Whether your Belize honeymoon will last a few days or a week or two, there are a few things you just HAVE to do! In a country full of so much to see and experience, getting the most of your time there might seem like an impossible task. But if you plan accordingly – and follow these tips – you can fit a little bit of everything into your schedule. From hitting the water to venturing inland to getting to know the people, here is Burgh Brides’ ultimate Belize honeymoon bucket list!
1.) Get off dry land.
Much of the fun to be had in Belize can be found on or in the water. The coast is home to the Belize Barrier Reef, a 190-mile long section of the second largest barrier reef system in the world. If you’re up for seeing some incredible sights, prepare to get wet. Belize is one of the world’s top scuba diving destinations, and the location of Hamanasi Resort makes it an ideal jumping off point. You can explore the Blue Hole, go spearfishing for lion fish (an invasive species that is devastating the Caribbean), and even go night diving, all thanks to the world class dive operations at Hamanasi. Never been scuba diving? No problem. Whether you just want to dip your toes in the water (pun intended) or you’re looking to get certified, Hamanasi offers courses for all levels. If diving just really isn’t your thing but you still want to experience what the sea has to offer, fret not. Snorkeling, fishing, and even a sunset cruise can still open you up to a whole new world.
2.) See how the magic is made.
And by magic, I mean chocolate. If you like the sweet stuff, you’re going to love the Che’il cacao farm and factory tour. We have the Mayans to thank for what we know today as chocolate, so there’s no one better to show you how it’s grown and produced than the Saqui family. These Mayan farmers have been growing and harvesting cacao beans on their 30+ acre organic farm for several decades. On this tour, you’ll get to meet the family, walk into the cacao fields, and taste a raw cacao bean right out of the pod. Then, you’ll head to their factory where you’ll see – among other things – the family grinding beans on a 114-year old stone that has been passed down for generations. End your experience with a freshly made bar of chocolate you had the joy of helping to create. It’s a sweet addition to any Belizean vacation!
3.) Go for a hike.
Pack your boots and long pants because you can’t leave Belize without heading into the jungle. The Mayan Mountains and surrounding rainforests will give you a unique perspective of this country. Whether you look left, right, up, or straight ahead, there are sites to behold at every turn. You can’t beat the one seen at Antelope Falls, a 1000-foot waterfall accessible through a steep hike through Mayflower National Park. Throughout the 1.5 mile jungle trek, we spotted wild toucans, lush vegetation, and learned more about the Mayans who once inhabited the area. However, the highlight of the hike is most definitely coming to a gorgeous waterfall overlooking the jungle canopy and the Caribbean Sea. After the rigorous hike up, you’ll definitely want to cool off and there’s no better place to do that than the fall’s natural spring dipping pool. It’s like something out of a fairy tale!
4.) Head into a cave.
Claustrophobes, beware! Caves might be scary to some but if you can get through the tight spaces, the views and thrill can be well worth it. Many cave systems exist in the Mayan Mountains but the one at St. Herman’s Blue Hole National Park might be one of the coolest. The cave here is full of stalactites, stalagmites, and ancient Mayan pottery shards. The tour guides warned us this hike was physically challenging, and they weren’t joking! After a short walk through the jungle, we ventured a mile underground, squeezing through small passages (on our hands and knees at one point), climbing rocks, and pulling ourselves up with robes along the way. The trek is not for the faint of heart, but the experience is unlike any other! A total must do!
5.) Experience the culture.
When you visit a foreign country, you have to do so with open arms and an open mind. Allow yourself to experience all of the history, food, music, art, and other practices that make a culture so unique. It won’t be hard to recognize the nuances that makes Belize and its people so special. Many Belizeans are of Garifuna descent and they strive to keep the ethnic group’s spirit alive. Each week, Hamanasi Resort welcomes a Garifuna dance group to perform and educate guests on their history and culture. You can even take a cooking class and learn to make traditional Garifuna cuisine. Not far away is Xunantunich, or the Mayan ruins knowns as Stone Maiden. It’s one of the few ancient ruins where visitors can still climb and explore the pyramids up close.
6.) Disconnect.
It’s tempting to want to Instagram such unbelievable scenery. But while in Belize, I urge you to put your phone down. Challenge yourself to experience the nature, culture, and people through your own eyes and not a lens. What you will see, eat, and do on your Belize honeymoon is likely to stay with you for the rest of your life…but only if you are really in the moment. Not only do you not want to miss a single moment of all that’s around you, but your honeymoon is an amazing chance to really connect with and enjoy your new spouse. Try to not water down the authenticity of a true once-in-a-lifetime experience by having your phone glued into your hand.
7.) Make friends.
The people of Belize are some of the nicest you will ever meet. Their warm friendliness makes being in their country feel like being at home. Since English is the country’s official language, you’ll have no trouble communicating. Get to know them, ask questions, open up about yourself, and have a mutually beneficial conversation. One of the biggest rewards of traveling is the people you’ll meet and how they’ll affect or impact you, and Belizeans are no exception. The friends we made on our trip are part of what made our vacation so memorable.
If you’ve been to Belize, I’d love to hear what you’d add to this list! What are some must dos, sees, or eats? Want to learn more about the resort I mention over and over? Read my reasons why a honeymoon at Hamanasi Resort might be the best wedding planning decision you’ll make!
A HUGE thanks to Hamanasi Resort for teaming up with Burgh Brides to bring you this post! While I was compensated for my work, all writing, thoughts, opinions, and love for the brand are my own. You can read my full sponsored content disclosure policy here.
