Welcome to Southern Belize
Southern Belize is the country's most absorbing cultural melting pot, with a strong Garifuna influence around Dangriga and Hopkins, and Belize's largest Maya population down in Toledo. Nature is rich here too, where open savanna and citrus-filled farmland give way to forested hills dotted with Maya villages, ruins and national parks primed for adventurous jungle trekking.
Top experiences in Southern Belize
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Southern Belize activities
Xunantunich Mayan Ruin and Cave Tubing from Placencia
You will be picked up in Placencia and head to Xunantunich with a local guide. The site was a major ceremonial center for the ancient Maya and it was the first Mayan site in Belize to be open to the public in 1954. From the top of Xunantunich, you will get a spectacular panoramic view of the Cayo District and across the border in Guatemala.Getting to Xunantunich includes riding a hand-cranked ferry to cross the majestic Mopan River.After exploring Xunantunich and having lunch ( not included in the price), you will head to the Belize Caves. This is where you start with a hike through the exotic rain forest to the mouth of the cave. The view is stunning as you float away from the cave entrance to your inner tube with only your headlamp to lead the way.Afterward, you will return to your hotel.
Placencia to Laughing Bird Caye National Park Snorkeling Trip
Your adventure begins in the morning at The Placencia Municipal Pier, where you will meet your captain and guide(s). Get fitted with snorkeling gear and climb aboard your boat, this vessel will transport you on a 45-minute (max) boat ride to the Caye. Once on the island, you will listen to a briefing about the area and the park system, including the do's and don'ts. Then hit the water, taking advantage of assistance from your guide with putting on and fitting your equipment. There will also be practice time for the beginners. You’ll spend the next hour to hour and a half enjoying the underwater scenery of this protected marine area and World Heritage site, live corals, great fish life and many different types of undersea creatures and critters. When you finish snorkeling, enjoy some fresh fruits and take a break to relax on the beach, where you can partake in some sunbathing or go swimming. You’ll have another 45 minutes (maybe an hour) to enjoy the beach then take your last memories of the island as you board your boat, returning back to the Placencia Municpal Pier where you can take the ferry back to Harvest Caye or enjoy Placencia for a bit.To partake in this activity you will need to buy a ferry ticket from your shore excursion desk and take the first ferry from Harvest Caye to Placencia. ferry cost around $25 US per person and will disembark where the excursion starts.
Private Silk Cayes and Turtle Alley Snorkeling Adventure Tour
Start your Placencia adventure at the dock at 9am, where you will meet your captain and guide for the day before you set off for a 1-hour boat ride to the Silk Cayes. After you land at the southernmost of the three tiny islands, your guide will brief you on the area and you'll get suited up in your snorkeling mask and fins. Explore the colorful coral and fish surrounding the cayes on a snorkeling dive that's well-suited for beginners. Fuel up with a traditional Belizean lunch served on the beach, and enjoy a stroll along the sand before your boat heads to Turtle Alley. In the afternoon, snorkel along the barrier reef in this popular gathering place for sea turtles. Watch the rays and harmless nurse sharks feeding on scraps left over by traditional fisherman cleaning their daily catch before your return trip to Placencia.
Placencia Tropical Island Escape
This little island is a vision right out of a tropical dream. You will be making memories from the moment it comes into view on your boat ride out until your last glimpse as it drops over the horizon on your return. This a full day tour, so come prepared to relax, snorkel, kayak, paddle board, sunbathe, play beach games, and maybe even nap in a hammock. You will be in a palm tree paradise.All you need to bring is a towel, a hat, water shoes, sunglasses, sun screen, your phone and/or camera, and an appetite for good food, tropical drinks and fun in the sun! Local Belizean Barbeque lunch is provided.
Placencia to Silk Cayes Snorkeling with Rays and Turtles Tour
Silk Cayes is our most popular snorkel destination and offers great scuba diving on the nearby Barrier Reef which makes the Silk Cayes a perfect getaway for whole family. Silk Cayes are part of a marine reserve established to protect the outer reef and has an abundance of aquatic life, fish stocks, coral reef biodiversity and healthy corals.A typical day of snorkelling includes a briefing by the park rangers. The licenced snorkel guide then leads you into the water to view the local residents. If you have not snorkeled before, no problem; the guides are happy to teach and guide you! The snorkel guides show you where to find the coral and the fascinating creatures who live there. Critters include lobsters, cleaner shrimp, arrow crabs, snapper, barracuda and more varieties of reef fish than you can count on.Around mid-day enjoy an authentic Belize style picnic lunch or Island Barbecue. After the break, head back into the water to explore more corals and denizens who make Silk Cayes their home. The best is yet to come! After the second snorkel expedition, you'll head to a spot just inside the barrier reef where local fishermen clean their catch. You are almost certain to have the opportunity to snorkel with huge turtles, rays, and sharks!
Waterfall Rappelling at Antelope Falls in Dangriga
Climb to the top of the 1,000 foot falls through lush rain-forest learning about the flora and fauna on the way. Keep you eyes peeled for a sighting of all kinds of wildlife that calls the jungle home: swinging monkeys, colourful singing birds and big wild cats. End the challenging hike with a refreshing swim in the emerald pools and take in the breathtaking view of the Tropical Rain Forest and Caribbean Sea. Take the exhilarating 250feet rappel in two rappels with our professional, licensed guides. This really is a tour to remember. Children must be at least 65 pounds minimum, there is no weight maximum but our harnesses have a maximum limit of 42 inches at the waist.