Small but mighty Belize has always been a destination spot for those who long to be pleasantly surprised and crave a quench for wanderlust. More travelers seem to realize that Belize is a wonderful solution for those seeking a way to unwind from the monotony of life. To plan an unforgettable experience for your Belize trip, make sure you’re taking full advantage of everything this remarkable country has to offer. Think of once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, grasp them and pursue them because honestly, what other country has all these adventures packed into one? From clear blue waters with nurse sharks and manatees to a jungle bustling with wildlife – spanning from tapirs and scarlet macaws to jaguars and coatimundis. Belize has it all. But how will you ever decide what adventures to chase? Here, we compiled a list of the five most exhilarating experiences you need to try once in Belize.
Booking a Helicopter Tour Over the Great Blue Hole
This venture might arguably be Belize’s most captivating sight yet. The Great Blue Hole is a sinkhole off the coast of Belize believed to have been formed thousands of years ago. It now stands as one of the biggest in the world. Although you are able to drink in the Great Blue Hole through a boating experience, nothing compares to the breathlessness once viewing it from above on a Helicopter Flyover tour. You are also shown the great Belize Barrier Reef, the second largest in the world. With such a captivating view, you not only feel a sense of awe for what nature can create but also an appreciation that you can enjoy something your ancestors couldn’t. This experience leaves you basking in emotions of elation and fulfillment.
Snorkeling Alongside the Nurse Sharks in Shark Ray Alley
A short boat ride from Belize’s infamous Ambergris Caye is Shark Ray Alley, an attraction we encourage you to add to your Belize itinerary. Here, you’ll weave through the vibrant underwater sea life in real life, no NatGeo channel required. Your friends at The Lodge at Chaa Creek can help you plan an exceptional experience of the best spots in the country to snorkel in. It guarantees some of the most extraordinary encounters with nurse sharks, sting rays, and even friendly dolphins. Being submerged in the habitat of various sea creatures, don’t worry, as most are curious and are open to a safely-distanced underwater selfie or two. It is a quest meant to illustrate how colorful and invigorating it is to explore the Caribbean Sea
Exploring the Maya Cave of Actun Tunichil Muknal
Venture deep into the caverns of what used to be a ceremonial and essential place for the Maya civilization. Exploring Actun Tunichil Muknal, or ATM, is an adventure that satisfies the parts of you that want to learn ancient Maya history and achieve your best Indiana Jones self. Chaa Creek offers a day packed rich with historical findings, plenty of exercise, and adequate amounts of swimming in the cave’s cool waters. Not too far into this excursion, you will feel as though you have traveled back in time. The era where Maya civilizations ruled the region and performed their rites in that very cave. You will spot many relics, sacrificial skeletons, and altars that were once held by Mayas who lived hundreds of years before you. It will leave you with a distinct feeling of sacredness and a significant change of perspective on life.
Zip-lining at Calico Jack’s Village
At the top of Chaa Creek’s wonderful adventures is zip lining – an experience for those seeking a rush of adrenaline. Soar over and through the lush greenery of the Cayo District jungle, head thrown back cares cast aside. In this journey, choose between beginner, intermediate, expert, and extreme levels as you determine how much of a drop and hike you wish to experience. Each one includes its own thrill as they range from a little over 1000ft in the air to the whopping height of almost 3000ft. No matter which route you select, you’ll come across magnificent vistas of the surrounding rainforest and thriving scenery.
Discovering the Wonders of Nature with Chaa Creek’s Rainforest Safari
Imagine traversing through a rainforest no other biome could replicate. Where both broadleaf trees and pine forests thrive in harmony. This is the image of the Belizean jungle, and a microcosm of it finds itself at home in Chaa Creek’s 400-acre reserve. Ride beneath looming foliage and spy on rare faunas all without leaving the comfort and safety of an RTV. Our trusty guide knows the path to the best scenic viewpoints, and where you might have an opportunity to see an interesting critter up close. This activity is two hours of stunning flora and fauna that will put the world’s best botanical gardens to shame.
You could spend an entire month in Belize and still not run out of adventures to discover, but certain activities are a must. Or at the very least worth trying at least once in your lifetime. To help you start crossing these off your bucket list, send us an email at reservations[at]chaacreek.com.