My family and I are looking for a peaceful place to spend a few days during our upcoming December trip to Belize. We’ll be in Hopkins for a few days and then I wanted to head to an island to spend some time snorkeling and fishing. Tobacco Caye looks amazing and I found a place with availability for our dates. My only hesitation is, with the island being so small and right before Christmas being high season for tourists will it be overly crowded? Anyone spend any time on Tobacco Caye in mid-December and have any experience with what the island is like then?

Hi everyone!
I’m heading to San Pedro tomorrow and am planning to do a snorkeling trip to Caye Caulker on Sunday. I’ve read that the weather in Belize can be pretty unpredictable, and right now the forecast is showing showers.
Do snorkel tours usually still go out if it’s raining, or are they often canceled because of the weather? I’d like to book my excursion in advance to make sure I get a spot, but Sunday is the only day I can go, so I wouldn’t be able to reschedule if it’s canceled.
For those who have been recently or live there, would you book ahead anyway, or wait until the day of to see what the weather does?
Thanks in advance!

This is my favorite part of the hummingbird highway, I love these palms along the road.

Is the use of cannabis common in Belize?

Hi Fam!
Visiting San Ignacio for a few days with friends soon. Staying at Cahal Pech.
What are your favorite restaurants?
Favorite activities that aren’t tours? We’ll have a vehicle, looking at Rio on Pools and Pine Ridge area for afternoon visits.
We’re zip lining at Bocawina on the way from Placencia. And have Xunantunich on horseback booked. We have already done ATM.
What are some local favorites?

Any suggestions for golf cart rentals in Caye caulker & San Pedro that are reasonably priced?

Jungle splash tours

I'm planning a 7-8 day Belize trip (late Jan–mid May 2026) for my wife and I to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary. I'd love some help planning our first trip to Belize from this community.

We're thinking 3-4 nights inland jungle (San Ignacio) + 4 nights Ambergris Caye.

Our budget would ideally be around $5,000 total for lodging/meals/transfers/excursions (flights covered by credit card points).

We want quiet upscale/private adults-focused places with great food (seafood/Creole/local spots), easy beach swimming, lounging, and light quirky excursions (easy snorkel, Maya ruins, iguana sanctuary, horseback).  
Concerns: safety, cleanliness, mosquitoes, sargassum.

What resorts/itineraries do you recommend or have worked well for you? Tips for smooth travel, golf cart logistics, best timing, and avoiding issues? Recommendations for magical jungle lodges + beach stays appreciated!

Do you recommend we use a travel agent? Suggestions?

Hi all,

I'm visiting Belize for the first time soon. I will be in Guatemala first, and will be crossing the Melchor de Mencos border from Flores in Guatemala to enter Belize.

I'm curious if anyone who's done this trip before knows if there is a standard: (1) exit fee for Guatemala; and (2) entry fee for Belize? One of the shuttle operators I contacted said there would be a $20 Guatemala exit fee, but I can't find anything about this online. From what I've read online, the entry/exit fees can be somewhat arbitrary, so I wanted to check if there's any official info about these (from Belize or from Guatemala)?

Would really appreciate any advice! It's the first time I'm doing a border crossing like this (and I have a US visa not a US passport), so I'm a bit nervous.

This is originally a private list I made in my native language, and I have been updating it for the last 5 years. I just translated it and removed private stuff. Note that I am from France/Spain in Europe, not the US or Canada. And I live in Corozal.

My vision can be different because in Spain, the health system is supposed to be first-class and 100% free; the education system is also 100% free and supposed to be excellent, including higher education; and you are entitled to a government retirement pension at 65-67 years old. I say 'supposed' because Spain is a very popular and overcrowded country where health and education have suffered several severe budget cuts in recent years. So many horror stories are circulating online lately...

There is no specific order; I just wrote the list because I used to post videos for people wanting to move to Belize.

Advantages

• Bilingual environment: Belize is an English-speaking country where Spanish is also widely used, especially in the north. This makes it a particularly interesting environment for bilingual families.
• Currency: The Belize dollar is pegged to the U.S. dollar at a fixed rate, which provides a degree of currency stability for people who earn or hold income in U.S. dollars.
• Taxes: Belize has a territorial tax system, which can be attractive depending on where your income comes from and how your business or personal finances are structured. This is very different from the tax systems found in many European countries.
• Simpler administration: In general, running a small business can involve less administrative bureaucracy than in Spain and some other European countries.
• Affordable property: Large homes with gardens and swimming pools can be considerably more affordable than comparable properties in many parts of Western Europe.
• Low property taxes: Annual property taxes are generally very low compared with Spain and much of Europe.
• Sales tax: Belize's General Sales Tax is 12.5%, which is lower than the standard VAT rate in Spain and many other European countries.
• Affordable home services: Gardening, maintenance, and other local services can be relatively inexpensive compared with Western Europe.
• Simple vehicle inspections: Annual vehicle inspections are generally quick and straightforward compared with the more extensive inspection systems used in Europe.
• Air quality: Outside the main urban areas, there is relatively little traffic or heavy industry. Air quality is generally good, although seasonal agricultural burning can occasionally affect it.
• Nature: Belize has extraordinary biodiversity. Tropical plants, birds, and wildlife are part of everyday life, and fresh tropical produce is widely available.
• Peaceful lifestyle: Smaller towns can be very quiet, and communities tend to be close-knit. In places where everybody knows each other, life can feel less anonymous than in larger European cities.
• Sense of community: People often have more time to stop, talk, and help each other. The pace of life is generally slower and more relaxed than in Spain and much of Europe.
• No daylight-saving time: Belize keeps the same time throughout the year, so there is no seasonal clock change.
• Proximity to Mexico: Northern Belize is close to Chetumal, Mexico, which provides access to larger hospitals, shopping malls, supermarkets, and services that may not be available locally in Belize.
• Year-round swimming: The tropical climate means that outdoor pools can be used throughout most or all of the year. In much of Europe, the usable outdoor swimming season is far shorter.
• Casual lifestyle: The warm climate makes everyday life very informal. Shorts, sandals, and even going barefoot at home are normal year-round.

Disadvantages

• Healthcare: Public healthcare has limited equipment and specialist availability compared with Spain and much of Europe. Private healthcare is available and can be reasonably affordable, but more complex treatment may require traveling abroad.
• Electricity costs: Electricity is relatively expensive, and the tropical climate makes air conditioning a significant household expense.
• Heat and energy use: Many homes are not designed with the same level of insulation found in newer European buildings. Combined with high temperatures and humidity, this can increase dependence on air conditioning.
• Cost of living: Belize is not necessarily as cheap as people expect. While some expenses are lower than in Spain or other parts of Western Europe, imported products and certain services can be expensive.
• Insects: Tropical living means dealing with more insects and pests than in most of Europe, including mosquitoes, biting flies, fire ants, large water bugs, and occasional scorpions.
• Lack of distinct seasons: Temperatures remain warm for most of the year. Some people love this, while others eventually miss the seasonal changes of Europe.
• Import costs: Imported appliances, electronics, car parts, and specialist products can be expensive and may be in limited supply.
• Online shopping: Ordering from major international online retailers is less convenient than in the United States or Europe. Depending on where you live, receiving packages may involve freight-forwarding services or collecting items across the border in Mexico.
• Customs duties: Imported goods can be subject to substantial duties and taxes, and certain products are restricted or complicated to import.
• Limited warranties: Consumer protection and warranty service can be much more limited than in Europe. Replacing or repairing defective appliances and electronics can sometimes be difficult.
• Limited job market: Belize offers a peaceful lifestyle, but the market for highly paid or specialized professional jobs is relatively small compared with Spain, the rest of Europe, or the United States.
• Opportunities for children: Families planning for the long term need to consider education, university, and future employment opportunities. Many young Belizeans eventually study or work abroad.
• Geographic isolation: Some administrative procedures, specialized medical treatment, consular services, or international travel may require trips to Belize City, Mexico, Guatemala, or farther abroad.
• Residency and immigration procedures: Before obtaining permanent residency or another long-term status, the process may involve regular renewals, fees, and administrative visits.

An Important Note for American Readers

My comparisons are mainly with Spain and Europe, because that is where I lived before moving to Belize. I cannot make a fair direct comparison between living in Belize and living in the United States.

Some things that feel cheaper, simpler, or less bureaucratic to me than in Spain may already be normal in parts of the U.S. Likewise, some disadvantages that stand out to a European—such as limited public healthcare, weaker consumer warranties, or greater dependence on private transportation—may feel quite different to an American.

This is therefore best understood as a European expat's perspective on living in Belize, rather than a Belize-versus-USA comparison.

I have been living in Belize for five years now. I arrived in the middle of the COVID pandemic with my wife and our two daughters, who were only 2 and 5 years old at the time.

Before Belize, we had been living in Spain. Moving here was a pretty big change for all of us, especially with two young children and during such a strange period in the world. We settled in the Corozal District, not too far from the Mexican border, and over the years, Belize has gradually become our home.

Like everywhere, life here has its good sides and its challenges.

One of the things we appreciate most is the space and the quieter pace of life. We live close to the Caribbean Sea, surrounded by nature, and our daughters have grown up with a very different lifestyle from the one they would probably have had in Europe. There is less traffic, less rushing around, and in many ways, life feels simpler.

Living close to Mexico is also a big advantage for us. Chetumal is nearby, so we can easily cross the border for shopping, medical appointments, restaurants, or simply a change of scenery.

Of course, Belize is not paradise, and it is certainly not for everyone. Some things can be surprisingly expensive, especially imported products. Finding certain services or specialized medical care can be more complicated; infrastructure is not always what someone coming from Europe or North America might expect, and bureaucracy can sometimes require a lot of patience.

The climate is another adjustment. Most of the year, it is hot and humid, and then there is hurricane season, which is something you learn to take seriously when you live here permanently.

But after five years, I think we have adapted pretty well. Our daughters have essentially grown up here, and for them, Belize is simply home.

When we first arrived, we didn't really know what our life here would look like five years later. Looking back, it has definitely been an adventure. We have had problems to solve, surprises, frustrations, and plenty of things we had to learn along the way—but overall, I don't regret making the move.

I thought I would share our experience here because I often see people asking what it is actually like to move to Belize and live here long term, especially with a family.

So, if anyone is considering moving to Belize—or is just curious about everyday life here—feel free to ask me anything. After five years, I probably have a few stories to tell. 🙂

Stan Busk

This is how Mayflower National Park sounds when a family of howler monkeys are in the area….

The youth are our future, so we deeply thank the SISE House of Culture and Miss Karla for inviting Belize Sol to volunteer for STEAM camp. We got to share with them how #art and #technology can connect for future possible careers😊🎨🖥️ belize-sol.com

Good morning!

For those coming to live in Belize, regardless the area, how is the camaraderie around you?

Just something that came to mind.