Belize: Cayes, Reefs, and Underwater Wonders

Belize is a unique blend of Caribbean charm and Central American culture, home to the world's second-largest barrier reef, the Great Blue Hole, and so many other adventures. From exploring ancient caves and Mayan ruins to diving with sharks and sailing between white sand cayes, there are so many ways to craft your adventure here.

For my visit, I focused on the cayes and coast, where I soaked in the island vibes and experienced Belize's turquoise waters up close. Here's what I did, what to expect, and why I can't wait to come back to explore even more.

Most people going to Belize fly into Belize City. From there, you can either take a quick flight or a water taxi to the cayes. We opted for the water taxi, which took about 45-90 minutes depending on the destination.

We stayed in San Pedro for the duration of our trip. There are plenty of hotel options on the island, including a Marriott and a Hilton if you're into using points—we actually stayed at both (the hotel information is below).

San Pedro is mostly car-free, with golf carts being the main mode of transportation, so we rented a golf cart for a day, which was a fun way to explore the island and check out some of the beaches and restaurants.

• The Blue Hole: This natural wonder is a must-see. We did a flight over the Blue Hole, which cost about $250 per person, but it was worth it for the incredible views. You can also take a boat trip to the Blue Hole and snorkel or dive there.
• Caye Caulker: This island is a short ferry ride from San Pedro and has a super laid-back vibe. There are no cars on Caye Caulker, just sandy streets, making it such a unique visit. It's a great place to chill out on the beach, grab some food, or enjoy a drink in the water.
• Hol Chan Marine Reserve: This marine reserve is located near San Pedro and offers some fun snorkeling and diving options. At some of the stops, you can swim with nurse sharks and rays.
• Mahogany Bay Beach Club: The Mahogany Bay Resort has a private beach club, which you can boat to from the hotel. This club felt like a private island - with cabanas for rent, drinks and food to order, and lots of other activities like paddle boarding and snorkeling. This was a really great perk to staying at the resort.

The Great Blue Hole, which formed during the last ice age, is a massive underwater sinkhole that's over 1,000 feet across and 400 feet deep. The Blue Hole is located off the coast of Belize in the Lighthouse Reef Atoll. It's an iconic diving spot and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This natural wonder is worth seeing from above and below.

Day 1: Arrival in San Pedro

• Arrive in Belize City and take a water taxi to San Pedro.
• Check into Mahogany Bay Resort (Hilton).
• Explore the property and watch sunset

Day 2: Relax & Explore San Pedro

• Spend the morning at the hotel's private island, relaxing on the beach.
• Rent a golf cart to explore San Pedro's charming streets, shops, and eateries.

Day 3: Blue Hole Flight & Hotel Transfer

• Take a scenic flight over the Blue Hole, one of Belize's iconic natural wonders.
• Transfer to your next accommodation: Alaia Belize (Marriott).

Day 4: Day Trip to Caye Caulker

• Take a ferry to Caye Caulker for a day of island vibes.
• Relax on the beach, explore the island's shops, and bar hop along the shoreline.

Day 5: Snorkel at Hol Chan & Shark Ray Alley

• Dive or snorkel at Hol Chan Marine Reserve.
• Swim with nurse sharks and rays at Shark Ray Alley.

Day 6: Blue Hole Day Trip

• Embark on a full-day Blue Hole and island adventure. Dive or snorkel at the Blue Hole, and visit nearby islands for the day.

Day 7: Departure

• Depart from San Pedro by ferry to Belize City for your return flight home.

• Plan your transportation in advance: It's more affordable to take the ferry to San Pedro, but a flight can be much quicker.
• Book your Blue Hole flight in advance: These flights can fill up quickly, so it's best to book ahead of time.
• Bring reef-safe sunscreen: Help protect the coral reefs by using sunscreen that doesn't contain harmful chemicals.
• Pack for warm weather: Belize is a tropical country, so pack light clothing and swimwear.