Is Belize Safe To Travel? A Comprehensive Guide
I love traveling. Period! I can travel throughout the year and still crave more but the most important factor for me is, is the destination safe? I saw a video that had amazing things to say about Belize but my concern was, Is Belize safe to travel?
Located in Central America, Belize is really spectacular and consists of 450 offshore islands, be it Belize Barrier Reef or amazing wildlife or Latin culture or Belizean cuisine it has got everything.
But I don’t take any travel decisions without knowing the pros and cons so as usual, I did thorough research and then packed my bag to visit Belize.
Belize is safe for tourists. Over 1.5 million visitors come to Belize every year and the numbers are consistent and that shows it is safe to travel Belize. Belize tourism is increasing every year.
But I would suggest a few most important tips for you which you should consider when you visit this wonderful place.
Is Belize Safe To Visit? Find 17 Belize Safety Tips
1.Choose The Right Place
Like everywhere else there are certain areas where it is safe to go and there are places that are better avoided.
Caye Caulker, Placencia, Hopkins, Ambergris Caye, San Pedro are the safest places in Belize. The other places which are considered safe are Corozal District and Cayo. Corozal Town offers some amazing Belizean cuisine. On the other hand places like the Guatemala border, Dangriga Town should be avoided.
2.No Drugs
The drug is a strict no-no. Never indulge in drugs here. Buying and selling drugs is strictly prohibited and illegal, there are harsh punishable laws for offenders.
3.Stay In Well Reviewed Hotel
Whether you are planning to stay in a hotel or hostel make sure you research the details properly because there are a number of theft or stolen cases.
Read:Off The beaten Path-Belize
4. Avoid Isolated Places
Stay where the crowd is. If you don’t want a quiet place, be in your hotel but never be in an isolated area. You will be a prey to muggers.
Read:Is Guatemala Safe-Find out
5. Don’t Carry Expensive Items
When you are out don’t wear expensive accessories or don’t carry too much cash, use a credit card instead. Even on the beach don’t leave your stuff unattended.
Related:How To Get Around In Belize
6.Travel Insurance
Buy good travel insurance that covers you from all unfortunate incidents like theft, accident, injury.
7.Street Food
Street food is safe,fresh and delicious .I tried it and loved it.
Read:Is Belize Expensive-Find out
8. Taxis
Taxi is safe for travelers and has a green number plate. But I would suggest a companion with a solo female tourist. There is no meter system so negotiate the fare before you hop in.
9.Don’t Engage With Prostitutes
It is completely illegal and they are victims of sex trafficking.
10. Don’t Travel At Night
Don’t travel on buses at night and try to keep all your outgoing activities during the day.
11. Be Careful From Spiders
Wild spiders are very poisonous and they are aplenty here, so be alert all the time. Zika is a mosquito-borne virus and it is a concern in Belize so keep a mosquito repellent, cover your hands and legs with clothes.
12.Drinking Water
Though tap water is safe I would recommend bottled water.
13.Cash over $10000bzd
If you are traveling with cash over $10000bzd you have to inform the custom and immigration department.
Read: Best Mexico Beach-Top 11
14.Police and Emergency
The police hotline number is 911. For Belize Emergency Response Team click here.
15.Water Taxis
Water Taxis usually have no life jackets and are often overcrowded so make your decision smartly.
16. STEP
Get yourself enrolled in STEP(Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) to get yourself traced in case of an emergency and to receive alerts.
17.Be Careful When You are Visiting ATM
If someone tries to rob you don’t fight, they may be armed.
Tip-Keep reviewing the safety report after regular intervals. The water ferries are safe here.
Is Belize Safe To Travel Alone?
Yes, it is safe to travel alone for females and males both but make sure you remember the above tips. In fact, I have hitchhiked a number of times.
Is Belize Safe For Families?
I have seen and met a number of families from different parts of the world and asked their experiences and they all nodded in affirmative.
Healthcare In Belize
Healthcare service is considered poor but it is gradually improving. Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital is the best hospital in Belize.
What To Do In Belize
1.Great Blue Hole
A UNESCO world heritage site Great Blue hole is famous for scuba diving and snorkeling. I would suggest taking a view from a helicopter, it looks spectacular.
2. Belize Barrier Reef
The world’s second-largest coral reef is 300km long is a hit among tourists and it is a series of coral reefs.
3.Ambergris Caye
The largest island in Belize is Ambergris Caye. Located near Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker is Hol Chan marine reserve, it is very popular among divers.
Read:Off The Beaten Path-Belize
4.Caye Caulker
Apart from being a hot spot for scuba diving, fishing, sailing, Caye Caulker has some good hotels and restaurants.
5.Placencia Peninsula
It is a narrow Peninsula, really spectacular. Hopkins and Seine Bight are the places to watch out for.
Read: Belize Hikes-Top 10
6.Belize Zoo
Home to over 40 species Belize Zoo is one of the most sought after tourist spots. It reminds you of wildlife preserve. It is also called the “best little zoo in the world”.
Related:
How To Travel To Belize
List Of Belize Vacation Beaches
Secret Beach In Belize Guide
7.Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave
It is an archaeological site known for stalactites and stalagmites, considered as a sacred cave.
8.The Museum Of Belize
The Museum gives the historical facts of Belize, paintings, and other artifacts. It is located in Belize City.
9.Cerros Sands
A lot of expats live in Cerros Sands. There is a golf course, beautiful beach resort, yacht club and amazing restaurants.
See Also
Some Other Things To Do In Belize
13 Most Exciting Things To Do In Cancun
Best Tropical Islands In The World
Belize Food
1.Bistro-Maya Beach Hotel
With an open-air view, this restaurant serves the best lobster. Rabbit pot pie is another famous dish here. It has been named Belize’s restaurant of the year twice. Layered veggies and coconut shrimp are my favorites.
Address -Maya Beach,Placencia, Ph-5016274718
2.Chef Rob’s Gourmet Cafe
Run by top chef Rob this restaurant offers a fine dining experience. Located in beachfront this restaurant serves a variety of seafood, Belizean and American dishes.
3.Elvi’s Kitchen
For Caribbean dishes, you must visit Elvi’s kitchen. It is famous for conch soup and fitters. Crab claws and fried chicken are the other two famous dishes.
4.Nahil Mayab
It serves a variety of pasta and steaks. The ambience is smooth and relaxed. I had the popular tacos arracheras(steak) and it was yummy.
5.Palapa Bar And Grill
A trip to Belize is incomplete without visiting Palapa Bar and Grill. it serves some exotic drinks. I loved “Shot Stick”, a popular drink here. Sausage dip is a must for any food lover.
See Also
Some Other Equally Good Belize Restaurants
With so many things to do and amazing places to visit Belize is certainly one of the most sought after places in Central America
Belize travel experience was memorable for me. I would love to go back again.
Enjoy your visit and let me know I would love to share it with my readers.
Read:Is Belize better than Costa Rica-Find Out
Travel Essentials
Before we travel we do some last-minute shopping for our travel essentials. The best option for me is amazon.com, everything in one platform.
Where To Stay In Belize
I book my accommodation through Agoda.com which is a part of world leader Booking Holdings and always gives good hotel options.
Flights
I book my flight through Trip.com as it always gives the best deal
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance gives complete protection from all mishaps like illness, accidents, or thefts so I prefer Worlds Nomad.
Tours
You can book your tour through Get Your Guide or Viator both give a number of options.
Must Read:33 Best Travel Tips
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