Belize Family Adventures on a Budget
Don’t fret about the possibilities of things to do with your family in Belize; the possibilities are endless. This lush historical and tropical country will leave you smiling from ear to ear with the sights, sounds and activities that it offers.
If money is a concern, use some of these ideas to get the biggest bang for your buck. Remember, one U.S. dollar equals two Belize dollars, which essentially doubles your money as soon as you step off the plane. Connect with your family while exploring some of these adventures in and around Belize.
Culture
Want to learn more about the country you are visiting? Soak up some culture while saving some dollars by spending an afternoon touring historical sites and museums. Check out these low-rate offerings:
House of Culture
The Belize House of Culture is located in downtown Belize City. Also known as the Government House, this colonial styled building has a number of artifacts and exhibits that describes the history and culture of Belize. It cost $5 BZ (Belize dollars) for entrance. So for a family of four, you have an entire adventure waiting for you for only $10 U.S. dollars. The House of Culture is open Monday’s through Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Museum of Belize
For another historical exploration of the city, consider visiting the Museum of Belize. The building itself used to house Belize prisoners now is the home to rotating and permanent exhibits featuring different facets of the Belize culture. Photographs, artwork and other artifacts are available for perusal from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday for $5 BZ per person.
Altun Ha
Also known as Water of the Rock, Altun Ha is an archaeological site hosts a jade carvings and a giant stepped temple. While you can’t take your family alone to this site, many discounted tours are available throughout the city of Belize and online.
Touring Tip:
You may be able to get discounts if you book a trip with a tour guide using cash, but beware. Guides without a reputable business backing them can scam you out of your money. To play it safe, book a tour online using your credit card. Viator.com offers trips to the Altun Ha: $63 U.S. per adult, $47 U.S. per child. It might cost you a little more, but if you use a travel credit card that offers reward points for vacation purchases, you can still benefit.
Belize Zoo
Come explore the beauty of wildlife in the safety of a zoo. All the animals of the Belize Zoo are native to the region and will allow children and adults to explore and experience the wildlife of a rainforest. Mammals like jaguars, baboons and peccaries are available for viewing among a host of birds and amphibians. Entry into the zoo is $15 usd for foreign adults and $5 usd for foreign children, and they are open seven days a week from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m with last admission at 4:15 pm.
The Baboon Sanctuary
Experience some wildlife up close and personal less than an hour away from downtown Belize at the Community Baboon Sanctuary. Families can go on a day-time adventure tour with a guide to explore baboons, howler monkeys, jaguars and other animals.
These nature walks only cost $7 U.S. per person and can provide a host of picture-taking opportunities. If you are feeling more adventurous, consider taking a night-time hike through the forest where you will see how wildlife interacts after the sun goes down. This tour costs $12 U.S. per person, and they provide flashlights and headlamps to light your way.
Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary
A bird-lover’s paradise, the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary offers a large communal area for wetland birds to reside and grow their young. The sanctuary is also home to a community of Creole Indians who help manage and protect the sanctuary.
Enter through the visitor’s center and pay the admission fee of $8 BZ per person. Grab a map and wear your hiking boots to go on a self-guided tour to see thousands of different birds. The visitor’s center is open every day from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Touring Tip:
If you plan to make the zoo a regular visit, consider getting a membership for a year online for $35 usd for a family. Book your membership through a credit card for a convenient paper trail.
For sanctuaries, use Belize cash. Bring extra if you plan to use a guide. Tip your guide 10 to 15 percent of the cost of your excursion.
Activities Abound
Don’t let this list stop you. A number of other activities will allow you to fully experience the country while keeping a reign on your dollars. Some activities include:
- Boating
- Sailing
- Snorkeling
- Fishing
- Swimming
- Horseback riding
- Canoeing
- Caving
- Zip-lining
- Golfing
Check out the activity thoroughly before you book and use caution when offering your credit card or cash to someone in a foreign country. A safe experience is a happy experience, so think excursions through carefully beforehand for the most enjoyment for all your family members.