r/Belize

Hello,

I'm currently in Belize and about to start my diving part of the trip in a few days. Turneffe Atoll seems like an amazing place to dive, so I was wondering if there are (budget/affordable) options to base here.

• Are there accomodations comparable to hostels on Turneffe Atoll?

• Are there diving schools on Turneffe Atoll? And if so, which would you suggest?

• Or am I better off just basing at Caye Caulker and do my dive trips to Turneffe from there? I do plan to visit and dive at Caye Caulker afterwards either way.

Bit of context: I'm AOW and Deep Diver certified, but haven't been diving for very long yet. Currently around 25-30 dives logged. I'm definitely planning to do a Blue Hole trip after a few days of diving, for which I assume Turneffe is the best base location.

Looking for sleeping giant travel info and activity suggestions! We’ll be spending 3 nights in a Mountain View room at sleeping giant and then 5 nights at Matachica resort.

Big fan of kayaking and fishing. Any activities around for that for sleeping giant? Maybe River fishing? Waterfall hike?

Then we’ll need to get to Matachica beach resort on a Saturday. How should we do logistics? Taxi to and from sleeping giant? Or should we rent car? We’re also interested in seeing the zoo on the way!

Any and all info/suggestions will be appreciated!

Hello, was wondering if anyone could give me insight on this. Was considering getting a loan with atlantic bank. My salary goes there. Ive had my current job for almost 2 years now. So i figured I apply. Just wanted to know whats the range....the most they tend to give to a first time borrower...for a personal loan.

Hi y'all, i'm going to Belize this coming October for two weeks. For the first week, i plan on staying on Caye Caulker (seems to be the most budget friendly coastal spot) getting my PADI Open Water certification, and going for a dive or two afterwards.

Any recommendations on reputable dive schools? From what I can see the only options Scuba Sensation, Frenchie's, and Blue Wave. They're all pretty similar in price, so thats not as much of a factor. I'm more so looking to get a sense of who is safe, knowledgeable, and fun.

We will be in Belize in June and are a family of 6, 4 kids 18,16,14, and 11. All athletic and are looking at doing fu adventure activities.

Any suggestions on ATM tours and if zip lining is worth it? We’ll be scuba diving a few days as well.

Thanks!

Hello! I’m looking for someone to share a taxi and split the cost from the BZE airport to San Ignacio. I’m landing on Thursday, 5/21, around 11 a.m. (I don’t mind waiting a bit if someone is arriving later.) I found a taxi that charges cheaper rate $110.

Also, if anyone would like to share a cab from San Ignacio to the Belize Water Taxi on Monday morning, 5/25, let me know.

Happens constantly. A tourist will be sipping a Belikin at a beach bar and casually tell the bartender, "wow, for a third world country this is really nice." And the bartender smiles because tips.

I've noticed Belizeans tend to just let it slide. Maybe because the tourism dollars matter, maybe because we've heard it a thousand times, maybe because on some level people agree.

But I want to know what people actually think when they hear it:

Do you correct them, agree with them, or just shrug?

Is "third world" even a real category anymore or just lazy shorthand for "poorer than where I'm from"?

Does a Belizean saying it hit different than a foreigner saying it?

Drop your unfiltered take.

Hi guys,

Considering do a morning hike in either Cockscomb or Bocawina. Thing Is i'd be doing it in a short sleeve, shorts, and sneakers which I know isn't suggested hike attire for bugs etc. I was deff going to get some repellant and cover hair, but wondering if its that big of a deal. Would also be in the same situation for the night hike. I may just get some long breathable items before I fly in.

In late June, we land at 5:53pm (Friday) on the Alaska Airlines flight from LA and we’ll be renting a car. My partner will take our carryon bags through customs immediately and go get the car settled (Crystal’s) and I’ll stay back and wait for the checked luggage and then come out to meet him. The sun sets at 6:30 and last light is 6:54.

If we do this, would it be safe to drive from the airport to TEC (at the zoo) that same evening? We want to stay there if we can and do the 9am animal encounters the next day. It’s also way less expensive than staying near the airport, out in nature, and gets us closer to our next day destination.

We’ll be well rested as our flight departs LA at 11am, so no early morning, and it will be the equivalent of 5pm for us at landing. I’ve read the recommendations not to drive all the way to San Ignacio at night, but would this shorter drive be ok at dusk?

Thank you in advance for your guidance!

Yes or no. She doesn’t like tight spaces especially for extended periods. Bad idea or go for it??

We just returned from seven days at a beautiful resort in San Pedro. The resort was absolutely stunning, the food was delicious, and the staff were so kind and attentive. We could not have asked for a better experience at the resort.

That said, the damper on the whole trip was the awful noxious smell of the rotting sargassum. It was mild the first day, but on day three (when the heat was higher and the wind up) it was unbearable. It really did impact our trip, as we opted out of outdoor activities and stayed indoors more than we wanted to. Even then, we could still smell it when the AC was on. My spouse and I both had headaches and nausea.

I feel badly for the resorts because they are trying to stay on top of this, but they can only do so much. I read a weather news piece that said 2026 is going to be the worst year yet for sargassum across the whole Caribbean due to climate change. I hope someone can find a way to deal with this for many reasons.

San Pedro is a beautiful place, and I am so grateful we got to experience the culture and meet so many wonderful people. However, we won’t be going back again for a while due to the smell.

Hi everyone,

I’ll be in Belize for 15 days soon (staying in Belmopan for work) and wanted to get some local recommendations.

1. SIM card / eSIM question
   I’ll need data for work and ideally want around 7.5 GB (or the closest max option). Everything I’ve looked at so far seems pretty expensive.

Right now my main options seem to be:
- Digi SIM card at the airport
- GoMoWorld eSIM

For a 15-day stay, what would you recommend? Is it better to buy a physical SIM at the airport, get one in town, or stick with an eSIM? I’ll need reliable coverage for work (calls, hotspot, Teams, maps, etc.).

2. Weekend recommendations from Belmopan
   I’ll be working during the week, but I’ll have 2 weekends free and would love to explore a bit.

What are the best Saturday/Sunday trips from Belmopan? Open to:
- Nature / waterfalls / caves
- Beach or island day trips
- Cute towns
- Good food spots
- Easy/safe places to go solo

I probably won’t rent a car the whole time, so bonus points if it’s doable by shuttle, taxi, or tour.

Thanks in advance ☺️

Hi!

I'm planning a little trip around Belize but I will not stay in Belize City besides arriving at the airport and going to the marina. So I will be moving in taxi, I guess.

I would like to ask you how much would it cost a taxi drive from the airport to the marina? I should pay in Belizean dollar or can I pay in US dollars?

Thanks!

i want to leave america can anyone who has actually lived in belize chime in . is it safe?

I, like many others, dream of opening a bookstore. Spending my days talking to others about what they're reading, getting recommendations, and living a quiet life.

But does Belize City have a reading culture who would support a local bookstore?

There's Bricks and Books downtown, but their selection is limited and frankly, not too enticing. And on top, super expensive.

Bookstores are struggling in America, so I doubt I'll make it big here.

Some people sell online on FB and IG, but honestly, it comes back down to terrible online/customer service, expensive products and shipping interdistrict fees.

and yes, I'm looking for a physical space, not too big, where people can come in, browse, sit and read a couple of pages with a cold beverage.

Thoughts?