Belize Beaches

Overview of Beaches in Belize

Although Belize is a coastal country, it is not a typical beach community.  The Barrier Reef is just off Belize’s shore and keeps the mineral deposit flow from reaching the shore to create beaches in Belize.  Some of the resorts have created beaches, but natural beaches are few and far between.  When you find a sandy beach, chances are good that as soon as you step into the water your feet will sink in sea-grass (also home to living creatures), so you will want to enter the water only from the docks that are found here and there off the shore.  The exception?  Placencia Peninsula.  Here, the Belize beaches are beautiful, and the sand extends out beyond the shore into the water.

Belize is most well-known for its scuba diving, which is incredible anywhere, but especially at the Barrier Reef, which is just a mile offshore from some of the Cayes.  Classes are available in Belize, in just three days you could do one of these world-famous dives!

Tip:  Tempting as it may be, snorkeling from the shore out to the reef is a bad idea.  Motor boats go through this stretch at high speeds, and who wants to be run over by a boat on their vacation?

Placencia Peninsula
Located on the mainland.  Swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving.

Caye Caulker
From here, the Barrier Reef is only 1 mile away, making this a great starting point for the ultimate in scuba diving.  Closer to the shore, snorkeling, kayaking, windsurfing, kayaking, and swimming are common watersports available.

Hopkins
Hopkins is on the mainland, and offers snorkeling and scuba diving.

Ambergris Caye
Some spots have been cleared to create beaches, but the ocean floor will still be grassy.  Swimming off the piers, snorkeling, windsurfing, kayaking, boating and scuba diving are all great here.

Laughing Bird Caye
A small atoll off of Placencia Peninsula, this caye has a natural swimming pool.  An amazing trip, this is a national park, and not a resort in sight.  And, um, no restrooms, either….

Lodging