Solo Travel in Belize: Is Belize Safe For Solo Female Travelers?

 Belize is one of the most underrated countries in Central America. 

Although geographically it is located in Central America, Belize really belongs to the Caribbean. 

This multi-cultural country has a strong African influence, with the coast and cayes dominated by rich Garifuna and Rasta cultures. The historic Mayan influence is still present today with thriving populations of the indigenous group on Belize’s mainland. 

The only country in Latin America with English as the official language, Belize is an easy destination for solo female travelers to navigate. 

It might be small, at just 8,867 square miles (22,970 square kilometres), but it is jam-packed with amazing sights and adventures for solo female travelers. 

Whether you’re a tropical girl ready to laze under palm trees, swim in some of the bluest water in the world and snorkel with rays, sharks and turtles. If the jungle is your scene, get ready to hike to hidden waterfalls and spot countless birds and native animals.

Or if you’re a history buff, you’ll be keen to climb ancient Mayan temples and discover artifacts deep inside sacred caves. 

No matter what you’re into, Belize has something for you. 

As a solo female traveler, you might be wondering if Belize is safe. In this post, we’ll unpack everything you need to know to safely plan your Belize getaway. 

Is Belize safe for solo female travelers?

Overall, yes, Belize is a safe country for solo female travelers.

It’s kind of an unheard-of destination, so chances are friends and family at home will have a negative perception of the country. 

It’s true, Belize City can be unsafe, but the country as a whole is not dangerous, and receives hundreds of thousands of international travelers each year.

It’s always a good idea to check your home country’s travel safety advisories. The US Department of State, Canada’s Travel Advisory and Australia’s Smart Traveller all rank Belize at Level 2 – Exercise a High Degree of Caution. 

Most of their specific safety and crime advice relates to Belize City. 

Belize City isn’t actually the capital (that title goes to Belmopan, one of the smallest capital cities in the world), but it is the major transport hub of the country.

It houses the only international airport and is a key hub for traveling to the islands and Belize Barrier Reef. 

You will inevitably pass here at some point in your trip.

It’s not a safe city, and the majority of crime and violence in Belize happens here. 

The ‘Southside’, the area south of the Haulover Creek Canal, is the worst, with a lot of gang-related violence. Tourists aren’t generally targeted, but there is no reason for you to go there, so avoid it.

You don’t need to factor in any time in the city, and if you don’t have to stay overnight, don’t. There are so many other great places to visit in Belize, don’t waste your time or risk your safety in Belize City. 

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My flight arrived in Belize City in the evening, so I missed the last ferry to Caye Caulker and needed to stay the night.

I was totally safe, and there wasn’t anything major to worry about, but I was careful to choose an accommodation that was close to the ferry dock with good reviews and organized a private transfer from the airport directly to my accommodation.

So, besides Belize City, the rest of the country is safe for solo female travelers! 

I didn’t feel on edge or uncomfortable. There is a bit of catcalling on the islands, which is something to be aware of. Although it is rarely unsafe and is mostly just annoying and a bit intimidating.

Throughout the rest of this post, I’ll share some tips to help you make the most of your time in Belize, and stay as safe and healthy as possible.

Pros for solo female travel in Belize

• English is the official language – one of the greatest advantages of solo travel in Belize is that English is the country’s official language. This makes it really easy to navigate and communicate with the locals. It can be overwhelming traveling in neighboring Latin American countries with the Spanish language barrier, but Belize is very easy to travel in. 
• A small country with a defined traveler route – Belize is a small place and there is a clearly defined backpacker/traveler route. Most visitors will generally head out to the Cayes and stay on one or more of the popular islands, Ambergris Caye or Caye Caulker. San Ignacio is the inland hub for jungle adventures. If you meet other solo travelers in one spot, chances are you’ll catch up again a few days later!
• Great tourist infrastructure – Belize has a pretty good tourist infrastructure, making solo travel safe and easy. No matter your budget, you can find secure and good quality accommodation around the country. There is a network of tourist shuttles for transport if you don’t want to navigate local buses and fantastic tour operators.
• Lots of the best things to do can only be done via organized tour – which benefits a solo traveler in two ways. First, you will have travel companions for the fun activities to do in Belize. Secondly, the cost for these tours is set per person, so there’s no additional cost for being a solo traveler.

Cons for solo female travel in Belize

• Male catcalling – solo female travelers should be aware that catcalling and verbal harassment can be a problem, particularly on the islands. Most of the time it is harmless and won’t lead anywhere unsafe. But that doesn’t make it okay, and it can still be intimidating and uncomfortable especially if you’re solo. Ignoring it is the best policy, and try not to end up by yourself in lonely, dark or unpopulated areas. 
• Belize City – is generally not a safe place, and should be avoided. It’s inevitable that you will pass through at some point, either through the airport or on and off the ferries to the island, but don’t hang around if you can help it. The south side of the city is particularly unsafe due to gang-related violence.
• High costs – there’s no sugarcoating it, Belize is expensive when compared to neighboring destinations like Guatemala and Mexico. If you’re a solo traveler on a tight budget, it can be tempting to make decisions based on cost, not safety. Budget in extra buffer money to allow yourself to take taxis or tourist shuttles, or hire a guide if it makes you feel safer.

Belize Safety Tips & Precautions to Take During Your Solo Trip

Like everywhere around the world, there are precautions you should take when solo traveling in Belize to take care of yourself and stay safe.

• Avoid Belize City – as mentioned, don’t stay longer than necessary in Belize City. There aren’t any major attractions or activities worth doing there anyway, so you’re not missing out on anything. Your time is better spent on the cayes or in the jungle.
• Protect yourself from mosquito bites – Zika virus, dengue fever and malaria are present in Belize. I got dengue fever in Guatemala, and ended up in the hospital for 3 days which wasn’t fun! Bring DEET repellent and long sleeves and pants to cover up in the evenings.
• Don’t drink the water – tap water in Belize isn’t safe to drink. Most accommodations will provide purified water refill stations. If you do need to buy water, opt for larger containers rather than small bottles to reduce the amount of single-use plastic waste you create.
• Limit your alcohol consumption – when bad things happen overseas, it’s usually related to alcohol. The rum punches go down very easily in Belize, and most tours will end with a drink or two. They mix them strong, but the juice can mask the taste of alcohol, so keep track of how many you’ve had. If you are going out drinking, go with other travel companions and stick in a group. Only accept drinks from bartenders, and keep your eye on your glass, drink spiking occasionally happens.
• Don’t end up alone at night – like everywhere in the world, you should avoid walking alone late at night. If you’re going out, find other friends to go with and always travel to and from the hostel together. If you’re somewhere with taxis, take one at night instead of walking.
• Always watch your belongings – petty theft is common, particularly on the cayes. Always keep an eye on your belongings, and don’t leave phones or wallets lying on tables. If you’re heading out for the night, only bring exactly what you need. Don’t carry your passport or credit cards unnecessarily. Wearing a cross-body bag is the safest option to keep your belongings close to your body.
• Swimming safety – many of the best things to do in Belize revolve around the water. Snorkeling on the Belize Barrier Reef, scuba diving in the Great Blue Hole, or tubing through a cave, you’ll be swimming a lot. Take precautions when in the water, wear a life jacket if you need it and follow your tour operator’s instructions.
• Do not take drugs – it could cost you a very lengthy jail sentence. You will have people offer you drugs, particularly on the Cayes, and you will smell marijuana often. It’s not worth the risk.

Top destinations in Belize

For solo travelers looking for companions

Caye Caulker – the number one destination for solo travelers in Belize is Caye Caulker. This laidback Caribbean island’s motto is ‘go slow’. With no cars, sandy streets to cycle around and a constant hum of reggae tunes, you can’t help but chill out!

A hub for backpackers and budget travelers, there’s plenty of fun to be had on Caye Caulker. Hang out at The Split, a literal divide in the island caused by a hurricane, with a deep channel for swimming and a bar, Lazy Lizard, serving up beverages.

Take a snorkeling tour on the reef to swim with sharks, rays and manatees if you’re lucky, or get a view from above on a scenic flight over the Great Blue Hole.

Ambergris Caye – the other island in Belize, Ambergris Caye is an upscale version of Caye Caulker. You’ll find more resorts, restaurants and clubs here, if that’s what you’re into. You can still expect the tropical Caribbean vibes, just with a slightly higher price tag, and different types of travelers.

San Pedro is the main settlement on the island. You can take snorkel tours just as easily from here, as well as flights over the Blue Hole. Visit Secret Beach for a proper stretch of sand (not common on the cayes), and enjoy the sunsets!

San Ignacio – located in Western Belize in the Cayo District, San Ignacio is the adventure hub. Used as a jump-off point for all kinds of jungle activities, this is a great spot for adventurous solo female travelers.

You can trek inside the sacred ATM Cave with Mayan artifacts and human remains, or float on an inflatable tube through an underground river in a cave system.

Mountain Pine Ridge is a protected reserve with waterfalls and caves, and there are many different ancient Mayan cities to explore like Xunantunich, Caracol and Cahal Pech. 

For solo travelers looking to safely get off the beaten path

Ragga Sailing Adventures 3D/2N Tour – the ultimate off-the-beaten-path adventure for solo travelers in Belize is the Ragga Sailing Adventures multi-day sailing trip.

Setting sail for Caye Caulker, you’ll spend three days with a fun crew of other travelers, sailing the insanely blue waters of the Caribbean, snorkeling and spearfishing on the barrier reef, and camping on remote cayes.

On the scale of epicness, it doesn’t really get much better than this for solo travelers in Belize!

Hopkins – this laidback coastal village offers what the cayes can’t – beaches. Islands don’t always equal beaches, and if you want to laze on the sand under palm trees, Hopkins is a great place to do it.

The town has a vibrant Garifuna culture, and you can get involved in drumming classes or dance lessons. It also has easy access to Belize’s rainforest, with the Mayflower Bocawina National Park and the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Reserve easy day trips.

Tobacco Caye – for a true Castaways experience, Tobacco Caye is a remote island no larger than a few football fields, on the fringe of the Belize Barrier Reef. Being so remote may not sound like a safe experience for a solo traveler, but there are a handful of local-style accommodations here that provide secure lodging.

They coordinate transport to and from the island, and all meals are included. There is a great community feel with other travelers, and you all eat together at meal times on this tiny island. 

Best time to visit Belize

The best time to visit Belize is the dry season, which generally runs from around November – April. 

Being a tropical country, rain is possible at any time, particularly on the coast and cayes. But traveling during this period maximizes your chance of dry sunny days, without the intense heat and humidity of summer, and the risk of hurricanes and persistent rain.

This is of course peak travel time in Belize, so be sure to book accommodation in advance, particularly on the Cayes.

Visas and immigration

Citizens of most countries don’t require a visa to visit Belize if they are coming for 30 days or less for tourism purposes. You can check the latest immigration requirements here.

If you leave Belize via land or sea border into Mexico or Guatemala, you will need to pay an exit tax of $40 BZD or $20 USD. If you fly out of the country, this fee is usually included in your flight ticket.

Getting to Belize

Belize only has one international airport, the Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport in Belize City. There are flights from a handful of cities in the USA, Canada and around Latin America.

If you’re coming from Mexico, you can take a boat directly from Chetumal to Ambergris Caye or Caye Caulker. This is the quickest and easiest way to get between the two countries, but there are buses from Bacalar or Chetumal to Belize City. 

If you’re in Guatemala, the safest and easiest border to cross is in Benque Viejo, near San Ignacio. Tourist shuttles run from Flores in Guatemala to San Ignacio in Belize and assist you with the border crossing. It’s generally an easy and straightforward border crossing that is not known for scams or crime.

Getting around Belize

A lot of travel around Belize is done via boat, getting to and from the cayes. San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi is a reputable operator that runs services from Chetumal (Mexico), Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker and Belize City.

To get around on land, the safest way is via a tourist shuttle. Airconditioned minivans move tourists from point A to point B, without needing to take local buses that are slow and stop frequently. 

If you’re coming from the islands and heading to San Ignacio (or vice versa) you can book a package that includes your ferry ticket too. The shuttle van will align the times, and you won’t have to navigate the journey alone. 

There is a pretty efficient local bus system that connects destinations around the country. It is generally safe, but some solo travelers might not want to navigate the bus station in Belize City. If you’re an experienced solo traveler, you won’t have any troubles on the bus.

If you have to take taxis, be sure to only use registered ones with green license plates. Negotiate the price before you get in, meters are rarely used.

Accommodations around Belize

Belize has great accommodations for all styles of solo travelers.

If you’re on a budget and want to meet other travelers, hostels are a great choice. There are plenty of clean and social hostels around the country, and not all of them have a party vibe if that’s not what you’re looking for.

Top-rated hostels:

• Go Slow Hostel (Caye Caulker)
• Yellow Belly Backpackers (San Ignacio)
• The Funky Dodo Backpackers Hostel (Hopkins)
• Sandbar Beachfront Hostel (San Pedro)

In the midrange, Airbnb is a great resource. You can find lots of self-contained options with kitchens if you like to cook.

Rather than standard hotel rooms, a lot of the accommodation providers in Belize have cabins or cabanas, which again offer a more self-contained option for a reasonable price.

Best mid-range hotels and cabins:

• Tobacco Caye Paradise (Tobacco Caye)
• Colinda Cabanas (Caye Caulker)
• Hummingbird Rest (San Ignacio)
• Caribbean Villas Hotel (Ambergris Caye)

If you’ve got a bit more cash to splash, there are some fantastic eco-lodges in Belize. Often, these are in more remote areas, but to cater to this, they offer an inclusive package with meals and activities. They usually include transport too, so it’s a safe way for solo travelers to get into the jungle!

• Bocawina Rainforest Resort & Adventures
• The Lodge at Chaa Creek
• Sleeping Giant Rainforest Lodge
• GAIA Riverlodge

Currency and cash in Belize

Belize uses its own currency, the Belize Dollar (BZD). 

The Belize dollar is linked with the US Dollar and is tied at a rate of $1 USD = $2 BZD.

You can use USD or BZD all over the country at this rate. If you pay in USD, expect that you may get change in BZD.

Larger-scale hotels and restaurants accept credit cards, as do most tour agencies. However, cash is preferred at other small local establishments.

ATMs are not in abundance, and often run out of money or have large queues. The positive is that most don’t charge any fees to withdraw cash. 

When you get the chance to take money from the ATM, you should stock up and keep the extra secured in a safe place in your luggage.  

So is Belize safe? Final thoughts

Yes, Belize is a safe and fun destination for solo female travelers. 

There are so many amazing things to see and do, from the reef to the rainforest. It really is a tropical paradise, with its incredible blue waters, dense jungle, and fantastic Mayan history. 

If you research and plan your trip well, follow our tips, and take all the necessary precautions, you can have a safe and enjoyable solo trip in Belize. 

You probably won’t even spend that much time alone if you don’t want to, with the great community of other travelers in the country. 

Be prepared for the catcalling, and never get into a tricky situation with excessive alcohol or drugs. 

Belize is an amazing country, so book that ticket and get going! 

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Author’s Bio: Sally fell in love with Latin America after extensive travels in the region. She aims to help travelers discover the magic of Latin America through detailed guides to inspire and equip them with the knowledge they need to plan their own epic adventures in this incredible part of the world. You can check her out at: https://sallysees.com/