Is Belize Good for Solo Travel? A First-Hand Guide

When planning a solo adventure through Central America, most travellers make a beeline for Mexico, Costa Rica or Guatemala. But is Belize good for solo travel? In short—absolutely, I spent a month exploring this vibrant, underrated gem solo, and I’d go back in a heartbeat.

With its laid-back Caribbean charm, deep-rooted Mayan culture, diverse wildlife and welcoming locals, Belize is a brilliant destination for those travelling alone. Here’s everything you need to know if you’re considering solo travel in Belize.

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Why Choose Belize for Solo Travel?

One of the biggest draws for solo travellers in Belize is that the official language is English. Belize was a British colony (known as British Honduras) until 1981, this makes Belize particularly easy for British and American travellers to navigate—no awkward phrase book or Google Translate moments required.

Belize is compact and well-connected. The country’s small size, decent roads, and robust tourism infrastructure means that solo travel in Belize is relatively hassle-free. Moving between towns, beaches, and jungle regions is simple and flexible, whether you’re using public transport, shuttles or water taxis.

Belize is good for solo travellers on a multi-country trip. It borders both Mexico and Guatemala, with smooth overland crossings. I crossed into Guatemala twice on my trip and it was very easy. This makes Belize a perfect middle stop on a broader Central American itinerary.

Perhaps best of all, Belizeans are some of the friendliest people I’ve met on the road. As a solo traveller, you’ll find locals are generous with their time and always happy to help if you hit a snag.

Is Belize Safe for Solo Travellers?

In general, yes—Belize is safe for solo travel. Like anywhere, it’s important to stay aware, especially in urban areas. Some parts of Belize City, notably the Southside, are rough, and gang violence prompted a recent state of emergency declaration.

However, most tourists skip Belize City altogether or only pass through en route to other destinations. Stick to well-trodden routes and standard precautions, and you’re unlikely to run into issues.

For more details, and tips on how to stay safe in Belize, check out my post on the subject – here.

Best Places in Belize for Solo Travellers

So, is Belize good for solo travel in terms of destinations? Absolutely. Here are my top picks:

San Ignacio

Located near the Guatemalan border, this is Belize’s adventure capital. It’s easy to meet fellow travellers on jungle treks, Mayan ruin tours, and wildlife excursions. Spanish is more widely spoken here, giving it a slightly different vibe to the coast.

San Pedro (Ambergris Caye)

A lively beach town with top-notch snorkelling and diving—especially trips to the iconic Great Blue Hole. There’s accommodation for every budget and plenty of chances to meet others on boat tours or in beach bars.

Caye Caulker

Chilled, colourful and low-key, Caye Caulker is ideal for solo travellers after a more relaxed vibe. There are no cars allowed here, only golf carts. Feed tarpon by hand, kayak with stingrays, or ferry across “The Split” with a cold Belikin beer in hand. Caye Caulker is what San Pedro was 30 years ago, but go soon—it’s changing fast.

Placencia

A sleepy, walkable beach town with charm in spades. Not as busy as San Pedro, but great for peaceful solo downtime and good local food.

All these places have solid infrastructure, a welcoming traveller scene, and loads to do—ideal for anyone exploring Belize solo.

Best Hotels in Belize for Solo Travellers

Belize is a good place for solo travellers when it comes to accommodation. There are options to fit every budget. These range from hostels to luxury jungle lodges and everything in between.

Here are some options I personally recommend from my time in Belize.

Belize City

Belize Maya Cabana – Colourful one bed cabana with good wifi, and friendly hosts who can book tours for you.

Villa Boscardi – Beautifully presented B&B with home cooked breakfast.

San Ignacio

Arnold’s Guesthouse – Central location, breakfast included, and a hammock in your room!

Maya Mountain Lodge – Nice jungle retreat with spectacular wildlife on your doorstep and superb Mayan food

Caye Caulker

Island Magic Beach Resort – Close to the ferry. Lovely pool and pleasant restaurant overlooking the sea.

Sea ‘n’ Sun Guesthouse – Great guesthouse with really friendly host. Free bike and kayak use. Very popular, so book early.

San Pedro

Le Casa de Paz – Good budget hotel with comfortable rooms and a good location

Sandbar Beachfront Hostel – Good budget option with a buzzing bar/restaurant

Sandbar Beachfront Hostel

Orange Walk (Lamanai)

Lamanai Hotel and Landing – Great riverfront hotel with friendly staff, nice rooms and good food. They’ll book you a boat trip to Lamanai ruins.

Top Things to Do on a Solo Trip to Belize

Belize is brilliant for independent travellers thanks to its rich selection of activities that naturally bring people together. Here’s what makes Belize good for solo travel activity-wise:

Snorkelling & Scuba Diving

The Belize Barrier Reef is the second-largest in the world and offers world-class underwater experiences. Dive the eerie 400-foot-deep Blue Hole, or snorkel alongside nurse sharks and rays at Shark Ray Alley. Trips are group-based, so it’s easy to socialise.

Cave Adventures

The ATM Cave (Actun Tunichil Muknal) is a must-do. It involves jungle trekking, river crossings, and descending into a vast underground cave system filled with Mayan relics—including crystalised human remains. Yes, really.

Mayan Ruins

With over 600 sites, Belize is rich in Mayan history. Xunantunich (near San Ignacio) and Lamanai (Orange Walk) are particularly worth visiting—and far less crowded than the likes of Chichén Itzá.

Wildlife & Birdwatching

Many Mayan sites are nestled in the jungle, doubling as nature reserves. If you’re into bird watching or spotting elusive wildlife, Belize is a quiet but rewarding spot.

How to get Around Belize as a Solo Traveller

Hire a Car – Great for flexibility, though roads can be rough and driving at night is not recommended. Watch out for the ‘Sleeping Policemen’ which control speed even on the highways. Not ideal for first-timers in Central America.

Tourist Shuttles – A reliable, comfortable option between major hubs. Many solo travellers use these, making it a great way to meet others. Some have wifi and offer bottled water.

Chicken Buses – Dirt cheap, colourful, and full of character. Not the most efficient, but great for getting off the beaten path. You can’t book them ahead of time; find a bus stop, stick out your hand, and board a bus. Keep an eye on your bags.

Water Taxis – Frequent services to the Cayes (Caye Caulker and San Pedro on Ambergris) from Belize City. Budget-friendly and scenic. International transfers to Mexico and Guatemala are also available.

Internal Flights – Fast but pricier. Best for those short on time. Tropic Air and Maya Island Air are the two main carriers.

Taxis – Use sparingly and only use those with the official green licence plate. Because Belizean taxis aren’t metered, always agree on the fare before entering.

When is the Best Time to Visit Belize for Solo Travel?

Belize is good for solo travel year-round, but the dry season (November to April) is your safest bet for sunshine and smooth travel. November and April are quieter—perfect if you want to avoid crowds, and get a bargain on hotel prices.

The wet season (May to October) brings lush scenery, more wildlife activity and fewer tourists. Afternoon showers are common, and there’s some risk of hurricanes between June and November, so keep an eye on forecasts.

Is Belize Good for Solo Travellers Looking to Socialise?

Yes—Belize is brilliant for meeting fellow travellers. Whether you’re staying in hostels, hopping on shared shuttles, or joining day tours, it’s very easy to connect.

Most people follow a loose trail from Mexico down through Belize and into Guatemala, so you’ll often bump into the same faces more than once. Hostels, group tours, and beach bars are all great social hubs.

Final Thoughts: Is Belize Good for Solo Travel?

So, is Belize good for solo travel? Without a doubt—yes.

Pros:

✅ English speaking and easy to navigate!

✅ Strong tourism network and infrastructure!

✅ Abundant nature, culture and wildlife!

✅ Welcoming locals and vibrant traveller scene!

Cons:

⚠️ Some safety concerns, mainly in Belize City!

⚠️ Solo travellers may find struggle to book group tours off-season!

⚠️ Travel to remote areas can be challenging!

If you’re seeking adventure, nature, culture and good vibes—Belize is a top-tier choice for solo travellers. Just go before everyone else catches on.