Often overlooked in favor of better known neighbors like Mexico and Costa Rica, or Caribbean hot spots like Jamaica and Puerto Rico: A Belize Family Vacation could be just the thing that your family is looking for this year. Despite being a tiny country (one of the smallest in Central America) Belize has so much to offer that there is sure to be something for everyone in the family. Whether you’re looking for rainforest adventures, mayan ruins, SCUBA diving and snorkeling in the largest barrier reef in the hemisphere, river trips, cave exploration or rich cultural history, Belize is sure to please.
Belize boasts the largest cave system in Central America.
Not only are the caves full of natural crystal and limestone formations, stunning stalactites and stalagmites, underground rivers and lakes; but many of the caves were sacred to the Maya and evidence of sacrifices and offerings such as jade jewelry, ceremonial objects and even skeletons are found in most caves.
Physically fit and active families will enjoy Actun Tunichil Muknal cave, which you must swim through a clear stream to enter, but which is full of all the artifacts that were found when it was (re)discovered in 1989.
If your Belize family vacation includes younger children or you’d just rather float along rather than swim and hike, Barton Creek is one of the most accessible caves, and you explore it by floating in tubes or canoeing along the river within the cave.
Belize’s Barrier Reef is just the beginning of snorkel, scuba and marine fun
Belize is known the world over for it’s famous “Blue Hole”, a collapsed underwater cave that is visible from space and provides some of the most unique Scuba diving anyone could ask for. Ringed with stunning coral formations, you can enjoy it even if you don’t dive making it ideal for any family that enjoys seeing the underwater world.
Belize is also home to 3 of the 4 true atolls to be found in the northern hemisphere. These coral rings come nearly to the surface of the water creating beautiful lagoons — the quintessential image of the South Pacific — and they are idyllic opportunities to relax as a family, snorkel or scuba dive, and appreciate this truly unique formation. Half-Moon Caye National Monument, the oldest natural reserve in Belize, borders lighthouse Atoll and provides an excellent location for camping, picnicking and is one of only two nesting locations in the Caribbean for the rare red-footed booby.
Marine and Island Options for a Belize Family Vacation
Belize Was One of the Centers of the Mayan Empire
Thousands of stunning Mayan ruins are to be found all over Belize, including Cahal Pech which is located just a brief 10-minute’s walk from the town center of San Ignacio making it an easy visit for families with young children or members that would prefer not to go trekking into the wilderness. Or, if you are feeling more adventurous you could take a boat-ride approach to the ruins of Lamanai. Lamanai was not only a Maya center for over 3,000 years, but was also briefly a Spanish colonial town. Visitors will be able to see Mayan artifacts, ruins, and also two Spanish churches and a sugar mill that dates back to only 1860.
Xunantunich is a truly impressive complex, built on a limestone ridge. One can see all the way to neighboring Guatemala, while exploring the numerous plazas, palaces and temples. It is a rare opportunity to truly explore and experience an ancient culture as extensively as is possible in Belize.
Belize’s Modern History is as Fascinating as It’s Ancient
November 19th provides the opportunity to celebrate Garinagu Landing Day, when the Garinagu established a settlement south of Belize City after being driven from their home in St. Vincent Island.
Belize has received countless cultures: Mayan, Arawak, Spanish, African, and British to name just a few. Each of these groups and people have left their mark on the language, culture, food and history of the country and numerous museums, historic sites and monuments can be easily explored at your leisure.
José has been traveling longer than he can quite remember, and is always on the lookout for another opportunity to hit the road, hop on the plane or grab a train to someplace new. When not traipsing the world, he enjoys studying foreign languages, 
I’m wanting to travel to Belize this fall with my 9 year old son. It would only be the two of us. I really would like to make it a wonderful History tour and to see some of the caves. Naturally, I need to do this all on a budget! Can you recommend accomadations and a generaly idea of where to stay for both? Your thoughts would be appreciated. I’ve gone to a travel agency and they just want to put us on the standard group “tours”. Which I don’t oppose a group tour but i want more. And I want to make sure that a woman and a child traveling alone will be safe.