The Perfect 10 Day Belize Itinerary: Islands + Jungle

10 days in Belize is the perfect amount time to get a taste of this breathtaking Caribbean country’s lush jungles, charming islands, and gorgeous beaches. I’ve been lucky enough to spend 1.5 months in Belize and I’ve narrowed down the very best of Belize in this 10 day itinerary.

In just ten days you’ll experience island hopping, snorkeling in a vibrant barrier reef, climbing Mayan temples, one-of-a-kind cave adventures, and of course sipping bottomless rum punch on a sunset cruise in the Caribbean. You’ll also experience some of my favorite Belize hidden gems, like immersing in vibrant Garifuna culture in Hopkins (named the friendliest town in Belize!), swimming beneath waterfalls in the secluded Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, driving the scenic Hummingbird Highway, and searching for the best $1 papusas in San Ignacio town.

But best of all, I designed this Belize 10 day itinerary so you actually feel rested and renewed by the end of it. Your last 4 days are spent on an island where the only things to do are snorkel, eat, drink, and chill. The frontend of your trip will be teeming with unique adventures, but you’ll catch up on rest by the time you head home.

How to Spend 10 Days in Belize

I created this 10 day Belize itinerary to be the perfect first trip to Belize, filled to the rim with both relaxation and adventure! We start on the beach (my fav beach town in Belize!!), then immerse in the jungle for a few days before spending the final stretch of the trip relaxing on my favorite island in Belize.

Staying in three different places in a 10 day Belize trip might sound like a lot, but trust me, it will be worth it! And you will get PLENTY of chill time at the end while you spend four days on a small Caribbean island. Of course this Belize itinerary is flexible and I include plenty of options (plus my personal recommendations) so you can personalize it to your taste.

Days 1-2: Hopkins

Most people land in Belize and head straight to the islands or San Ignacio. Instead, I suggest you drive 1.5 hours south to Hopkins, which is my favorite beach town in Belize!

Belize First Magazine ranked Hopkins as the Friendliest Village in Belize, and if you visit, it is easy to see why. Hopkins is a close knit community right on the beach, and the local population is mostly African and Carib-descendant Garifuna people. Locals are incredible friendly and immersing the rich culture is a treat!

Hopkins is also lovely because you get beaches without crowds, and you’re close to the Belize barrier reef for some incredible snorkeling. In fact, the snorkel tour I went on in Hopkins was my favorite snorkeling experience ever!

Where to Stay in Hopkins

🌴 Hamanasi Adventure & Dive Resort (Ecoluxury): Hamanasi is a beachfront ecoresort that has the best service I’ve ever experienced in all my years of travel! They offer excellent dive and snorkel tours, and are a regenerative resort that positively impacts the local community. Read my review of Hamanasi.

🥥 Coconut Row Boutique Hotel: Cute beachfront villas right in the heart of Hopkins with easy access to restaurants and bars. Compared to Hopkin’s resorts, this is a more budget-friendly option, especially for folks who want to stay in the town! Check nightly prices.

☀️ Seiri del Mar: Situated north of Hopkins on the beach (but walking distance from the town), Seiri del Mar is an expansive beachfront property with spacious villas and apartments with a large pool. Check nightly prices.

🪘 Palmento Grove (Garifuna Owned): Immerse in Garifuna culture at Palmento Grove, a budget-friendly ecotourism property with basic accommodations and a diversity of cultural immersion experience. Just be aware that you have to take a kayak across the river to get here! Check nightly prices.

Day 1: Arrive in Hopkins

Spend your first day getting to Hopkins and getting acquainted with this cute little town!

Depending on where you stay, you can spend the day relaxing at the hotel’s pool, walking along the beach, or cycling around Hopkins town.

Things move slow in Hopkins so it is the perfect place to rest and fuel up for the all the adventures to come in this 10 day Belize itinerary!

But if its a Saturday, be sure to head down to the Driftwood Beach Bar after sunset for Garifuna drumming night!

About getting to Hopkins in 2024: The Coastal Plains Highway was recently paved, which makes it much quicker and easier to get to Hopkins from the airport in Belize City! If you choose not to rent a car and drive yourself, its easy to arrange a shuttle through most hotels and resorts.

Day 2: Relax on the Beach, Bioluminescent Boat Ride + Optional Adventures

Morning & Afternoon: Choose Your Adventure

The highlight of day two takes place after dark (we’ll get there), but first you need to decide how you’d like to spend the rest of your day. I have three options for day two depending on your interests:

🌴 Take it slow: Continue enjoying Hopkins town, the beach, and your hotel. You have several days packed full of adventure to come, so soaking in all Hopkins has to offer is certainly a good idea!

🤿 Snorkel (or dive) the Belize Barrier Reef and island hop: The snorkel tour I went on in Hopkins was the best snorkeling I’ve ever experienced, plus I loved being able to visit a tiny Belize caye (island)!

🪘Immerse in Garifuna culture: Book this Garifuna immersion experience then head over to Kalipuna Cultural Heritage Island for a day of learning about the history and culture of the Garifuna from elders, gather ingredients and cook traditional Garifuna food, then participate in a drumming session.

Evening: Bioluminescent Sunset Cruise

No matter what you choose, be sure to book this bioluminescent sunset cruise for the evening! Bioluminescence is a breathtaking natural phenomenon where the water glows blue when tiny plankton react to movement in the water. On this tour you can experience bioluminescence as you cruise through Hopkins’ Anderson Lagoon and Sittee River, spot local wildlife, and gaze up at the stars above.

Days 3-6: The Cayo District

Now we’re onto the adventure part of this 10 day Belize itinerary! For the next few days we’ll be base in Belize’s Cayo district, which is teeming with gorgeous waterfalls, enchanting cave systems, and lush jungle landscapes.

Where to Stay in the Cayo District

Your time in Cayo will be packed full adventures, and the most convenient place to stay is Falling Leaves Lodge in San Ignacio town since its centrally located and jungle tours leave from downtown San Ignacio. However, if you don’t mind driving an extra 30+ minutes to your jungle adventures, consider staying in the Mountain Pine Forest Reserve, which is cooler, secluded, and absolutely stunning.

🌿 Falling Leaves Lodge (San Ignacio town): Beautiful, newer hotel in San Ignacio, right by the Cahal Pech Ruins. Choose a ‘Superior Suite’ to get a gorgeous jacuzzi in your room, or opt for a basic room for an affordable but cute and clean place to stay. The property includes a restaurant and bar, but no pool. Check nightly prices.

☀️ Gaia Riverlodge (Mountain Pine Ridge): Boho luxury resort on a cliffside overlooking the Five Sisters’ Waterfall. Highlights include yoga in a cave, being served tropical drinks while you sunbathe beside a waterfall, and cliffside dining. Check nightly prices.

🥾 Kane Villas (Mountain Pine Ridge): Excellent budget-friendly vacation rentals with beautiful pool, incredible hosts, and private access to waterfalls, a cave, and hiking trails. Read my full review of Kane Villas, and check nightly prices here.

Day 3: Drive the Hummingbird Highway & Get Settled

Since you spent the first part of your Belize vacation in Hopkins, you get to drive the Hummingbird Highway on your way to the Cayo district.

The drive between Hopkins and San Ignacio takes just over two hours, but there are so many place to stop along the Hummingbird Highway, so be sure to give yourself extra time to enjoy this breathtaking part of Belize! However, I do recommend making sure you leave enough time to get to your hotel before dark since some Belize roads aren’t in the best condition and driving through potholes at night is not fun.

I dive into the best stops on the Hummingbird Highway in another Belize travel guide, but here is a quick overview of stops along the drive from Hopkins to the Cayo district:

🌶️ Marie Sharp’s Factory & Tasting Room: At the very beginning of the Hummingbird Highway stop here to taste 16+ flavors of Belize’s most famous hot sauce and tour Marie Sharp’s factory. The tasting and tour costs $15 per person, lasts a little under an hour, and all you have to do is show up (its quite casual). If you haven’t tasted Marie Sharp’s habanero hot sauce before and can handle a little heat, definitely add this stop to your Belize itinerary — it’s the best hot sauce I’ve ever had!

🌿 Billy Barquedier Waterfall: 20 minutes after Marie Sharp’s, Billy Barquedier National Park will be on your right. This small national park barely has a parking lot, but its the perfect place to stop for a short hike and refreshing swim beneath a small waterfall. The hike to the waterfall takes about 10-15 minutes and since few people stop here, you just might get the place to yourself! Read my full guide to the Billy Barquedier Waterfall.

🥥 Sleeping Giant Scenic Overlook & Restaurant: 25 minutes down the road you’ll approach the turnoff for Sleeping Giant Rainforest Lodge, which is a lovely resort that feels like a botanical garden! They have several restaurants if you’re hungry, plus a scenic overlook where you can gaze out at the lush Maya Mountains. Just keep in mind that the road up to the overlook is unpaved, super steep, and a little tricky to find — just ask a hotel employee for directions!

👙 The Inland Blue Hole: This cenote (natural sinkhole) is only a 5 minute walk from the parking lot right along the Hummingbird Highway and its another lovely place for a refreshing swim! The Blue Hole and St. Herman’s Cave (next on the list) are in the same park, so your $5 entry fee covers both. However, these two attractions are accessed from two different parking lots! Read my full guide to the Inland Blue Hole.

🥾 St. Herman’s Cave (and Crystal Cave): A few minutes down the road from the Blue Hole, you’l find the parking lot for St. Herman’s Cave and Crystal Cave. What I love about St. Herman’s Cave is that you can explore 200 meters of the cave without a tour as long as you have a headlamp (they can be rented onsite). You can also go cave tubing (book in advance here) or on a guided caving experience deep in Crystal Cave (book in advance here). Remember that your $5 entry fee covers both caves, and the Blue Hole. Read my full guide to St. Herman’s Cave.

🍫 Lamanai Chocolate Co: Buy local chocolate, take a chocolate making class, or just grab a filling smoothie at this stop right off the highway. We loved their banana chocolate smoothie, and enjoyed tasting some of their chocolate! It’s also the perfect place to buy locally-made souvenirs in the form of chocolate bars, cacao nibs, and other natural goods. Best of all, you can taste all of their chocolate products before buying!

🦜 Guanacaste National Park: At the very end of the Hummingbird Highway right as you’re about to turn onto George Price Highway in Belmopan, you’ll find Guanacaste National Park, a gorgeous little park beside the Belize River. It’s a great place to cool down in the river, or enjoy a picnic. It costs $5 BZE ($2.50 USD) to enter.

After a day of Hummingbird Highway adventures, head to your hotel and settle in because the next few days are full of activity!

Looking for somewhere to eat in San Ignacio, Belize? Check out the papusa lady at San Ignacio Market for incredible $1 papusas, or head to Ko-Ox Han Nah for excellent Belizean food (and drinks!)

Day 4: ATM Cave or Cave Tubing

The two most iconic things to do in Belize have to be cave tubing and exploring the infamous Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave. You can certainly do both, but since there are so many other things to do in Belize and we only have 10 days, I recommend choosing one for day 4! (Remember you can do cave tubing on day 3 at St. Herman’s Cave).

ATM Cave Tour vs Cave Tubing

These two cave adventures are quite different! Cave tubing is a relaxing, yet adventurous experience where you float down a river that passes through caves. You can cave tube along a variety of different rivers in Belize, but generally you can only do it with a tour guide.

Meanwhile, the ATM Cave tour takes you to an archaeological site deep within the cave where you witness remains of human sacrifice victims and hundreds of Mayan artifacts. I don’t know of many places in the world where you can see something like this, so it’s definitely worth doing if you’re interested in history or archeology (like I am). I went on this exact tour and learned a lot about Mayan history, including the environmental and cultural factors that led to the Mayans beginning to offer human sacrifices, and the reasons why they did it in caves this like one. I was also shocked to learn that there are plenty of other caves in Belize with the remains of hundreds of people… so ATM Cave is not unique, but it is the only place where you can see a full skeleton.

The ATM Cave can only be accesses on a tour with a local guide, and only 125 people can do it each day so you definitely need to book in advance. It’s also worth mentioning that the ATM Cave tour is much more physically demanding than cave tubing. You have to hike 40 minutes through the jungle, crossing rivers along the way, and then swim, walk, and climb through a submerged cave. Read my full guide to the ATM Cave.

If swimming, climbing, and spelunking through a cave to a place literally believed to be the Mayan underworld sounds like a little too much for you, cave tubing is an excellent alternative! You should book a cave tubing tour in advance, and you do have a few to choose from (some include other attractions):

👙 Full Day Cave Tubing (with roundtrip transport from San Ignacio)
👙 Cave Tubing and Xunantunich Ruins Combo Tour (with roundtrip transport from San Ignacio)
👙 Cave Tubing and Jungle Zip-line Tour (with roundtrip transport from San Ignacio)

Day 5: Mountain Pine Ridge

Spend day 5 in one of my favorite parts of Belize, the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve! This less-visited part of Belize is a short drive from San Ignacio, its full of gorgeous waterfalls, swimming holes, and enchanting caves. Since its situated at a higher elevation, Mountain Pine Ridge is always a little cooler than the rest of the country, so you can escape from the heat for the day!

You can either explore Mountain Pine Ridge on your own if you have a high clearance 4WD vehicle (yes, you need it!) or you can go on this excellent Mountain Pine Ridge day trip with my favorite local tour company.

If you don’t book a tour, be sure to check out my full guide to the best things to do in Mountain Pine Ridge, but here is a summary:

💦 Sunbathe and Swim at Rio On Pools: These stunning natural pools along the river are very close to Rio Frio Cave. There is also a great viewpoint nearby overlooking the falls with picnic tables if you want to stop for lunch! Read my full guide to Rio On Pools.

🔦 See the Giant Rio Frio Cave: This massive cave is just a short drive away from Rio On Pools, and its 110% worth visiting if you are in the area. However, do not go here if there has been rain and be careful driving as the road is in very rough shape! Read my full guide to Rio Frio Cave. Read my full guide to Rio Frio Cave.

👙 Swim Beneath Big Rock Falls: This beautiful waterfall is the most popular attraction in Mountain Pine Ridge and is definitely worth a stop if you have time! Read my full guide to Big Rock Falls.

🍹 Enjoy a Drink at Gaia Riverlodge: Slow down and take in the tranquility of Mountain Pine Ridge at Gaia Riverlodge’s boho luxury restaurant overlooking the Five Sister’s Waterfall.

🦋 Visit Green Hills Butterfly Ranch: Learn about the butterfly lifecycle and spot 7 species of hummingbirds here! It costs $20 USD per person ($10 USD for kids) but we thought it was well worth the money!

PS: I’d actually recommend staying in Mountain Pine Ridge during your time in the Cayo district. It does make the drive to the other Cayo adventures a little longer, but being able to stay in such a peaceful place makes it so worth it! Kane Villas is an incredible budget friendly option, and Gaia Riverlodge a boho luxury resort and so worth it if you can afford it!

Day 6: Ancient Maya Ruins at Tikal National Park

Day 6 of our 10 days in Belize actually takes us to Guatemala!

Guatemala’s Tikal National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the most impressive ancient ruins I’ve seen anywhere in the world. The archaeological park is massive (over 220 square miles) and the temples are much taller than others in Belize and Mexico. For instance, Tikal’s Temple IV is 230 feet tall, which is over double the height of the famous Chichen Itza El Castillo temple near Valladolid, Mexico.

Despite being located in another country, visiting Tikal one of the best things to do in Belize! That’s because Tikal is just over 2 hours away from San Ignacio, and its actually much easier to visit Tikal from Belize than it is from the touristy areas of Guatemala like Lake Atitlan and Antigua, which are both over 10-12+ hours away.

Visiting Tikal is a no-brainer, but figuring out how to get there is the part where most people get stuck. You can either rent a car and drive across the border or book a guided tour with roundtrip transportation from San Ignacio. There are pros and cons of each option, so be sure to read through my tips for both!

Driving to Tikal from Belize (My Experience)

My husband, two friends, and I rented a car in Belize City from Crystal Car Rental and drove to Tikal while we were staying in San Ignacio. It seemed like the obvious choice for our group of four since the cost of a car rental was less than the cost of four tickets for a guided tour.

However, driving over the Belize-Guatemala border was far more complicated than I expected. You have to get a special permit when your rent your car in Belize City (and only a few car rental companies offer the permit). Getting the permit from Crystal Car Rental was easy, but the crossing itself was incredibly confusing and odd despite the printed instructions from Crystal Car Rental.

The ‘normal’ process (which includes leaving your car at the border and walking into Guatemala to pay a fee at an ATM) feels like a scam, but that’s just how it is. And of course everything is in Spanish (shoutout to the random bilingual guys at the border who will stand in as your translator and then ask for a tip afterward!) Driving itself was also a challenge — the road to Tikal was probably the worst road I’ve ever driven on with gigantic potholes everywhere imaginable.

That being said, driving to Tikal from Belize is doable if you’re a confident traveler with some level of Spanish skill and unafraid of pothole-filled roads. However, booking this tour with an English guide and roundtrip transport from San Ignacio is the best option for most people. Plus, you get to tour Tikal with an expert!

Tikal Tours from Belize

There are a few local Belizean companies that offer day trips to Tikal. This one is my recommendation for a group tour, or you can book this private tour. The group tour includes:

🚙 Roundtrip transportation from your hotel in San Ignacio area (in a comfortable coach!)
🥾 Walking tour through Tikal with an expert tour guide
🌮 Lunch

I love that reviewers say ‘the border crossing was easy’ with the tour because that certainly wasn’t the case for us when we drove ourself! The tour may be more expensive than doing it yourself, but you save in stress and confusion, and you get to experience Tikal through the stories and insights of a tour guide.

“Wonderful! If you want to see the Tikal ruins, go through this tour! Our driver in Belize was so kind and funny and told us so much about everything we passed on the way. They made crossing the boarder into Guatemala so easy. Our tour guide, Luis, was fantastic. SO knowledgeable and avoided the crowds. As for the tour itself, expect a lot of walking. We walked about 13,000 steps. It is hot, even though there will be shade for some of it. Bring a lot of water. Our tour bus in Belize has water, but bring extra yourselves. Also I suggest bringing a personal fan or something. The lunch was so good. Highly recommend the mixed fajitas. Also highlight: the cold towel after the tour!”

Viator Review from Emme

Days 7-10: Caye Caulker

This is the island part of our Belize 10 day itinerary!

I highly recommend heading to Caye Caulker, which is the second most popular island destination after Ambergris Caye (San Pedro). Caye Caulker is a smaller island with no major resort chains, no cars (just golf carts!) and the island’s motto is ‘go slow’. Although it is still quite a popular place to visit in Belize, Caye Caulker feels more local, rustic, and off-the-beaten path.

Plus, Caye Caulker is situated right along the Belize barrier reef, just a short boat ride away from some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving you’ll ever experience!

Where to Stay in Caye Caulker

🌺 Weezie’s: My favorite hotel on Caye Caulker. Probably the most luxurious hotel on the main island of Caye Caulker, Weezie’s has a gorgeous property on a quieter part of the island with a large private dock and waterfront area, and beautiful pool. Check current rates.

🥥 El Ben Cabañas: Situated on the more secluded North Side of Caye Caulker, I love the feel of El Ben Cabañas, with gorgeous high-end thatched-roof cabanas, incredible service, a pool, and picturequse setting on the turquoise blue Caribbean. Check current rates.

🌴 Colinda Cabanas: These budget-friendly colorful cabanas are a short walk from all Caye Caulker’s best restaurants, bars, and shops. The property is right by the water, too! Check current rates.

Day 7: Travel to Caye Caulker & Sunset Tiki Cruise

Cayo to Caye Caulker

After checking out of your hotel, head along the George Price Highway toward Belize City. The drive is around 2 hours, and from there you can head either to the airport or water taxi terminal.

You can either take a water taxi (ferry) or plane to Caye Caulker. The ferry ride takes about 45 minutes and costs $21 per person. Meanwhile, the plane ride only takes about 10 minutes (not including time spent in the airport) and costs around $90 on Tropic Air or Maya Island Air.

There are two water taxi companies, San Pedro Belize Express and Caribbean Sprinter. San Pedro Express sails more often, so its typically the more popular choice. If you take the ferry, you don’t need to book in advance, just show up and pay for your ticket onsite.

Once you’re on Caye Caulker you can take a short golf cart taxi to your hotel (either from the airport or ferry). Taxis will be waiting for you when you arrive and usually cost about $5 USD depending on where you’re headed.

Get checked into your hotel and get settled then spend some time getting acquainted with the island! Don’t miss the cute Avenida Hicaco pathway along the east side of the island, all the docks, and the iconic Split and Lazy Lizard beach bar.

Tiki Sunset Cruise

Then be sure to grab something good to eat before going on this tiki sunset cruise (one of my favorite things to do in Caye Caulker!!)

You’ll set sail from the Split on a cute pontoon tiki boat with a few other travelers and the captain and guide who both grew up on the island. They’ll give you a unique glimpse into life on Caye Caulker as you sail beside the North Island and watch the sun go down while sipping rum punch. If you’re lucky, you might see some dolphins or whales, too!

Day 8: Barrier Reef Snorkeling & Shark Ray Alley

Spend day 8 on a full-day snorkel tour along the Belize Barrier Reef! There are tons of local tour operators to choose from, but I recommend this tour because:

⛵️ The tour includes 7 unique stops (more details on those stops below!)
❌ They are one of the only Caye Caulker tour companies that don’t feed wildlife or chum the water (it is problematic and often dangerous especially when snorkeling with sharks)
🤿 All snorkel equipment is included (mask, snorkel, fins, etc)
👍🏼 I personally had a lovely time on this tour, and so did 600+ others who gave it a 5-star review

But… what is there to see along the Belize Barrier Reef and where do you stop on a Caye Caulker snorkeling tour? I went on three different snorkeling tours on Caye Caulker and each is different, but this tour takes you to the best stops including:

🐠 Hol Chan Marine Reserve: This marine park is most popular place to snorkel in Belize with vibrant coral, underwater canyons, and a diversity of marine life. Keep in mind that the currents can be quite strong here and you can only snorkel with a tour guide as it is a protected area. Not all Caye Caulker snorkel tours take you here so make sure to book one that does (like this tour).

🦈 Shark and Ray Alley: This is a spot where fishermen historically cleaned their catch, which attracts sharks and stingrays. As I mentioned above I don’t support this and recommend going on a tour with a company that doesn’t chum the water — both for your safety and for the wellbeing on the animals. The good news is the sharks and rays still show up here even if your boat isn’t chumming the water and you can swim with dozens of majestic nurse sharks and sting rays. Read my full article about visiting Shark and Ray Alley.

🪸 ‘Coral Gardens’ at Caye Caulker Marine Reserve: Beautiful are of the Caye Caulker Marine Reserve for admiring the coral and small fish.

🤿 Manatee Area on West Side of Caye Caulker: This is an area off the coast of Caye Caulker where manatees are known to hang out. I wasn’t able to see any manatees during my Caye Caulker snorkel tour, but this tour will take you there.

🐢 Sea Turtle Area: This Caye Caulker snorkel tour takes you to an area off Caye Caulker known for sea turtle spottings! We were lucky enough to see a gorgeous large green sea turtle here.

🏴‍☠️ Sunken Barge (Shipwreck): This snorkel tour takes you to a sunken barge they call the ‘Belizean Titanic’ which was a very interesting place to snorkel! When we visited the currents were strong here but it was definitely worth visiting.

🐚 Conch Shell Graveyard: The same tour I mentioned above also includes a stop at the Caye Caulker ‘conchshell graveyard,’ where fisherman historically disposed of dead conches. It is way more interesting than you’d think, though, because tons of little fish live and feed off of the algae on these thousands of conch shells!

🐟 Tarpon Feeding Dock: Most Caye Caulker snorkeling tours include a visit to the tarpon feeding dock (including the tour I mention above), where tourists have historically fed giant tarpon fish. I do not recommend feeding any marine life in Belize but you can still stop here and hold your hand above the water and the tarpon will jump up to try to get food from your hands! Keep in mind you can also visit the tarpon dock on Caye Caulker without having to go on a tour.

Day 9: Caye Caulker North Island & Night Snorkeling

Morning & Afternoon: Caye CAulker’s North Island

On day 9 I highly recommend exploring the North Island of Caye Caulker (also called the North Side). This less-visited part of the island is perfect for anyone who loves to get off the beaten path (like me!)

To reach the North Island you have to take a 2 minute ferry across the Split (on the north end of the main island). It costs $5 BZE ($2.50 USD) to cross. The Split to Split ferry is a fun little adventure in and of itself and since the crossing is so short, you never have to wait more than a few minutes for a ride!

While you could walk around the North Island, I definitely recommend taking a bike instead since the island is quite spread out (you’ll thank me later!) Some hotels and Airbnbs have bikes for guests, but you can also rent a bike from several shops on the south island.

There is one main road that runs through the middle of the island, and lots of offshoots leading to the shore on either side. Some places to see or stop along the way include:

🍍 The Palapa Pineapple House: This fun building right off the main road looks a bit like Spongebob’s house! It is not marked on Google Maps but here is the exact location if you’re looking for it. You might get lucky and meet the owner who can tell you all about his unique home!

🐚 Wild Beach & Refugee Beach: These two small, undeveloped beaches are located right next to each other and make up my favorite part of the North Island. Since there aren’t really many beaches on the main island of Caye Caulker, this is the perfect place to go for a swim and sunbathing sesh!

💙 Blu Zen: BluZen is the main development on Caye Caulker North Island. There are a few onsite restaurants, including La Fogata, a wood fire pizza restaurant.

🐊 Crocodile Lagoon: Try to spot a crocodile at this lagoon, near the Pineapple Palapa. I didn’t see any crocodiles when I was there but I’m glad I rode over to check it out!

🦞 Happy Lobster Restaurant: This lowkey eatery in the middle of the North Island is one of the island’s few businesses. While I didn’t dine there, it seems like others enjoy it!

🏖 Bliss Beach Club: Journey a few miles north to the most gorgeous secluded beach club on Caye Caulker! Expect tranquillity and delicious tropical cocktails. Keep in mind that the bike ride here takes about 20 minutes, so plan ahead and bring a headlamp if you plan to return after dark. Some folks prefer to book a private ferry, which costs about $40 BZE ($20 USD) roundtrip. If you want to take the ferry, ask about it at the Split!

You can spend as much time as you want on the North Island. I think a few hours in the morning is plenty of time for most people, but you can certainly spend longer if you hang out at Bliss Beach Bar for several hours.

Read my full guide to the North Side of Caye Caulker

Evening: Night Snorkeling Tour

Night snorkeling on Caye Caulker is one of the coolest things I’ve ever done! And I promise it isn’t as scary as it sounds! If you’ve been dreaming of seeing octopus in the wild (thanks My Octopus Teacher for the inspo) or are curious about what other marine creatures come out at night, don’t miss this unique experience.

There are only a few local tour companies on Caye Caulker that offer night snorkeling. I chose to go with Anda da Wata and had a lovely experience. They took our group out to the reef at sunset and briefed us as the sky darkened. When the time was right, we all jumped in the water, flashlights in hand, and followed our guide through the dark water!

We saw all sorts of species that are more difficult to see during the day: several octopus, lobster, crabs, and a diversity of fish. Keep in mind that conditions need to be right for night snorkeling, and it is a completely different experience than snorkeling during the day. And it’s probably best to snorkel in the day before doing it at night, which is why I recommend night snorkeling at this point in the 10 day Belize itinerary.

Day 10: Free Day & Dinner at a Sunset Bar

Morning & Afternoon: Free Time

After 10 days in Belize you probably have an idea of how you want to spend your final hours in this beautiful country! But f you need some ideas, here are a few more things to do on Caye Caulker:

🚲 Bike around the island
🍹 Hang out at the Split
⚓️ Chill on a dock
🍔 Dine in the water at Sip N’ Dip
🌴 Take a day trip to Ambergris Caye (and Secret Beach)
🤿 Go scuba diving at the Great Blue Hole
✈️ Fly over the Great Blue Hole
👙 Kayak around the island

Dinner at A Sunset Bar (Arrive Early!!)

End your time in Belize by enjoying dinner (or just drinks) at a sunset bar on the west side of the island. Lots of people like Iguana Reef Inn’s bar, but my favorite is the Pelican Sunset Bar, just be aware that this place is always full at sunset, so its a good idea to show up 30 minutes to an hour before sunset.

Belize Itinerary FAQS

Is Belize worth visiting?

Absolutely! Belize has so much to offer for vacationers looking for a mix of adventure and relaxation. You can spend half of your trip slowing down on one of the country’s hundreds of Caribbean islands (cayes), and spend the other half experiencing unique jungle adventures like cave tubing, waterfall hikes, and exploring Mayan ruins on the mainland.

Belize is one of the best places in the world for scuba diving and snorkeling because it is home to the second largest barrier reef in the world. The country is also rich in history and culture with dozens of Mayan archaeological sites, and several unique ethnic groups like the African Garifuna, indigenous Mayans, Mestizos, Mennonites, immigrants from Central America, Asia, and elsewhere, and more.

How many days you do need in Belize?

To experience the best of the jungle adventures on Belize’s mainland and the Caribbean lifestyle on the islands, you’ll want at least 7 days in Belize. If you have 6 days or less in Belize, it is best to choose between the island and the mainland to avoid being too rushed. If you’re short on time and want to be close to the jungle and the barrier reef, you can spend your whole trip in Hopkins, which is Belize’s best beach town on the mainland and a great home base for both snorkeling and jungle excursions.

Is Belize safe?

Belize does experience crime, but mainly in Belize City and other highly concentrated areas, just like any other country. If you stick to areas like Caye Caulker, Hopkins, Placencia, San Ignacio, Mountain Pine Ridge, and rural jungle lodges, you should be completely fine.

What language is spoken in Belize?

Belize is an English speaking country! This makes travel that much easier for English speakers like me. However, Belize is a very diverse country and many locals also speak other languages such as Spanish, Mayan languages, Garifuna, and more.