Looking for reasons to visit Belize in 2025? We have nine! Learn why this Caribbean paradise’s ‘drawbacks’ are actually its best features.
After living in Belize for some time, I’ve discovered nine compelling reasons why you might want to think twice about visiting this Caribbean paradise. Before you book those tickets, you should know exactly what you’re getting into. So, without further ado, here’s why Belize might not be your cup of coconut water:
Nine Great Reasons To Avoid Belize
1. It’s Not Cancun—or Miami Beach, or Punta Cana
If you’re seeking bustling tourist hotspots with endless nightlife, all-inclusive name-brand resorts, and all the conveniences of the U.S./Canada/Europe, you won’t find that here in Belize.
2. No Fast Food
Unlike Mexico with its American-branded restaurants, Belize offers no chain establishments. I’ve only encountered one drive-thru restaurant that even remotely resembles an American-style operation—and that’s in San Ignacio. We once overheard a couple leaving their resort, declining breakfast because they planned to “pick something up on the way” to the Mayan ruins. Spoiler alert: that didn’t happen.
3. No Mega-Grocery Stores or Malls
Forget Neiman Marcus, JC Penney’s, Sam’s, or Walmart. While you can find these familiar stores in Mexico, Belize operates differently. Local stores here are typically small spaces in busy retail areas, carrying everything from toiletries to appliances, clothes, and baby supplies—pretty much everything you need, just not the brands you know.
Many visitors overlook local grocery stores because they don’t resemble U.S. establishments. Often, they don’t even have signs indicating what they are. Also, American and international foods come with premium price tags. You’re better off visiting local farmers’ markets and fruit stands to eat like a Belizean.
4. Fewer Fancy Resorts at Prime Beach Locations
While Ambergris Caye has some excellent resorts, you won’t find many in Caye Caulker. The high-end, branded, all-inclusive resorts common in other beach destinations are largely absent – not totally absent, but largely absent. The same applies to Placencia, Maya Beach, and Hopkins—beautiful beaches without the familiar resort chains all over the place.
5. No Easy Access to the Best Beaches
International flights land in Belize City, but unlike Cancun, you can’t simply hop in a taxi to reach a beautiful beach. Your options include taking another small flight, catching a water taxi, renting a car, or braving the bus system.
6. No Buc-ee’s Bathrooms Throughout the Country
For non-Texans, insert your favorite super-clean, travel-stop bathrooms here—sanitized and functional. These don’t exist in Belize, and sometimes finding any bathroom while traveling through the country can be challenging. The Belize Zoo offers decent facilities in their parking area, making it a common pit stop.
Expect to pay a dollar for bathroom privileges unless you purchase something from the store/restaurant. Sometimes that dollar includes toilet paper—but don’t count on it.
7. No Mexican Food
Well, technically there is Mexican food in Belize, but remember: Belize isn’t Mexico. Don’t expect to find the Tex-Mex you’re accustomed to. Some Americans find native Belizean food bland compared to Mexican cuisine—perhaps explaining why hot sauce, particularly Marie Sharp’s, is a staple on every Belizean table.
8. No Super-Cold, Central Air Conditioning
This takes some adjustment for visitors and expats alike. While many hotels offer A/C, not all do—and those that have it often switch it off during the day to conserve electricity, requesting guests do the same. This can lead to some warm evenings until things cool down naturally. The electrical service can be unreliable, so even with A/C, consistent cooling isn’t guaranteed.
9. No Movie Theaters
Well, there are a couple, but cinema won’t be your regular entertainment here. I know of one indoor theater, though I’ve never visited, and an outdoor theater I’ve frequented several times. The same goes for bowling alleys, arcades, and most activities common in the U.S.—they’re simply not part of the Belizean landscape.
These are all valid reasons why you’re bound to have a miserable time if you end up visiting Belize.
But what if you ignore our advice and come anyway? Here are nine reasons why that might be the best decision you’ve ever made…
Nine Great Reasons To Visit Belize
1. It’s Not Cancun – or Miami Beach, or Punta Cana
Think Cancun in the mid-1970s. Construction had begun on today’s Hotel Zone, but it was still a developing part of Mexico, not the mega-tourist destination we know now. That’s part of Belize’s great beauty. You get to experience this country in its more natural, native state, unlike what it might become years from now. Don’t miss seeing the real Belize while you can—you’ll be glad you did.
2. No Fast Food
Come on! Do you really need that stuff anyway? You’re in another country! Try the local cuisine and enjoy something different! Belize offers amazing restaurants, though they might not be what you’re used to. Take a chance—you won’t be disappointed. For the closest thing to fast food, try the BBQ shacks and stands scattered throughout the country—they’re delicious.
3. No Mega-Grocery Stores or Malls
Shopping isn’t really a pastime here, at least not for expats and tourists (unless you’re hunting for souvenirs). While you’ll find clothing stores, furniture shops, appliance dealers, and stores with various merchandise, you won’t spend your days shopping.
You might not find your favorite brand of shampoo or cookies—or you might, but at shocking prices. However, you won’t lack necessities. Try different brands; you’ll likely find new favorites. Visit the farmers’ markets and experiment with unfamiliar local fruits. Cook meals with natural, clean ingredients unburdened by the sodium and additives common in U.S. food. It’s good, healthy, and your body will thank you.
And if you really can’t live without certain brands, you can always bring them with you.
4. Fewer Fancy Resorts at Prime Beach Locations
Belize has beautiful resorts, most with their own stunning beaches, but places like Caye Caulker offer gorgeous stretches of sand without five-star hotels—or even four-star, three-star, any-star. Staying in a locally owned cabana or small boutique hotel can be delightful—just don’t expect Marriott bedding and feather pillows. After all, you’re here for the beach and authentic experience, right?
5. No Easy Access to the Best Beaches
This “inconvenience” actually helps you see more of the country. Your international flight lands in Belize City, but the beautiful beaches lie elsewhere, requiring additional transportation—which becomes an amazing experience itself.
You can take a small plane to Ambergris Caye, the Placencia Peninsula, or Punta Gorda, enjoying breathtaking Caribbean views from above. Alternatively, catch a water taxi from the airport dock to Caye Caulker or Ambergris Caye.
Or rent a car and hit the Hummingbird Highway for the scenic drive south to Hopkins, Dangriga, Placencia, or even Punta Gorda—all with beautiful beaches. You could also head inland to the wonderful town of San Ignacio, discovering all the amazing attractions of the interior.
6. No Buc-ee’s Bathrooms Throughout the Country
This is challenging, I admit. Clean—or even functional—bathrooms are scarce in some areas, and you quickly learn their locations. Over time, you develop a list of acceptable bathroom stops. It’s just a “Belize thing” you adapt to.
But you’re here for the experiences, right? This is one of those.
7. No Mexican Food
While Mexican food exists here, Belize isn’t Mexico. Nor is it a typical Central American country with strong Spanish heritage. Belize was British territory for many years, so the local fare differs from what you’d find in Mexico and other parts of Central America.
Rice, chicken, and seafood are Belizean diet staples, along with abundant fruit. Most people here put local hot sauce on EVERYTHING! Stay a while, and you’ll develop a taste for clean, natural food. I enjoy coconut water and watermelon juice daily, along with fresh produce from farmers’ markets and local restaurant favorites.
Pro tip: For incredible orange juice, look for oranges with bright green peels. We initially thought they were unripe, but they’re actually the best oranges you’ll ever taste—that’s their natural color! And the seafood straight from the sea? Unbeatable!
8. No Super-Cold, Central Air Conditioning
You adjust eventually, and living closer to nature with less “canned” air becomes more important—though there are certainly those super hot days and nights when you crave it.
9. No Movie Theaters
While San Pedro has a movie theater and some locations occasionally show outdoor films, you’ll spend time differently here. You might find yourself enjoying friends’ company, walking beaches, watching crab races at Crazy Canuck’s, savoring sunset views over the lagoon with wine, or playing corn hole at your favorite outdoor restaurant.
Then there’s the snorkeling, diving, fishing (oh, the fishing!), and more. Your concept of “activities” evolves as you slow down and discover value in simpler pleasures.
View this post on Instagram
Bottom Line
Belize is a wonderful country to visit or call home, but again, it’s not Cancun. That’s precisely why many people live here and visit frequently—they don’t want “Cancun.”
If you’re seeking a laid-back, relaxed, authentic, outdoor-oriented, simple vacation, Belize is PERFECT for you!
