On the reefBelize Barrier Reef Snorkel
Snorkel Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley over the UNESCO-listed reef, teeming with rays, turtles, and nurse sharks.
Belize City, Belize
Barrier-reef beach escapes · Direct flights from Canada
4.7 · 2,100+ Belize vacations booked by Canadians
Beach & Reef · Flights Included
Vacation Packages to Belize City
7-night reef and resort packages with return flights from Canada
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At a glance
Everything you need to know about Belize City
Belize City is the country's Caribbean gateway — a compact, English-speaking harbour town where the colonial Fort George district and the historic Swing Bridge over Haulover Creek meet the water-taxi docks that whisk you out to the cayes. Just offshore lies the Belize Barrier Reef, the largest in the Northern Hemisphere and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the legendary Great Blue Hole, Ambergris Caye, and Caye Caulker all within easy reach.
Belize City, Caribbean CoastClimate
Climate
26–31°C · dry season Nov–Apr
JanDec
PeakShoulderAvoid
Warm and humid year-round; the dry season from November to April brings the best beach and reef days.
Currency
Belize Dollar
1 USD = 2 BZD · USD widely accepted
Entry
Visa-free
Valid passport, stays up to 30 days
Top Experiences in Belize City
On the reef
By water taxiAmbergris Caye & San Pedro
Golf-cart your way around Belize's most famous island — beach bars, dive shops, and the laid-back town of San Pedro.
Bucket listThe Great Blue Hole
See the world-famous 300m sinkhole from the air or dive its deep-blue walls — one of the planet's iconic ocean sights.
Essential info for Canadian travellers
Passport: A valid Canadian passport is all you need — Canadians can stay in Belize visa-free for up to 30 days.
Departure & entry: There is a departure fee that is usually bundled into your airfare; keep your printed itinerary and return ticket handy at immigration.
Travel insurance: Provincial health plans do not cover care in Belize. Comprehensive travel insurance is essential, especially for diving and reef excursions.
Power & plugs: Belize uses 110V/60Hz with Type A/B plugs — the same as Canada, so most devices work without an adapter.
Time zone: Belize runs on Central Standard Time (CST) year-round with no daylight saving — one hour behind Toronto in summer, on par in winter.
Best time to visit Belize City
Dec – AprPeak season
Dry, sunny, and calm seas — the best reef visibility and busiest, priciest window.
May – JunShoulder season
Hot with brief afternoon showers; whale-shark sightings off Placencia and great value.
Jul – AugGreen season
Lush and warm with passing rains; lower prices and quieter cayes.
Sep – OctHurricane peak
Belize sits in the hurricane belt — heaviest rains and storm risk of the year.
Where to stay
Belize zones & neighbourhoods
Belize City is the mainland base, but the real beach magic is on the cayes and along the Placencia peninsula. Here's how to choose where to stay.
Fort George
Belize City
The city's leafy colonial district on the harbour — home to the lighthouse, the Museum of Belize, and the water-taxi terminal for the cayes.
Best for
- First-timers
- City & sea
- Gateway stays
Ambergris Caye
Island · San Pedro
Belize's largest island, with the buzzing town of San Pedro, beach bars, dive centres, and reef access minutes offshore.
Best for
- Couples
- Diving
- Nightlife
Caye Caulker
Island
Car-free island living on 'Go Slow' time — sandy lanes, the Split swimming spot, and easygoing seafood shacks.
Best for
- Backpackers
- Value
- Snorkelling
Placencia
Southern peninsula
A long sandy peninsula with the country's best mainland beaches, upscale resorts, and whale-shark season offshore.
Best for
- Beach resorts
- Honeymoons
- Relaxing
Beyond the resort
Day trips & excursions from Belize City
Belize City is the launch point for the reef, the cayes, and the Maya interior. Every excursion below can be booked through ShopTravel or your resort desk.
Natural WonderGreat Blue Hole Flightseeing & Snorkel
Full day · 8 hrsLighthouse Reef · By boat or small plane
See the iconic Great Blue Hole from above, then snorkel the reefs and atolls of Lighthouse Reef.
Insider tips
- Book a window seat for the flyover
- Bring motion-sickness tablets for the boat
Island DayCaye Caulker Island Day Trip
Full day · 7 hrs~35 km offshore · 45 min by water taxi
Hop the water taxi to car-free Caye Caulker for the Split, snorkel tours, and fresh seafood on 'Go Slow' time.
Insider tips
- Reef-safe sunscreen only
- Carry small USD bills for lunch
Maya HeritageAltun Ha Maya Ruins & City Tour
Half day · 5 hrs~50 km north · 1 hr by coach
Climb the Temple of the Masonry Altars at Altun Ha and tour Belize City's historic Fort George and Swing Bridge.
Insider tips
- Wear closed shoes for the ruins
- Bring water and a hat
AdventureCave Tubing & Jungle Zipline
Full day · 7 hrsNear Belmopan · 1.5 hrs by coach
Float on inner tubes through ancient limestone caves, then zip through the rainforest canopy inland.
Insider tips
- You'll get wet — bring a change of clothes
- Water shoes recommended
● Limited availability — book now
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Good to know
Belize City travel FAQ
Everything Canadian travellers ask before booking
Do Canadians need a visa for Belize?
No. Canadians can enter Belize visa-free for stays of up to 30 days — you just need a valid passport and a return or onward ticket.
How long is the flight from Canada to Belize?
Nonstop flights are about 5 hours from Toronto to Belize City (BZE), operating mostly on a seasonal basis; connecting options run year-round.
When is the best time to visit Belize?
The dry season from November to April offers the best beach and reef conditions. Belize is in the hurricane belt, so September and October carry the highest storm risk.
Is Belize City safe for tourists?
Belize City is the gateway to the cayes rather than a beach destination itself. Stick to the Fort George tourist district, use registered tours and water taxis, and take normal precautions.
What currency should I bring?
The Belize Dollar (BZD) is pegged to the US dollar at 2:1, and US dollars are accepted almost everywhere — bring USD in small bills for tips and tours.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes, it's strongly recommended. Healthcare in Belize is private and costly for visitors, and coverage is important for reef diving and boat excursions.
Is Belize good for diving and snorkelling?
Outstanding — the Belize Barrier Reef is the largest in the Northern Hemisphere, with world-famous sites like Hol Chan Marine Reserve and the Great Blue Hole just offshore.
Can I book excursions through ShopTravel?
Yes. You can add trips like the Great Blue Hole Flightseeing, Caye Caulker Day Trip, and Altun Ha Maya Ruins tour to your booking at checkout.