8 Days in Belize: Beaches, Jungle, and Adventure

Why Visit Belize?

Located in Central America, the small nation of Belize offers something for every kind of traveler. Whether you’re into lazy beach days, wildlife encounters, cultural immersion, or jungle adventures, this small but mighty country delivers it all in one trip. Below you can find a plan for 8 Days in Belize: Beaches, Jungle, and Adventure. Belize has experiences for every kind of traveler with beaches, exotic wildlife and jungle adventures!

• Currency: Belize Dollar (BZD), fixed 2:1 with USD. U.S. dollars are widely accepted.
• Language: English is the official language.
• Power: 110V, same plugs as the U.S.
• Tipping: 10–20%, similar to U.S. customs.

---

Day 1: Arrival in San Pedro

We flew into Belize City and took a Maya Air flight to San Pedro. Upon arrival, we were offered golf carts left and right—we recommend renting one, but do some price research ahead of time. We paid $35/day for a good one and that seemed to be the lowest price available.

Lunch: La Sanpedrana Bar & Grill — Tasty stewed chicken and seafood chowder, but beware the spicy onion slaw! It looks innocuous but has fresh habanero peppers in it and it was FUEGO!

Pro Tip: There’s only one ATM at Tropic Air, so get cash when you land if you’re flying in.

Dinner: JYOTO Japanese Restaurant at Mahogany Bay — Solid option, very convenient.

---

Day 2: Mahogany Bay’s Private Beach & Snorkeling

• Breakfast: Lebanese restaurant just outside of the resort — breakfast was pretty limited in options and would make a great spot for lunch/dinner if you are into Mediterranean cuisine. Their lamb is their main specialty.
• Relax: Mahogany Bay’s private beach offers hammocks, paddleboards, swings in the water, and overwater bungalows.
• Dinner: Blue Water Grill — Great food, live music, and solid service.

Relax on Mahogany Bay’s Private Beach Club: We rented a cabana and chilled out in the water. There were also water sports equipment we could use at our leisure such as paddle boards and kayaks. Overall, it was a super relaxing day playing and relaxing in the sun.

---

Day 3: San Pedro Snorkeling & Dining

• Breakfast: Poolside Grill at Mahogany Bay — Nice vibe though the price was a bit rich for my blood.
• Lunch: Lily’s Treasure Chest — A solid seafood spot right on the beach.
• Tour Tip: Book directly with Amigos Del Mar in San Pedro — we paid $50 instead of $200 quoted by the hotel concierge.

Snorkel Tour: We did a guided snorkel to Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley — sea turtles, stingrays, nurse sharks, pufferfish, and colorful coral made it unforgettable.

---

Day 4: Caye Caulker Day Trip

• Breakfast: Someplace South — 2-for-1 mimosas and a local beachy vibe.
• Ferry: Took the water taxi to Caye Caulker.
• Drinks: The Tap Room — Light beers, fun stop though the beers may not meet the expectations of hardcore beer aficionados.
• Dinner: Angler’s — A real gem with local flavor and a great backstory.
• Evening: Live music at Croc’s — Amazing band and open mic night!

---

Day 5: Head to Hopkins Village

• Breakfast: Mahogany Bay veranda — a peaceful sendoff.
• Travel: Flight back to Belize City → Car rental with Avis → Drive to Hopkins Village.
• Stay: Coconut Row — Ocean-view cabana, very charming.
• Dinner: Windchiefs Bar & Snacks — Drinks were just $6 for 3; beware the pushy cats!

Hopkins Vibe: Ultra laid-back and perfect for relaxing beach time with access to adventure.

---

Day 6: Snorkeling & Cultural Vibes

• Breakfast: Elton’s — Get the stuffed fry jacks!
• Snorkeling: Tour with Patrick — we visited Fourth Cut and Whale Shoal. Rough waters, but stunning coral.
• Lunch Drinks: The Curve Bar — Sittee River views, crocodiles, and jumping fish.
• Dinner: Semeti Giffiti Beach Bar — Live Garifuna drummers, ocean breeze, BBQ chicken and shrimp grill.

Bonus: If you’re there near a new moon, try the bioluminescent lagoon tour.

---

Day 7: Cave Tubing & Belize Zoo

• Adventure: Butts Up Cave Tubing — $50 per person, includes lunch, hike, and float through Xibalba Cave. Watch for howler monkeys, snack on termites (yes, Tom tried them), and tarantulas!
• Zoo Visit: Arrive no later than 3:30 PM to avoid feeling rushed. Favorites: harpy eagle, jaguarundi, and Pat the jaguar on the overpass.
• Stay: Belize Zoo Jungle Lodge — Rustic but clean, includes dinner, breakfast, screened pool, and a night tour of nocturnal wildlife.

---

Day 8: Departure

Enjoyed a filling breakfast at the lodge, packed up, and headed to the airport. Even though the airport is only 45 minutes away, we always recommend arriving 3 hours early for international departures — just in case.

---

Final Tips for Visiting Belize

• Get cash early — ATMs can be scarce on the islands.
• Golf carts in San Pedro — Shop around and rent one.
• Book tours directly — You’ll save a lot compared to hotel concierge prices.
• Bring bug spray — Especially for the mainland; sandflies are relentless!
• Hot sauce warning — Habanero-based sauces are 🔥 (use with caution).
• Perfect for all traveler types — Beach bum, culture seeker, adventurer, foodie—Belize has it all.

Final Thought: Belize isn’t just a destination; it’s a mix of island rhythms, warm people, unforgettable nature, and cultural richness. Whether it’s your first time or your fifth, Belize will leave you wanting more.