Why Visiting Belize in 2026 Should Top Your Must-Do List!

Why Belize is worth visiting in 2026

Belize is a hot destination for myriad reasons and to attract even more visitors, the nation will roll out a giant welcome mat this new year for newcomers and return visitors. Reasons you’ll want to visit in 2026 are courtesy of Mother Nature, airliners, attractions and resorts like Chabil Mar Villas where hosts love showing off their hospitality.

Come for the weather

Belize vacation planning

No matter which month in 2026 you decide to make Belize your relaxation epicenter, temperatures will be consistent, averaging 88 degrees but dipping down to 70 at night in some seasons. One small suitcase can get you through a longish vacation if you pack right!

Come for the whale sharks

Belize Shark

Arrange your 2026 calendar smartly to be on hand for Belize’s annual whale shark sightings near Gladden Spit. You can dive with them if you like or just watch friends frolic with these giants between March and June. Your diving adventure begins at the Chabil Mar booking desk.

Come for the rates

travel Belize

One of the reasons visiting Belize has become so popular has to do with the graduated rate structures offered by resorts throughout the country. In low season, discounts are as prevalent as colorful fish on the Belize Barrier Reef, so if you holiday on a budget, a 2026 visit won’t ruin yours!

Come for the Maya ruins

ancient Maya ruins Belize

Vestiges of Maya civilizations are scattered across Belize like stars in the sky, so if you’ve put off visiting sacred sites, what are you waiting for? Chabil Mar staff can set you up with as many Mayan ruin tours as your time allows.

Come for the flights

 

 flights to Belize

Once upon a time, direct flights to Belize were infrequent, but thanks to heavy demand, a number of airlines such as JetBlue, SouthWest, WestJet, Air Canada, American Airlines, now serve Belize City, as do other major U.S. carriers. If you originate in Panama, catch a short Copa Air flight and you’ll be up and down before you can say 2025.

Come for the fishing

Belize fishing

Even the unluckiest of amateur fishermen have been known to strike it rich in the waters off Belize. Take a photo of your catch before you hand it off to the chef at Chabil Mar who will prepare it for you with a tropical flourish.

Come for the sailing

Sailing in Belize

If 2025 is the year you’ve committed to ridding your life of stressors, set sail for relaxing time on Caribbean waters as you feel your blood pressure numbers drop. Hire the boat that meets your criteria and even picnics will be provided!

Come for adventure

Belize nature adventures

Which adventure, you ask? Select from excursions and day trips posted on the Chabil Mar website menu or customize your plan to fill every hour of your 2026 holiday with nature walks, jungle exploration, cave tubing, wildlife discoveries, zip lining and much more.

Come for the romance

Placencia for couples

Prioritize Belize when making 2026 plans for romantic getaways including honeymoons. Intimate gardens, beaches and guestrooms so lavishly appointed, they redefine the term honeymoon suite awaits couples at Chabil Mar. You might even qualify for discounted rates during the low season so you start your life together on a thrifty note.

Come for your weddin

Belize wedding planning
Destination weddings in Belize are so trendy, resorts like Chabil Mar have designed different types of celebrations so couples enjoy exactly the type of wedding they dream about. Whether you desire a beach, garden or under-roof event, 2026 is your year to start your married life off right here in paradise!

Visit our website Chabilmarvillas.com for more information on Belize and Chabil Mar, and don’t hesitate to send us an email, or call & chat with us via WhatsApp Free Worldwide: +501-633-7547, Local: (011-501) 523-3606, if you have questions or need help in planning a Belize vacation.

Best Time To Visit Belize: When Should I Come?

Best Time To Travel To Belize

Unlike temperature countries farther north like Canada and the United States, there are no change of seasons in Belize. The weather is warm and sunny all year round. The only seasonal variations are denoted in terms of the amount of rainfall, usually divided into the “dry season” and the “green season”.

High and Low Seasons

Because tourism is an important mainstay of the economy, many people in Belize divide the calendar year into the high season and the low season which roughly correspond to the greener and drier months. The high season runs from December to April when the weather is drier and many people from temperature latitudes flock to Belize to escape the icy clutches of wintry weather. Because these are the most popular months to visit, accommodation rates are usually higher during this period.

The low season runs from approximately May to November. Rainfall is higher during this period but it is usually restricted to early morning showers and overnight storms, keeping most days clear and sunny. With fewer crowds to deal with and lower tour and room rates, many travelers prefer to visit Belize during the low season.

Visiting Belize in January – March

One of the most popular times to visit Belize, the first few months of the year are marked by plenty of warm temperatures and sunshine. The fabulous weather makes it easy to enjoy mainland attractions like nature tours or relaxing on the beach as well as trips to the islands and reef to enjoy snorkeling, sailing, fishing, and scuba diving.

Visiting Belize in April and May

This is a transitional period as sunny skies remain dominant while humidity levels begin to climb a bit. Easter is one of the biggest holidays in the country with many lodges, resorts, and beach hotels booked up.

Visiting Belize in June and July

The beginning of the green season when brief afternoon showers and overnight rains replenish nature’s vitality. Lobster fishing is strictly regulated in Belize, so the opening of lobster season in mid-June is celebrated in places like Ambergris Caye and Placencia with lobster festivals.

Visiting Belize in August – October

The height of the green season sees abundant rain overnight and the jungles and rainforests bursting with life. With fewer visitors, this is the best time to take advantage of off-season discounts on accommodations, airfare, and guided tours to the top attractions in the country.

Visiting Belize in November and December

This is the beginning of the dry season with lots of sunny skies and low humidity. One of the most popular times to visit, resorts, beach hotels, and jungle lodges are usually booked several months in advance during the holidays.

Belize Festivals and Events

Belizeans are a fun-loving people and there are plenty of festivals and events throughout the year.

Lobster Festivals – The island of Caye Caulker, the town of San Pedro on Ambergris Caye and the Placencia Peninsula each host a popular festival to celebrate the mighty lobster. These events are held in June to coincide with the beginning of the lobster fishing season.

The International Costa Maya Festival – A mixture of a beauty pageant and event to celebrate the cultural heritage of the Maya, this lively week-long celebration is held in San Pedro on Ambergris Caye.

September – Throughout the country, important holidays like Independence Day (Sep 21), St. George’s Caye Day (September 10 in honor of an important naval battle where the British defeated the Spanish on St. George’s Caye) and Carnival (similar to but different than the springtime Carnival held before Easter) keep September lively.

Toledo Chocolate Festival – Held in the heart of the cacao-growing part of Belize, it’s a mouthwatering celebration of all things chocolate (dates vary).

La Ruta Maya River Challenge – Held every March, La Ruta Maya challenges canoe crews to navigate hundreds of miles of river on a four-day race to get to the finish line in Belize City.

Garifuna Settlement Day – Every November 19, the Garifuna people re-enact their perilous boat voyage across the Caribbean to arrive in Belize with plenty of music, dancing, drumming, and food.

Where to Stay in Belize

where to stay in belizeOne of the finest resorts in the country is Chabil Mar on the Placencia Peninsula in southeastern Belize. Just a short distance away from the Belize Barrier Reef and the most popular mainland attractions, Chabil Mar offers guests unparalleled luxury with several tastefully appointed villas with a full range of modern amenities, an onsite restaurant, bar, and a gorgeous infinity pool.

Visit our website Chabilmarvillas.com for more information on Belize and Chabil Mar, and don’t hesitate to send us an email, or call & chat with us via WhatsApp Free Worldwide: +501-633-7547, Local: (011-501) 523-3606, if you have questions or need help in planning a Belize vacation.

Save

Save

Save

8 Hidden Gems around Belize You Need to Visit

In almost every corner you visit in Belize, you will encounter something beautiful – a Maya site, a diverse culture, a pristine nature reserve. The charming beauty of Belize is one of a kind and will certainly entice you to become one with Belize as the Belize Tourism Board alludes.

Below, we share with you 8 hidden gems that in our opinion are top attractions in the country that you must explore on a Belize vacation.

Xunantunich

xunantunich

Xunantunich is the most visited Maya sites in the Cayo District and is located atop a ridge above the Mopan River in the quaint village of San Jose Succotz in western Belize. The site served as a Maya civic ceremonial center in the late terminal Classic periods to the Belize Valley region and Xunantunich’s name means “stone woman” in the Maya language.

“El Castillo”, the largest pyramid offers an impressive and panoramic view of the area.

Monkey River

rp_Elizabeth_Monkey_River_Welcome_650_Sign_Chabil_Mar_Belize_Resort.jpg

The Village of Monkey River is habitat to a plethora of flora and fauna and as a result it has been rated as one of the top destinations to visit in Southern Belize. Tropical birds, butterflies, crocodiles, iguanas, and of course howler monkeys are just a few of the wildlife that you will find encounter in this hidden gem.

Laughing Bird Caye

Laughing Bird Caye by Kurt Repanshek Chabil Mar Belize Resort

Laughing Bird Caye is an elegant and stunning Belizean Isle that is located 11 miles from Placencia Village and serves as an ideal destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. In fact, many travelers who vacation in Placencia visit this gorgeous piece of paradise for a full day of diving, snorkeling, sea kayaking and even picnicking.

Laughing Bird Caye got its name from the Laughing Gulls – the birds that once used to breed on the Caye, however due to a growing human presence, the colonies moved to a nearby undisturbed Caye for breeding. Presently, the Island is home to a number of exotic birds like the brown pelican, green heron, and melodious blackbird.

Placencia

rp_Placencia_Sidewalk_Chabil_Mar_Belize_Resort.jpg

Over the years, Placencia has been recognized as one of the best beach destinations not only in Belize but in the Caribbean, and this exquisite hidden gem can serve as a base to a potpourri of adventures like snorkeling, diving, deep sea fishing, hiking, and even exploring ancient Maya cities.

See also: Belize Family Vacation Package

ChabilMar, a guest exclusive resort is located right on the beach and their professional staff can assist you in arranging tours to the natural attractions in Placencia and surrounding areas.

 Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary

Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary

Cockscomb Basin is recognized globally as the world’s first jaguar preserve and this hidden gem has been voted by travelers as a must see nature reserve in Belize.

See also: 13 Photos That Will Make You Want to Vacation in Belize

Cascading waterfalls, panoramic mountain views, nature trails, furry mammals, colorful insects, scaly reptiles and a variety of tropical birds are just a few of the things you will see at this sanctuary. Cockscomb Basin is also home to one of Belize’s highest points — Victoria Peak.

Half Moon Caye in Belize

rp_Half_Moon_Caye_Chabil_Mar_-_Belize_Resort.jpg

Another hidden gem in Belize that a lot of travelers do not know about is Half Moon Caye. This incredible caye offers divers the chance to go on a wall dive – a dive in which the vertical facades of the earth’s landmasses are explored. The depths at Half Moon Caye (and really at any wall dive) are tremendous, giving divers the very correct feeling that you are staring into an abyss.

The waters of this beautiful gem are particularly clear, despite the depth, so you will be able to see all manner of wildlife, including loggerhead turtles, rays, barracuda, and eels.

Great Blue Hole

great-blue-hole-belize

The world famous Blue Hole is an incomparable natural wonder in Belize. It is located at the center of Lighthouse Reef and measures 1000 feet across and 412 feet deep. Giant stalactites, dripstone sheets and columns, and colorful marine life are the enchanting geological wonders that will fascinate you if you decide to dive this gem in Belize.

See also: Dive Blue Hole Belize Vacation Packages

It is interesting to note that Jacques-Yves Coustea, the popular ocean explorer revealed the secrets of the Blue Hole to millions of viewers in 1971 through the television serious The Undersea World of Jacques-Yves Coustea.

Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave

ATM cave in belize

Actun Tunichil Muknal or the ATM Cave as it is locally known is one of the most breathtaking caving experiences you will have in Belize. The cave is located in the karstic limestone terrain of Roaring Creek Valley in the Cayo District and is approximately 5 km long and contains a perennial stream that runs through it including a ledge with two stelae and a large chamber full of intact human remains and Maya pots.

See also: Belize Beach and Jungle Vacations

Jaime Awe, Director of Archeology asserts that Actun Tunichil Muknal was a sacred place to the Maya who utilized the cave during the classic period AD 250-909.

Visit our website Chabilmarvillas.com for more information on Belize and Chabil Mar, and don’t hesitate to send us an email, or call & chat with us via WhatsApp Free Worldwide: +501-633-7547, Local: (011-501) 523-3606, if you have questions or need help in planning a Belize vacation.

Belize Vacation Ideas to Help Plan Your Adventure

The popular British travel website Wanderlust recently published an article entitled 4 great Belize itineraries that discusses some travel ideas for first-time visitors to Belize.

Here’s our take on Wanderlust’s suggestions:

Relax and Chill

Belize Vacation Ideas

Many travelers come to Belize simply to relax and unwind.
Sample itinerary:

  • Head to the island of Caye Caulker, just 45 minutes from Belize City.
  • Enjoy snorkeling, windsurfing, and kayaking or just chill on the beach.
  • Head to the island of Ambergris Caye and enjoy amazing seafood.
  • On the mainland, head to the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary to do bird watching.
  • Visit a resort and visit a spa, enjoy a champagne dinner under the stars, or relax in a hammock.

Nature’s Beauty

Belize Vacation Ideas

With so much gorgeous nature to choose from, it can be difficult to decide what to do!
Sample itinerary:

  • From Belize City, head to the western Cayo District.
  • Explore an ancient Maya ruin like Xunantunich.
  • Zip line and cave tube in the jungle.
  • Enjoy a picnic at a waterfall in a national park.
  • Head to the offshore Belize Barrier Reef and enjoy world-class scuba diving and snorkeling.
  • Enjoy a sunset cruise.

Culture

Belize Vacation Ideas

Belize may not have an opera house, but it more than makes up for a lack of high arts with an eclectic mix of cultures, traditions, and languages. English is the official language, but it’s possible to hear Spanish, Maya, Creole, Chinese, and Mennonite German as you travel around the country.
Sample itinerary:

  • Belize City to Dangriga, the home of the Garifuna people.
  • Visit the Garifuna museum and Pen Cayetano workshop.
  • Head to the nearby village of Hopkins, another Garifuna community, and learn how to cook Garifuna food..
  • Visit the Maya Center.
  • Stay at a Maya home in Toledo District.
  • Visit a Mennonite community at Spanish Lookout.
  • Visit a festival, concert, or holiday celebration.

A Bit of Everything

Belize Vacation Ideas

Combine the best of all worlds with this comprehensive itinerary:

  • In Belize City, visit the Belize Zoo.
  • Head to the interior and hike through a national park.
  • Visit an ancient Maya site or ceremonial cave.
  • Zip line and cave tube in the jungle.
  • Head offshore to enjoy sailing, snorkeling, fishing, and/or scuba diving on the islands.
  • Finish up in Ambergris Caye for delicious food and fun festivals.

Chabil Mar is an award-winning resort located on the Placencia Peninsula in Belize. Guests of Chabil Mar can see all of the above attractions and more.

Visit our website Chabilmarvillas.com for more information on Belize and Chabil Mar, and don’t hesitate to send us an email, or call & chat with us via WhatsApp Free Worldwide: +501-633-7547, Local: (011-501) 523-3606, if you have questions or need help in planning a Belize vacation.

 

Explore the Amazing Underwater World of Glover’s Reef in Belize

Named for an infamous 17th-century English pirate (John Glover) who once used the area to stage attacks on Spanish galleons laden with gold, Glover’s Reef is the southernmost atoll in Belize.

There are only four atolls in the world that are located in the Atlantic Ocean, and Belize is home to three of them, including Glover’s Reef Atoll. Thousands of years ago, the area was home to an island surrounded by a ring of coral. Over time, the island eroded away, leaving behind the ring of coral with a large central lagoon in the middle.

The protected waters in that lagoon are why people come from around the world to scuba dive at Glover’s Reef Atoll. The lagoon measures some 15 miles (24 km) by four miles (six km) and is home to more than 700 patch reefs with dozens of different species of coral. This diverse landscape is home to a colorful underwater garden where schools of fish, sharks, conch, rays, lobsters, sea turtles, and even dolphins live, play, feed, and give birth to their young.

Scuba diving expeditions usually head to one of the islands located on the outer edge of the atoll. From there, several options await, including places for shelf diving, wall diving, and exploring the coral landscapes. Glover’s Reef has been a protected nature reserve since 1993, and the ban on commercial fishing has allowed the marine life in this area to thrive.

Don’t be surprised to see dozens of different fish species when you dive Glover’s Reef Atoll, including grouper, mackeral, barracuda, tarpon, angelfish, yellow jack, snapper, black durgons, parrotfish, and many more. The waters of the lagoon are incredibly clear, nearly transparent, making it feel like a gigantic aquarium.

There’s also plenty to enjoy on land as well. The islands around the atoll are home to mangrove forests, white sandy beaches, bright blue skies, and incredible views of the Caribbean. There are no full-time inhabitants on Glover’s Reef Atoll, but the Wildlife Conservation Society operates a research station that relies entirely on solar and wind energy. The research station is only open to marine scientists, but visiting the research station serves as a great introduction to the incredible beauty of the region.

If you’re interested in scuba diving Glover’s Reef, book your vacation with the Chabil Mar Resort. Located on the coast of southeastern Belize, Chabil Mar is close to Glover’s Reef and other top attractions on the Belize Barrier Reef.

Contact Chabil Mar’s Concierge at concierge@chabilmarvillas.com to discuss Glovers Reef and your diving options for Southern Belize.

Visit our website Chabilmarvillas.com for more information on Belize and Chabil Mar, and don’t hesitate to send us an email, or call & chat with us via WhatsApp Free Worldwide: +501-633-7547, Local: (011-501) 523-3606, if you have questions or need help in planning a Belize vacation.

Archives