7 Days • 6 Nights
Belize Barrier Reef & Cayes
Tour Includes
About the Trip
Trip Highlights
- Snorkelling Hol Chan Marine Reserve
- Swimming with nurse sharks and rays at Shark Ray Alley
- Lively San Pedro on Ambergris Caye
- Car-free, 'go slow' Caye Caulker
- Sunset sailing on the Caribbean
- Fresh lobster, ceviche and reef-to-table dining
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 7-day journey.
Met at Belize City airport, you take the short scenic flight out over the reef to Ambergris Caye. Check into your beachfront hotel in San Pedro and unwind on the sand, with a welcome dinner of fresh Caribbean seafood to begin.
A boat trip to the Hol Chan Marine Reserve delivers Belize's finest snorkelling, drifting over coral canyons among turtles, eagle rays and shoals of fish. At Shark Ray Alley you swim alongside gentle nurse sharks and stingrays, with a fresh lunch on the water.
A free day on the island: dive the reef, kayak the flats, cycle the sandy lanes to quieter northern beaches, or simply relax by the sea with a rum punch and watch the pelicans dive.
Spend the day at your own pace, then join a sunset sailing cruise gliding along the reef with drinks in hand as the sky turns gold, followed by an evening exploring San Pedro's easygoing bars and eateries.
A short boat ride brings you to Caye Caulker, a tiny, car-free island where bicycles and bare feet rule and the pace slows right down. Settle in and wander to the Split, the island's famous swimming and sunset spot.
A blissfully slow day: snorkel with seahorses and rays in the marine reserve, paddleboard the shallows, laze in a hammock, and eat lobster grilled at a beachside shack. This is the Caribbean at its most unhurried.
A final morning by the sea before the boat and short flight back to Belize City for your onward international departure.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- 6 nights accommodation
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner and a reef snorkelling lunch
- Airport transfers
- Touring and activities as per itinerary with English-speaking guides
- Domestic transfers between the mainland and the cayes
- All national park and Maya site entry fees
- a Hol Chan and Shark Ray Alley snorkelling trip and a sunset sailing cruise
Exclusions
- International airfare
- Visa or tourist card fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional excursions and experiences
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Language & currency: English is the official language of Belize, which makes travel refreshingly easy. The currency is the Belize Dollar, fixed at two to one against the US Dollar, and US Dollars are accepted almost everywhere
- Visa: Many nationalities, including UK, US, EU, Canadian and Australian passport holders, do not need a visa for tourism and receive an entry stamp on arrival; check your nationality with us before travelling and carry a passport valid for at least six months
- Best time to visit: The dry season from late November to May is ideal for the reef, the cayes and the Maya sites, while the greener wet season (June to November) brings afternoon showers and is also the Atlantic hurricane season
- The reef and the cayes: Belize sits on the second-largest barrier reef in the world, superb for snorkelling and diving; bring reef-safe sunscreen, as regular sunscreen is restricted in marine reserves to protect the coral
- Health: A yellow fever certificate is only required if arriving from a country with risk of transmission. Bring insect repellent for the jungle, stay hydrated, and drink bottled or filtered water
- Getting around: Belize is small and easy to travel, with short domestic flights and boat transfers connecting the mainland, San Pedro (Ambergris Caye) and Caye Caulker; internal transfers are included in your tour
- Money & tipping: Cards are accepted in hotels and larger restaurants, but carry cash for local eateries, markets and tips. Tipping around ten percent is customary for good service and appreciated by guides
- Electricity & connectivity: Power is 110V with US-style flat-pin plugs, so US travellers need no adapter. Wifi is available in most hotels, though it can be slower on the remote cayes and jungle lodges
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this tour good for non-swimmers or beginners?
Yes — the snorkelling sites are calm and guided, with flotation aids available, and much of the reef is easy to enjoy. You can be as active or relaxed as you like, and there is plenty of beach time for non-swimmers.
What's the difference between Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker?
Ambergris Caye (San Pedro) is larger and livelier with more dining, diving and nightlife, while Caye Caulker is tiny, car-free and wonderfully laid-back. Together they give you the best of both island moods.
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included throughout, along with any meals specifically named in the itinerary such as a welcome dinner or a reef picnic lunch. Belize's food, from fresh seafood to Creole and Maya dishes, is a highlight, so most lunches and dinners are left free for you to explore.
Are internal flights and boat transfers included?
Yes — all transfers within Belize, including the short domestic flights or boat rides between the mainland and the cayes, are arranged and included so your journey is seamless.
Do I need a visa for Belize?
Many nationalities do not need a visa for tourism and receive an entry stamp on arrival. We confirm the requirement for your nationality when you book; a passport valid for at least six months is needed.
When is the best time to visit Belize?
The dry season from late November to May offers the best conditions for the reef, cayes and Maya sites. The green season (June to November) is quieter and lush but brings afternoon showers and falls in the hurricane season.
Is Belize suitable for non-divers?
Absolutely. The reef is wonderful for snorkelling straight off the beach or boat, and there is a wealth of jungle, wildlife, cave and Maya-ruin experiences on the mainland, so you do not need to dive to love Belize.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Yes — every itinerary is a starting point. We can adjust the balance of reef and jungle, add nights, change islands or lodges, and tailor the activities to your interests and pace.
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