A Belize Honeymoon for Exploring Beaches and Rainforests

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A Belize honeymoon may not be the number one island on couples' radars for a Caribbean getaway or honeymoon in Central America, but it should be. While Costa Rica is a smoldering alternative for ecotourism and adventure, you can find your own slice of paradise at this top honeymoon destination, where you'll find much of the same natural beauty and comparable beaches, all in a remote world of your own.

The small country of Belize packs a ton of culture and itinerary items, considering its tiny size. The Caribbean destination offers travelers a mix of lush rainforests, gorgeous beaches, superb snorkeling, plus scuba diving, adventure activities and luxury.

When it comes to planning your Belize honeymoon, let us be your guide. From the best months to visit to packing checklists and things to do, use our expert tips to plan your honeymoon in Belize.

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Belize Honeymoon Tips in this Article:

• Best Time to Honeymoon in Belize
• Belize Honeymoon Planning Tips
• Best Belize Honeymoon Hotels and Resorts
• Belize Honeymoon Itinerary Ideas
• What to Pack for a Belize Honeymoon

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Best Time to Honeymoon in Belize

Belize is consistently around 80 degrees Fahrenheit, making for a warm, but not unbearable, environment all year round. Belize experiences two seasons. The dry season lasts December to May, while the rainy season lasts June to November. Visit Belize in the springtime for the best weather with little rain.

Best weather: March to May.
Festival highlights: The San Pedro Lobster Festival in June kicks off the lobster season with a week of festivities, including delicious seafood, live music and dancing. The International Costa Maya Festival, held in August on Ambergris Caye, showcases the heritage of the Maya and the Mesoamerican region through beauty pageants, traditional music and dance performances.

Belize Honeymoon Planning Tips

A Belize honeymoon is as much of a beach destination as it is an adventurous one. Wherever you stay in Belize, it's all within reach, whether you imagine zip-lining through tropical rainforests or swimming along colorful fish. When you're finished with your adrenaline-pumping outings, you can return back to your luxurious resort or beachside cabana for a tropical cocktail or maybe a couple's massage.

Because Belize isn't as popular of a honeymoon destination as, say, Cancun, Mexico, you might not be able to find the same traveler-centric amenities you might in a more established tourist hub. You might find yourself staying in a locally-owned hotel versus a big box brand resort. Rather than taking a direct flight from the States to Belize's coastal towns, you may have to fly into Belize City and transfer via a small plane (we're talking very small) to get to your destination. For some, this is all part of the thrill of an adventurous honeymoon. However, the lack of typical amenities may detract from the experience if you're the type of couple who wants to relax at a megaresort.

Entry requirements: You must have a US passport that is valid for the length of your stay, proof of an onward or return ticket and sufficient funds to cover the cost of the length of stay.
Language: English is the official language, but Spanish, Creole, Maya and Garifuna are also widely spoken.
Location: Belize is located on the eastern coast of Central America, bordered by Mexico to the north, Guatemala to the west and south, and the Caribbean Sea to the east.
Currency: The Belize Dollar (BZD) is the official currency.
Flight time to Destination: Direct flights from major US cities like Miami and Houston only take around 2 to 3 hours to Belize City.
Getting around: Getting around Belize is relatively straightforward with options including domestic flights, rental cars, taxis, water taxis for island hopping and buses.

Pro tip: Invite a honeymoon planning expert to join your vendor team. Browse travel agents near you on The Knot Marketplace for Belize honeymoon expertise, reviews, testimonials and more.

Best Belize Honeymoon Hotels and Resorts

Belize offers a range of honeymoon accommodations, from luxury resorts on private islands to quaint beachfront hotels and eco-lodges in the jungle. Here are a few of our top picks.

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Matachica Resort

Rated one of the top properties in the world, this luxury boutique resort is nestled along a remote beach right alongside the barrier reef. With sustainability in mind, Matachica Resort has an open-air layout. Activities include sailing, snorkeling with sharks, cave tubing and more.

4.5 Star Rating | Read Reviews

GAIA Riverlodge

For a private honeymoon resort option, escape to this rainforest retreat that offers fewer than 20 guestrooms. The GAIA Riverlodge is situated within the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, putting you directly in communion with nature. Wildlife sightings aren't uncommon, especially when you take to your private deck or hot tub overlooking the rushing river.

5.0 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Sleeping Giant Rainforest Lodge

A full-service rainforest lodge located in the thick of wilderness in the Mayan heartland, the Sleeping Giant Resort falls under The Belize Collection (a luxury hotel group that features stays in nature reserves). Honeymooners will love their plush and serene accommodations, including private plunge pools and open-air layouts, as they fall asleep to the melodious sounds of the rainforest. The property is also a base camp for National Geographic in Belize and home to one of the top-rated restaurants on the island.

5.0 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Mahogany Bay Resort and Beach Club

For a more traditional resort experience, stay on Ambergris Caye at this island resort and beach club on 60 acres. The Mahogany Bar Resort and Beach Club offers more than 200 villas and cottages, a handful of onsite restaurants and a huge pool.

4.5 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Itz'ana Resort and Residences

For a similar resort experience with plenty of luxury, try Itz'ana, in Placencia. The beach resort right on the water offers extravagant accommodations options such as cottages positioned literally atop the waves. Fine dining and a stellar, Instagram-worthy pool with an ocean view are also on tap.

4.5 Star Rating | Read Reviews

The Lodge at Chaa Creek

If you can't wait to explore the Cayo District, why not stay there for the duration of your trip? The Lodge at Chaa Creek is a high-end, eco-friendly resort that's a hit with honeymooners. Each cottage feels a world away from, well, the world, as you take in the rainforest from your jacuzzi.

5.0 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Alaia Belize, Autograph Collection

The oceanfront Alaia Belize resort right on the beach delights with modern finishes and furnishings, poolside cabanas, private plunge pools and stellar suites. The onsite dining options and multiple pools help make this Ambergris Caye property one of the most convenient and comfortable.

4.5 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Pro tip: If you're looking for unique accommodations for your Belize honeymoon, consider staying at a romantic Airbnb or VRBO. They may offer lower prices and more privacy.

Belize Honeymoon Itinerary Ideas

Belize is small, but mighty. Honeymooners will find a weeklong getaway to be action-packed. Ambergris Caye is a popular island destination situated off the coast of Belize in the Caribbean Sea, and it's only accessible via boat or seaplane. As one of the favorite tourist destinations in the country, you'll have no problem finding lodging, dining, shopping and activities in this area.

Belize City is the country's capital and the largest city in Belize. Even with the urban setting, you'll find plenty of opportunities to escape the hustle and bustle, as the rainforest, all-inclusive resorts and white sand beaches are never far away. Placencia, on the other hand, is a good pick for your honeymoon getaway if you consider yourself more of a beach bum than a rainforest explorer; it's home to some of Belize's best beachfront and, as such, scuba diving and snorkeling opportunities are plentiful.

Here are a few activities to do together while you're away.

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Explore Caves and Mayan Ruins in the Cayo District

Belize's Cayo District will delight both thrill-seekers and history buffs with its Mayan ruins and caves. For the adventurous couple, the district's caves offer numerous ways to explore caverns and water features below the earth's surface (including cave tubing). Xunantunich, meanwhile, is the most popular Maya ruin site to visit in the district, with its ancient Mayan architecture.

Seek More of Belize's Archaeological Sites

Beyond the Cayo District, there are plenty of archaeological sites to visit around the country. Altun Ha is a famous ruin you can quickly reach from Belize City, and it contains more than a dozen temples. Lamanai Archaeological Reserve is also popular, situated in northern Belize (just note getting to the reserve is no easy feat; you'll have to take a boat ride through the jungle). Caracol is the largest ruin site in Belize, and is located near the Cayo District, making it an easy extra archaeological site to tack onto your itinerary.

Dive Along the Belize Barrier Reef

The Belize Barrier Reef is the largest barrier coral reef in the Western Hemisphere. With turquoise water and amazing wildlife, avid snorkelers and scuba divers will tell you Belize is home to a few of the top snorkel sites in the world. If swimming with fish isn't enough to thrill you, though, you can always head to the famous dive site known as the Great Blue Hole, which is equal parts breathtaking and, with its seemingly endless depth, terrifying.

Marvel at Wildlife

Nature-centric newlyweds will want to make tracks for Basin Wildlife Sanctuary & Jaguar Preserve, a wildlife sanctuary and jaguar preserve. Beyond seeing its resident jaguars, honeymooners can hike and spot ocelots, monkeys, tapirs, toucans, macaws and more. Pick a hike that stops by some of the sanctuary's waterfalls and swimming holes for a quick dip.

Pro tip: Add Belize honeymoon experiences to your gift registry so that loved ones can give you a memorable couples' activity. Post a few photos to your wedding website so everyone can see what you're up to.

What to Pack for a Belize Honeymoon

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Pack plenty of bug spray for your Belize honeymoon luggage. You'll also want sunscreen and protective gear for any honeymooning outings you've planned. Trips to the rainforest or to ruin sites will require hiking boots and hike-appropriate clothing, while you may want to pack water shoes or rash guards for snorkeling excursions. For more tips on what to pack for your honeymoon, check out our comprehensive packing checklist.

Brittany Barber contributed to this article.