Alabama Audubon - Belize Birding

Belize is a compact, nature-rich country where reef, rainforest, and rivers meet. From the Belize Barrier Reef and mangrove lagoons to broadleaf jungle and pine savanna, habitats shift quickly—and so does the birdlife, with sought-after species such as toucans, trogons, motmots, manakins, and hummingbirds, alongside manatees, reef fish, and other wildlife. Snorkeling over coral gardens, quiet dawn walks, and boat or kayak outings bring you close to the country’s extraordinary biodiversity. Culture is woven into every day. Belize’s living traditions reflect Maya, Garifuna, Creole, Mestizo, and Mennonite communities, that are experienced through drum rhythms, tasting coastal cuisine, or visiting village cooperatives. Ancient Maya sites rise from the forest with carved stelae, hieroglyphs, and temple views; coastal cays offer clear water for snorkeling; and jungle trails reveal orchids, butterflies, and howler monkeys. 

Travel Documents & Entry Requirements (Belize)

Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months after the date of departure from Belize, and must have blank pages. The blank pages must be labeled “Visas” at the top. Pages labeled “Amendments and Endorsements” are not acceptable.

Visa: Not required for tourist stays up to 30 days.

Round-trip/onward airline ticket. PLEASE print a copy of your airline reservation/ticket, and have it handy upon arrival, should you be asked.

Sufficient funds (documentation may be requested, or show your trip itinerary). The Belize Embassy cites about US$75/day as guidance.

Digital Immigration & Customs forms: Complete Belize’s online e-embarkation /Disembarkation forms before travel (arrival and departure).

Airport departure fees: For international departures the total is US$73.50—this is usually included in your airfare; check your ticket’s taxes/fees line. If you need to pay this tax, IT MUST BE PAID IN CASH. Be sure to bring and and reserve for departure, enough USD cash to cover the departure fees.

Note: Requirements can change at any time. Please verify close to departure. (U.S. Dept. of State; Belize Immigration/BTB.) (Travel, Belize, belizetourismboard.org)

MONEY MATTERS

Currency & Exchange The official currency of Belize is the Belize Dollar (BZD), which is pegged at a fixed rate of BZ$2.00 to US$1.00. However, U.S. dollars are widely accepted throughout the country, making currency exchange unnecessary for most travelers.

Bring U.S. cash in small denominations ($1, $5, $10, $20) in pristine condition—no tears, marks, or tape, as damaged bills may be refused. Larger bills ($50, $100) can be difficult to break at small businesses and rural establishments. Traveler's checks are not recommended as they're rarely accepted and difficult to exchange.

ATMs & Banking ATMs are readily available in major towns including Belize City, San Ignacio, Belmopan, and popular destinations like San Pedro, Caye Caulker, Placencia, and Hopkins. They're typically located at banks, supermarkets, and gas stations. Most accept Visa and MasterCard; fewer accept American Express.

ATMs dispense Belize dollars and may charge transaction fees. Verify your bank's international withdrawal fees before traveling. Ensure your PIN is 4 digits as letter keypads may not be available. Some ATMs may only accept local bank cards, so try multiple machines if needed.

Credit Cards Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted at hotels, restaurants, and larger businesses. American Express and Discover have limited acceptance. Always carry cash as backup, especially for small vendors, local artisans, and rural establishments that typically operate cash-only.

Important: Notify your card companies of travel plans to prevent fraud blocks. Keep emergency contact numbers separate from your cards, and note that U.S. toll-free numbers may not work internationally.

BUDGET PLANNING Dining costs in Belize are generally lower than average U.S. cities:

• Breakfast: $10-$12
• Lunch: $20-$25
• Dinner: $20-$25
• Upscale dinner: $30-$40
• Local beer: $3-$5
• Wine by glass: $5-$7
• Bottle of wine: $15+

Most tour activities and meals are included in your itinerary. Budget extra for personal shopping, spa treatments (where available), and discretionary dining. Local artisan crafts and markets typically require cash payment.

TIPPING GUIDELINES Your tour includes most service gratuities, please verify your trip's specific inclusions on the itinerary. Amounts below are for items only if specified as not included on your specific itinerary.

Tour Staff:

• Birding/Specialist Guide: $20-$25 per person, per day
• Trip Leader: $10-$20 per person, per day (if not included)
• Driver: $5-$10 per person, per day (if not included)

Local Services:

• Hotel housekeeping: $2 per day (upscale hotels only)
• Porters: $1 per bag
• Restaurant service: 10% if service charge not already added; round up to nearest dollar if service charge included
• Taxi drivers: 10-15% of fare, or round up to nearest dollar for small fares

Always check bills for included service charges to avoid double-tipping. Gratuities should reflect your satisfaction with service provided.

Air: 

International Airports: Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport 
Domestic Airports: Belize City Municipal Airport, San Pedro Airport, Placencia Airport 

Road: 

Driving on the: Right 
Tar roads: Yes 
Gravel roads: Yes 
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes 
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
E-hailing services: No 

 Bus: 

Inter-city bus services: Yes 
Local city bus networks: Yes 

Rail: 

Railway system: No 
Subway System: No 

Water: 

Ferries: Yes 
Water taxis: Yes 
Leisure cruises: Yes 

Health Precautions for Belize

Vaccinations & Medications

• Keep routine vaccinations current.

• Recommended: Hepatitis A and typhoid for most travelers.

• Malaria: No prophylaxis needed—Belize was certified malaria-free in 2023.

Gastrointestinal Health

• Water & food: Tap water isn’t potable; drink bottled or treated water (even in cities). Choose reputable dining; avoid unpasteurized dairy and undercooked foods.

• Pack: Anti-diarrheal medication and oral rehydration salts.

Insects & Other Pests

• Seasonality: Insects are present year-round; generally less bothersome late Nov–mid Apr (dry season) and more noticeable Jun–Nov (rainy season).

• Mosquito-borne illness: Dengue, chikungunya, and Zika occur at low levels and are best prevented by bite avoidance.

  • Use an EPA-registered repellent: DEET (≥30%), picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus (PMD).

  • Wear light-colored, long sleeves and pants, especially at dawn and dusk.

  • Choose screened or air-conditioned rooms when possible.

  • If pregnant or trying to conceive, review current Zika guidance with your clinician.

• Chiggers (birding/hiking): Common in brush, tall grass, and overgrown areas. Apply a light layer of repellent while dressing in the morning; cover legs and ankles. Carry a small container of repellent for touch-ups in the field.

• Black flies: Can be active near rivers/streams—more common in the rainy season, but possible in the dry season. Consider a mosquito head net and lightweight sun gloves for comfort.

• Repellent safety: Follow label directions and avoid excessive use—high concentrations can irritate skin or trigger sensitivities. If you prefer DEET alternatives, picaridin, IR3535, and oil of lemon eucalyptus are effective options.

Environmental & Activity Considerations

• Beaches & trails: Don’t walk barefoot on sand or soil (risk of cutaneous larva migrans); wear footwear.

• Sun & heat: Tropical sun is strong year-round—use broad-spectrum sunscreen, a wide-brim hat, and hydrate.

  • Sunscreen use: Apply generously to all exposed skin before dressing, reapply every 2 hours, and after swimming/water activities.

• Weather: Hurricane season is Jun–Nov; coastal and caye stays should monitor forecasts.

Travel Insurance

• Purchase comprehensive travel medical and evacuation insurance. If you plan to snorkel or dive, confirm the policy covers dive-related care and evacuation.

We recommend that you consult a travel-medicine clinician 4–6 weeks before departure for personalized advice.

Current guidance: Check CDC Travelers’ Health for updates: cdc.gov/travel. (CDC Travel Health)

Belize welcomes many visitors, but crime is higher in parts of the country—especially Belize City (our trips do not spend any time here). The U.S. lists Belize at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution and advises avoiding Belize City, where most violent crime occurs on the south side of Haulover Creek. (Travel.state.gov) Belize also operates a Tourism Police Unit and, in August 2025, launched a National Tourism Security Strategy to strengthen visitor safety. (Belize Tourism Board)

Basics

• Keep a low profile: leave expensive jewelry at home; don’t display cash or high-value items. Avoid walking or driving at night. Use hotel safes. (Travel.state.gov)
• Stay in pairs or small groups when exploring towns and beaches. If confronted, don’t resist. Be extra careful at ATMs and banks. (Travel.state.gov)
• Check the latest U.S. State Department advisory before you go. (Travel.state.gov)

Water safety

• Coastal waters can be hazardous; riptides are common and many beaches lack lifeguards. Swim near lifeguards when available, and never swim alone.

Food & Water Safety — Belize

• Tap water: No. Drink bottled or purified water; many lodges provide refill stations.
• Fresh fruit & veg: Eat cooked or pre-washed produce at reputable establishments; choose peel-it-yourself fruit.
• Ice: Use only in quality hotels and restaurants (made from purified water).
• Meat & seafood: Safe at reputable establishments; ensure it’s well cooked. Note that conch and lobster are seasonal/regulated, so availability varies.
• Street food: Not recommended for most travelers. If you do partake, choose busy, clean vendors and avoid raw garnishes or ice.
• Dairy: Stick to pasteurized products.

Local Cuisine — What to Expect

Belizean food reflects Maya, Mestizo, Garifuna, and Creole traditions—hearty, flavorful, and often coconut-infused.

• Signature plates: Rice & beans with stewed chicken, fried plantains, and coleslaw; escabeche (savory onion-chicken soup); chimole/black dinner; boil-up (root vegetables, eggs, fish).
• Garifuna specialties: Hudut (mashed plantain with fish in coconut), sere (coconut fish stew).
• Mestizo/Maya bites: Tamales, salbutes, garnaches, panades.
• Breakfast favorites: Fry jacks or Johnny cakes with eggs, beans, and cheese.
• Coastal staples: Fresh fish, shrimp, and (in season) conch—often as ceviche or fritters.
• Condiments: Don’t miss Marie Sharp’s habanero sauces.

Drinks

• Non-alcoholic: Fresh juices (mango, pineapple, soursop, guava, tamarind), hibiscus/sorrel tea (iced or hot), and the local seaweed shake.
• Alcoholic: Belikin beer (lager, stout, lighthouse) and Belizean rum (e.g., rum punch).
• Coffee/tea: Widely available in hotels and cafés.
• Safety note: Use bottled/purified water and safe ice for all beverages.

Dining

Your Conservancy Travel itinerary features carefully vetted hotels and restaurants that maintain high food-safety standards while showcasing authentic Belizean flavors.

Tipping for Drinks and Meals on Own

First check the bill: Many hotels/resorts add a 10–12% service charge. If it’s there, an extra tip is optional—add ~5% more only for standout service.

Restaurants (no service charge shown)

• Sit-down meals: 10–12% is standard; 15% for very good service; ~20% if exceptional.
• Casual cafés/comedores/takeaway: Round up or add BZ$2–5.
• Street food: No tip expected.

Bars

• Per drink: BZ$1–2 (about US$0.50–1).
• Tab: 10–12%.

Handy notes

• Currency: Belize Dollar is pegged at BZ$2 = US$1. USD is widely accepted; change often given in BZ$.
• Cash is king: Small bills make tipping easier, especially in smaller towns and on the cayes.
• Card slips: If you add a tip on a card, write legibly; some places process tips later.

Belize's climate is subtropical with a brisk prevailing wind from the Caribbean Sea. The country has an annual mean temperature of 79 degrees Fahrenheit, and the humidity is nicely tempered by the sea breezes. Saltwater temperature ranges from 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Inland Rainforest & Lowlands (Cayo District, Stann Creek & Toledo interiors)

Tropical broadleaf forest with higher humidity and more pronounced rainfall than the north/coast. Rivers and waterfalls respond quickly to rain; early mornings are coolest for birding and wildlife.

• Summer / Wet Season (June–September): Daytime highs 86–92°F, lows 73–76°F. Frequent afternoon thunderstorms; trails muddy, waterfalls full.
• Autumn / Late Wet (October–November): Daytime highs 82–88°F, lows 70–74°F. Rain tapers unevenly; excellent transitional conditions for wildlife with greener forests.
• Winter / Dry (December–February): Daytime highs 80–86°F, lows 68–72°F (cooler pre-dawn). Lowest humidity; best hiking comfort. Nortes can bring brief cool, gray spells.
• Spring / Late Dry (March–May): Daytime highs 88–95°F, lows 70–75°F. Hottest period inland; hydrate and plan strenuous hikes early.

Maya Mountains & Mountain Pine Ridge (2,000–3,000 ft / 600–900 m)

Higher elevation brings cooler temperatures, breezes, and frequent microclimate changes. Expect readings 5–10°F cooler than the lowlands, with crisp nights.

• Summer / Wet Season (June–September): Daytime highs 78–84°F, lows 64–68°F. Regular showers/mist; slick trails; waterfalls dramatic.
• Autumn / Late Wet (October–November): Daytime highs 76–82°F, lows 62–66°F. Heaviest rains often occur; some rough road conditions possible.
• Winter / Dry + Nortes (December–February): Daytime highs 74–80°F, lows 58–64°F (can dip to mid-50s on clear nights). Cool mornings/evenings; low humidity.
• Spring / Late Dry (March–May): Daytime highs 80–86°F, lows 60–66°F. Clearest skies and comfortable days; strongest diurnal temperature swings.

Belize Barrier Reef & Cayes (Ambergris, Caye Caulker, South Water Caye, Placencia cayes)

Influenced by warm Caribbean waters and steady trade winds. Sea breezes moderate daytime heat; humidity is higher near mangroves. “Nortes” (winter cold fronts) can bring cooler, breezy spells and choppier seas. Tropical systems are possible June–November.

• Summer / Wet Season (June–September): Daytime highs 86–90°F, nighttime lows 76–80°F. Warm sea temps (~83–85°F). Humid with passing showers or afternoon squalls; mosquitoes and sandflies more noticeable near mangroves.
• Autumn / Peak Wet (October–November): Daytime highs 84–88°F, lows 74–78°F. Heavier rain bursts and occasional storms; seas may be rough at times.
• Winter / Dry + Nortes (December–February): Daytime highs 80–84°F, lows 70–74°F (can dip to upper 60s at night during fronts). Lower humidity; intermittent windy/choppy days on the water.
• Spring / Late Dry (March–May): Daytime highs 85–90°F (occasionally ~92°F), lows 74–78°F. Generally driest, with fresh trade winds and good water clarity; sargassum can vary year to year.

Notes that affect activities

• Hurricane season: June–November (peak September–October). Monitor forecasts and adjust coastal/caye activities if needed.
• Sea conditions: Trade-wind chop and nortes can affect snorkel/boat outings; flexible timing helps find calm windows.
• Field comfort: Heat and humidity are highest inland late dry season; plan early starts, shade breaks, and steady hydration.

Best time to visit: 

The best time to visit Belize is during the dry season, from late November to mid-April, when the weather is sunny and there is less rainfall. 

Dress is casual and practical for Belize’s tropical climate and reef-and-rainforest activities—no formal wear needed. In rural villages, modest attire is appreciated, and beachwear should be kept to beaches and pools rather than town centers.

Please refer to your trip's Packing List for detailed suggestions 

Barring the occasional and unpredictable power outage, electricity is commonly available throughout Belize.  However, power outages are more common in remote areas of Belize than in the United States. Travelers who are dependent on the electricity supply (as in the case of those with a CPAP) should ensure their apparatus has back-up battery power.

Because some hotels or lodges rely on generators for electricity, lighting may not be as bright as at home

At most lodges, your room will be in a separate building from the main reception. Pathways may be dimly lit. Ensure that you bring a small flashlight or can use the flashlight feature on your phone.

Electricity in Belize 

Voltage & frequency: 110–120 V, 60 Hz (same as the U.S.). Some properties also have 220 V circuits—these will be labeled.

• Outlets & plugs: Type A/B (U.S.-style) are standard. You may occasionally see Type G (UK-style)—pack a small Type G adapter as backup.

• Adapters vs. converters:

  • Phones, cameras, and laptops are usually dual-voltage (100–240 V)—no converter needed.

  • 120 V–only hair tools: use 110–120 V outlets only or bring a step-down converter.

• Three-prong tip: Older buildings may have two-slot outlets. Consider a 3-to-2 prong adapter.

• Power reliability: Brief outages can occur on cayes/remote lodges. Bring a small surge protector and power bank. If you use a CPAP ensure it is battery-powered.

• Packing quick list: Compact multi-port USB wall charger, spare cables, Type G adapter, 3-to-2 adapter, surge protector, power bank, small power strip with USB ports for the lodges that don't have enough electrical outlets in the room.

Mobile Phones

If you plan to use your cell phone / smartphone while traveling, verify your network provider’s international coverage, costs and availability to sign up for a short-term international network and data plan.

The most convenient and affordable access to data while traveling internationally, is with an e-SIM. An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital version of the traditional physical SIM card that's built directly into your device. Instead of inserting a plastic card, you simply download a digital app to connect to a mobile network. There are many provider options; Saily.com and Airalo.com are example.

To get an e-SIM: PRIOR TO DEPARTURE, simply download their app, select your destination country or region, choose a suitable data plan based on your needs, complete the purchase, and UPON ARRIVAL in your destination, activate it with a few taps. The entire process takes just minutes and eliminates the hassle of finding local stores or dealing with physical cards while traveling. Most newer smartphones and tablets support eSIM technology, making it an increasingly convenient option for international connectivity. Upon activation, be sure to change your phone’s preferred network to the e-SIM, and choose DATA ONLY.

Please remember to turn off phone and tablet notifications, keyboard tones, ringers and other sounds on your electronic devices while in the company of your fellow travelers and while guides or the Trip Leader is presenting.

Smartphone Apps

Smartphone apps such as WhatsApp or FaceTime are the best way to text, videochat and call home from abroad. These services are usually less expensive than making a phone call, but will use roaming network data or a Wi-Fi connection. Ensure that you have downloaded whichever apps you plan to use, connect with your friends and family through the app, and understand basic usage, before you depart on your trip.

We recommend using WhatsApp to communicate with your Trip Leader, and the other members of your group while in transit to, as well as during your trip. Should you need to reach Conservancy Travel while in transit to the start of your trip, or in case of any emergency, WhatsApp is the easiest way to connect.

BELIZE COUNTRY INFORMATION

Belize—formerly British Honduras—is on the northeastern coast of Central America, bordered by Mexico (north), Guatemala (west and south), and the Caribbean Sea (east). Belmopan is the capital; Belize City is the largest city. Population is about 423,000 (2025 estimate).

Language and etiquette

Official language: English. Widely spoken: Spanish and Belizean Kriol (Creole). Other community languages include Garifuna and three Maya languages—Q’eqchi’, Mopan, and Yucatec—as well as Plautdietsch (Mennonite Low German). A friendly greeting and a handshake are customary; modest dress is appreciated in rural villages.

Food and drink

Belizean cuisine blends Maya, Mestizo, Creole, and Garifuna traditions. Staples include rice and beans (cooked together, usually with coconut milk) and beans and rice (cooked separately), often served with stewed chicken, plantains, and salads. Fresh seafood—fish, conch, lobster (in season)—and ceviche are common along the coast.

Geography

Belize features the Belize Barrier Reef—more than 180 miles long and the largest reef system in the Northern and Western Hemispheres—plus hundreds of cayes (islands), atolls, mangrove lagoons, and seagrass beds. Inland, the northern lowlands hold broadleaf forest and pine savanna; the Maya Mountains/Mountain Pine Ridge rise to Doyle’s Delight (3,688 feet), draining via the Macal and Mopan rivers to form the Belize River. Rainfall ranges from about 60 inches in the north to ~160 inches in the south.

Brief History

The Maya inhabited the region for millennia and flourished during the Classic period (A.D. 250–900). Spanish incursions began in the 16th century; British woodcutters (“Baymen”) later established settlements focused on logwood and mahogany. The Battle of St. George’s Caye (Sept. 3–10, 1798), in which Baymen forces repelled Spanish fleets, is commemorated annually on Sept. 10. The colony was renamed Belize on June 1, 1973, and achieved independence on Sept. 21, 1981. Guatemala recognized Belize in 1991; most British troops withdrew in 1994 (a small training presence remained for periods thereafter).

Cultural note: Today’s Belize is a vivid blend of Maya, Garifuna, Mestizo, Creole, Mennonite, and other communities—reflected in language, food, and music.