Everything you need to know before your Belize escape.
Belize travel FAQs: the best time to visit, how many days you need, getting around, currency, where to stay, and combining beach and jungle stays.
Timing and weather
When is the best time to visit Belize?
For most first-time visitors, I aim for late November through April. That's the dry season: clearer skies, calmer water, and lighter humidity, and it's the Belize that made me fall for the place. It's also the busiest stretch, so book your stays earlier if you want those weeks. If you'd rather have quieter resorts and lush jungle mornings, late April through June can still be a lovely time to go.
When is the rainy season, and when is hurricane season?
Belize's rainy season generally runs from June to November, starting a little earlier, in May, in the south. August often brings a short break known locally as the "little dry." Hurricane season runs from early June to the end of November, and September and October are usually the most active months. If you're travelling in the autumn, keep your plans flexible and arrange good travel insurance. I don't sell travel insurance directly, but I can connect you with someone on Trevello's support team who can help arrange coverage. We once swam at St. Herman's Inland Blue Hole in pouring rain and it was still magical, but for a first trip I usually steer people toward the drier months.
Trip length and getting around
How many days do I need in Belize?
For most first-time visitors, 7 to 10 days is the sweet spot. Here's how I think about it: 4 to 5 days: pick one base and really enjoy it. 7 days: two bases, like a few nights inland and the rest on the coast. 10 days: the best balance of adventure, beach time, and breathing room. 12 to 14 days: room to add an island, or simply slow down.
How do I get around Belize?
Belize is small, but most trips use a mix of ways to get around: Most international flights land at Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE), just outside Belize City. Short domestic flights with Tropic Air or Maya Island Air connect to places like San Pedro, Caye Caulker, Placencia, and Dangriga (for Hopkins). Water taxis run between Belize City, Caye Caulker, and Ambergris Caye. Shuttles or private transfers are the usual way inland, to places like San Ignacio. On the islands and in Placencia village, it's golf carts, bikes, and your own two feet. Changing places takes a chunk out of your day, so I plan the transfers around how much time you have.
Should I rent a car in Belize?
It's optional. We've rented a car to visit friends in southwestern Belize, and it gave us a lot of freedom. You can drive with a valid Canadian licence for up to three months, and Canada recommends carrying an International Driving Permit too. Outside the main highways, many roads are unpaved and can flood in the rainy season. For most trips, I prefer shuttles for the longer drives and guided tours for excursions, so you're not on unfamiliar roads after a long flight.
Money and costs
What currency is used in Belize?
Belize uses the Belize dollar (BZD), and it's easy to work with: The rate is fixed at 2 Belize dollars to 1 US dollar, and has been since 1976. US dollars are widely accepted, but your change often comes back in Belize dollars. You'll see prices in both currencies, so always check which one before you pay. Larger hotels and resorts generally take credit cards, but ATMs can be hard to find in rural areas. Carry some small cash for markets, tips, and village stops. Exchange money only at banks or official exchange offices. There's a currency converter further down this page if you want to compare Canadian, US, and Belize dollars.
Is Belize expensive?
Belize can be expensive, but it doesn't have to be. It isn't a typical budget all-inclusive destination, so you may spend more than you would in Punta Cana or Cancún. Budget, mid-range, and luxury trips are all possible, and how you stay, eat, and book tours matters more than any one set price.
Where to stay
Where should I stay in Belize?
It depends on the vacation you want: Placencia: slow beach days and a walkable village. Hopkins: Garifuna culture and a quieter stretch of coast. San Ignacio: jungle, Maya ruins, and caves. Ambergris Caye: lively island life and easy reef days. Caye Caulker: a slower, "go slow" island stay. Pairing two of these is often the best itinerary.
What kinds of places can I stay in?
Belize leans toward smaller, more personal stays rather than huge resorts. The main styles are: Beach resorts, when you want amenities, beach service, and transfers taken care of. Boutique hotels and cabanas, for local character and a more personal feel. Jungle lodges, close to ruins, rivers, and wildlife. Vacation rentals, for more space or a longer stay. Private villas and overwater stays, if you want to splurge. Our April 2024 trip was an Airbnb, and when we got married in March 2026 we stayed at Caribbean Beach Cabanas in Placencia. It felt more like home than a hotel. The best trips often mix styles.
Beach and jungle
Should I do beaches, jungle, or both?
Both, if you can! Belize has Caribbean beaches and cayes with reef trips right offshore, plus inland jungle with cave tubing, Maya ruins, and wildlife. My own trips mixed Placencia beach days with inland adventures like Monkey River, Xunantunich, and zip lining, and that beach-plus-jungle rhythm is what I recommend most often.
How do I combine beach and jungle stays?
This is the split I plan most often. A few things that help: Start inland and finish on the coast, so the trip winds down with beach days. In 7 days, try about 3 nights in the jungle and 4 on the beach. In 10 days, about 4 nights inland and 6 on the coast. Leave a free day in each place, so it feels like a holiday and not a race. Treat the transfer between them as part of the plan, whether that's a shuttle, a private transfer, or a short flight.
Before you go
Do Canadians need a passport or visa for Belize?
You'll need a passport that's valid for at least six months beyond the date you leave Belize. Canadians don't need a tourist visa for stays of up to 30 days. Customs officials may ask to see a return or onward ticket and proof that you can cover your stay. Entry rules can change, so check the Government of Canada's travel advice before you book and again before you fly.
Is there a form to fill in before I fly?
Yes. Belize uses an online travel declaration form called iDeclare, and you need it for both arriving and leaving. Fill it in before you travel and keep your confirmation handy at the airport. The form is free, so use the official Government of Belize site rather than a third-party service that charges for it.
Is Belize safe for travellers?
I've felt at ease in Belize, including exploring Placencia on my own: coffee, shops, and beach walks. A few simple precautions go a long way. Keep your belongings secure, skip unfamiliar streets after dark, and follow local advice on transfers.
What language is spoken in Belize?
English is the official language, which makes Belize especially easy for Canadian travellers. You'll also hear Kriol, Spanish, Garifuna, and Mayan languages, especially in village communities.
What should I pack for Belize?
Pack lightweight layers, a rain shell, reef-safe sunscreen, insect repellent, and comfortable shoes for jungle walks. Swimwear, a day bag for boat trips, and a nicer outfit for dinner are smart additions too.
Do I need travel insurance for Belize?
I strongly recommend it, especially if you're diving, travelling during hurricane season, or heading somewhere remote. Look for coverage that includes medical care and evacuation, plus trip interruption. Medical facilities may expect payment up front, so it helps to know how your coverage works before you go. I don't currently sell travel insurance directly, but I can connect you with someone on Trevello's support team who can help arrange coverage.
What should I know about Belize food and culture?
Belizean food is a joyful blend of Caribbean, Latin, and Garifuna influences: fresh seafood, rice and beans, sweet plantains, and local spices. I still think about fry jacks at Wendy's in Placencia, lionfish at Rumfish, and a simple homemade lunch in Monkey River village after a jungle hike.
What snorkelling, diving, and excursions are worth doing?
Belize is a wonderful water destination. From Placencia, Splash Dive Center took us out for my first reef day and they were great. For diving, I lean on my husband's experience. Inland, I'd happily repeat Monkey River, Xunantunich, and cave tubing with zip lining at Zipline BZ, even though I was nervous before that first zip!