Belize Nature and Wildlife

Despite being a relatively small country, Belize is home to a diverse range of ecosystems and habitats that host many different species, both on land and in the water. Since the country gained independence in 1981, the government has enacted many environmental laws with the goal of preserving the incredible natural beauty available in the country. As a result of these laws, roughly 36% of Belize is protected and there are 95 reserves with varying levels of protection. The government and local populations are aware of the impact that tourists can have on the landscape and as such, ecotourism and sustainable tourism are very important in Belize.

Belize has the most accessible tropical wilderness in the Western hemisphere. With incredible jungles and an equally impressive coast, there is much to see. A birder’s paradise, there have been almost 600 bird species identified in Belize. Approximately 20% of these species are migratory birds from North America. The jungle lodges and Maya ruins found throughout the country often provide excellent birdwatching opportunities. The Keel-Billed Toucan is the country’s national bird and is beautifully coloured. A social creature, this species of toucan is rarely spotted alone, almost always travelling in packs.

Inland Belize offers a variety of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries that house many species. The country lays claim to 145 mammal species and over seventy kinds of forests. Many of Belize’s wildlife species are quite elusive, including four members of the feline family, the puma, the ocelot, the margay and the jaguar. Southern Belize is home to the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, the only jaguar reserve in the world. Those with keen eyes will also be able to spot spider monkeys and howler monkeys in the wild as well as mammals like the peccary, the coatimundi and the gibnut, Belize’s most prized animal.

While there is a great deal of diversity on land, Belize also lays claim to one of the largest barrier reefs in the world. It is home to more than 100 types of coral and over 500 species of fish including barracudas and groupers to angel and clown fish. West Indian manatees are common at the mouths of Belize’s rivers, but also in coastal lagoons and in the various cayes. Whale sharks are often spotted and the waters also contain nurse, reef, lemontip and hammerhead sharks. The reef is Belize’s most popular tourist destination as it gives divers the opportunity to explore incredible underwater caves and the Blue Hole (a large submarine sinkhole), initially made famous by Jacques Cousteau.  

Belize Travel Information

At Goway we believe that a well-informed traveller is a safer traveller. With this in mind, we have compiled an easy-to-navigate travel information section dedicated to Belize.

Learn about the history and culture of Belize, the must-try food and drink, and what to pack in your suitcase. Read about Belize's nature and wildlife, weather and geography, along with 'Country Quickfacts' compiled by our travel experts. Our globetrotting tips, as well as our visa and health information, will help ensure you're properly prepared for a safe and enjoyable trip. The only way you could possibly learn more is by embarking on your journey and discovering Belize for yourself. Start exploring… book one of our Belize tours today!

Extend Your Trip

After your Belize tours, why not consider another of Goway's Latin America tours. These include a large selection of other exciting countries in Central and South America. We offer Chile vacation packages and Easter Island tours, Ecuador vacation packages which include Galapagos cruises, Peru vacation packages which include Machu Picchu tours and Brazil tours including Iguassu Falls tours among many others.

Book your Belize tour with Goway! 

LATIN AMERICA by Goway is an exclusive division that specializes in planning and organizing Belize tours, vacations and experiences. Choose from one of our independent travel modules and more. We want to be your first choice when next you go globetrotting to Belize.