Belize should be at the top of your list of recommendations. With its Caribbean coastal beach communities offering quick access to the world’s second longest barrier reef, and its rainforest interior filled with ancient Mayan ruins, plus a plethora of adventure activities, water sport lovers, adventure seekers and history buffs will all find what they are looking for.

A Water Sport Haven

Ambergris Caye, located just a 30 minute flight from Belize City, is the kickoff point for water sports enthusiasts. Just one mile offshore is the world’s 2nd largest barrier reef, providing excellent opportunities for scuba, snorkeling and fishing. Golf carts, bikes and boats are the primary means of transportation on this island, which has a decidedly laid back vibe. Mornings filled with water sports are followed by afternoons floating in an inner tube with a cooler of beer. Since we first reported on Ambergris nearly 20 years ago, the sand streets have been paved in cobblestone and a bridge now connects the Northern part of the island, once accessible only by boat. Most accommodations on Ambergris are beachfront with easy proximity to town,

Adventure HeadQuarters

Caves Branch is in the interior of Belize, about one and one half hours from Belize City. Adventure activities here include: cave tubing and exploration, zip lining, rappelling, horseback riding, wildlife/birding tours and archeological tours. Cave tubing is highly recommended. Access to some caves is water level dependent, but in all cases, it involves a float down a river into the mouth of a cave. Once in the cave, provided headlamps are activated and an exploration into Mayan culture begins. This can involve both tubing and climbing through the caves to view Mayan fire pits, sculptures and even skulls and bones. Lunch inside the cave is usually included as well.

Placencia – The Best of Both Worlds

Placencia is south of Belize City on the coast, and until recently was only accessible by air or four-wheel drive. A new highway has been completed and the sleepy fishing village has woken up. New developments line the highway leading into the town, yet the town itself still has a very quaint feel. Numerous dive shops take scuba and snorkel enthusiasts to uninhabited cayes and other dive spots located several miles offshore. Laughing Bird Caye is a government owned small island with strict regulations to protect the reef ecosystem found off its shores. A 45-minute boat ride from Placencia, this is a great spot for your clients to practice their snorkeling and beach lounging skills. Other activities in Placencia are sport fishing, both deep water and flats, and sea kayak camping, which involves sea kayaking to, and camping on offshore cayes. Placencia is also less than an hour drive from the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, home of the endangered Belize jaguar. 

Suggested itinerary & Accommodation

Belize has something to offer everyone who enjoys adventure travel, and it is easy to experience the different faces of Belize in one trip. A minimum of a 7-night trip is recommended, spending 3-4 nights either on Ambergris Caye or in Placencia, and another 3-4 nights in the interior in Caves Branch for adventure activities, or San Ignacio for archeological tours. 

Way to Go Tours began their journey towards becoming leading experts in the unique Eco-tourism destinations of Costa Rica, Belize, Panama, Roatan, Honduras and Nicaragua twenty-six years ago. Their mission was to develop an in-depth basis of knowledge for these remarkable and sophisticated destinations. They offer over 10 different Belize packages, and take pride in their ability to sell complex and intricate itineraries.
www.waytogotours.com

The Resort at Ka’ana offers a stay unlike any other. Inspiration comes alive at Ka’ana, a luxe outpost where wandering spirits roam free. Nestled deep in the tropical jungle of western Belize, this boutique resort is an oasis of style, culture, personalized service, and modern amenities for well-seasoned adventurers and tastemakers alike. Our location on the doorstep of an ancient Maya city has inspired Ka’ana’s name, which means “Heavenly Place.” www.kaanabelize.com

For information contact the Belize Tourism Board at www.belizetourismboard.org