On the reefBelize Barrier Reef Snorkel
Boat out to Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley off the cayes for clear water, rays, and healthy coral.
Belmopan, Belize
Cayo jungle lodges · Barrier-reef day trips · Direct flights from Canada
4.7 · 2,100+ Belize vacations booked by Canadians
Jungle & Reef · Flights Included
Vacation Packages to Belize
Cayo rainforest-lodge packages near Belmopan with return flights from Canada, from $1,699/person
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At a glance
Everything you need to know about Belize
Belize packs a whole holiday into one small, English-speaking country. Inland from the capital Belmopan, the Cayo District is a land of jungle lodges, Maya temples like Xunantunich and Caracol, and cave rivers you float through by inner tube. An hour's transfer to the coast puts you on the Belize Barrier Reef — the largest in the Northern Hemisphere — for world-class snorkelling off cayes like Ambergris and Caye Caulker. It sits in the hurricane belt, so the dry winter months are prime time.
Belize, Central AmericaClimate
Climate
24–31°C · dry season Dec–May
JanDec
PeakShoulderAvoid
Warm and sunny in the Dec–May dry season; wetter afternoons and hurricane risk peak Sep–Oct.
Currency
Belize Dollar
1 USD = 2 BZD · USD widely accepted
Entry
Visa-free
Valid passport (stays up to 30 days)
Top Experiences in Belize
On the reef
In the jungleMaya Temples of Cayo
Climb Xunantunich's El Castillo above the Mopan River, or go deep to towering Caracol in the Chiquibul forest.
UndergroundCave Tubing & ATM Cave
Float the underground river at Nohoch Che'en or trek into Actun Tunichil Muknal to see Maya ritual chambers.
Essential info for Canadian travellers
Passport: A valid Canadian passport is all you need — Belize is visa-free for Canadian tourists staying up to 30 days.
Travel insurance: Provincial health plans do not cover care in Belize, and jungle lodges are remote. Comprehensive travel insurance is essential.
Language & money: Belize is the only country in Central America with English as its official language. The Belize Dollar is pegged 2:1 to the US dollar, which is accepted everywhere.
Power & plugs: Belize uses 110V/60Hz with Type A/B plugs — identical to Canada, so your devices work without an adapter.
Time zone: Belize runs on Central Standard Time (CST, UTC-6) with no daylight saving — one hour behind Toronto in winter, two hours behind in summer.
Best time to visit Belize
Dec – AprPeak season
Dry, sunny, and warm. Best reef visibility and the busiest, priciest time for Canadians.
May – JunShoulder season
Hot and green as the rains begin — great value with mostly sunny mornings.
Jul – AugShoulder season
Warm with short afternoon downpours; good deals and lush jungle scenery.
Sep – NovWettest & storm risk
Heaviest rain and peak Atlantic hurricane season, especially Sep–Oct. Improves late November.
Where to stay
Belize zones & neighbourhoods
Belize lets you mix jungle and beach in one trip. Base in the Cayo District near Belmopan for rainforest, caves and Maya ruins, then add a caye or the coast for reef time. Here's how to choose.
Belmopan & Sleeping Giant
Cayo District (capital)
The garden capital and nearby Hummingbird Highway lodges — a central base for caves, ruins and rivers.
Best for
- First-timers
- Nature
- Central base
San Ignacio
Western Cayo
Lively riverside town near the Guatemalan border, close to Xunantunich, ATM Cave and Mountain Pine Ridge.
Best for
- Adventure
- Maya ruins
- Backpackers
Ambergris Caye
Northern cayes
San Pedro's laid-back island with the barrier reef and Hol Chan just offshore — Belize's beach headliner.
Best for
- Snorkelling
- Couples
- Beach clubs
Placencia
Southern coast
A long sandy peninsula of easygoing beach villages, great for diving trips to the southern atolls.
Best for
- Beaches
- Diving
- Relaxing
Beyond the resort
Day trips & excursions from Belmopan
The Cayo District is a springboard for Belize's caves, Maya ruins and the barrier reef. Every excursion below can be booked through ShopTravel or your lodge tour desk.
Maya UnderworldActun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave
Full day · 8 hrsNear Teakettle, Cayo · 45 min by van
Swim and wade into a sacred cave to see Maya pottery and the crystallised 'Crystal Maiden' skeleton.
Insider tips
- No cameras allowed inside
- Wear sturdy water shoes
ArchaeologyXunantunich Maya Ruins
Half day · 5 hrsNear San Ignacio · 1 hr by van
Cross the Mopan River by hand-cranked ferry and climb El Castillo for sweeping views into Guatemala.
Insider tips
- Go early to beat the heat
- Bring sun protection
River AdventureCave Tubing at Nohoch Che'en
Half day · 4 hrsCaves Branch, Cayo · 40 min by van
Float on an inner tube through a chain of limestone caves along an underground jungle river.
Insider tips
- Bring a dry bag
- Combine with a zipline add-on
Reef DayBarrier Reef Snorkel from the Coast
Full day · 9 hrsBelize coast & cayes · By transfer + boat
Transfer to the coast and boat out to Hol Chan and Shark Ray Alley to snorkel the barrier reef.
Insider tips
- Reef-safe sunscreen only
- Book on a dry-season day
● Limited availability — book now
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Good to know
Belize travel FAQ
Everything Canadian travellers ask before booking
Do Canadians need a visa for Belize?
No. Canadian citizens can enter Belize visa-free for tourist stays of up to 30 days with a valid passport.
How long is the flight from Canada to Belize?
Direct flights are about 5 hours from Toronto to Belize City (BZE). From the airport it's a scenic ~1-hour transfer inland to Belmopan and the Cayo lodges.
When is the best time to visit Belize?
The December–May dry season is best — warm, sunny, and ideal for the reef. September and October are the wettest and carry the highest hurricane risk.
Is Belize safe for tourists?
The Cayo District, cayes and resort areas are welcoming and well-travelled. Use normal precautions, stick to reputable tour operators, and follow local guidance.
What currency should I bring?
The Belize Dollar (BZD) is pegged 2-to-1 to the US dollar, and USD is accepted almost everywhere — so US cash is the easiest to carry for tips and tours.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes, it's strongly recommended. Canadian health plans don't cover Belize, and jungle lodges are remote from major hospitals.
Can I combine jungle and beach in one trip?
Absolutely — most visitors pair a few nights in the Cayo rainforest near Belmopan with time on a caye or the coast to snorkel the Belize Barrier Reef.
Can I book excursions through ShopTravel?
Yes. You can add trips like the ATM Cave, Xunantunich Maya ruins, cave tubing, and barrier-reef snorkelling to your booking at checkout.