I ultimately decided to assemble this Belize packing list because, after the fact, I learned so much about what to pack for Belize that I was not prepared for. Before this, I was generally not a fan of packing posts. Like, I don’t need you to remind me to pack toothpaste and deodorant—every traveler knows they much maintain some sort of hygienic existence on the road.
Plus, every traveler is different. I don’t wear sarongs or multi-functional scarves. And you’ll never, ever find ballet flats and practical skirts in my suitcase. (Who are these travelers? And how do they climb mountains in ballet flats?)
However, there is one item I believe all travelers take with them regardless of destination—a full supply of denial. It comes in many forms: “Can’t forget my makeup! I’m going to look so pretty in the jungle. I’m definitely going to wear all this jewelry. Of course I’m going to work out on my vacation!” Ha, girl you’re so stupid.
My trip to Belize was no exception, except maybe to the rules of hygiene. Oh, the space I could have saved for rum and hot sauce. So, here’s what to pack for Belize based on lessons learned the hard way.
This post was originally published in June 2016 but has been completely updated for 2022.
Belize packing list: What to know
First of all, it’s hot in Belize. Like, eating habanero peppers on the surface of the sun while watching Jared Leto front a rock band.
I know, you’d never think the surface of the sun could harbor 90% humidity but there I was, accidentally drinking my own salty sweat as it ran from my face into my mouth. I knew heat would be a thing because I looked at the forecast beforehand that showed 86°F every day I’d be there.
THIS IS SO HILARIOUSLY INACCURATE. I don’t know where on Earth (literally) the weather people get their information because I’m certain the temperature in the Belizean jungle never dipped below 110°F.
Luckily, when deciding what to pack for Belize, I planned for hot. I just wish I’d planned for OMG I think I might die… yup, this is it. This is the end.
What to wear in Belize
During my six days in Belize (+1 in Guatemala), I wore 20 of the 29 pieces of clothing pictured here. Not bad! That’s definitely a better ratio than the fried chicken to fitness comparison I saw on that trip. Those results I’m keeping to myself.
The photo above illustrates my standard “what to pack for Belize” look for the trip and also why I’ll never be a fashion icon. That and my love for beer and deep-fried things.
Cheerleading shorts, a sports bra, and a loose-fitting tank top were all I could bear to wear in the 100°F+ Central American heat. I look reasonably clean in this picture but if only you could understand the level of sweaty I was when this photo was taken. I came home three pounds lighter if that tells you anything. Fashion – 0, Survival – 7
Tops
For this trip to Belize I stuck to just plain ol’ tank tops, as loose-fitting as possible. This includes a tank top dress and a tube top dress I didn’t wear anyway. Sleeves be damned! (Although, this would eventually be my demise.)
Bottoms
Luckily, I’m familiar enough with humidity to understand I needed to pack three pairs of Soffe shorts and a pair of hiking shorts. I also packed a nicer pair of white shorts, a full-length pair of white linen pants, a one-piece jumper thing I thought was cute for a hot second, a flowy maxi skirt (ha!), and a pair of denim overall shorts (*keels over in a fit of laughter*).
Apparel packed but not pictured
Underwear (some things are left to the imagination, no?), socks I needed for some adventures, a strapless bra to wear with my “nicer” tops which is the single most uncomfortable and ridiculous thing to bring into the jungle with you, and something to sleep in.
Scratch that, my pajamas are pictured. Depending on what time of year you visit, you may end up just sleeping in your birthday suit sprawled out in front of a box fan.
Don’t bring nice things
I packed a few dresses and a few “nice” tops thinking maybe there’d be a night or two I’d want to look not like a howler monkey for dinner. Nuh-uh. Nope. There is no looking nice when you’re in the jungle during a drought.
Oddly enough, too, because I’m sure I could have filled the river basin with back sweat. I did, however, wear the tank top dress three whole days in a row because it was the only thing that allowed adequate air flow to my nether regions. ‘Twas the most practical of all my Belize outfits.
If you do want to bring something *nicer* with you, like if you’re not visiting during the hottest time of year like I did, check out lulus.com. They’re my absolute favorite company to purchase from!
What NOT to wear in Belize
Denim
It’s way too heavy, too hot, too sticky, uncomfortable, restrictive, and just all around terrible. I honestly don’t know what I was thinking.
All white things
I brought a pair of nice white shorts and some white linen pants. Neither of these things were white when I left Belize.
The white linen pants were only worn for salvation after sitting in (and sticking to) chairs became too painful for my severely sunburned butt cheeks. These pants actually saved me. Except when they almost got stuck in my bike chain. Also, no longer white.
Things I wanted to keep clean
Don’t bring anything to Belize you wouldn’t mind destroying with road dirt (so much emphasis here), sweat, bike rust, hot sauce splatter, and/or sunburn tears.
Strapless bra
Just don’t bring any tops that require the use of a strapless bra. Unless peeling a soaking wet bra off yourself at the end of the day is on your Belize bucket list.
The romper
I wore that thing once and it immediately shrunk. Now it’s basically just a pair of underwear with a shirt attached. Hell, let’s just call it was it is – a onesie.
What to pack for Belize: Shoes
I wore all the shoes I brought! That maybe has never happened before. Everything you see in this picture is now covered in a thick layer of road dust plastered on with sweat that dripped from my body. I packed a couple pairs of flip-flops and a “nicer” pair of sandals that I wore once then realized I was so, so stupid.
The best shoes for Belize
But the two I wore the most and the most important on the list of what to pack for Belize:
Belize jungle activities
During my time in Belize jungle, I:
- hiked through a cave (that involved river crossings, a lot of swimming, rock climbing, some ladder action, a jungle hike, and eating some live termites – irrelevant but still notable)
- explored the ancient Mayan complex of Tikal and climbed many of the towers (pictured earlier)
- hiked to the summit of a mountain
- mountain biked through the jungle
- hiked to and swam in a jungle river
- rode a packed, old, beat up American school bus across the country standing up in the aisle
Where to stay in Belize
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I split my time in Belize between the jungle and the islands. In the jungle I stayed at the incredible Black Rock Lodge and highly recommend it. Read my full Black Rock Lodge review here. On the island of Caye Caulker I stayed at Colinda Cabanas. Read more about that in my post on 3 days in Caye Caulker.
You need these shoes
To say these two pairs of shoes were invaluable is an understatement. I’ve had the North Face hiking shoes for years but the Keens I bought specifically for this trip and our adventure through Belize’s famed ATM Cave.
The Keens are basically hiking boots made for hikes that involve water and they’re the absolute best shoes for Belize. While there we noticed everyone else was wearing Keens too.
They’re not the best looking shoe but still the most comfortable shoes I own. Can I wear these to your wedding? See also: Why I’m not a fashion icon.
ATM Cave
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For more on why Keens are the best shoes to pack for Belize, check out my post specifically on what to pack for the ATM Cave in Belize. It’s full of everything you’ll need to wear, bring, and leave behind!
Shoes I should have left behind
Let’s be honest, I really only needed one pair of flip-flips, my hiking shoes, and my Keens.
I should’ve left the fancy Ralph Lauren’s and the gold sandals behind since I only wore them each for like an hour. One incredibly uncomfortable hour. I was clearly trying very, very hard.
What to pack for Belize: Swimwear
When deciding what to pack for Belize, anyone who’s been to a Caribbean island knows they’re going to need many swimsuits, the region’s official dress code.
Yellow for snorkeling, teal for just about anything, sequins for my bachelorette party in Las Vegas that I somehow thought I needed in Belize.
What I didn’t pack that I wish I had: a rash guard. If you have plans to snorkel in Belize, take it from me, you’ll need to protect your skin! I got the worst sunburn of my life on my snorkel trip. Cover your arms, your back, and your bum – I can’t stress this enough!
Swimwear I should have left behind
The sparkly one. Caye Caulker, Belize is the lowest-key, most chill place I’ve ever been. There’s no room for sequins on Caye Caulker. Regardless, even though I should have worn all three of these, I, of course, did not.
I wore the teal one while hiking the ATM Cave. Then I forgot I brought the yellow one and wore the teal one again snorkeling in Caye Caulker. Then, due to the intense sunburn I acquired in the exact shape of the teal one, I was forced to wear it for the rest of the trip anyway.
Depending on how long you’ll be in Belize, you really only need like two good bathing suits. And make sure they’re functional over fashionable!
Packing list for Belize adventures
So, Belize is full of adventures. I squeezed in as many as I could but still only scratched the surface. And my shins. So much.
As I mentioned, in Belize we:
- toured the ATM Cave,
- took a day trip to Tikal,
- climbed a mountain,
- spent 3 days in Caye Caulker,
- biked through the jungle,
- and spent some time snorkeling in Belize.
We made good use of all the things pictured here (except for one) that we brought for these occasions.
What to pack for Belize: snorkeling
Proper snorkeling gear
Aqualung fins, mask, and snorkel. Yes, they have snorkeling gear there but I prefer my own because I’m a snorkel snob. I mean, would you use a communal straw at a restaurant if all they did to clean it was dip it in the ocean? I didn’t think so.
Antifog gel
I use Spit antifog gel for my mask every time I’m in the water. It keeps your mask from fogging up so you can see all the amazing things there is to see in Belize’s Hol Chan Marine Reserve, the 2nd largest barrier reef in the world. This is a snorkeling must-have!
Dive socks
I love my dive booties. These are great for keeping your snorkel fins in place while you’re in the water, and even better for walking around on the wet, slippery boat.
Jungle packing list
Binoculars
I highly recommend bringing some compact binoculars for the wildlife obsession. Belize is actually one of the top bird-watching destinations in the world, if you’re into that. But also, howler monkeys and toucans galore!
Water bottle fanny pack
I wear my water bottle fanny pack for hiking because I need both hands when I fall. It also has a little pocket for chapstick and your ID for identifying you when you pass out from heat exhaustion. Belize really is the best!
Refillable water bottle
Pictured above is a standard Camelbak Eddy but I now use this Takeya stainless steel bottle instead and it never leaves my side (⇡ literally, har har). It never leaks the way Camelbak does and it keeps my water cold for daysss.
Regardless of what kind you bring, this may be the most important thing to pack for Belize. The threat of dehydration in real in Belize! Both my accommodations in the jungle and on the islands came with 10-gallon jugs of clean water to refill my bottle with nonstop.
Sunglasses
Even these cheap, polarized classics will do. But my new love is these inexpensive but fashionable polarized beauties. These are the best “cheap” sunglasses I’ve ever purchased!
Dry bag
Personally, I didn’t find out about dry bags until I was already in Belize. However, I now use my 10L dry bag all the time.
Dry bags are the best option for when you want to keep your things away from water, dirt, sun, and everything else. In Belize, dry bags are perfect for the beach and snorkeling, for miscellaneous jungle adventures, river tubing, boating, and absolutely necessary for touring the ATM Cave.
Dry bags come in many sizes, but a 10L one will hold a couple of towels, shoes, clothing, a book, phones, and most of whatever else you’ll need. (Without being too big and bulky)
Dry bag for your phone
I’m new to the world of waterproof phone cases but they’ve been a favorite of my readers for years! This little dry bag for your phone lets you use it safely on the beach and even underwater. It takes some getting used to but definitely works!
Backup sustenance
I always advocate for bringing extra, backup food where jungle adventures are concerned. Actually, just always bring food with you everywhere. I always have Clif Bars on hand but bring your protein bar of choice!
Bug repellent
I brought OFF! Deep Woods bug repellent for all those Zika-carrying mosquitos we were warned about. Oh, but guess what? There was a drought and we didn’t encounter a single mosquito in Belize. The jungle just isn’t what it used to be.
However, I would still highly recommend bringing bug spray to Belize with you. It is the jungle after all. Gimme all the deet!
Belize culture shock
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My first trip to Belize was full of shock-inducing moments. Read this post to learn about the 17 things that shocked me in Belize! From fire to food to eating live termites in the jungle and more.
What I should have left behind
Nothing! I brought all the right stuff and nothing I didn’t need. OK, technically I didn’t use the bug spray but I would’ve been stressed had I not brought it. Peace of mind, y’all. The most important thing to have on your travels.
What to pack for Belize: the beach
Well….. we didn’t spend much time at the “beach” so much as we did the bar near the water but most of this did get used.
Anticipating my days on Caye Caulker I packed:
- Beach bag – As you’ll see, I carried a lot of my denial in here.
- Beach towels
- An Aerobie because the thought of “laying around” on the beach gives me anxiety and I need physical activity at all times. The Aerobie is the round, yellow thing that screams “Denial!” as it whizzes by your head only you’ll never hear it because it didn’t leave the bag.
- Sunscreen + SPF lipbalm
- Magazines – you can steal these from your local craft brewery
- Actually really good sunglasses since I anticipated a much lower activity level on the islands than I did in the jungle.
Beach things I should’ve left behind
The beach towels
Both places we stayed provided us with all the beach towels we could ever need. I have no idea why I thought a beach cabana on the beach wouldn’t provide these.
Leave these at home! They take up a lot of space in your suitcase and smell awful the entire week you drag them around.
Obviously this trip was before I started traveling with quick-dry, microfiber towels. These are much easier to pack, are super absorbent, dry quickly, and don’t smell bad!
The magazines
Honestly, who was I kidding? The only thing I read at the beach was the label of the Belikin beer bottle.
The Ralph Lauren sunglasses
I wore the cheap plastic ones the whole week and they were perfect.
Ladies! My hair was in a messy bun the entire week. Now, you know what happens when you wear metal sunglasses with nosepieces when your hair is up. So much ripping.
The plastic frames you can slide on top of your head and off with ease, something I do a lot for taking pictures and when using my shirt to wipe the sweat off my face. You will too. Just stick with the simple sunglasses.
The Coppertone
SPF 8? Tanning lotion? Psshhhh! I’ve never been darker than I am right now from this Belize trip and this is all from trying to avoid the sun! You definitely won’t have trouble getting some color in Belize so the more SPF the better.
What to pack for Belize: Electronics
Yes, it’s all necessary! I could have done without all the clothing and beach towels and *rolls eyes* reading material, but I cannot do without my gear.
What to pack for Belize: travel gear must-haves
Really good camera
My new obsession, my baby, my Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II (whatever the hell all that means. It’s a camera, people.) + 12-40mm lens + 40-150mm lens + charger.
Belize is so beautiful you’ll definitely be snapping away nonstop. This camera is great for traveling and specifically for traveling to Belize. It’s dust- proof, sand-proof, shock-proof, and water resistant. I brought it everywhere on this trip (climbing mountains, riding bikes, you name it) and it held up perfectly!
Don’t forget the charger!
SD cards
I always bring a couple SD cards with me in case I just see so many cool birds I run out of space. For this trip I packed one 64GB SD card and one 16GB SD card + whatever micro SD is in my GoPro.
Tripods
To Belize I brought the Joby GorillaPod, Zoom model – the weird looking tripod that’s flexible and weighs practically nothing. But now I always travel with the cell phone-sized version of this so I can use it anywhere.
GoPro and accessories
For all the adventures I got up to in Belize, I had to have my GoPro! I mostly just used it snorkeling and to create the snorkeling video at the top of this post. But you can also use it for hiking and hiking, wind surfing (which I’m totally trying next time), kayaking, river tubing, and literally everything else.
Don’t forget the charger!
And with it I always bring my arsenal of GoPro accessories:
- GoPro floating hand grip for sturdier underwater shooting plus it floats and has an adjustable strap so… idiot-proof.
- GoPro chest mount for activities like mountain biking and kayaking when you want to see your hands
- Head strap for things like river tubing or spelunking
- And the extremely necessary Polar Pro GoPro red snorkel filter. The red filter balances out the blues and greens you get when filming in the ocean to give you colors closer to what you actually see. I show you:
On the left is the picture of the sea turtle I took with my GoPro + red filter. The picture on the right my husband took of me taking the picture of the sea turtle (no red filter).
On the left is how I saw it when I was down there in between being head-butted by sharks and bitch-slapped by turtles – vibrant colors and crystal clear water. And that’s how I’d like to remember it.
Pictured but not mentioned
- A curling iron
- Fujifilm FinePix waterproof digital camera + battery charger + floaty wrist thing. This is the camera I used on my first trip to Iceland’s Blue Lagoon and snorkeling in Hawaii before I got my GoPro. It’s good, but there’s nothing better than a GoPro.
Electronics I should have left behind
Well, I didn’t use the GoPro chest or head strap but I’m glad I brought them (and I definitely could have used them). Peace of mind, remember? They weigh almost nothing and pack up real tight.
But mostly, the curling iron. HAHAHAHAHAHAHA I laugh hysterically at how naïve I was to pack a curling iron for Belize.
It’s something I always pack, regardless of what I have planned or where I’m going. I have long, straight hair that I usually curl into big waves… when I care. Caring about my hair was utterly impossible in Belize. Wearing my hair down was also impossible.
Every day was the same: shower, apply Moroccan oil (a non-negotiable), stand naked in front of the wind machine to air dry and pretend I’m a fashion model. Wrap hair into a bun on top of my head before leaving the cabin/cabana. Do not remove until next shower.
It was too damn hot and sweaty and sticky for anything else. Every time I saw the curling iron in my suitcase I LOL’ed. Idiot. Now I know.
How to pack for Belize
Packing cubes
I may be late to the game but I know a lot of you who still haven’t jumped on the packing cube bandwagon. You need to use packing cubes! I use the TravelWise Packing Cube System and I’m obsessed. These things have seriously changed my travel game.
Bra travel case
And of course my bra travel case. These hard shell bra travel cases are so great. They prevent all your bras and bathing suit tops from getting all bent up and keep them the shape they’re supposed to be.
In this one I have three bras, three swimsuits (tops and bottom), and five pairs of socks. (Because, let’s face it, my bras don’t take up all that much space.)
What I should have packed for Belize
A hat
I meant to bring a hat for hiking, or any other reason I’d need it, buuuut I forgot and ended up buying one there. Even though I have 10 at my house.
The sun of the islands is inescapable and sometimes you just have to create your own shade.
A t-shirt
I focused so much on the Belize is hot thing and refused to pack anything other than tank tops. This became a problem after the snorkel sunburn of 2016 and the need for something to cover my shoulders. Again, I had to buy one there.
I know it’s hot in Belize, but bring something with sleeves. This should be their tourism slogan.
After sun lotion
By the grace of a Mayan god I ended up finding some Ocean Potion burn relief at the gift shop in Caye Caulker. However, it was pretty funny having to get my husband to chop off some stalks of the aloe plant outside our cabana to apply to my burnt butt cheeks. *Sigh* The memories that will stay with us forever…
Ibuprofen
After the snorkel sunburn of 2016 I needed much Ibuprofen. During the 2-hour cross-country chicken bus ride through the uncontrolled wildfires of Belize, I needed much Ibuprofen.
Luckily, Belize has pharmacies and you can purchase drugs by the pill (Ibuprofen among them), the way I wish you could in the U.S.
First aid
Mostly, Neosporin and bandaids. Because rock climbing inside a cave, underwater, is hard and coral is sharp. After many years of traveling and adventure, I know now the importance of bringing a small travel-sized first aid kit.
Dry bag
Like I mentioned earlier, it was on my trip to the ATM Cave that I learned about dry bags for the first time. I had attempted to put everything I wanted to keep dry into a series of Ziplock bags but ended up eating a wet granola bar. You had ONE JOB, Ziplock!
I have a dry bag now and it’s definitely the best possible way to keep things dry, even while submerged in water.
Headlamp
Yes, we have a couple of headlamps at home and could have used them on our jungle night hike and in our summit hike’s dark cave. Our guide provided some but I couldn’t figure out how to wear it so I just carried it around. (Leave me alone…)
It was really annoying dealing with the lamp while trying to keep the feisty tarantula from crawling up my arms and pants leg:
What else to pack for Belize
You’re not an idiot. You don’t need someone telling you what hygiene products to bring or what undergarments to pack. However, if you’d like to know my preferences, I’d be glad to share those with you.
Toiletries
I think you can handle this one and I’m sure you have a pretty good idea of what products I took with me. I’m not completely uncivilized, you know. I tried to remain as clean as possible, given the circumstances.
Underwear and socks
Yes, I brought them. At certain times it was all I wore. Think wind machine.
I needed socks for hiking and biking adventures, and for inside the ATM Cave when you have to take your Keens off and finish the hike in your socks. This is 100% a real thing you have to do.
Belize guidebook
I’m a big lover of travel guidebooks and this one was exactly what I needed for my trip. It’s the Fodor’s Belize guidebook (which includes a side trip to Guatemala, that I totally took).
Travel insurance
I highly recommend travel insurance and I personally never travel abroad without it. Especially given all the ways you can get injured in Belize! All your activities like hiking, biking, snorkeling, wind surfing, etc. are typically always covered and the rates are much lower than you probably think!
I always use World Nomads. Check them out and see if you like their policies – you can get an instant quote in that link.
Cosmetics
Another big dumb-dumb moment. I think I put on mascara a couple of days but that was the extent of it. I’d work up such a sweat putting makeup on that it would be completely null and void by the end of it. Don’t get caught in the vicious cycle like I did. Seriously, no one cares!
Now, if I could only learn to unpack…
More info for what to pack for Belize
› Heading to Belize? Find great places to stay in the jungle and on the islands.
› But where do I recommend? Black Rock Lodge and Colinda Cabanas.
› Check out these additional Belize posts.
› Like this post? Have questions? Reach out on Facebook or Instagram
What is something you always forget to pack?
Let me know below!
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Oktoberfest Trivia Quiz: How Much Do You Actually Know About Oktoberfest?
This was super helpful for me as I was packing for my trip so I wanted to circle back and add one thing. I was told stories of terrible butt burns by THREE different people when I told them I was going to Belize. That, combined with learning that most sunscreens are bad for the very reefs we are going to see, convinced me to wear yoga leggings on a snorkel trip and it was the best decision of my life. The internet will sell you “swim tights” for “water sports” but I am here to tell you that regular yoga leggings that you already have work great. All day snorkel trip. Amazing reefs. No guilt. No re-applying sunscreen. No butt burns. (And don’t worry, there are about a million other opportunities to wear a cute bikini in Belize…. beach, pool, tubing, cave tubing, rio on pools…)
Thank you so much Lauren! That’s such a good tip – totally wish I had thought of that before. The fact that you were warned about butt burns 3 times, wow LOL. I’ve definitely learned my lesson!
My additions: heavy intensity bug bite cream. Like hydrocortisone on steroids. Prescription strength. We rappelled a waterfall and waiting at the bottom for the rest of the group were just bitey bug bait. I was so grateful for our prescription strength itch cream. Next, a sunshirt for snorkeling–I wore a shorty wetsuit for diving, but snorkeling doesn’t need one, so a sunshirt helps protect from rays above and the reflective rays. Lastly, breezy pants. Chub rub is a thing. I wanted to rip off my thighs Jason Momoa at the Superbowl style. I couldn’t. Enter palazzo pants. So good. Thank you for an awesome post!
Good call on the hydrocortisone! That’s something I ALWAYS pack with me no matter what – I am totally adding that to the list. Thanks for the others too! (By big snorkeling burn was on my butt – I need a full-on wetsuit! lol) Thanks for your input!
Butt burns are the worst! I feel your pain 🙂
Headed to Belize in a few days. I found the packign advice here EXACTLY what I have been looking for over the last 6 months and haven’t found (seriously – 6 months! And no one ever has listed what they brought, wish they hadn’t, and were glad they did. I have 2 English degrees and a library degree! I can search effectively…so thanks!). However, reading material is ALWAYS a must. It is a truth universally known 🙂
That is so great to hear, Melissa! Thank you for that! I’m so glad I could help and you’re going to have a great time in Belize!
Love the blog! Advice was super helpful when we were planning for our trip to Central America. Thanks for posting! 🙂
(P.S. Dry bag was GENIUS!!!)
Thank you Sean! And yes – the dry bag is such a game changer! I use it in so many situations now. Hope you had a great trip!
I am so happy to have found this blog. We booked a last minute trip to Belize and I have been frantically trying to plan what to do. Since we leave in 5 days, no time to buy the Keen’s but luckily I am able to borrow a pair from a friend. I think that may be the most valuable advise ever! I’ll check back and tell you how ATM was! After your post I am terrified and excited at the same time.
Thank you so much Kari!! Trust me, you’ll see how valuable those Keens are! I am so happy to have found them.
I can’t wait to hear how you like the ATM Cave – I’d say you’re in the right frame of mind. Have a great trip!
We love your blog! We found you when planning a trip to Belize for ourselves and our two young kids, and you had us cracking up (and packing well!). Belize was amazing, in part because we were prepared! Thank you!!!! We weren’t able to do Black Rock, but we did a similar jungle lodge, Sleeping Giant, and then Tikal and a few days at the beach (including snorkeling). Such an amazing experience and wonderful people.
We are heading to Nicaragua next. I keep checking back to see if you’ve been there. I’m not sure how to pack without your guide!! 😀
Thank you so much Julie – your comment means the world to me! I’m so glad y’all had an amazing time and that I was able to help. (Is Belize freaking fantastic or what!?) I haven’t been to Nicaragua yet but I was talking about it the other day so hopefully some time in the near future!
Were you able to pack all of this as a carry on? I don’t want to check a bag but I’m worried I won’t be able to bring enough sunscreen in a carry on for my 7 day trip. I am very concerned about getting sunburnt!
Hi Sydni! Since I brought my own snorkel gear I had to check a bag (those fins are bigger than you think lol). If I hadn’t brought those I would’ve carried on. Also, YES you need a ton of sunscreen but that’s something you can buy there to be honest. If you’re going to any of the Cayes they have plenty of places to buy sunscreen. In the jungle you can probably find some at the pharmacy. Either way you can always pick a bottle of it up at the airport when you land.
Ok thank you for the advice. I am really wanting to only bring a carry on – and buying sunscreen in BZ versus paying $50 for a checked bag round trip would probably be more economical. I’m staying in Caye Caulker for 7 days at the end of May. I can’t wait!!! Also your post cracks me up esp the part about the curling iron hahaha
Oh perfect! Yeah, when you think of that sunscreen in terms of cost for checking a bag, the decision is made for you haha! And yeah, go ahead and leave your curling iron at home LOL. Have fun in Caye Caulker! I’m so jealous, it’s amazing!
Great post, thank you!
Im assuming you had a suitcase since you checked it. Did you have to take a water taxi to your beach destination and if so, was a suitcase tricky to get on?
I was thinking to pack my large backpack for my trip next week. I was thinking along the Thailand lines and how many times I had to walk to shore and the relief of not having a suitcase. However, I also was advised to bring my own snorkel gear so now I’m torn. The catch is, I don’t own snorkel gear so for the sake of ease did you notice that being something to acquire there for purchase easily or long term rental? I don’t want to bother checking gear in/out all the time and also wouldn’t mind having a set for future travel.
Thanks Sheli! I checked a regular sized suitcase (with my snorkeling gear) and it was totally manageable! The place I stayed in Caye Caulker had snorkel gear they could lend you, but I prefer my own too.
Getting the suitcase to the island wasn’t a big deal, but read about my experience in this article: https://www.mywanderlustylife.com/3-days-in-caye-caulker-belize/
It was easy and painless, but the process was a little confusing at the time, haha!
Then when you get to the island, you can take a golf cart cab to your place so you don’t have to drag it around. All in all, not a big deal! Have fun in Belize!
Great information and a laugh as well. What about places to stay. Your suggestions?
Thanks Susan! Yes, I have those too! Check out my post on the Black Rock Lodge, where I stayed in the jungle, here: https://www.mywanderlustylife.com/black-rock-lodge-belize-welcome-jungle/
and my post on Caye Caulker and where I stayed on the island, here: https://www.mywanderlustylife.com/3-days-in-caye-caulker-belize/
Hope those help! You can’t go wrong with either!
Definitely the best packing list post I’ve ever ready! haha
Thank you!! That means a lot to me. :):)
Literally my fav post. YOU GOT IT ALL RIGHT!! I loved the honest truth in all of this 😀 No travel fashionistas ever! LOL I alllllwaaaayyysss wish and try but NOPE! lol Thanks for the good laugh!
Haha thank you so much!! No matter how hard I try… I guess they’re just born with it! lol.
We have been to Belize 3 times with the 4th trip about 2 weeks away. The only packing nightmare we had was when my husband forgot to pack underware. We arrived in X-Mas Eve. Not sure if you noticed or not but there are lots of very small and very large people in Belize. We had the hardest time finding average US male size undies. But the cute little Asian size/style bikini undies are still in his drawer to this day! Lol
Hahah – this is so funny! Regardless of size, I wouldn’t have a clue as to wear you could buy underwear in Belize in the first place! Good job finding SOMETHING! Congrats on another trip to Belize – I can’t wait to make my return!
lol you don’t even need underwear in Belize just swim wear. We wore ours EVERYDAY, EVERYWHERE. No kidding.
You’re absolutely right about that. A bathing suit works for just about any activity you plan to do there LOL!
How many suitcases did you bring? what size suitcases
Hi Michelle! I just brought one medium-sized suitcase. I could have done a carry-on if I hadn’t brought the snorkel equipment though! 🙂
This was really helpful and quite funny! I was wondering what time of the year did you go? Might be going in the next few months and want it to be in the dry season.
Thank you Brittany! I was there at the end of May/beginning of June. It was right at the start of the “wet season” but there was a drought so we didn’t see a drop of water the whole time. And since we were there JUST after the high season, the prices of everything dropped significantly.
Love love love this post! It’s EXACTLY the packing post I was looking for. And the reassurance that my packing style wasn’t insane! I do like my packing cubes too, but never went whole hog. Might try it this time.
I had a couple of questions… hope you can answer them, it’s my first trip to Belize and I can’t wait. We’re from Canada and usually go to Hawaii around Thanksgiving, but… well, you know.
1 – You didn’t mention which actual suitcase & size you packed those cubes in? And 2 – I also have a question about declaring stuff – I was bringing tea and some medical supplies for the animal rescues in Hopkins, do you know if I declare used goods and tea? Even if it’s for personal use or donation? Appreciate it! Thanks again for sharing all this great info!
Hi Monica — that’s awesome! I’m so glad this post helped you so much!
For your first question, I used the middle size of my 3-piece luggage set. I just measured it and the dimensions are 27in tall, 18in wide, and 10in thick. And yes, I pack EVERYTHING in my packing cubes. The set shown (and linked to) above actually has a 5th piece but I didn’t even need it.
For your second question, I’m definitely no customs expert (as evident in the 4th paragraph of this post, haha). But my thoughts are that if you are just bringing tea for your own consumption (and not massive amounts to sell in Belize) than you should be fine bringing. But whether or not to declare? Keep reading for my answer on that…
As for the medical supplies, that may be a little bit different. My advice would be to check out the twitter account https://twitter.com/AskTSA … it’s a support line to ask questions like this directly to the TSA. I’d ask them about both the tea and the medical supplies.
Hope that helped! Have an amazing time in Belize–it’s an AWESOME place.
Thanks for all these tips. We will be heading to Belize in a few months and I can’t wait. I will definitely take your tips and apply many of them as I start planning/packing!
You’re welcome! So glad you found this post useful — you’re going to love Belize! Where all are you going?
sorry for the lack of response. We ended up in Placencia for 7 nights! It was amazing.
Awesome, I hope you had a phenomenal time!!
Yes, I never read packing posts either, they’re so stupid. That’s why I was hesitant to write one! But for real on the hair tools. And you’re right–a straightener would just be useless weight in the jungle!! 🙂
I might’ve missed it in the post but when did you travel to Belize?
Hi Ashley! I was there at the end of May / beginning of June. 🙂
Useful tips to get to Belize! I would like to go there one day, maybe during a big trip to Central America (Guatemala, Costa Rica too). I will bookmark this post ’cause I will need it! thanks 😀
That would be a great trip. I definitely want to spend more time in Guatemala and I’ve heard nothing but great things about Costa Rica!
Wow some really useful tips here. Thanks for sharing. It was quite helpful.
I like the way you have not just put up a list but actually related how you wore what and when. But I do am intrigued how you managed to pack that many pair of shoes 🙂
Thank you!! Well, I always wear the biggest pair on the plane (so in this case, the hiking shoes) and you can see I managed to fit the other four pairs as well as my scuba booties into a small packing cube 🙂
Such a cool post and I agree 100% that a post like this should be written AFTER experiencing the place in totality to give an informed and detailed list, like you did. No denim, I survive on jeans so like that is such a cool point to make and keep in mind. Oh! – and a topless pool party, hmmmm.
Thanks for such a detailed postbwith photos and why and why nots about everything. Very handy and useful.
Thanks so much! Yes–definitely no denim in Central America haha.
This post cracks me up. It brought back so many memories of sweating my rear off in Belize… We also brought the bug spray but didn’t need it in the jungle, but got eaten alive at the beach (go figure). The receptionist at our jungle lodge told us the bats eat all the mosquitoes which is why there aren’t any… – Fun fact for the day. 🙂
Oooh–good to know! We were told it was the unusual drought that kept all ours away. We did see plenty of bats though!
Wow what an in depth list. You hilarious style of writing kept me entertained throughout thanks.
I had such a great time in Belize and the only time I kept at a reasonable temperature was when I was snorkelling! I agree it is so hot!!
Haha yes — another great reason to hit the ocean! Although that backside sunburn is no joke!
Great tips! This could probably apply to any Central American country. When we were in Belize, it wasn’t quite as hot, but we were still sweaty once we started walking uphill or moving fast. Glad you were able to have such a fun trip!
Yeah you’re totally right! When were you there?
I need to get me those adorable overall shorts!! Where did you get those? I also really want that Joby Gorillapod…. here’s hoping for Christmas 😀 Great packing list!
I got the overalls at Zumiez (here’s the link: http://www.zumiez.com/empyre-haylee-potassium-blue-overall-shorts.html) I hope you get the Gorillapod too! I love that thing!
Yup! Scorching but so worth it. Glad you had fun in my old stomping ground. I did warn you about the sun!
Haha! Yes–that sun!! I love it though. Much better than the New England cold.
Bahaha, I was laughing my head off at the whole beauty and curling iron “necessities” bit. I just went to Belize in August and I found out the same as you that looking pretty just stops being a priority when that heat exists xD
Fantastic list and I love that you went through everything with us. But damn, I need to step up my tech gear for the next trip!
Thank you! And now you understand! Utterly pointless! But that’s something I love about Belize. You get to forget all that “looking good” and “smelling good” and “being clean” nonsense and just have a freaking great time! Did it rain a lot in August?
These are good things to know! I’m going to Colombia in August and feel like I might run into some similar heat issues there, however, I’m really bad at packing sensibly. I always seem to forget my toothbrush (which is no big deal; you can buy that anywhere!) or worse, I’ve had some (3 to be exact) close calls with forgetting my passport…luckily I never actually left it behind!
Haha! Yes Colombia is even closer to the equator! I’ve been to Venezuela many times and it’s HOT HOT HOT. And I was there in November/Dec/January. Good luck, girl! And I’ve never forgotten my passport but always have that fear. I did, however, forget my passport on the road to Canada once and had to turn around and go back home to get it. It was like an hour out so it wasn’t TOO devastating.
Hey Ashley,
Going to Belize in November. Do you have any kind of shorts you’d recommend? Brand, material, type of shorts etc. I know you mentioned you wore your cheerleading shorts. Would you recommend buying a few pairs of those? If so, where do you find those?
Hey Amber! When I was in Belize I just brought along some simple Soffe shorts (the brand name) and you can get them for about $5 each at places like Dick’s Sporting Goods, etc. Now I have a pair of Nike shorts that I love – I really think you can’t go wrong!