Belize nature and outdoor places
Explore rainforest trails, a river cave, native wildlife and marine reserves in Belize.
Belize’s outdoor experiences range from hiking in rainforest and exploring a river cave to snorkeling around reef life. These six places offer different ways to encounter the country’s landscapes and wildlife.
Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave
Parks & Nature, Cayo District
Near San Ignacio, this river cave involves wading and swimming through chambers with a licensed guide and headlamp. Ancient pottery and calcified skeletal remains are found inside.
Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary
Parks & Nature, Stann Creek District
This rainforest sanctuary beneath the Maya Mountains has trails leading to waterfalls and river swimming holes. Visitors can also tube South Stann Creek and look for tapirs, toucans and other birds.
Great Blue Hole
Parks & Nature, Belize District
In Lighthouse Reef Atoll, this flooded sinkhole draws divers to ancient stalactite formations and snorkellers to the coral rim. It sits within the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System World Heritage Site.
Hol Chan Marine Reserve
Parks & Nature, Belize District
A natural cut in the barrier reef concentrates sea turtles, eagle rays, moray eels and schools of reef fish. Guided snorkel and dive trips also visit the nearby Shark Ray Alley zone.
The Belize Zoo
Things to do, Belize District
Shaded gravel paths pass natural savanna enclosures holding native Belizean wildlife, including jaguars, tapirs, harpy eagles and toucans. Almost all the animals are rescued, orphaned or rehabilitated.
The Lodge at Chaa Creek
Accommodation, Cayo District
This lodge sits within a 500-acre private rainforest reserve laced with trails, with a butterfly exhibit and natural history centre on site. It is also a base for canoeing and birding.