Small Towns

I think I found the most relaxing island in the Caribbean.

An island where day drinking is the local sport, and aspirations of sitting in an inner tube while working your way through a bucket of beer are considered 100% valid.

An island where locals chastize you for walking too fast, where the smoky smell of pimento wood being burned for jerk chicken permeates the air, where golf carts have right of way.

Yes, Caye Caulker, you can stop blushing — I’m talking about you.

If you want to know what my favorite things to do in Caye Caulker are, keep reading!

Though, to be honest, “doing nothing” is a perfectly respectable answer on this island.

Top Things to Do in Caye Caulker

If you go to Caye Caulker with a strict, itemized checklist, you’re doing it wrong.

While there aren’t that many things to do in Caye Caulker per se, the days still manage to slink by a little too easily.

Caye Caulker is a place that’s easy to get sucked into… and you should let it.

You’ll rise as your room gets warm in the morning sun, eat breakfast with a beach view, amble along the colorful buildings, and sunbathe — all before the nightly ritual of watching the sun sink into the sea.

Yup, that’s a grind I can get behind.

That said, you’re reading this post for a reason: you want to know the best activities in Caye Caulker.

And I’m here to serve! Just treat it as a suggestion, not a checklist.

Meet nurse sharks and rays at Shark Ray Alley.

Among the myriad of thrilling things to do Caye Caulker offers, snorkeling alongside sharks and rays at Shark Ray Alley is undoubtedly a standout!

To partake, you’ll need to book a day tour, because direct reef access from the shore isn’t possible.

The waters around Caye Caulker remain shallow for quite a distance, thus you need a boat to reach prime snorkeling spots like Shark Ray Alley.

Shark Ray Alley has evolved into a hotspot where numerous snorkeling outfits from Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye gather to feed sharks and rays, offering tourists an unparalleled underwater experience.

However, the debate around “chumming” (baiting the waters) to attract these marine creatures remains controversial.

One expert, Mar Alliance, supports the practice, saying that it fosters a better understanding between humans and marine life.

It helps to break down fears and promoting shark conservation — a very important thing, as sharks are apex predators essential to the health of the ocean.

On the flip side, some argue that chumming might condition sharks to rely on human-provided food, which can be problematic.

In my opinion after doing research, the science hasn’t borne this out to be true, as most sharks do enjoy the food but still continue their other natural behaviors at all other hours of the day.

So, what about safety? Well, the sharks frequenting Shark Ray Alley are nurse sharks, well known for their placid nature, often nicknamed ‘sea puppies’.

Incidents involving nurse shark bites are extremely rare and have never been fatal.

From personal experience, the true risk here? You might get hooked on the exhilaration of swimming with sharks!

I’ve embarked on this tour every Belize visit and even dived with far-more-fear-inducing bull sharks in Fiji.

But rest assured, the nurse sharks in Belize are entirely benign and nothing short of enchanting, and the rays are just as sweet.

Almost all snorkeling tours will include a stop at Shark Ray Alley — I recommend this one, which also includes the next thing to do in Caye Caulker: try to meet the manatees!

Snorkel with manatees!

One of the best reasons to visit Caye Caulker and top things to do there is swim with the manatees north of Caye Caulker.

To do so, you’ll have to book a tour as the manatees don’t swim that close to Caye Caulker but in a deeper, more protected area.

Not all tours include a stop with manatees, but this one does (and also includes a visit to Shark Ray Alley, above).

Check out this small group, 7-stop snorkeling tour that includes a stop to hopefully see the manatees!

I mean, manatees are truly the elephants of the sea. Freaking adorable.

Please note: never touch animals in the wild, even if they seem docile and gentle. You can do serious damage.

Give them a comfortable distance – at least 5 meters if not more – and observe quietly and respectfully so that others in the future can also enjoy the presence of these gentle sea giants.

Spend the day in the sun at Sip N Dip

But really: how to while away your days in lovely Caye Caulker? Make your way to my favorite beach bar, Sip N Dip. 

Where else can you sit on a swing in the Caribbean sea, relax in a hammock over the water, or just chill in an inner tube with a bucket of beer floating alongside you?

Located just before The Split on the north end of the island, day drinking at the Sip N Dip is my number one can’t-miss thing to do in Caye Caulker.

Happy hour is from 3 to 5 PM and offers specials on rum punch, Cuba libres, and other house drinks — get two for $7 BZD ($3.50 US).

The food actually isn’t bad, either!

Drink a local Belikin.

Belikin is the beer of choice in Belize, and it goes down so easily that they often sell it by the bucket!

At Sip N Dip, a bucket of beer will set you back $25-30 BZD ($12.50-15 USD since the Belize dollar is pegged at a 2-to-1 exchange rate with the dollar) for 6 beers — one of the best deals on the island!

Many other places on the island offer similar deals on buckets of Belikins, although of course, you could just get one… why get one when you can get a bucket?

Go on a sunset tiki cruise.

Since Caye Caulker is such a popular backpacker and party island, perhaps it’s not surprising that one of the top Caye Caulker activities is a sunset booze cruise.

This affordably priced sunset tour includes alcoholic drinks and a 1.5-hour cruise around Caye Caulker, with the chance to see dolphins, manatees, and turtles.

You’ll also definitely get to see all the mangroves around Caye Caulker and the unique birdlife that calls this ecosystem home.

Visit the sweet animals at the Caye Caulker Animal Shelter

Another one of my favorite things to do in Caye Caulker is visit the lovely dogs at the Caye Caulker Animal Shelter!

This non-profit animal shelter cares for dogs and cats in need of homes. They welcome visitors to come by and love on the animals.

With these faces, how could you walk on by?

Meet the local dogs.

If you’re a dog lover, you’ll love Caye Caulker.

Because it’s a small island with no cars, many people allow their dogs to hang out on the island during the day, running about and making friends.

Most aren’t strays – they’re well-behaved, well-loved pets who get to call the streets of the island their playground.

Needless to say, I was in heaven!

Join the Sunday Funday nonsense.

It’s become a institution in lots of Central American backpacker hotspots: a weekly boozy day party.

Bocas del Toro has Filthy Fridays, San Juan del Sur has Sunday Funday, and Caye Caulker has its own spin on Sunday Funday with their signature 5-hour beach parties once a week.

Starting at Bella’s Backpackers, one of the top hostels on the island, their backyard becomes an all-out boozefest (think: unlimited rum punch) with lots of games to play to get to know your fellow travelers better.

Beer pong, giant jenga, beach volleyball, water balloon toss, cornhole: there’s all sorts of fun games that will only get more amusing the more rum punch you consume.

But better yet, in the evening you all get on board a sunset cruise, where you can continue the fun and partying.

After you’ve finished, you can keep the party going at one of the island’s late night hot spots… or get yourself to bed, because you’re probably tuckered out after 5 hours of partying in the sun.

Snorkel more of the Belize Barrier Reef.

Belize is home to the second-largest reef system after the Great Barrier Reef, the Meso-American Barrier Reef (of which Belize’s section is called the Belize Barrier Reef)!

So if you’re a lover of marine life, take full advantage of Caye Caulker’s amazing location and make sure you don’t miss snorkeling while on Caye Caulker.

Look for a tour that includes Hol Chan Marine Reserve — it’s where the best snorkeling in Caye Caulker is.

I have a post that compares the different snorkeling tours on Caye Caulker if you need help picking one — but this one is my favorite.

Go diving on the reefs!

If you’re scuba-certified while you visit Caye Caulker, you simply must do a dive to get an even more up-close-and-personal look at the stunning reefs.

The best-rated dive shop on the island is Scuba Sensation, on Playa Asuncion (near Lazy Lizard, Sip N Dip, etc.)

They offers tours of the Caye Caulker marine reserve area for $110 USD for a two-tank dive and $150 USD if you want to dive in the Esmeralda area closer to San Pedro.

They also offer dives further afield in epic places like the Turneffe Atoll ($195 USD) or Spanish Bay ($185 USD). I’ve heard Turneffe Atoll has some of Belize’s best diving!

And if you love night dives like I do, you can add on an individual one-tank night dive for $85 USD.

It’s pricier than places like Cozumel, Utila, and Roatan, but it’s still worth it if you like to dive and will be in Caye Caulker!

… or deep dive at the Great Blue Hole.

Requiring a full day and an advanced open water certification, diving the Blue Hole is a huge bucket list item that you can tick off while in Caye Caulker!

It requires an early wake-up call (earlier than most dives!) — 5:15 AM, you have to meet for check in. By 6 AM, the boat departs for an epic day out on a 3-tank dive.

Don’t worry — breakfast and lunch will be provided, as well as fruits and water for surface interval snacking.

It takes about a 2-3 hour boat ride to get to the Great Blue Hole, so that’s part of why you leave so early. But it’s worth the long haul! 

This dive is a 3-tank dive that starts with the deepest dive at the Great Blue Hole, where you’ll dive for about 30 minutes, reaching a maximum depth of 130 feet or 40 meters!

Nitrogen narcosis is a definite possibility at this depth, so be sure you have done a deep dive before and know what to expect (basically, feeling drunk or euphoric)

On your way down, it’s more about the incredible scenery of this massive sinkhole, with stalactite-like formations visible in caverns of the sinkhole and scroll corals on the wall.

This isn’t so much about reef life, though along the way, you’ll see Caribbean reef sharks around 60 feet deep. Hammerhead sightings are possible, but very rare.

As a deep dive, you’ll need to be very aware of your buoyancy control and very familiar with a dive computer (preferably using your own, so you’re familiar with how it works).

While equipment rentals are provided in the cost of the excursion, it’s really better to have your own computer (here are my suggestions) here.

The tour also includes two more stops, which will prove more epic in terms of sea life than the Blue Hole: Half Moon Caye Wall (a 45-50 minute dive) and the Long Caye Aquarium dive (another 45-50 minute dive).

On the latter two dives, expect to see enormous groupers, reef sharks aplenty, eels, all sorts of colorful tropical fish, and maybe even hammerheads if you’re lucky.

This tour is definitely pricy, at $340 per person for a full-day 3 tank dive, but given the travel time required and how bucket-list-worthy the Blue Hole is amongst divers, it’s worth it for the serious divers amongst us.

Do sunset yoga.

I’ll readily admit that I was never stayed sober long enough on Caye Caulker to make it to sunset yoga.

However, if you’re more responsible than me, Namaste Yoga (formerly RandOM Yoga) offers donation-based sunset yoga classes.

You can take these classes on the roof of Namaste Café with a great sunset view and ocean breeze!

Rent a stand-up paddleboard

Caye Caulker is a small island and it’s easy to stand-up paddleboard around it in just a few hours.

There are several places on the island that rent stand-up paddleboards and also kayaks.

It’s one of the best things to do in Caye Caulker because the water is super flat and glassy, making it easier than normal.

You don’t need to circle the whole island, either — it can be fun to just go along the island’s east side and up to the Split, and then check out a bit of the other side of the island that you normally aren’t on.

Rent a kayak at sunset.

You can easily grab a kayak rental at Lazy Lizard Bar & Grill and go out for a few hours.

A double kayak is $45 USD for two hours ($35 for a single kayak).

Two hours is just enough time to paddle out before sunset and check out the Split and the other side of what used to be Caye Caulker.

Then, paddle out into the sea to enjoy watching the sun sink into the ocean horizon, and paddle back before it gets dark!

Enjoy a photo walk through colorful Caye Caulker.

With streets made of sand and brilliantly-colored houses in all shades of the rainbow, a walk through Caye Caulker is almost an activity in and of itself.

One of the coolest things to see in Caye Caulker are all the houses built on stilts — helpful on a low-lying island where hurricanes and tropical storms have increasingly been passing through.

This is also a fun way to flex your photography skills and get some different photos that aren’t just you at a beach bar.

Eat delicious jerk chicken.

On Caye Caulker, you’ll see — and smell — barbecues going all day and night long. You can’t go wrong with the island’s most popular dish – jerk chicken!

A plate of jerk chicken will set you back about $15-20 BZD ($7.50-10 US) in a restaurant.

Plus, it usually will come with your choice of sides and anywhere from one to three glasses of rum punch included!

Quality across the board was about the same everywhere, so no place really sticks out – just order the jerk chicken and you can’t go wrong!

On the street, a takeaway portion of jerk chicken and coconut rice will cost you about $10 BZD, or $5 US.

My favorite street stall was located on the north side just before Sip N Dip.

Try other delicious food on Caye Caulker.

Had a little too much jerk chicken for your taste?

For seafood, try the grilled lobsters or shrimp skewers at Chef Kareem’s UnBelizeable Lunch [not open for dinner].

There is also delicious Chinese food on the island thanks to the influence of Chinese immigrants who run many of the local shops and grocery stores.

My favorite was a small little shop in a turquoise-painted bungalow, Yummy Yummy.

The chow mein was delicious, only about $7 BZD ($3.50 US), and big enough for two!

For pasta, try Pasta Per Caso Anna & Armando for a change of pace with some delicious Italian food.

Dig into a Belizean breakfast.

My favorite Belize breakfast is fry jacks – fried dough pockets stuffed with your choice of filling. My favorite was meat, cheese, and egg.

Get them at Errolyns House of Fry Jacks for a mere $2.50 BZD each!

If you prefer a more traditional breakfast, or you’re really missing bagels, Ice ‘N Beans is another one of my favorite places on Caye Caulker for breakfast.

Grab a (rum-filled) coconut.

One of the most ubiquitous things you’ll hear when walking through Caye Caulker — besides locals admonishing you to ‘go slow’ — is people selling coconuts, fresh or spiked!

With coconuts for $5 BZD / $2.50 USD (more for a spiked version with rum — strong rum!), you can’t help but stop a few times for a fresh coconut.

Are you really on a Caribbean island if you don’t?

Sip on a swing at Margarita Mike’s

I’ve already rhapsodized about Sip N Dip. Another place I loved for day drinking was Margarita Mike’s.

What can I say? I love a good bar swing! And also day drinking. Go figure.

Of course, they’re known for their frozen margaritas, which are strong and delicious. You can also get a bucket of Belikins here.

Chill at the Split.

I loved spending my days at the “The Split” – the northern tip of Caye Caulker.

Apparently, Caye Caulker used to be one island until a hurricane hit in 1961, breaking the island in two.

The channel that divides them now is called “The Split” and, absent any white sand beaches, is Caye Caulker’s unofficial watering hole.

The Lazy Lizard is often cited as a favorite, but when I went it was under construction — which killed its beachy vibe.

Still, a day at the Split is never spent poorly. I mean: look at those blue, blue waters!

Unwind with a peaceful day at Ix’Chel Day Spa.

If you’re looking to take the relaxation on Caye Caulker a step further, head to Ix’Chel Day Spa for some massages.

100% Belizean-owned and operated, this local shop run by two sisters offers great massages for excellent prices.

Deep tissue massages are only $35 USD for 30 minutes or $60 USD for an hour.

They also offer aromatherapy massages, reflexology, Swedish massages, and all sorts of treatments like facials, scrubs, and mani-pedis.

On a budget? They offer a lower-priced option of relaxation massages ($25 USD for 30 minutes or $50 USD for an hour).

Take in the sunset on the beach.

When comparing Caye Caulker vs. Ambergris Caye, one big advantage that Caye Caulker has is just how easy it is to see the sunset.

There are many great spots to take in the sunset on the island’s west side, which is easily accessible since the island is super narrow.

The best areas for sunset views are around Dee N D’s Waterside Grill and Wish Willy Bar & Grill.

You can get the sunset at either of these places, or you can just walk a few more blocks and enjoy it for free on the beach, BYOB (Bring Your Own Belikin) style!

Drink after hours at The Sports Bar or the Reggae Bar.

If you’re somehow managed to make it to sunset without getting drunk… congrats!

You now have two options: The Sports Bar and The Reggae Bar. Though neither of those are their real names.

Basically everyone on the island goes to The Sports Bar (Barrier Reef Sports Bar) first and then Reggae Bar (I & I) if they’re still standing.

Take a day trip to San Pedro.

If you want to visit a larger island for a day, head to San Pedro, the main city on Ambergris Caye.

This gorgeous island will feel like a shock to the system after the ‘go slow’ vibes of Caye Caulker, but it’s a great option if you’re feeling stir-crazy and want some new restaurant and bar options (my favorite is Palapa Bar).

In terms of activities, there’s not too much that San Pedro has that Caye Caulker doesn’t, except for a chocolate factory/boutique and a few more shops.

That said, it’s still a fun change of pace, so I do recommend visiting if you have sufficient time on Caye Caulker and don’t plan to spend any overnights on San Pedro.

Where to Stay in Caye Caulker

You won’t find luxury resorts here — Caye Caulker is stubbornly down to earth, especially compared with its more upscale cousin, Ambergris Caye, which has its share of luxury boutique hotels.

What Caye Caulker lacks in resorts it makes up for in cheap and cheerful guesthouses. If you’re traveling in a group of two, it often is about as cheap as staying in a hostel.

Budget: Caye Caulker is one of the most budget-friendly places in Belize! People on a tight budget will want to pick one of the island’s hostels or small guesthouses.

I recommend the excellently-rated Go Slow Guesthouse, which is a colorful, friendly hostel located in the heart of Caye Caulker not far from the main road.

There are fan rooms for a cheap price or AC rooms for a slightly higher cost. It’s got a friendly vibe that’s also perfect for solo travelers.

Check availability and prices here!

Mid-range: If you want the privacy of your own cabana without paying an insane price, Colinda Cabanas is an excellent mid-range choice. Stay in a joyful yellow and turquoise cabana just a minute walk from the sea!

Free bike and kayak rental, free coffee in the mornings, and other perks will help you feel welcomed and at ease here in Caye Caulker.

Check availability and prices here!

Luxury: While San Pedro definitely has more luxury options than Caye Caulker, you can still enjoy a bit of luxury on this more budget-conscious island. The nicest hotel in town is Weezie’s Oceanfront Hotel.

With spacious studios and one-bedroom cottages, a lovely pool, friendly staff, and balconies with amazing sweeping Caribbean views, you’ll never want to check out of paradise.

Check availability and prices here!

FAQs About Caye Caulker

When is the best time to visit Caye Caulker?

In Belize, a tropical country, you’ll find they have two seasons: a rainy and dry season.

From May to October, it’s the wet season. During this period, anticipate rain on many days and intensely hot weather.

Traveling to Belize in the wet season might not be the best idea. The frequent rainfall can be inconvenient and often hampers various activities.

Tours like snorkeling and diving can be cancelled due to adverse conditions. Additionally, hurricanes are a possibility during these months.

Plus, it’s just super hot and humid.

On the other hand, the dry season spans from November to April, which aligns with Belize’s peak tourist season.

While occasional rain showers might occur, they are generally brief and less intrusive to your Belize itinerary.

However, be aware that visiting Belize around Christmas and New Year’s can be both crowded and pricey.

For an ideal combination of pleasant weather and reasonable costs, consider visiting between January and April.

How do you get to Caye Caulker?

It’s quite easy to get to Caye Caulker from Belize City. There are ferries about every hour or two.

Caribbean Sprinter Water Taxi offers fery rides (check out the most recent schedule here) at $30 USD one way or $35 roundtrip.

The other option, San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi, is a touch more expensive but has more options (schedule here) at $21 USD one way or $37 roundtrip.

The priciest but fastest option is by taking a flight with Maya Island Air (check flights here), for $84 between Belize City Airport and $71 on the way back ($155 USD roundtrip).

There are only 3 flights per day, so it’s not always the most convenient, but if it lines up with your flight well, it can save you some time, and the flight is gorgeous (I have done it to neighboring San Pedro twice!)

How do you get to Belize City?

If you’re flying into Belize… that solves that! It’s the only international airport in the country.

If you’re traveling from other parts of Central America, you can get to Belize City easily via chicken bus from San Ignacio, Belize ($8 BZD/$4 USD) or Chetumal, Mexico (180 pesos/$10 USD).

If coming from the bus station, I recommend taking a taxi, not walking. The bus station is in a dodgy neighborhood of Belize City, and I wouldn’t want to walk through it with all my belongings on me!

Water taxis from Chetumal, Mexico are available every other day, but they are a little — over $50 USD one way.

You can also take private shuttles from within Belize or to neighboring Guatemala or Mexico if you prefer to travel in a little more comfort, but I love Belize’s chicken buses.

The fun reggae music and people-watching opportunities make the hundreds of stops you’ll make along the way less painful somehow!

Allison Green

Allison Green is a former teacher who has been travel blogging since 2016. She has a Masters in Teaching and a B.A. in English and Creative Writing. Her blog posts merge her background as an educator with her experience traveling to 70+ countries to encourage ethical, meaningful travel. She has been a speaker at the World Travel Writers Conference and her writing, photography, and podcasting work has appeared in National Geographic, CNN Arabic, CBC Canada, and Forbes, amongst others. Now a full-time traveler, she has lived in Prague, Sofia, New York City, and the San Francisco Bay Area.

eternalarrival.com

Deep in the Belizean jungle close to the border with Guatemala is the beautiful small town of San Ignacio, a town that stole my heart almost right away.

A major jumping off point for exploring Belize’s tropical jungle interior, San Ignacio is rather small but still has several interesting things to do in town, including its very own Mayan ruins.

I’ve been fortunate enough to visit Belize three times, so I’ve written a lot about Belize on this blog.

People always ask me if it’s worth it to head to San Ignacio and I always say yes — loudly!

A visit to San Ignacio is the perfect counterpoint to relaxing on the beaches of San Pedro or Caye Caulker.

Mixing it up by going for adventure and culture in San Ignacio is a great way to round out the beachy part of a Belize itinerary.

This guide focuses on things to do in San Ignacio town, as well as popular day trips from San Ignacio in the Cayo district and beyond.

Since San Ignacio is so small, it’s often treated more as a jumping off point for various day trips instead of having a ton to do in the town itself.

That said, we’ll cover a few activities in town and then explore some of the fun day trips you can do from San Ignacio!

This post was last updated on September 23, 2023.

13 Best Things to Do in San Ignacio, Belize

Marvel at the wonder of Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM Cave).

Of all the San Ignacio activities you could possibly choose from, this is my absolute favorite. In my mind, a trip to Belize without visiting ATM Cave just isn’t a Belize trip at all.

The Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave (called the ATM Cave for short) is an incredible cave system that you can only traverse with a licensed guide in a small group.

Permits and cave access to tourists are strictly limited in order to keep these caves preserved for future generations, as some parts of the cave were damaged in the past by tourists, unfortunately.

But this is not an activity for the faint of heart!

Taking an ATM Cave tour involves using a headlamp as your only light source, swimming through the cave, squeezing through some narrow parts of the cave system, and climbing up into the main cave atrium. 

While I loved visiting the ATM Cave so much, if you have severe claustrophobia, this is not the San Ignacio excursion for you! The cave is dark and narrow in some places.

Despite some moments of trepidation, though, I found the ATM Cave absolutely worth it! Read my full review of the experience here.

Inside the cave, you’ll find ancient pottery fragments as well as skulls and skeletons.

These are the remains of human sacrifices that the ancient Maya people left in the cave. The cave was considered part of the Mayan underworld, where people could connect to the gods who ruled over death.

Archaeologists believe this was done to appease their gods as their civilization faced challenges such as drought and fighting between rival groups.

Whatever the reasons, it’s certainly an adventurous and interesting — if macabre — thing to do in San Ignacio region!

Book this full-day tour of ATM Cave here!

Check out the largest ruins in Belize at Caracol.

Another fantastic place to visit near San Ignacio on a day trip is the Caracol Ruins archaeological site. 

These are the largest Mayan ruins in Belize, and they are relatively under-visited compared to many other ruins in Central America.

The ruins of Caracol are beautiful and impressive, and one of the coolest things is that you can climb the pyramids there, unlike many pyramids in Mexico which have closed off the climbing to tourists.

From the top of the largest pyramid in the Caracol complex, you can even look over the border into Guatemala!

A trip to Caracol is easily paired with some incredible nature as well. On a guided tour to Caracol, you can visit the Rio Frio Cave and check out either the Rio-On Pools or the Big Rock Falls — all in a single day.

Trust me — you’ll relish a dunk in the water after spending the morning and early afternoon visiting the ruins in the hot Belizean sun!

Book your trip to Caracol and the Rio-On Pools here!

Visit the Mayan ruins of Cahal Pech.

The ancient Maya site of Cahal Pech is about 10 square miles and includes nearly three dozen buildings, the largest of all being about 80 feet tall! 

It is believed by archaeologists to be one of the oldest Mayan settlements in Belize, and that the people who settled Cahal Pech likely came from Guatemala, perhaps around the Tikal area.

The Maya Ruins of Cahal Pech are a must-do while visiting San Ignacio!

Plus, it pairs well with a visit to Xunantunich, another Mayan site, since the two ruins are only about 6 miles apart.

If you want some additional info, you can hire a local guide to give you a private tour at both ruins.

Honestly, a guided tour including pick-up and drop-off is not necessary here, as the ruin site is within walking distance of town!

Check out Belize’s “other blue hole” at St. Herman’s Blue Hole National Park.

Belize is known for its Great Blue Hole of course… but it also has a lesser-known inland blue hole, located at St. Herman’s Blue Hole National Park!

This tour of the Blue Hole is combined with Crystal Cave, a beautiful limestone cave system. The cave system is only accessible through a rainforest hike which ends at the entrance to the cave, so it feels very remote and magical.

The tour involves spelunking through the cave to discover all the beautiful geographic features of the cave, as well as artifacts from Mayan ceremonies that number some thousands of years old — including pottery, fire pits, and even human remains!

One of the coolest parts of this tour is visiting ‘Wonderland’, a room in the cave system that is completely covered in sparkling crystals, for which the cave gets its name!

After exploring the cave system, you’ll have a chance to swim in the beautiful Blue Hole to cool off and feel refreshed before heading back to San Ignacio in the evening.

Book your Blue Hole and Crystal Cave tour online here!

Check out the Green Iguana Conservation Project.

Located in the San Ignacio Resort Hotel, this conservation project is one of the most popular things to do in San Ignacio when it comes to eco activities.

This program has been running since 1996, and it focuses on ensuring the ongoing survival of the green iguana.

This threatened species is vital to the ecosystem in Belize’s jungles and rivers.

While visiting, you’ll learn about their conservation efforts and the life cycle of the iguana, from egg to hatching to releasing!

And of course, you’ll get the chance to meet a local iguana friend!

Take a day trip over the border into Guatemala to visit Tikal.

If you’re looking for a full-day excursion from San Ignacio that will also get you a new stamp in your passport, be sure to save a day for a day trip to Tikal from San Ignacio!

This is one day trip for which I strongly suggest a tour. Navigating a border crossing by car is an experience many travelers have not have had before, and if there are language barriers it can be intimidating. 

Personally, I have done the border crossing solo when traveling from Belize to Guatemala (en route to Flores, Lake Atitlan, and other great places in Guatemala), but I am an experienced solo traveler fluent in Spanish. 

I’ve also spent several months in Central America and feel super comfortable traveling around. If you don’t have that sort of experience, booking a Tikal tour from San Ignacio is a much better idea.

The trip to Tikal takes about 2-2.5 hours by car, with some time for the border crossing, which your guide will help you navigate. 

Tikal is located in a beautiful national park, and so you’ll see wildlife everywhere you look: everything from monkeys to iguanas and more. 

Tikal is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but it’s perhaps better-known as being a filming location for Star Wars!

This guided tour of Tikal includes all the main sightseeing of the ruins complex. With over 3,000 structures in the Tikal area, having a guide to help you narrow down the key things to see is really helpful. 

You’ll get to see temples, ball courts, plazas, palaces, and pyramids — the largest of which is over 200 feet!

Book this day trip to Tikal from San Ignacio here!

Admire the Belize Botanic Gardens.

Also located in San Ignacio town, the Belize Botanic Gardens is a must-visit for plant lovers.

It features 45 acres of beautiful native plants (as well as some exotic imports) on the banks of the beautiful Macal River.

It’s a gorgeous place to go for a walk and it’s only a short distance from downtown San Ignacio.

Besides admiring the beautiful flowers like hibiscuses and orchids, you can also enjoy some birdwatching and enjoy the peaceful river bank.

Visit the San Ignacio Market.

The lively riverside San Ignacio Market is open daily from 5 AM to 6 PM.

In the sleepy town of San Ignacio, it’s one of the most bustling places.

Come here to buy fresh fruit and try local street food from the friendly vendors.

Check out a butterfly farm.

There are several butterfly farms in Belize aimed at preserving the habitats of the local butterfly species.

There is the Blue Morpho Butterfly Farm located at the Chaa Creek resort, which you can visit even if you’re not a guest there.

There is also the Tropical Wings Ecocenter Butterfly Farm which is located about six miles away from San Ignacio’s center.

Explore the green oasis of Barton Creek Cave Reserve.

Another fascinating cave system near San Ignacio is the Barton Creek Cave Reserve. Like ATM Cave, there is ample evidence of use by the Maya people.

Barton Creek is interesting, because the town itself is home to a Mennonite (Amish) settlement!

There are actually a large number of Mennonites in Belize, over 10,000 of them actually — most of whom live in Cayo District.

Once you arrive at Barton Creek Cave, you’ll be able to explore it by canoeing through it!

This is a great way to experience the caves in a peaceful way while learning about the history of this ancient Maya site — as well as Mayan traditions, rituals, and ceremonies — from a knowledgeable local guide.

Book a half-day canoeing tour here!

Check out the nearby ruins of Xunantunich.

The Mayan archaeological site of Xunantunich is located a short distance from San Ignacio Town, practically on the Guatemalan border. 

Xunantunich enjoys a beautiful location on a ridge, looking over the scenic Mopan River.

Its name means “Maiden of the Rock” in the Mayan language, but this is a modern name; the original name is unknown. Supposedly, this name comes from the ghost of a woman who haunts it!

Xunantunich was an ancient city, which takes up about one square mile. Its best-known feature is the 130-foot-tall pyramid called “El Castillo”.

This is the second tallest Mayan structure in Belize, after the temple pyramid at Caracol.

If you want to book a guided tour, this tour is highly rated and you can customize it to meet your interests.

You can add on either cave tubing, river tubing, or horseback riding for a full-day tour, or just visit Xunantunich for a half-day trip.

Book your Xunantunich tour with optional combos online here!

Explore the capital of Belize, Belmopan.

Belmopan is the capital of Belize and it’s an easy day trip from San Ignacio.

For a capital city, Belmopan is rather small — the tiniest capital city in the Americas by population, in fact, with a population of under 20,000 people!

Belmopan is a good gateway to outdoor adventure, as you’ll find Guanacaste National Park right within the city. 

This national park has some hiking trails and the beautiful Belize River runs right through the heart of it.

Belmopan is also close to other places you might want to visit: Ayala’s Natural Pool, St. Herman’s Cave, St. Herman’s Blue Hole, etc.

You can drive to Belmopan easily via rental car or take any of the buses heading towards Belize City, all of which will stop in Belmopan.

Spend the day cave tubing and/or ziplining.

Cave tubing in Belize is a popular outdoor activity to do from San Ignacio, and there is no shortage of tours offering it! 

Cave tubing is basically what it sounds like: floating on a river through caves in an inner tube!

You’ll have to hike to the cave systems before hopping in your tube, but the hike to the river and caves in the Caribbean heat is what makes the dip into the waters so refreshing!

For people who want to pair cave tubing with something a little more adventurous, add a zipline experience!

This combo tour of cave tubing and ziplining is the perfect option for adrenaline seekers!

Best Time to Visit San Ignacio

Being a tropical nation, Belize has two main seasons: the rainy season and the dry season.

From May to October, Belize experiences its wet season, with rainy days and intense heat and humidity.

I’d advise against visiting Belize, and particularly San Ignacio, in this period.

The persistent rainfall is not just inconvenient but also makes activities like visiting ATM Cave not feasible.

Instead, visit during dry season, which spans from November to April.

Yes, it’s peak tourist season, but it’s worth it, as rainfall is much less common and much less disruptive.

Be aware that Belize becomes especially crowded and expensive during the Christmas and New Year’s holidays.

For a perfect mix of pleasant weather and reasonable rates, consider planning your trip between January and March.

Getting Around San Ignacio

You can rent a car for Belize if you want to do these day trips on your own.

Alternately, you can opt to take guided tours that include transportation and do day trips led by expert guides.

Personally, I’ve never rented a car in Belize, since I’m either on the islands or choose to take guided tours, as I like the insight you get from a licensed tour guide. 

I learn more about the history and the culture this way, as your professional guide has to have a fairly encyclopedic knowledge of the history to be a guide in Belize!

It’s also a lot less stressful, especially for me as I often travel solo, since they handle pick up, drop off, and often a meal as well.

I tend to book my tours in Belize via Get Your Guide whenever possible, because they offer the best cancellation policy if my plans change (free cancellation within 24 hours of the tour!).

However, if you are traveling as a family or in a large group, you might find that renting a car is better suited for your needs.

If you are renting a car, I suggest picking up your car at Belize City International Airport for the best price.

I use and love Discover Cars whenever I’m traveling outside of the United States. 

Discover Cars searches through over 500 different car rental providers in order to find the best price for your rental. Check what’s available from Belize City Airport here!

Where to Stay in San Ignacio

I’ve written a full guide to the best eco-resorts and jungle lodges in San Ignacio, but here are my quick picks!

BUDGET | Cahal Pech Village Resort

It’s a testament to how green Belize is that you barely have to leave the city of San Ignacio to feel like you’re in your own personal jungle paradise!

There are lush trees planted everywhere and an infinity-style pool overlooking the river valley below. The Mayan ruins of Cahal Pech are located right nearby the eco-resort, a couple of blocks away!

Check availability and prices here

MID-RANGE | San Ignacio Resort Hotel

San Ignacio Resort Hotel is an award-winning resort located within a 17-acre private estate, right in the heart of San Ignacio town proper — perfect if you don’t have a car rental during your time in Belize.

For those just looking to relax, there is also a gorgeous pool with plenty of loungers to relax around, a luxe spa, and a tennis court. 

This resort also supports the Green Iguana Conservation Project and has won awards for its participation in helping support Belize’s wildlife. 

Check availability and prices here

LUXURY | The Lodge at Chaa Creek

If you are after a once-in-a-lifetime stay in an eco-lodge in Belize… look no further.

The Lodge at Chaa Creek is a next-tier incredible resort that’s known for its beautiful natural surroundings. 

The rooms are incredibly airy and spacious, with high-ceilinged thatch roofing and thoughtful details like beautiful textiles and local flowers.

Outside your bungalow, you’ll find countless trees and plant life surrounding you and wake up to the sounds of birds and monkeys in the jungle.

Located on the Macal River, Chaa Creek offers activities like canoeing and kayaking down the river.

You can also go for a swim in their infinity pool, try some “jungle cuisine” in their dining room made from local organic produce, or admire the butterflies at their butterfly exhibit.

Check availability and prices here

What to Pack for a Trip To San Ignacio

Mosquito repellent: San Ignacio has a tropical climate with mosquitos year-round, particularly in the rainy season. Protect yourself with mosquito repellent. As a backup, I carry around a few mosquito repellent wipes with me in my purse in case I forget to apply spray before leaving or that I can apply after swimming.

Bug bite aftercare: It’s also inevitable that you won’t be able to get away totally scot-free in terms of bug bites, so bring some after-bite relief too. This is hard to find in Belize, so definitely bring it from home!

Full-size travel towel: Many of these San Ignacio day trips involve water — cave tubing, kayaking, swimming, waterfalls, etc. You’ll definitely want to bring a small, foldable, quick-dry towel on any day tour with water activities. This travel towel is full-size but compact, and it dries super quickly even in Belize’s humid climate.

A guidebook: I use travel blogs a lot when I’m on the road but I also love having a guidebook to give me more specific, thoroughly researched information. Lonely Planet is my go-to guidebook and the newest Belize guidebook was updated in 2022.

Reef-safe sunscreen: Reef-safe sunscreen isn’t just for reefs! The chemicals in sunscreen are bad for every natural ecosystem, like caves and swimming holes. When I know I’ll be in any natural body of water, I use a reef-safe sunscreen like Sea 2 Stream, which adheres to the highest eco-friendly standards.

GoPro: If you go cave tubing or ziplining, you’re going to want a way to capture all of that action! The Go Pro Hero 11 is the newest, best option in the action camera landscape. Be sure to consider whether you want GoPro accessories like a chest harness or head mount.

Allison Green

Allison Green is a former teacher who has been travel blogging since 2016. She has a Masters in Teaching and a B.A. in English and Creative Writing. Her blog posts merge her background as an educator with her experience traveling to 70+ countries to encourage ethical, meaningful travel. She has been a speaker at the World Travel Writers Conference and her writing, photography, and podcasting work has appeared in National Geographic, CNN Arabic, CBC Canada, and Forbes, amongst others. Now a full-time traveler, she has lived in Prague, Sofia, New York City, and the San Francisco Bay Area.

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