The laid-back Ambergris Caye, located just off the Yucatán Peninsula, is the largest of Belize's 200 cayes and a popular tourist destination. If diving and snorkeling are on your bucket list, head to the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, which is located just off the shore. It's one of seven reserves inside the Belize Barrier Reef system, which is the world's second largest after Australia's Great Barrier Reef. It's named after the Mayan word for "small cut" and is one of seven reserves within the Belize Barrier Reef system.

The reef with steep coral walls, Cat's Eye, a crescent-shaped sinkhole, and Shark Ray Alley, where divers can get up close and personal with nurse sharks and southern stingrays, are among the reserve's top attractions. The fishing village of San Pedro, a colorful mix of clapboard buildings, stray dogs, and clucking hens, is the island's major settlement. Aside from water activities and sunbathing on the beach, dining at the adorable cafés and touring the Belize Chocolate Company are two of the top things to do here. The most common modes of transportation are golf carts and bicycles, albeit an increasing number of cars and trucks zip along the sandy streets these days.

Location: northeast of Belize's mainland, in the Caribbean Sea

Highlights: Great Blue Hole, Cat's Eye, Shark Ray Alley, the fishing village of San Pedro, Belize Barrier Reef system, the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, ...

Best time to visit: December to April

Caye Caulker is the second largest Belizean caye, located 21 miles northeast of Belize City and 11 miles south of Ambergris Caye. The island is approximately 4 miles long, although the settlement is just a mile long. Caye Caulker, like Ambergris Caye, was predominantly a fishing hamlet, but its economy has shifted toward tourism. Scuba divers, snorkelers, fishers, and tourists looking for beach-oriented pleasure at a low cost go to Caye Caulker. Although it was once a peaceful fishing village, this fun-loving isle is now known for its parties and nightlife rather than diving or fishing.

The Caye Caulker is well-known among backpackers as a low-cost island getaway because of the surrounding Barrier Reef diving. One of the cornerstones of tourism activity on Caye Caulker is hostels and inexpensive lodging. The Belize Barrier Reef is only one mile away from the Caye Caulker Marine Reserve, which offers diving and snorkeling opportunities. Caye Caulker offers manatee trips for marine and ecotourism enthusiasts. Although it is illegal to swim with these gentle mammals, young manatee frequently swim up to boats to fulfill their curiosity and surprise visitors.

Location: Cayo Corker, Belize
Highlights: Staying in a beach house at Caye Caulker, Scuba Diving and Snorkeling, ....
Best time to visit: Januany to April

Cayo is Belize's largest district, spanning about a million acres, and is located on the western side of the country, bordering Guatemala. Travellers flock to the twin communities of San Ignacio and Santa Elena. Many Mayan settlements can also be found in Benque Viejo del Carmen, a border town. The Cayo District, in terms of culture, is one of Belize's most diversified areas. Mestizos, who are of mixed Mayan and Spanish ancestry, used to be one of Cayo's most populous ethnic groups. Today, Maya Mennonites, Creales, and even Lebanese and Chinese communities can be found.

When it comes to Cayo, Altun Ha is one of Belize's most well-known ruins, and it's easy to get to from Belize City. Altun Ha, which means "Rockstone Pond" or "Water of the Rock" in Mayan, was an important trading post, ritual place, and agricultural hub. In addition, Xunantunich, which is 38 kilometres from the Cayo district's headquarters, is a must-see. Thousands of tourists visit Xunantunich, an ancient Mayan archaeological site near the Mopan River, throughout the year. There are much more can not miss if you pay a visit to this destination.

Location: Cayo, Belize

Highlights: Altun Ha Archaeological Site, Caracol Natural Monument Reservation, Barton Creek Cave, Calico Jack’s, Blue Hole National Park, ...

Best time to visit: December to May

Placencia is a popular fishing community and beach resort nestled at the end of a 26-kilometre sandy peninsula. Travellers flock to the Silk Cayes Marine Reserve to relax on some of Belize's nicest beaches, eat fresh seafood at superb restaurants, fish, kayak the lagoon, and dive and snorkel. Brightly colored clapboard buildings placed on stilts line the village's short concrete road, which was once used by fishermen to move fish in wheelbarrows.

Laughing Bird Caye National Park, located near Placencia, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with hiking paths and coral reefs. Popular activities include swimming, snorkelling, sea kayaking, and diving. On the Placencia Peninsula, the traditional Garifuna community of Seine Bight offers a look into the rich culture of these remarkable people of Amerindian and African heritage. A boat in the mangroves on the Monkey River can be arranged from Placencia to see birds, howler monkeys, and crocodiles.

Location: the Caribbean coast, southeastern Belize, Stann Creek District

Highlights: Described by locals are “barefoot perfect”

Best time to visit: December to April

Belize City may be the country's capital, but Hopkins Village is the heart and soul of this Central American paradise. That's because it embodies all of Belize's best qualities: a friendly and laid-back environment, convenient access to the world's second-largest barrier reef as well as a range of nature reserves, and a diverse mix of captivating and unique cultures. Hopkins, which is nestled between the Caribbean Sea and the Maya Mountains, is an excellent starting point for exploring Belize. There are no other villages in Belize that provide as much access to the most popular excursions.

Despite having a population of only about 1,500 people, Hopkins has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Hopkins is home to a number of the country's greatest resorts and hotels, as well as one of the principal concentrations of activity for the country's most well-known tour companies.

Hopkins, however, is more than just a jumping-off point for activities. Within the village proper, there are lots to do. Hopkins is the spiritual capital of the indigenous Garifuna, a people that combine their indigenous roots with the traditions of multiple colonial influences in a unique way.

Location: Hopkins, Stann Creek, Belize

Highlights: Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, Maya King Waterfalls, Bocawina Mayflower National Park, Horseback Riding, Garifuna Cultural Culinary Adventure, ...

Best time to visit: January to March

Turneffe Islands Atoll is made up of over 200 coral islands that surround a lagoon, making it a diving and fishing paradise. Belize's oceans are home to three atoll reefs. From crystalline flats to creeks and lagoons, the seascapes here are varied. The atoll is a nursery for a variety of marine species, including grouper, snapper, and trunkfish, and corals glisten in the clean waters. The atoll is also home to the world-famous bonefish, which draws saltwater fly fishermen from all over the world. The extensive flats on the atoll's eastern side, in particular, are great for fly fishing and snorkeling in the shallows.

In Turneffe Islands Atoll, Divers will discover superb wall and current dives around the atoll, with eagle rays, nurse sharks, dolphins, conch, and turtles among the diverse marine life. The majority of the facilities on the atoll are dive and fishing lodges, and Turneffe Flats is a popular choice for anyone looking for a place to stay in Belize primarily for these activities. From Belize City, Ambergris Caye, and Caye Caulker, you can take a day trip to the island.

Location: southeast of Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker, off the coast of Belize in Central America, 32 kilometres from Belize City

Highlights: Turneffe Atoll Coral Reef, Turneffe Atoll Ecosystem,

Best time to visit: March 19th to May 20th

Want to view some of Belize's odd fauna in a single visit? Make plans to visit the Belize Zoo. The Belize Zoo is one of the best zoos in the Americas, located in a natural forest 31 miles from Belize City. This popular attraction, which opened in 1983 as a sanctuary for wild animals featured in documentary films, focuses on conservation and education.

This is a fantastic area to witness over 45 different native species in their natural habitats, the majority of which are rescuing animals. The local residents include tapirs, toucans, howler monkeys, and the always fascinating spider monkeys, while big cat enthusiasts can see all five of Belize's wild cats, including jaguars (you can even sign up for a jaguar encounter if you really want to get up close to these amazing animals).

This is an excellent site to start your Belize sightseeing and meet some of the country's unique animals. It's also one of Belize City's most popular day outings. The Belize Zoo is the country's first totally accessible nature destination for those with impairments. It is a non-profit organization dedicated to wildlife conservation and environmental education through wildlife rehabilitation and education.

Location: 178 Belmopan, Cayo District, Belize
Official site: http://www.belizezoo.org/
Highlights: seeing jungle animals, spellbinding species, loud-mouthed black howler monkeys, ...
Best time to visit: round-year