Nature in Belize
Perhaps the greatest attraction in Belize is the country’s pristine nature. Belize is predominately a rural country that is just a bit smaller than the state of Vermont but with less than 400,000 residents. Just a short flight away from the United States and Canada, Belize is an English-speaking country where travelers can explore rainforests, jungles, mountains, waterfalls, caves, caverns, rivers, islands, and the largest coral reef system in the northern hemisphere.
Rainforest
Half of Belize’s territory is composed of dense rainforest, 80% of which is protected by law as a national park, wilderness sanctuary, or conservation area. Much of the rainforest has never been explored, and these pristine landscapes are home to a dizzying array of wildlife, including jaguars, armadillos, tapirs, giant iguanas, crocodiles, monkeys, and ocelots. The rainforests of Belize are also home to hundreds of different bird species.
The Reef
The Belize Barrier Reef is the second-largest in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage. Composed of hundreds of Caribbean islands and atolls, the Belize Barrier Reef is home to an incredible diversity of marine life, including over 400 species of fish, 70 species of coral, and creatures like giant sea turtles, manatees, dolphins, sharks, and rays.
The clear water, bright white sandy seafloor, and marine diversity make the Belize Barrier Reef a mecca for snorkeling, scuba diving, and fishing.
Caves and Caverns
The mainland of Belize is home to hundreds of caves and caverns, some of which are truly immense underground labyrinths. Some caves were previously used by ancient Maya priests to perform sacred rituals, including human sacrifices. Abandoned before the arrival of the Europeans, these sacred caves now serve as pristine museums to the ancient Maya culture.
Other caves in Belize have rivers flowing through them. Exploring them by canoe or inflatable inner tube is known as “cave tubing” and is one of the most popular activities in Belize.
Rivers
The ancient Maya thrived in Belize due to the large number of watercourses that crisscross the land. These pristine rivers are perfect for tubing, rafting, canoeing, and boat safaris to explore the incredible natural beauty of the rainforest.
Bird Watching
The Audobon Society is very active in Belize and manages several birding areas complete with trails, blinds, and places to glimpse the more than 400 species of birds that have been recorded in the country. Prime bird watching areas can be found in national parks, conservation areas, and adjacent to eco-resorts and ancient Maya sites.
Rainforest
Half of Belize’s territory is composed of dense rainforest, 80% of which is protected by law as a national park, wilderness sanctuary, or conservation area. Much of the rainforest has never been explored, and these pristine landscapes are home to a dizzying array of wildlife, including jaguars, armadillos, tapirs, giant iguanas, crocodiles, monkeys, and ocelots. The rainforests of Belize are also home to hundreds of different bird species.
The Reef
The Belize Barrier Reef is the second-largest in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage. Composed of hundreds of Caribbean islands and atolls, the Belize Barrier Reef is home to an incredible diversity of marine life, including over 400 species of fish, 70 species of coral, and creatures like giant sea turtles, manatees, dolphins, sharks, and rays.
The clear water, bright white sandy seafloor, and marine diversity make the Belize Barrier Reef a mecca for snorkeling, scuba diving, and fishing.
Caves and Caverns
The mainland of Belize is home to hundreds of caves and caverns, some of which are truly immense underground labyrinths. Some caves were previously used by ancient Maya priests to perform sacred rituals, including human sacrifices. Abandoned before the arrival of the Europeans, these sacred caves now serve as pristine museums to the ancient Maya culture.
Other caves in Belize have rivers flowing through them. Exploring them by canoe or inflatable inner tube is known as “cave tubing” and is one of the most popular activities in Belize.
Rivers
The ancient Maya thrived in Belize due to the large number of watercourses that crisscross the land. These pristine rivers are perfect for tubing, rafting, canoeing, and boat safaris to explore the incredible natural beauty of the rainforest.
Bird Watching
The Audobon Society is very active in Belize and manages several birding areas complete with trails, blinds, and places to glimpse the more than 400 species of birds that have been recorded in the country. Prime bird watching areas can be found in national parks, conservation areas, and adjacent to eco-resorts and ancient Maya sites.
Adventures in Belize can help you plan a nature vacation that will get you close to Belize’s rare wildlife. And if you’re coming to Belize for your wedding or honeymoon, Adventures in Belize can help put together the perfect romantic experience for this special time in your life.
Contact Adventures in Belize today and let us help you plan the ideal Belize vacation itinerary that will take you to the top of the jungle and into the depths of the pristine barrier reef.
