Family Adventures in Belize: Exploring Jungles, Ruins & Island Life with Kids
If you’ve ever wondered whether Belize is a great family destination — we’re here to tell you yes, absolutely… with some thoughtful planning. For this trip, we packed up our crew and headed to this vibrant Central American gem for a week full of jungle adventures, ancient ruins, wildlife encounters, and laid-back beach time.
We wanted a balance of culture, nature, and relaxation — and Belize delivered in spades. It’s still somewhat under the radar compared to other destinations, which made it feel genuine, warm, and wonderfully unhurried. But that also means a bit of flexibility and local insight go a long way, especially when traveling with kids.
Here’s a day-by-day recap of our family’s Belize itinerary, including highlights, surprises, and tips to help you make the most of your trip.
And before you start packing, don’t miss our must-have family travel essentials — the gear that helped make this adventure smoother, easier, and a whole lot more fun (especially the kids’ tablet and wireless headphones, which were lifesavers on long flights).
Day 1: Arrival in Belize & a Change of Plans
We landed in Belize City in the early afternoon and met Ivar, our private driver for the week. He rented a large, comfortable three-row SUV and stayed in the same towns as us each night — either with friends or at nearby hotels — then picked us up each morning and dropped us off in the evening. It was incredibly helpful having someone local with us throughout the trip who knew the roads, had great restaurant recommendations, and was just wonderful with our kids.
We quickly realized upon arrival that Belize’s famous no-see-um flies were real—and persistent! Our go-to routine became applying coconut oil first, which helps make it harder for the bugs to bite, followed by a strong bug spray.
We had planned to stop at the Belize Zoo on our way to San Ignacio, but in a surprise twist — they were closed for their staff holiday party. Classic travel curveball.
Ivar quickly pivoted and took us to a local restaurant nearby for a snack and a drink before we continued the drive inland. It turned out to be a highlight in its own quiet way — we ended up chatting with a young, sweet Belizean family at the next table, and the kids played together while we learned more about their life in Belize. It was a perfect reminder that sometimes, the best parts of travel aren’t planned.
We arrived at Villa Massis in the early evening and checked into our beautiful vacation rental. Breakfast was included, and they even offered to cook dinner for us — which was a huge perk after long days out with kids. The space was peaceful, comfortable, and the perfect jumping-off point for our inland adventures.
Day 2: Markets, Iguanas & Butterflies
We started the morning at the San Ignacio Farmers Market, which is open every day — but Saturday is by far the best time to go. The energy was vibrant, the stalls were packed with fresh produce, and there was live music playing in the background. We grabbed a simple local breakfast, then picked out fresh fruit and nuts native to the region so the kids could sample something new and truly local.
Next, we visited the Iguana Conservation Project at the San Ignacio Resort Hotel. This center serves not only as an educational conservation effort but also as an iguana rehabilitation center, helping injured or rescued iguanas recover before release. The kids loved learning about the iguanas and even got to hold one if they felt brave! The grounds are filled with beautiful foliage, making it a lovely spot for photos as you walk among the iguanas in their natural habitat.
After that, we headed to San Ignacio Town Square, where the kids had a blast riding 4-wheeler bikes for just a few dollars. It was a fun, low-key way for them to burn off some energy and enjoy the local vibe.
For lunch, we stopped at Benny’s Kitchen, which served up delicious Belizean food and had the added bonus of a playground — an easy win for both grown-ups and kids.
Later in the afternoon, we explored the Chaa Creek Butterfly Ranch, including their beautiful butterfly house. The kids were fascinated to see the lifecycle of the butterfly up close, from caterpillar to chrysalis to the winged adults. The ranch uses a special trick — offering watermelon and pineapple juice — to encourage the butterflies to land gently on your skin, which made for magical moments and plenty of giggles.
We wrapped up the day relaxing back at our vacation rental, Villa Massis, which sits on a beautiful property with small trails, lizards, and other wildlife. The kids loved exploring the grounds and enjoyed a real sense of independence and adventure while swimming and roaming safely nearby.
For dinner, we enjoyed the stunning views of the Belize River Valley at Cahal Pech Resort, which also serves native Belizean drinks. The resort has several pools onsite, so if your accommodations don’t have one, I’d recommend bringing a swimsuit and towel and asking if you can swim for free as a restaurant guest or purchase a day pass.
Day 3: An Exclusive Day on Vaca Lake & A Magical Evening at Villa Massis
Our guide, Ivar, arranged a truly special experience for us — a visit to his friend’s lake house on Vaca Lake, about 1.5 hours away each way. The drive itself was scenic and peaceful, setting the tone for the day.
Vaca Lake is a large, man-made lake created by the Vaca Dam, and it’s known for its abundant wildlife and natural beauty. As we cruised on the lake aboard a homemade pontoon boat, we were the only people in sight, which made it feel incredibly peaceful and exclusive — like we had the entire lake to ourselves. Along the way, we spotted crocodiles, howler monkeys and iguanas (some were bright orange because the males were in heat!). The lake is so quiet and still, we could even hear our own echo bouncing off the surrounding cliffs — it was surreal.
We made a stop at a waterfall, where we could climb up the rocks and sit with our feet in the flowing water. While the lake itself is not clear like a pool, it was refreshing and adventurous — just a heads-up for families with kids who may feel hesitant about murky water.
Lunch was served right on the boat, prepared by our host’s wife — simple, homemade Belizean food that was flavorful and comforting. It was one of those meals you don’t forget, especially when paired with a warm breeze and the sounds of nature all around.
After lunch, we visited our host’s lake house, a two-story structure with no exterior walls — only a few interior dividers separating the bedrooms. With no running water and outhouses instead of bathrooms, it was a powerful and respectful look into the reality of rural Belizean life. It was humbling, eye-opening, and one of the most memorable cultural moments of our trip.
On the drive home, we had an unexpected stop by Belizean police, who were conducting a routine check for contraband from Guatemala. While it was a bit startling at first, the officers were friendly and professional. After a quick passport check, we were back on our way. It reminded us that sometimes unexpected moments in travel help ensure our safety and teach our kids about how different systems work around the world.
We spent the evening back at Villa Massis, where the kids ran wild around the property and swam while we unwound. The villa is nestled on beautiful grounds with small trails, curious lizards, and other wildlife to explore. It gave the kids a true sense of freedom and independence, and gave us adults a moment to just breathe.
To top it all off, the family who runs Villa Massis made us dinner that evening — a local meal that was absolutely delicious. We even got to watch them prepare it, which gave us a window into the flavors and techniques of authentic Belizean cooking. After dinner, they joined us for a drink and taught us how to dance Belizean-style under the stars. It was the kind of night you don’t plan, but remember forever — spending time with locals is always the highlight of our travels, and this was no exception.
Day 4: Ruins, River Caves & Another Magical Night
We started our day with a visit to one of the ancient Maya ruins near San Ignacio. There are two popular options close to town: Xunantunich, which involves a short hand-cranked ferry crossing (fun for kids, but unfortunately the ferry was closed during our visit), and Cahal Pech, which is what we chose.
Cahal Pech turned out to be the perfect choice for our family. It's a smaller, more manageable site for kids, but still packed with rich history and enough stone temples and passageways to spark their imaginations. The site is easy to explore at your own pace, and the kids had a blast pretending they were ancient explorers as they climbed and wandered through the ruins.
After working up an appetite, we had lunch at Hode’s Place in San Ignacio — a great local spot with solid food and a huge playground that kept the kids entertained while we relaxed and recharged. It was casual, friendly, and perfect for families.
In the afternoon, we took a tour of Barton Creek Cave, a river cave system navigated entirely by canoe. It felt like something out of an Indiana Jones movie — paddling through a massive cave while learning about the ancient Maya rituals that once took place there. The water is still and clear, and the slow ride through the cavern was both peaceful and awe-inspiring. Our guide was knowledgeable and patient, making it a very doable adventure even with little ones.
We wrapped up the day just like the night before — but with a new twist. Back at Villa Massis, the hosts once again treated us to a delicious homemade dinner, and this time we shared the evening with the host's brother and his family, who live on the adjacent property. After dinner, the kids joined their children in a spontaneous game of soccer under the stars, running barefoot through the grass and laughing until bedtime. Meanwhile, the adults gathered around a campfire, shared stories, sipped local drinks, and even danced a little more in true Belizean fashion.
These evenings — filled with connection, laughter, and local hospitality — were among the most meaningful parts of our trip. It’s in these simple, joyful moments that travel becomes truly unforgettable.
Day 5: Waterfalls, Tamales & Arriving in Paradise
We checked out of our vacation rental in San Ignacio and began the scenic drive to Placencia, with a few fun and refreshing stops along the way to break up the trip.
Our first stop was at St. Herman’s Blue Hole National Park — a natural inland sinkhole surrounded by lush rainforest. Known for its sapphire-blue waters, the Inland Blue Hole is part of an underground cave system that feeds into the Sibun River, forming a stunning 25-foot deep swimming hole tucked into the jungle.
Special note! To reach the Blue Hole from the park’s main entrance, it’s about a 45-minute hike through dense forest. However, if you’re traveling with little ones or want to cut down on hiking, drive a bit further down the highway to the second parking lot. From there, it’s just a 5-minute walk down a set of concrete steps to the swimming hole — much more manageable with small kids. Washrooms and changing rooms are available, and there is a small entrance fee to access the park — well worth it for the peaceful swim and lush jungle atmosphere.
Before heading into the water, don’t forget to apply reef-safe sunscreen — it protects your skin and helps preserve the delicate ecosystem. And since the rainforest can bring out the bugs, a good bug spray is another must-have to keep everyone comfortable.
After our refreshing dip, we continued on and stopped for lunch at Southern Highway Snack & Café — a roadside gem with warm service and incredible tamales that even the kids devoured.
Before reaching Placencia, we made one more stop at Mayan World Waterfall. This spot turned out to be a surprise favorite — with two separate swimming areas, including a swim platform at the highest falls, it was a perfect place to stretch our legs and cool off. The property also has picnic tables, so it’s a great option for a packed lunch or snack break.
By early evening, we arrived at Chabil Mar Villas, our home base for the next leg of the trip. We stayed in a spacious 2-bedroom oceanfront suite with a full kitchen, in-room laundry, room service, and access to two beautiful pools. The staff was welcoming, and the location — peaceful and just a short golf cart ride from town — gave us the best of both worlds.
While we loved our stay at Chabil Mar, we also spent quite a bit of time at the nearby Turtle Inn, which is equally fabulous. From the garden and animal area for the kids to the delicious on-site dining and laid-back beachfront bar, it offered another layer of charm to our Placencia experience. Even if you’re not staying there, it’s worth a visit!
That evening, we had a relaxing dinner at Chabil Mar, enjoying local flavors while overlooking the Caribbean Sea and watching the sunset. Midway through the meal, we noticed a small boat pull up to the hotel’s private pier, dropping off a couple. Naturally curious (and always thinking ahead), we quickly walked down to the dock and struck up a conversation with the captain. Turns out, he does private charters, and before the night was over, we had booked our own private boat tour to Moho Caye for the next day. One of those magical, unplanned moments that travel sometimes hands you when you're just paying attention.
Day 6: Private Island, Spearfishing & A Lobster Dinner
We woke up to a beautiful morning at Chabil Mar Villas, and before the kids had even finished their breakfast, our private boat charter was already pulling up to the hotel’s pier — just steps from our patio. There’s something truly special about being picked up by boat right in front of your room!
Our captain, who we had met the night before during dinner, loaded us in and off we went on a 25-minute ride to Moho Caye — a small, postcard-perfect island with crystal-clear water, palm trees, and powdery white sand. It felt like we had the whole island to ourselves.
We spent the morning snorkeling along the reef, learning to spearfish, and even trying our hand at conch diving. The kids loved watching the fish dart through the coral while the adults attempted to perfect their aim (spoiler: my husband is definitely better at spearfishing than I am).
While the kids played in the hammocks and sand, the crew grilled fresh lobster and made conch ceviche right on the island. They also provided beer and water, which was perfect for staying hydrated (or relaxing) under the sun. We enjoyed a laid-back lunch under the shade of the palm trees, with our toes in the sand and the ocean breeze in our hair — the kind of lunch that makes you pause and say, “This is the life.”
After lunch, we started heading back toward Placencia, but about halfway through the return ride, our captain stopped the boat at another reef. It was time to test our spearfishing skills in deeper water. We all jumped back in, and while I had a few close calls, it turns out that my husband is the family’s resident hunter-gatherer. He proudly brought in the day’s biggest catch — and possibly a little bragging rights.
When we returned to Chabil Mar, we gave the fish we caught to our captain to take home, and asked the hotel kitchen if they could cook the lobster we had speared during the trip. They kindly obliged — and that evening, we enjoyed one of the freshest, most satisfying dinners of our trip, right from the sea to our plates. No restaurant could have topped it.
Day 7: Rainy Day Improvisation & Turtle Inn Charm
We woke up to gentle rain showers, so we had to improvise our plans for the day. Luckily, that gave us a perfect excuse to explore one of Placencia’s gems — Turtle Inn.
We started with lunch at their cozy pizzeria, where we sat right at the bar, giving the kids a front-row seat to watch the chefs make the pizzas from scratch — a fun and engaging experience that kept them entertained and curious.
Just next door is the hotel’s garden area, where the little ones got to feed chickens and bunnies — a sweet, hands-on experience that kept them happily engaged.
The afternoon was spent relaxing at Turtle Inn’s waterfront bar, a laid-back spot where the kids played games in the sand thoughtfully provided by the hotel. They also tried their hands at fishing — the perfect blend of fun and chill while the rain came and went.
After freshening up back at the hotel, we took advantage of the walking path from Chabil Mar to Placencia and enjoyed a leisurely stroll into town for the evening. Our first stop was the Little Wine Bar, a small, quaint spot nestled in the heart of Placencia — great for a quick drink and soaking in the local vibe.
Dinner was at Rumfish, a restaurant that lived up to its reputation with absolutely delicious food and a welcoming atmosphere. The kids were so well behaved despite the rainy weather, so as a special treat, we indulged them with Tutti Frutti gelato from a nearby shop — a perfect sweet ending to a cozy day.
Day 8: Relaxation, Kayaking & Turtle Inn
On our last day in Belize, we fully embraced what vacation means — relaxation. We spent the morning swimming at the hotel pool and kayaking near the calm waters just steps from our room. It was the perfect slow-paced day after all our adventures.
Later, we took the walking path back into Placencia town for some souvenir shopping. Along the path, you’ll find hundreds of small shops selling everything from trinkets and t-shirts to hats, hammocks, and local crafts — great spots to pick up unique keepsakes and gifts.
For our final meal, we returned to Turtle Inn, a favorite spot that blends beautiful ambiance with delicious food. A fun bonus — keep an eye out for celebrity visitors! We had a mystery famous diner sitting right next to us during dinner (but I’ll keep who it was a secret!).
The next morning, the hotel kindly arranged a taxi to take us to Placencia Airport, where we caught a short flight via Maya Island Air to the international Belize City Airport to make our connection home.
It was the perfect way to cap off an unforgettable Belize getaway — filled with family, nature, and those little moments that turn into lasting memories.
Reflections from the Road: Why Belize Captured Our Hearts
Belize is vibrant, wild, and wonderfully authentic — not overly touristy, but rich with culture, nature, and warmth. From the lush jungle trails to the laid-back Caribbean beaches, it offered the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation for our family. The people were incredibly friendly, the wildlife unforgettable, and the food? Let’s just say we’re still craving those fresh seafood flavors. We came home with tired kids, full hearts, and stories we’ll be sharing for years. We’d return in a heartbeat.
Still on Our Bucket List: What We’ll Be Back For
Discover the ancient Maya sites of Caracol and Lamanai — deeper into the jungle for true adventure and history.
Explore Xunantunich — an ancient Maya archaeological site with large pyramids and stunning views, which we’re eager to visit once the kids are a bit older and we have more time.
Snorkel or dive the Great Blue Hole — a bucket list experience for any family who loves the ocean.
Explore the ATM Cave — an adventurous cave system with archaeological treasures (for older kids and brave parents only!).
Kayak the Monkey River — a chance to spot manatees, crocodiles, and howler monkeys in the wild.
Spend more time on Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker — known for their beautiful beaches, laid-back island vibes, and some of the best snorkeling in Belize with vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine life.
Take a boat tour to the Belize Barrier Reef — the second largest barrier reef in the world, full of colorful fish and coral gardens.
Pro Tips for Belize with Kids
Currency: Belize dollars are official, but US dollars are widely accepted and often preferred.
Cash is key: Most smaller places don’t take cards, and apps like Venmo or PayPal aren’t commonly accepted due to local banking policies. While major restaurants and hotels often accept credit cards, individual tour guides, drivers, market vendors, and smaller local spots almost always prefer (or require) cash. Be sure to carry enough for day-to-day expenses, tips, and any spontaneous adventures.
Navigation: Driving can be slow due to narrow, winding roads and occasional road conditions. Plan extra travel time.
Language: English is the official language, which makes communication easy for families from English-speaking countries.
Communication: WhatsApp is widely used for communication.
Water: Tap water is not safe to drink; stick to bottled or filtered water to avoid tummy troubles.
Tours & guides: Hiring local guides adds so much value — they share history, culture, and ensure safety, especially in caves, jungle hikes, and wildlife tours.
What to Pack: Belize Family Essentials
Insect repellent with DEET is some of the best we’ve found — we used it both in Africa and Belize, especially on jungle days, and it worked great to keep the bugs away.
Coconut oil is a MUST! No-see-ums (tiny biting midges) are surprisingly aggressive in coastal areas like Placencia and the Cayes, especially around sunrise and sunset. These bugs are small enough to get through typical bug spray, but a thin layer of coconut oil on exposed skin creates a natural barrier they can’t bite through. It’s one of the few things that reliably worked for us — safe for kids, smells great, and doubles as moisturizer. Total travel hack!
Water shoes for rocky beaches and river stops (the water shoes we have for the kids and my favorite water shoes for me!)
Lightweight rain jacket (rain showers are common in the tropics)