Island Breeze to Jungle Trees: Our Unforgettable Belize Getaway

This island may be small in size, but it's overflowing with wonder and adventure. After hearing countless glowing reviews, we knew we had to see it out for ourselves - and it did not disappoint. Whether you're looking to lounge on a sun-soaked beach or dive into new experiences and thrills, this destination truly offers something for everyone. A paradise that lives up to the hype!

What To Pack

✓ Sunscreen & Bug Spray - Sunscreen might be obvious, but don't skip the bug spray! You'll thank yourself later.

✓ Water Shoes - Planning to explore the caves, rivers, or reefs? Protect your feet while adventuring.

✓ Dry Bags - Whether your tubing, boating, or caught in a tropical rain shower, these are essential for keeping your valuables safe and dry. 

✓ Dramamine - Between the small planes and winding jungle roads, motion sickness can sneak up on you - come prepared. 

✓ Laundry Bags - Adventures mean sweat. Toss your worn clothes in a laundry bag to keep the rest of your suitcase fresh.

Ambergris Caye

We landed in Belize, but the journey wasn't over just yet. Inside the airport, we made our way to the Tropic Air kiosk and waited our turn to board a tiny plane bound for Ambergris Caye. These little planes barely fit ten people, making the experience feel more like a private flight. And if you're short like me, you might just score the co-pilot's seat - right up front next to the pilot. 

Where We Stayed

We kicked off the first part of our trip at Bella Vista Resort - an intimate getaway where each guest gets their own private villa. It was the perfect way to ease into vacation mode, having your own space surrounded by stunning scenery. From the moment we arrived, the staff made us feel right at home, greeting us with a refreshing drink and full meal while our room was being prepared. 

After a full day of travel, we changed into our swimsuits and headed to the pool to catch the last rays of sun. With the resort right on the water, it wasn't long before we took a sunset stroll along the beach. As night fell, the property came alive with string lights and live music - turning our first evening into the perfect welcome celebration.

Exploring Like A Local

The next day, we were rested and ready to explore - the best way to do that on Ambergris Caye is the way the locals do: by golf cart. Luckily, our resort had rentals available, making it easy to hit the road in true island style. 

One of the most fun ways to spend a sunny day is by joining in on a local favorite: the "poolside" crawl. With resorts and beach bars scattered close together, you can hop from one pool to the next - drink in hand, good vibes all around. When you're ready for a change of scenery, just hop back in the cart and cruise to the next spot.  

A few of our favorite stops included The Truck Stop, the lively hangout with food trucks, tropical drinks, outdoor games, a dockside view, and even a pool. For a more laid-back vibe, PUR Boutique Cabanas & Tacos had a relaxing pool and a dreamy swim-up bar. 

When it came to dinner, Rum Dog Bar and Grill and 303 Belize Bar and Grill stole the show with their overwater hut setup - every seat comes with an ocean breeze. And if you're feeling adventurous, Crocs Sunset Sports Bar sits high above the lagoon, offering panoramic views...and the occasional crocodile sighting to keep things interesting.

Shopping

If you're looking to pick up a few souvenirs or just enjoy a leisurely stroll, head into downtown San Pedro. The town is full of colorful shops and charming beachside spots - perfect for finding something special to take home. Be sure to stop by Central Park to snap a photo with the vibrant San Pedro sign - it's a must! 

When you're ready for a break, grab a table at Palapa Bar and Grill. Perched over the water, this laid-back spot serves up delicious food, cold drinks, and an unbeatable atmosphere. It's the kind of place where you can linger a little longer and soak in some island vibes.

Snorkeling & Swimming with Sharks

When you're at the beach in Belize, getting out on the water is a must. While the country is famous among scuba divers for its iconic Great Blue Hole, you don't need to be scuba certified to experience the underwater magic. We booked a tour that took us aboard a sailboat to some incredible snorkel spots. 

The highlight? Swimming alongside nurse sharks! These brown sharks may look intimidating, but they're harmless to humans - though that doesn't make it any less thrilling to see them up close. Along the way, we explored vibrant coral reefs and spotted all kinds of sea life. It was peaceful and exhilarating, and definitely one of the most unforgettable parts of our trip.  

Rainforest

Where We Stayed

Halfway through the week, we traded beach views for the lush rainforest and checked into Sweet Songs Jungle Lodge. Tucked away in such a remote corner of Belize, the resort is so secluded that some of the staff members actually commute by canoe - it's faster than navigating the winding roads. This all-inclusive getaway felt like something straight out of a storybook. Our room? A dreamy treehouse complete with a swinging bed and the panoramic views of the treetops - perfect for spotting wildlife like birds and monkeys right from our balcony. 

There was no shortage of activities right on property. We wandered through peaceful botanical gardens, grabbed tubes to float down the Macal River, and cooled off in the stunning infinity pool. Whether you're seeking relaxation or adventure, this place has it all. 

Dining was just as magical. The on-site restaurant served up fresh, flavorful meals, and each evening, leftover fruit rinds were placed on racks outside to attract monkeys, toucans, and other rainforest creatures - dinner and a show! 

On our final night, Jeff planned the most romantic surprise: a private candlelit dinner tucked away in an exclusive part of the restaurant, serenaded by the sounds of the jungle. It was an unforgettable ending to a truly enchanting stay.

Ancient Adventures 

 One of the best perks of our all-inclusive resort was their help in booking incredible off-property adventures. By arranging transportation to and from each excursion, they made it easy for us to relax and enjoy without having to worry about the logistics.

Mayan Ruins

If you want to take a step back in time, head to San Jose Succotz and explore the awe-inspiring Xunantunich Mayan Ruins. To reach the site, your tour van will board a small, hand-cranked ferry - yes, man-powered - that carries you across the Mopan River. Once across, you'll enter an archeological wonderland. Pronounced similarly to "tuna sandwich," Xunantunich translates to "Maiden of the Rock". This remarkable site stretches roughly three square miles and features ancient residential structures, burial sites, temples, palaces, and even a ceremonial ball court. As you wonder through the grounds, be sure to look up - Belize's wildlife is just as fascinating as its ruins. We stumbled upon an entire family of monkeys swinging through the treetops - a far cry from anything you'd find in Kansas! 

The true highlight is climbing to the top of El Castillo, the site's tallest structure. From the summit, the panoramic views stretch far and wide - you can even see to the neighboring Guatemala on a clear day. First excavated in the 1890s by British archeologist Thomas Gann, Xunantunich continues to captivate visitors with its history, mystique, and breathtaking beauty. 

ATM Cave

This was one of the biggest highlights of our trip - an unforgettable adventure we couldn't even document with pictures. The Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave is the breathtaking blend of exploration and ancient history. This multi-hour, guided tour is not for the faint of heart. The Mayans believed that caves were sacred portals to the gods, and as you journey through the ATM cave, you begin to understand why. You'll swim through narrow passageways, climb rocks, and crawl through tight spaces to reach deep within the cave, where ancient secrets are preserved. 

The only light comes from your headlamp, and at one point, our guide had us turn them off to experience complete darkness - it was so dark, you couldn't even see your hand in front of your face. Skeletons and ancient artifacts lie undisturbed, preserved by the mineral-rich waters that regularly flood the cave. The most famous of these is the Crystal Maiden, whose bones have been calcified over time, giving them a shimmering appearance. From pottery and tools to ceremonial items, the cave tells the story of a powerful civilization. This adventure was unlike anything we've ever done - and we would do it again in a heatbeat.

Final Thoughts

Belize is a destination in a league of its own - offering the perfect mix of relaxation, rich history, and thrilling adventure. It's a trip we'll never forget and one we hope to recreate with our children someday. Truly, an unforgettable experience from start to finish.