Things To Do
in Belize

The national comfort dish — rice cooked in coconut milk with red kidney beans, served with slow-cooked, jerk- or tomato-based stew chicken. Found at family restaurants and local eateries across Belize.

Must-Try!

Deep-fried dough served at breakfast with eggs, beans or sweet toppings — a Belizean staple often enjoyed with coffee.

Fresh conch cured in lime juice with peppers, onions and cilantro; a must-try on the cayes and in coastal towns.

A traditional Garifuna dish of mashed plantains or dumplings served with a coconut-based fish stew, commonly found in Garifuna communities like Dangriga.

Polite, friendly greetings are appreciated — a handshake and eye contact are common in urban settings. Use 'please' and 'thank you' and be respectful when entering homes or traditional villages.

Beachwear is fine on the sand but cover up in towns and when visiting churches or villages. Modest dress and respectful behavior are expected at cultural or religious sites.

Ask permission before photographing people, especially in Maya and Garifuna communities, and be sensitive to restrictions at sacred sites and caves.

Avoid touching coral or feeding wildlife; many communities rely on reef health and expect visitors to follow conservation rules.

Peak tourist season with dry, pleasant weather and cooler nights inland; book accommodation and tours early, and expect lively holiday crowds through early January.

Warm, generally dry conditions — excellent for diving and inland hikes; prices can be moderate outside spring-break hotspots.

Hotter and more humid with afternoon showers; school holidays increase local travel and caye crowds, while reef visibility can still be good for diving.

Higher risk of tropical storms and hurricanes from August to October; expect frequent heavy rains and plan flexible travel, especially for island transfers and outdoor activities.

The most popular organized sport across communities, with local leagues and enthusiastic youth participation.

Played widely in towns and schools; public courts are common in urban areas.

Popular in some coastal and Garifuna communities, reflecting Caribbean cultural ties.

A major recreational and competitive activity—fly-fishing for bonefish on the flats and deep-sea charters for big game species are very popular.

Vegetarian options exist but can be limited outside major towns. Rice and beans, salads, plantain dishes, and egg-based meals are common; ask vendors for no-meat preparations and look for tourist-oriented cafes in larger towns.

Vegan choices are growing but still limited; carry snacks and be explicit about no dairy or fish; coconut-based dishes and many fruit-and-veggie market items are safe bets.

Traditional Belizean staples (rice, beans, plantains, fresh fish) are naturally gluten-free, but be cautious with breads, sauces and fried foods due to cross-contamination.

Explain allergies clearly and consider having key phrases written down (e.g., 'No nuts', 'No shellfish'). In remote areas, medical care is limited, so bring necessary medications and epinephrine if required.