country, although the objects found are no longer there. Climbing to the top of the temples to see the surrounding jungle is a good way to get some exercise.
6. Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary
Belize is full of birds and to check it out you can visit Crooked Tree, a fishing and farming town next to a picturesque lagoon. The swamps attract hundreds of species, some migratory that stop on their way north or south.
Bird watching is more appropriate for months (from February to May) without rains when the pond dries and birds are concentrated in the puddles. Expert guides help visitors identify the feathers.
7. Living with the Mayan peoples today
To discover the current Mayan life, and up close, the best thing is to visit the towns of the Toledo district, where ancient and modern culture coexist: rituals and traditions are still important on a day-to-day basis.
From the ruins of Lubaantun to the cultural circuit through Big Falls, San Miguel, and San Pedro Columbia, the route passes through some of the most beautiful villages in the country and allows you to learn about the Mopan Mayan culture, descendants of another powerful and influential civilization.
In addition, they prepare delicious chocolate.
The Living Maya Experience program allows you to learn about how the Mayans of Belize now live.
8. Jaguars in the jungle
Those looking for something different can choose from the country’s protected areas, such as the Mayflower Bocawina National Park or the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary.
With jungles, mountains, waterfalls, swimming pools, and even a small Mayan ruin, an excursion through one of them guarantees the feeling of having left civilization and the 21st century behind.
The reserves are shared with their inhabitants (birds, mammals, reptiles, and black howler monkeys). The Mayflower Bocawina Park, accessible from Hopkins or Dangriga, has anything but hordes of tourists, while the 518-hectare Cockscomb Basin is Belize’s most famous jaguar sanctuary.
It has a visitor center, accommodation, and a good network of hiking routes.
9. Mayan intimacy in Xunantunich and Lamanai
Accessible and impressive, especially for its hieroglyphs, reaching the Xunantunich site is part of the adventure. After crossing the Mopán River onboard a cable-operated ferry with a crank, you cross a jungle full of birds and butterflies to reach a set of temples and plazas that date back to the beginning of the Classic Maya Period.
Once there, you can explore various buildings and squares and even go up to El Castillo (39 meters) to enjoy the spectacular circular panorama.
Another alternative for archeology lovers is Lamanai, one of the largest and best-excavated ruins in southern Belize: they cover all the eras of the Mayan civilization and are famous for their stone reliefs, their impressive architecture, and their spectacular location, with views of the New River lagoon and surrounded by dense jungle.
10. The hummingbird highway Belize Attractions
The Hummingbird Highway is one of the most beautiful roads in Belize. Meander through the jungle, past citrus groves and tiny villages, and give away breathtaking views of the Mayan mountains.
In addition, you can explore the cave of St Herman., Walk the circuit through the jungle or bathe in the crystal clear waters of the Blue Hole. Its 89 kilometers can be covered in two hours, but it is better to stop and stop at one of the luxury hotels, pensions, and ecolodges that are during the tour.
Belize is a mix of cultures, languages, and a diversity of activities that are sure to capture your full attention, whether you are traveling for business or pleasure. Getting to this beautiful country is now faster with a direct flight from Guatemala City, which takes no more than 1 hour. Turn your vacation into a diversity of opportunities and travel to Belize.
It really is a great family outing that is both fun and educational. Swimming is one of the largest coral reefs in the world, visiting the Mayan temples, enjoying the lush nature… Your stay in Belize with your family promises to be unforgettable.
With family you can have a very fun week in Belize: you can explore the underwater life, beaches, and enjoy boat trips, have a drink, share laughs, and why not swimming? Family vacations in Belize have it all, don’t miss it.
Further Reading
