Belize Trip Details

Introduction

Welcome to Belize!

Belize is home to the second-largest reef system in the world, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.

San Ignacio is the heart and soul of the Cayo District, a vibrant traveler center from where all roads and activities fan out.

Caye Caulker is known for its world-class scuba diving, snorkeling, and the Go Slow mantra.

Leave your worries at home as you dive into Caye Caulker’s island vibes, explore the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, eat delicious Caribbean food, and spend the evenings dancing at one of the reggae bars.

Duration: 5 days, 4 nights

Start: Please be ready to go at Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) at 3:00 p.m. 

Finish: Trip ends at Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) at 10:30 a.m.

Airfare booking details will be sent after registration – please wait to book your flight until you receive further instructions.

What's Included

  • 5 days / 4 nights in shared accommodations in a boutique hotel
  • 4 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 3 dinners
  • Exploring the Ancient Xunantunich Mayan Ruins of Belize
  • Snorkeling the second largest barrier reef at Hol Chan Marine Reserve
  • Stay on a stunning Caribbean island
  • Swim in crystal clear waters
  • Cave tubing experience
  • Experience the "go slow" lifestyle
  • Round-trip ferry to and from Caye Caulker
  • Private airport pick-up upon arrival
  • Private airport drop-off upon departure
  • Under30Experiences Trip Leader
  • Personal recommendations for optional activities
  • The chance to meet some kick-ass people
  • Access to the Under30Experiences Community
  • Taxes always included, never hidden fees, & NO blackout dates

Travelers are responsible for international airfare to and from Belize

Highlights

  • Snorkeling trip to Hol Chan Marine Reserve
  • Exploring the Ancient Xunantunich Mayan Ruins of Belize
  • Cave tubing jungle adventure
  • Spot tropical sea life while swimming in the world's second-largest barrier reef
  • Listen to reggae music as you walk down Caye Caulker's sandy main street
  • Chill out, relax, and enjoy the tropical island vibe on Caye Caulker
  • Get a taste of Marie Sharp's hot sauce, Belize’s own local hot sauce

Is this Trip for You?

If you're a fan of turquoise water, love beautiful sandy beaches, and want to swim with some of the most diverse marine life on the planet, you'll be hard pressed to find a better trip than this!

Experience the only country in Central American where English is the official language as you swim through coral reefs with sharks, sea turtles, and much more!

-Age requirement: 21+

-Group size: 14 max, average 12

-Physical rating: Light. 

Activities include light walking, swimming, cave tubing, suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging. 

Expect a lot of rest and relaxation as you adopt the “Go Slow” vibe of Caye Caulker

Travel Community

Travel connects us. Community keeps us connected.

Before your trip you'll have the opportunity to join a custom WhatsApp Group and connect with others members of your group. Many travelers meet in the airport, or for pre-trip drinks if they are from the same city. Others coordinate plans to stay in a location after their trip.

During your adventure, our Trip Leaders do their best to foster an open, supportive environment, where people feel safe to truly be themselves.

After your trip, you'll be an official U30X Alumni, and part of our large online Travel Community where you'll have access to our network of thousands of past travelers. We are constantly hosting meetups that range from simple happy hours to hikes, to outdoor movie nights.

More than 70% of our travelers come solo, but they all leave with friends.

Itinerary Disclaimer

Travel can be unpredictable. Our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience.

While it is our intention to adhere to the itinerary, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into it and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

Transportation

You will be traveling by private ground transportation and public speedboat throughout your trip.

  • Private ground transportation to and from the airport (Included)
  • Public water taxi to and from Caye Caulker (Included)

Accommodation

You will be staying in shared boutique hotel rooms for the duration of your trip.

Laundry is available at some hotels for an additional fee. Ask your Trip Leader for details.

Accommodations may vary but will be the same quality.

Solo travelers are paired with someone of the same gender.

Private room options are available upon request subject to hotel availability (for an extra charge).

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance with at least 200,000 USD in medical coverage is required to participate on our trips. This must include coverage for repatriation.

Please note that travel insurance covers trip related issues such as trip interruption, lost luggage, theft, etc. Travel medical insurance covers things like repatriation, medicine, ambulance rides, and hospital visits/stays. 

We strongly suggest that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Please ensure that all of the activities you plan on participating in are covered by your travel insurance.

Here are a few options for travel insurance that meet our minimum medical coverage requirements: Wanderwell, SafetyWing, and World Nomads. Some plans do not cover certain “high-risk” activities. Please make sure to read your plans coverage and make a selection based on your planned trip.

Wanderwell donates at least one percent of your insurance purchase to Explore Austin, a sustainable youth outdoor education program, via 1% for the Planet, selected by Under30Experiences.

We receive a fee if you purchase products through links on this page, at no extra cost to you.

We receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using our affiliate links. We do not represent World Nomads. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

Cancellation Policy

Very Flexible.

Give us at least 30 days notice and you can switch your trip for free, or we'll hold your Experience Credits for future use.

If you have an emergency cancellation that is less than 30 days before your trip, please refer to your travel insurance company as they may cover you for some expenses. 

We are not able to transfer trips or hold experience credits within 30 days of the trip because we have already secured reservations on your behalf.

Trip Leader Expectations

All Under30Experiences trips are accompanied by experienced Trip Leaders.

The goal of our every Trip Leader is to facilitate an awesome experience and help our travelers have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are traveling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues, and introduce you to our local friends.

You can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries you visit, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects.

Tipping Trip Leaders: While gratuities for Trip Leaders aren’t mandatory on your trip, they can make a big difference to locals employed in the tourism industry. If you are happy with the services provided, a tip is an appropriate way to thank them. Though it may not be customary to you, it is of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspiring excellent service and is a part of the tourism industry across many destinations. If you’re pleased with their guidance, consider tipping 3-5 USD per person per day for Trip Leaders.

Packing List

Please be eco-friendly!

  • Bring a reusable water bottle to refill from the tap.
  • Minimize plastic usage by declining straws and plastic bags at restaurants and shops.
  • Please avoid aerosol bug sprays as they negatively affect the environment.
  • Use "reef safe" sunscreens that do not contain oxybenzone and octinoxate because they kill coral.

We recommend using a travel backpack for your convenience or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person. You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage.

Below are our staff picks of the best items on the market that we travel with.  All products selected are 3 ounces or less to comply with TSA carry-on size and are organically inspired when possible.

Do not forget: water bottle, sunscreen, sandals, beach towel, waterproof rain jacket, sunglasses and a hat!

Some links on this page are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you Under30Experiences will earn a small commission if you make a purchase.

Passport & Visas

Guidelines for U.S. Passport Holders:

Make sure you have an updated passport with you. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the last date of your trip. Please consult the U.S. Department of State with any more questions.

Make sure there is no damage to your passport. Conditions that may constitute damage requiring you to replace your passport include water damage, a significant tear, unofficial markings on the data page, missing or torn out visa pages, a hole punch, or other injuries.

Health & Insurance

The tap water in Belize is not safe to drink. Please bring a reusable water bottle to refill from filtered water stations and join us in our efforts to be environmentally friendly and keep Belize beautiful.

Please consult with your doctor before traveling in regards to physical activity and vaccinations.

No inoculations are required to enter Belize from the USA but the Center for Disease Control suggests vaccinating for Hepatitis A and Typhoid.

If you are traveling from South America you will be required to present proof of Yellow Fever Vaccine.

Mosquito borne viruses exist in most of Latin America. Please cover exposed skin and use mosquito repellent.

Please be aware that quite often we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities. For legal reasons our Trip Leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc.

Money & Currency

We suggest bringing USD 250 in cash to be used at establishments that do not accept credit cards.

This is not a total cash amount that you should expect to spend on your trip. Please consider your own spending habits for additional expenses such as snacks, souvenirs, and optional activities.

The official currency in Belize is Belize Dollar (BZD)

The Belizean Dollar by law is tied to the US Dollar at a fixed rate of 2:1 so there's no need to exchange before arriving.

Tipping 10-20% is acceptable for wait staff, maids and drivers.

Remember to call your bank and credit card company and let them know you'll be traveling overseas.

For an up-to-date exchange rate, download the app XE.

Please be advised that US Dollar notes that are slightly torn, heavily marked, or faded may be difficult to exchange. It is best to bring notes in fairly good condition, in denominations lower than 100USD.

Safety & Security

Always carry a copy of your travel insurance, health insurance and passport with you. A photo of these items on your phone is also a good backup.

Keep your passport and any valuables locked in your hotel room.

Don’t leave valuables unattended. Leave your flashy jewelry at home.

US Citizens please consider registering with the US State Department's “SMART Traveler Program” who can contact your family in case of emergency.

Although Caye Caulker is generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering around any town at night. We recommend staying in small groups when traveling at night.

Make sure you have the address of your hotel in the event that you're separated from your Trip Leader.

Weather

The climate in Belize is subtropical and there are two seasons.

Dry season months of November-April

  • Average temperature is 73-82°F
  • Hot & dry weather
  • Rainfall is scarce
  • Known as the high season with many travelers

Green season months of June-October

  • Average temperature is 79-86°F
  • Please expect showers and thunderstorms most days that pass through.

cultural information

Eating breakfast is called "drinking tea."

Punta is the most popular genre of Garífuna music and has become the most popular genre in all of Belize.

Belize is very influenced by Afro-Caribbean culture.

It is considered rude not to greet one another, even slight acquaintances.

“Go slow” is the Belize mantra

Key Phrases in Belizean Creole

  • Whats up? Hello -- Weh di go aan?
  • I love Belize -- Mi love Bileez
  • Thank you -- Tanks
  • Good Morning -- Good mawning
  • What time is it? -- Da weh time?
  • See you later -- Si yoo lata
  • Where is -- Weh/weh-paat
  • Everything’s fine -- Everything gud/aarite
  • Good evening -- Gud night

Tipping Customs

While tipping isn’t customary, it is certainly appreciated especially when you have received great service.  Be sure to tip in the local currency (Belizean Dollar) to ensure the recipient does not have to pay additional fees when exchanging.  Here are some common guidelines to follow:

  1. Dining at a sit down restaurant = 20 USD BZD
  2. Hotel cleaning staff = 10 USD BZD per night spent at the hotel
  3. Tour guide (non U30X activity leaders)  = 50 USD BZD for day tour 

Optional Activities

  • Scenic Flight Over The Blue Hole: 200 USD-450 USD
    An unforgettable one-hour scenic flight over the Blue Hole, Lighthouse Reef, Turneffe Atoll and Belize Barrier Reef.
  • Half Day Dive: 135 USD
    Shallow reef, beautiful soft corals, and calm waters. Experience one of the best places to dive.
  • Paddle board/Kayak Rental: 15 USD/hour
    The rental rate includes a 10-minute introduction and crash course for safety.
  • Golf Cart Hire: 60 USD/day
    While there aren’t any golf courses on Caye Caulker, you’ll see golf carts all over the island. These carts are the islanders’ main mode of transport – there are no cars or scooters on Caye Caulker; just picture how clean the air is without any pollution.
  • Bike rental: USD 10 USD/day
  • Chilling at the Split - Free

While your Trip Leader will assist you with optional activities available, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of the Under30Experiences itinerary. We offer no guarantees on the safety or standard of the activity.

General Rules

Under30Experiences has a zero-tolerance policy for bullying, harassment, and hate speech, and is grounds for immediate removal!

Respect the people around you and the environment in which you’re traveling. This includes, but is not limited to fellow travelers, Trip Leaders, the local community, nature, wildlife, and yourself.

Always do your best to ensure your own safety and the safety of your fellow travelers.

It’s important to obey local laws and customs while on our trips. This includes but is not limited to wearing appropriate clothing while visiting certain communities, refraining from taking photos of people without asking, avoiding the use of illegal drugs, having weapons, and soliciting prostitution. If you’re not sure about something, take time to educate yourself or ask someone.

Travel involves contact with new cultures. When exposed to a different way of living than you’re used to, do your best to understand that neither way is better or worse. They’re simply different ways of life.

Know your limits in every situation, whether it is physical ability, emotional space, social situations, or alcohol consumption. If you can’t participate in something, be upfront about it. If you need a break from people, take it. Stop drinking before you get too drunk.

Our Trip Leaders work in the travelers’ best interest. If they say something or ask you not to do something, it’s not because they want to hinder you, but because it is for a good reason, and they want you to have a good time!

Lying or withholding information about any physical or mental condition that might affect your ability to participate in any activities may be grounds for removal from your trip with no refund.

Staying longer or arriving early?

Recommended Hotel on Caye Caulker:

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