Tailormade Holidays in Belize

Tour Code: TBLZ

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Sample Itineraries

With its swathes of untouched rainforest, endless savannah and mangrove coasts, as well as the largest and most splendid coral reef in the western hemisphere, Belize is the perfect choice for the intrepid naturalist. Create your own Tailormade holiday to Belize with dates and an itinerary to suit you. Click one to scroll down and view more info.

The Best of Belize

14 Days

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Belize & Tikal - Brilliant Birding

13 Days

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When to Go

Good Time to Go

January to July, November to December

Best Time to Go

January to May, December

Speak to a Central America expert

Andy Tucker

Managing Director

Email Call 1-844-433-9473

Where to Go

Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary
Inland Belize
Cockscomb Basin
The South Coast
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Summary

'If the world had any ends, Belize would certainly be one of them. It is not on the way from anywhere to anywhere else. It is all but uninhabited’ wrote Aldous Huxley in 1943. Decades on, Belize remains one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world and a lack of human encroachment has permitted unprecedented protection of its natural spaces. The incredible untouched natural history of Belize is now highly prized, and the country is widely regarded as one of the world’s leading ecotourism destinations. With its swathes of untouched rainforest, endless savannah and mangrove coasts, as well as the largest and most splendid coral reef in the western hemisphere, Belize is the perfect choice for the intrepid naturalist. The English-speaking nation also harbours a melting pot of different cultures with Creole, Mayan and Garifuna influences, while its colonial history and laid-back Caribbean outlook contrast dramatically with the cultures of its Latin American neighbours. Once the heartland of the Mayan empire, the country is also blessed with some fascinating Mayan ruins, many of which are located deep within the heart of the forest. With an impressive avifauna of over 500 species, as well as - for the supremely lucky - chances to see elusive cats including Jaguar, Margay, Jaguarundi, Ocelot and Puma, this tropical paradise offers bountiful wildlife-viewing opportunities. Belize’s coast spans its whole eastern border and diving or snorkelling within the sapphire waters of the Caribbean Sea offers wonderful chances for Whale Sharks, manatees, and a whole host of rays, sharks and other superb marine-life.

Our Locations

The Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary is Belize’s best-known wetland system. Its complex network of lagoons, creeks, swamps, broadleaf forest and pine savannah offer an incredible diversity of habitats which provide a haven for birdlife. During the dry season thousands of waterbirds congregate including Jabiru, the largest flying bird in the Americas, while migrants assemble to seek shelter before their long migration back to North America. Exploration of the board walks might also reveal such species as Snail Kite, (the world’s most specialised raptor), Yellow-headed Amazon, Roseate Spoonbill, Boat-billed, Chestnut-bellied and Agami Heron, Bare-throated Tiger Heron and Sungrebe. Other wildlife of the reserve includes Central American River Turtle, Morelet’s Crocodile, Green and Spiny-tailed Iguanas and Mexican Black Howler Monkey, and these can all be seen with relative ease from boat trips through the reserve.

Offering a stark contrast to the balmy Caribbean coast to the east of the country, the western, inland sector of Belize provides a fascinating variety of habitats from pine forests and sense broadleaf jungles, to lush river valleys and rugged mountains. Some of our favourite wildlife lodges in Belize are located in this area, many in their own private reserves where species including Baird's Tapir, Jaguar, Ocelot and White-nosed Coati can be found. Although these large mammals are highly elusive (especially the big cats), the birding is very good and a visit to Mountain Pine Ridge is usually productive for species including Azure-crowned Hummingbird, Orange-billed Sparrow, Orange-breasted Falcon, Stygian Owl, Black-and-white Hawk-eagle and King Vulture. Those interested in culture will also be in their element here, as three of Belize's most impressive Mayan sites (Lamanai, Xunantunich and Caracol) are located within the forests nearing the border of Guatemala.

Accommodation in Inland Belize

The Cockscomb Basin is the world's first Jaguar Reserve. Although Jaguar are very elusive in this corner of southern Belize, the reserve comprises one of the country's largest tracts of protected forest which provides an essential wildlife corridor. Scarlet Macaw, Keel-billed Toucan, Emerald Toucanet and King Vulture are some of the impressive avian inhabitants of the forest, as well as an abundance of amphibians and reptiles including the endangered Red-eyed Tree Frog. The Cockscomb Basin also benefits from being well positioned, and is easily accessible from the beach resorts of Dangriga or Placencia, from the inland lodges, or en route from neighboring Guatemala. During a typical visit to the reserve one should hope to find Crested Guan, Great Curassow, Ruddy Quail-dove, Great Tinamou, White-collared Manakin, Passerini's Tanager, Dot-winged Antwren and Chestnut-headed Oropendola.

South Water Caye, Belize shutterstock_711873391.jpg

The southern settlements of Dangriga, Hopkins and Placencia offer endless stretches of white sandy beaches skirting the emerald Caribbean Sea. These sleepy fishing villages all have strong Creole and Garifuna influences and the area is known as the cultural capital of Belize. The 15-acre island of South Water Caye, just 14 miles east of Dangriga is our favourite option for those seeking an island escape. With just three properties in the island, guests can enjoy snorkeling straight off the beach. The diving is also excellent as the reef drops to 2,000 feet just 30 yards from shore. Between the months of March and June Whale Sharks pass through the coast off Placencia, and diving and snorkeling excursions can be enjoyed in search of these gentle ocean giants.

Great Blue Hole, Belize shutterstock_1042742641.jpg

Of the 200 coral cayes off the coast of Belize, Ambergris is the largest and most populous. The 25-mile island is a magnet for snorkellers and divers wishing to explore the largest barrier reef in the northern hemisphere. The Hol Chan Marine Reserve is one of the finest areas for snorkeling and diving, with plentiful staghorn corals and sea fans supporting an amazing array of fish, turtles and stingrays. Shark Ray Alley is a particularly celebrated spot where swimmers will find themselves encircled by numerous friendly Nurse Sharks and stingrays. Day trips can also be organised to the Blue Hole, a huge underwater sinkhole over 125 metres deep, where divers will marvel at the giant stalactites and dripstone sheets. Although there is a general absence of marine-life within the Blue Hole, there is the possibility of an occasional Hammerhead, Black-tip or Tiger Shark passing through.

Belize works exceptionally well in combination with its landlocked neighbour Guatemala, and despite the tumultuous relationship between the two countries, it is still very easy to travel across boarders. Although Guatemala spans almost the entire western border of Belize, the two countries share very little in the way of language or culture, so an extension to Guatemala allows for a particularly varied holiday. The Mayan archaeological site of Tikal is easily accessed from Belize, and offers a wonderful combination of rainforest birds and mammals with outstanding archaeology.

Central America is rightly considered one of the world’s best areas for wildlife. Despite its relatively tiny size – a small, tapering strip of land, dwarfed by the two continents it connects – the region contains some of the greatest concentrations of biodiversity on Earth. Bordering Mexico to the north and Colombia to the south, the seven Central American countries collectively offer an unrivalled set of natural history experiences. Although Costa Rica and Panama are probably the most famous, and certainly the most popular, wildlife destinations in the region, they are far from the only worthwhile nations to visit. In particular, Honduras, Guatemala and Belize provide the best of both worlds – an opportunity to leave the beaten tourist track, while also encountering many of the region’s most iconic species.

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Sample Itineraries

This classic birding and cultural itinerary also includes time spent on Belize's pristine coral coast, allowing time to relax and reflect on a most memorable holiday!

Day

Depart UK

Days

2 - 3

Belize City

Days

4 - 6

Lamanai Outpost Lodge

Days

7 - 9

Cockscomb Basin

Days

10 - 12

Ambergris Cave

Days

13 - 14

Depart Belize City

Day

Arrive UK

14 Days (Flight Inclusive)

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Day

Depart UK

Day

Belize City

Days

3 - 5

Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary

Days

6 - 8

Chan Chich Lodge

Days

9 - 11

Tikal

Day

Depart Belize City

Day

Arrive UK

13 Days (Flight Inclusive)

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The Essentials

Wildlife Guides

Good quality English-speaking guides are available at most of the inland lodges and reserves. However, should you prefer a dedicated expert naturalist guide to travel with you throughout the holiday, this can easily be arranged.

When to Visit

As a tropical destination, rain is possible inland at any time of year. The fewest weather related disturbances will be found during the dry season which usually occurs between November and May, and this is the most popular time of year to travel. This is also the best period to see many of the migratory birds who overwinter in Belize. Outside of this period, prolonged showers and strong winds should be expected, occasionally up to hurricane strength. The months of April and May are usually the most humid, although these are generally considered the best months to see Whale Sharks, whilst the hottest temperatures are usually found between June and September.

Getting Around

Belize is a small country, in which travel is mostly by road using a car or minibus (depending on your numbers). Should you prefer to cut down the amount of road travel, there is also an excellent network of internal flights available throughout the country and these are particularly useful to access the coastal cayes. Small charter flights are also available to reach some of the more remote inland lodges.

Why Naturetrek Tailormade?

A Naturetrek Tailormade holiday allows you, with the benefit of our wildlife travel expertise and destination experience, to enjoy the perfect private wildlife holiday – one that truly matches your requirements, expectations and ambitions. We will ensure the most competitive prices, superb naturalist guides and seamless ground services.

Some of the benefits of Naturetrek Tailormade travel include:
• A bespoke itinerary which is crafted by experts and designed specifically for you
• Private guiding by the very best local naturalists
• Travel with people you know, at your own pace
• Incorporate as much culture, history or relaxation time as you wish
• Choose dates to suit you
• Select your preferred style of accommodation
• Travel with families and children of any age

Furthermore, our Tailormade team are always on hand to help and guide you along the way, with friendly advice, first-hand knowledge and inside information specific to your destination of choice. So if you have any queries about your holiday, we will be delighted to answer them. Please just give us a call!