Belize Travel Review: Beautiful Culture, But Timing Is Everything

Belize is home to the second largest barrier reef in the world, making it a dream destination for divers, snorkelers and fishing enthusiasts. From a distance, it sounds like paradise—and in many ways, it is. But after spending 5 days here in October, I learned that timing is everything when visiting this tropical destination.

Getting There: The Tiny Tropic Air Adventure

We arrived in Belize City and headed to San Pedro. To reach the islands, we flew from Belize City to San Pedro on Tropic Air and let me tell you—that small plane scared the shit out of me! 😅The biggest plane that can land here only holds 19 passengers and since Belize sits just 4 feet above sea level, you’re flying low enough to see every reef, sandbar and patch of water below. The views are stunning—but it’s definitely not for the faint of heart!

You can also take a boat transfer to San Pedro, but flying saves a lot of time (and gives you an unforgettable mini thrill ride).

Weather & Season

I visited in October which is rainy season. It rained for 2-3 days out of my 5 days. Our driver told us that October and November are the worst months—with the heaviest and most frequent downpours. The peak season for good weather is December through March, when the skies are clearer, the seas are calmer and tourism picks up.

So if you’re chasing turquoise water and sunshine, definitely aim for late winter or early spring.

The Water & Sargassum

Let’s talk about the sargassum—that brown seaweed that collects along the shore. It’s more than just an eyesore; the smell is awful, and it definitely takes away from those picture-perfect beach moments. The water was cloudy and murky. (Yes, the water was ugly, lol.)

Excursions

The Snorkeling & Shark Experience (Yes, I Went Full Brave)

One of the highlights of my trip was booking with Tuff E Nuff Toursfor a snorkeling and shark encounter—and let me tell you, it was amazing. I completely conquered my fear of snorkeling in the middle of the ocean! At first, I was paranoid because the snorkel mask always makes me feel restricted, but I pushed through that anxiety and DID IT.  The tour took us to Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley, two of Belize’s most famous reef sites. The water was clear, full of life and absolutely beautiful. We saw sea turtles, stingrays, vibrant coral and schools of fish in every color imaginable. Then came the real adrenaline rush—swimming with nurse sharks! The crew with Tuff E Nuff was incredible—patient, upbeat and so reassuring. They talked me through everything, made me feel safe and celebrated my little victory like it was theirs too. This experience was the definition of travel magic—that feeling of doing something you swore you couldn’t do and walking away saying, “I really did that.”

What Belize Is Best Known For

They say visitors don’t come to Belize just to sunbathe—they come for adventure:

• World-class diving and snorkeling along the reef
• Fishing excursions for tarpon, snapper, and barracuda
• Exploring Mayan ruins and lush jungles inland
• Island hopping between Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker

The Accommodations

Alaia Belize, Autograph Collection – Chic and upscale with a modern Caribbean vibe. I loved the rooftop pool and stylish décor—it gives that “Miami meets Belize” energy. Perfect for travelers looking for luxury amenities, ocean views, and a resort atmosphere without losing local charm. I    stayed in the Resort View Vista One Bedroom Suite. The room was HUGE! It has 3 private balconies. The hotel offers an all-inclusive option but I’m not sure you need it because Belize has so many good restaurants, you might not want to just eat at the hotel.

Food & Flavor: Belize Surprised Me!

One thing I wasn’t expecting? The food in Belize is amazing! From local comfort food to chill waterfront hangouts, I was blown away by how good everything was.

• Elvie’s Kitchen – A local gem in San Pedro serving authentic Belizean comfort food. The snapper, rice & beans, and plantains were chef’s kiss!
• The Truck Stop – A must-visit! This outdoor food park built from colorful shipping containers is full of good vibes, live music, and a mix of local and international eats. You can grab tacos, pizza, ice cream, or cocktails—all in one fun open-air spot right on the lagoon. Perfect for sunset!
• El Fogon – local spot that multiple people referred and they were SPOT on!! Yummm I had more curry!! The other ladies had the biggest darn snapper!! And they ate the eyes!! 😂😂 the owner was soooo delightful! She came out to meet us when we told the waiter that the tour vendor referred us!!
• Blue Bayou at Secret Beach – Whew! That ride to Secret Beach was bumpy as hell 😅, and once we got there, I have to be honest—the water was not turquoise at all. It looked dull and murky, not the crystal-blue you see online. Blue Bayou was just okay for a casual lunch spot—you can sit in the water while you eat—but it didn’t give the tropical postcard vibe I expected. Maybe during dry season it looks better, but in October? Definitely not it.

Belizean cuisine blends Caribbean and Latin influences—simple, soulful, and full of flavor. Don’t skip the local hot sauces and fresh fruit juices!

Belize has friendly people, rich culture, delicious food, and incredible diving—but timing your visit makes all the difference. Go for the reef, the adventure, the food and the island vibes, not necessarily for the beaches.

Stay tuned for my individual hotel reviews featuring photos, videos, and honest ratings on each of these properties!