Belize has always intrigued me. It’s a unique blend of Caribbean charm and Central American culture, home to the world’s second-largest barrier reef, the awe-inspiring Great Blue Hole, and countless adventures. From exploring ancient caves and Mayan ruins to diving with sharks and sailing between idyllic cayes, there’s so much to see and do here.

For this trip, I focused on the cayes, soaking up the laid-back island vibes and experiencing 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 of this incredible country.

Getting There and Getting Around

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.

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.

Highlights of the Trip

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 and a relaxed atmosphere. It's a great place to chill out on the beach, grab some food, and enjoy the island life.

Hol Chan Marine Reserve: This marine reserve is located near San Pedro and offers amazing snorkeling and diving opportunities. We got to swim with nurse sharks and rays, which was a really cool experience.