There are plenty of contenders to be one of the best beaches in Belize along the 240 miles of coastline which gives this small Central American country its laid back lifestyle. Exactly what qualities combine to create the best beaches in Belize is a pretty personal affair, so we’ve done our best to show just a little of the incredible variety that the beaches in Belize have to offer. Don’t just take our word for it though, go there and explore the Caribbean coastline so you can discover your own best beaches in Belize!
The 5 Best Beaches in Belize – Find your Perfect Slice of Caribbean Paradise
1. Hopkins, Belize
Why is Hopkins one of the Best Beaches in Belize?
The 5 Best Beaches in Belize – Find your Perfect Slice of Caribbean Paradise
This laid back beach retreat is everything that a Caribbean beach village should be and truly is one of the best beaches in Belize. A little rough around the edges with its unpaved roads and slightly ramshackle buildings, Hopkins village has a quiet charm that makes you smile as you stroll down the roads and along the palm-lined beaches. There are no beach cleaners to sweep away the palm leaves, fallen coconuts, and beached seaweed, this is a natural beach, exactly as it should be.
The soft sand leads into warm, shallow water which only deepens a good way out, making it perfect for families and children to go swimming. The only resorts here are located outside the village itself, so you won’t see them, and believe me you wouldn’t want to either, as the tranquillity will have you hooked from day one.
Actually, maybe from day two, as it may take a day to adjust to this level of relaxation and chilled vibes. The local Garifuna people here are honest, friendly, and incredibly warm, they know they live in paradise and they want everyone to feel the same way about Hopkins too. The peace and tranquillity don’t mean there is nothing to do, Hopkins is a great base to go exploring nearby waterfalls, mountains, and reefs. With natural attractions like the Cockscomb Jaguar Preserve and Bocawina National Park being very close by, you have everything you need while you stay on one of the best beaches in Belize!
Where to Stay in Hopkins, Belize
There are various little hostels and hotels locally, but if you’re staying on one of the best beaches in Belize, then you want to say in the best accommodation too! The best we found was Coconut Row, right on the beachfront, next to the very center of the village. With a selection of Caribbean style rooms and cabins available, all right on the beach, with a sea view and terrace, you really can live on the beach, sleeping and waking to the sounds of the waves breaking on the shore.
The 5 Best Beaches in Belize – Find your Perfect Slice of Caribbean Paradise
We stayed in one of their Palm Cove Cabins, which sit right on the beach, overlooking the white sand and the ocean. The timber cabin walls and wooden railings gave them a rustic beach hut vibe, but they had as much comfort as you could imagine needing – seats on the private terrace, a sofa inside, fridge and coffee machine, and of course and big, king size bed with thick pillows and soft white sheets. While there was air conditioning available, it was far more pleasurable to open all the windows and sleep with the fresh sea breeze flowing through the room.
There are three of these newly renovated beach cabins, plus a two bedroom apartment set slightly back from the beach for families and bigger groups sharing.
Coconut Row also offers luxury rooms in their Buttonwood Guest House, which is another level of accommodation altogether, more akin to a luxury beach villa, yet still keeping that understated Caribbean charm. Check out Coconut Row’s reviews on Tripadvisor.
2. Placencia, Belize
The 5 Best Beaches in Belize – Find your Perfect Slice of Caribbean Paradise
Why is Placencia one of the Best Beaches in Belize?
While Hopkins is an authentic Belize Caribbean beach village, Placencia is almost exactly the opposite, with luxury villas and hostels lining the beachfront, plenty of high-end restaurants, and geared towards tourist entertainment. If that is what you’re seeking, then Placencia is one of the best beaches in Belize…for you! Being located on a peninsula, Placencia is surrounded by water, the Caribbean to the east, and the Placencia lagoon to the west looking overlooked by the mountains in the distance. There are 16 miles of stunning beaches and you can literally walk into the water from your hotel to start snorkeling. There is loads to do here – National Parks, diving with whale sharks, sailing, fishing, river tours, and loads of inland excursions too. What makes a beach ‘the best beach’ really depends on what you’re looking for, but there’s plenty to give Placencia a good chance at being one of the best beaches in Belize!
Where to Stay in Placencia?
Check out all of the best accommodation in Placencia and compare prices: Booking.com , Agoda Hotels.com , Expedia or check out all their reviews on Tripadvisor
3. Turneffe Atoll, Belize
The 5 Best Beaches in Belize – Find your Perfect Slice of Caribbean Paradise
Why is Turneffe Atoll one of the Best Beaches in Belize?
Turneffe Atoll is like a new star in the running to be one of the best beaches in Belize, having been declared a protected area in 2012 and named the Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve.
The 131,000-hectare atoll is a mangrove paradise to rival anything elsewhere and is also home to 30 miles by 10 miles of coral, stingrays, and other large fish. The area has perfect conditions for expert divers, novice divers, and snorkelers alike. The pristine nature, variety of wildlife, and un-tamed wildlife are what make Turneffe Atoll one of the best beaches in Belize.
Where to Stay in Turneffe Atol?
Check out all of the best accommodation in Turneffe Atol and compare prices: Booking.com, Agoda Hotels.com , Expedia or check out all their reviews on Tripadvisor
4. Ambergris Caye, Belize
The 5 Best Beaches in Belize – Find your Perfect Slice of Caribbean Paradise
Why is Ambergris Caye one of the Best Beaches in Belize?
Opinions are often split on whether Ambergris Caye can be called one of the best beaches in Belize, due to complaints of overdevelopment, yet it seems to do very well in managing the balance between laid-back Caribbean vibes, high volume tourism, and environmental protection. Only a half-mile swim offshore, the Ambergris Caye barrier reef is one of the best dive sites in the country, if not in Central America.
While you’ll struggle to find the authentic village Caribbean vibe that still thrives in Hopkins, Ambergris Caye and the town of San Pedro offer a chilled-out Caribbean atmosphere, beach paths, water sports, and world-class snorkeling. So if you can deal with the extra traffic and development, then there’s still plenty here for Ambergris Caye to hold a spot as one of the best beaches in Belize.
Where to Stay in Ambergris Caye?
Check out all of the best accommodation in Ambergris Caye and compare prices: Booking.com , Agoda Hotels.com, Expedia or check out all their reviews on Tripadvisor
5. Caye Caulker, Belize
The 5 Best Beaches in Belize – Find your Perfect Slice of Caribbean Paradise
Why is Caye Caulker one of the Best Beaches in Belize?
Caye Caulker is an island off the coast of Belize which has the best of everything required to be one of the best beaches in Belize. There are no cars, only cyclists and golf carts and even those are strictly limited to a gentle Caribbean pace! Like most other beaches in Belize, there is an abundance of snorkeling and other water activities available. When you’re not in the water, sleeping in a hammock, then you can feast on the huge amount of fresh seafood that the local communities fish straight out of the local waters. Caye Caulker is one of the best beaches in Belize for getting a serious Caribbean chill on!
Where to Stay in Caye Caulker?
Check out all of the best accommodation in Caye Caulker and compare prices on Booking.com, Hotels.com, Expedia or check out all their reviews on Tripadvisor
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