Your Ultimate Belize Packing List to Ensure a Stress-Free Holiday

Last updated: 30 August 2023

Are you planning a trip to Belize and trying to decide what to add to your Belize packing list? Do you have visions of only needing some flip-flops, swimming costume, and some casual light clothes? We did too!  We underestimated what we’d need to pack for our trip to Belize and didn’t take into account the unexpected cold snap, waves of humidity, and unexpected downpours. We learned that the key to building a successful packing list for Belize was an assortment of layers and a variety of items. And that’s exactly what we will cover in this post.  

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What should you include in your Belize packing list?

In terms of tropical landscape, Belize really has it all. If your itinerary in Belize is anything like ours, you’ll be going from remote jungles and rugged mountains where it can get pretty chilly, to pristine sandy beaches in full sun.

In this post, you will find different packing lists for different purposes.  There is a basic gender-based packing list to get you started, and another list for the tech you might want or need to take with you. There’s also a list of toiletries and some advice on the insect repellent that you absolutely must pack. There’s also packing lists for different activities like jungle trekking, exploring Maya ruins, a day on the water and a miscellaneous list for random things I think you should take with you. Mix and match the lists that work for you.

A word of advice, Belize is more expensive than you probably think it’s going to be. If you can take what you need with you, it’s likely to be cheaper than buying what you need in Belize, and that’s assuming they even have it.

Be sure to pack according to your schedule, so that means packing mostly light breathable clothes made from natural fibres that will help keep you cool during the day. For jungle experiences, hikes, or exploring remote Maya ruins you’ll want something a bit more sturdy.  On these days, it’s likely to be warm in the sun, but the mornings and evenings will be crisp. Layers will be the key to success with long sleeves and trousers or hiking pants to protect yourself against spiky flora and the vicious mosquitoes. 

While you might be inclined to pack your favourite Havaianas and little else, sturdy footwear is necessary. Hiking boots or robust sneakers for trekking and exploring the Maya ruins is required. If you’re headed to the ATM cave or into other ruins, ensure the soles are robust to withstand the uneven terrain and closed toe shoes to protect against the many creepy crawlies that call the Belize home.  

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Whether you choose to travel with a suitcase or a backpackers-style backpack is really up to you. It made little difference to us even though we moved around a lot. But hey ho, that’s one benefit to renting a car in Belize. If you’re intending to travel via public transport then it might be easier to navigate the uneven paths and rocky roads with a backpack slung over your shoulder rather than wheeling a suitcase behind you.  For this trip we took one traditional suitcase each, plus a day bag.  I like Osprey for day bags but there are plenty of equivalent bags on the market. 

Wet Season vs. Dry Season

You might be thinking about what should you include in your Belize packing because it must depend on the season, right?  Well Belize is generally warm to hot all year round, with two main seasons separated by two very small shoulder micro-seasons in between.  

High Season aka Dry Season runs from December to April. Expect warm sunny days and a lot of visitors, especially those escaping the frigid North American winters. The Cayes such as Caye Caulker, Ambergris Caye and its capital San Pedro will be buzzing with life.

Low Season aka Rainy Season runs June-October, often into November.  While they can strike any time, the peak hurricane season is August-September.

Belize is considered a tropical climate so with the sea getting warmer, the humidity, an impromptu torrential downpour isn’t unexpected.  Consider packing a lightweight poncho, rain jacket, or an umbrella to shield you should one strike. Visitor numbers will be significantly lower than at any other time in the year. Some experiences may be closed or operating on reduced hours.  

Shoulder Seasons are November and May. A good time to visit as most attractions are open, with lower prices, fewer tourists meaning you should have your pick of accommodation and activities.

Female Packing List

Clothes 

• 1 pair of cargo, hiking pants, stretchy chinos, or lightweight stretch jeans
• 1 yoga pants/tights – preferably that will fit under pants above for added warmth if needed 
• 2 pairs of shorts or culottes 
• 2 midi skirts or 1 skirt and 1 dress 
• 2 bathing suits (minimum) 
• 1 multipurpose sarong (which doubles as a skirt, cover up, shade and mosquito net if needed)
• 6 tops that mix & match with the bottoms 
• 1-2 long sleeve tops – especially if you’re heading to the jungle and/or out at dusk (Why? Mosquitoes…)  
• 1 cosy cardigan
• 1 pair of flip-flops/sandals 
• 1 pair of sneakers – preferably ones that you are prepared to get wet or get yourself a pair of water sandals 
• 5-6 pairs of socks – pack more if you’re not a sandals/thongs person
• Underwear
• Costume jewellery which can dress up an outfit such as earrings, chunky necklaces, a toe ring or an anklet. 
• 1 travel towel  
• 1-2 hat (broad brim plus a baseball cap) 
• Sunglasses

Packing Advice:

I was surprised by just how casual Belize is. I packed dresses I didn’t use once and a pair of sandals with flimsy soles that just weren’t suited to the uneven pavements and roads.

Think informal island casual and you’re likely getting the right feel of Belize. The atmosphere, the environment, the people and the feel of Belize in general is all very very relaxed, I would advise to dress for comfort above all else.

That being said, Belizeans are a conservative people. A skimpy bikini you can probably get away with on the beach, but very revealing outfits may turn heads in Belize City or outside the very touristy areas. I suggest packing a sarong to cover up once you leave the confines of the beach.

Unless you happen to be staying at a snazzy resort, celebrating a special occasion like a wedding, or going to church you’re not likely to need a fancy outfit. Instead, opt for easy breezy casual outfits that you feel comfortable in. Something that takes you from beach to brunch is great, from the beachside cabana to the local taco place for dinner. Think of the three C’s and you should be fine; cool, comfortable and cover-up.

Male Packing List

Some of this list will depend on how much you sweat and if you like washing on the go. Feel free to add or remove some items based on your personal needs. What Russ packs may be different from another man. 

The standard uniform for men from and visiting Belize seems to be a shirt and shorts with some sort of activity-appropriate footwear.  Shirts need not be collared, although I recommend you pack one just in case and an additional long sleeve to protect against the savage insects.  

Clothes 

• 1 pair of cargo/hiking pants, lightweight chinos. (Russ took jeans and wore them twice in 10 days)
• 2 pairs of shorts 
• 2 swimming trunks (minimum)
• 1 Rashie/swim-shirt 
• 6 t-shirts 
• 1-2 long sleeve shirt – Something you can wear to dinner if you need to, and something that’s going to keep the mosquitoes at bay
• 1 hoodie 
• 1 pair of flip-flops/sandals 
• 1 pair of casual sneakers – preferably ones that you are prepared to get wet
• 1 pair of hiking boots or sturdy walking shoes – preferably ones that you are prepared to get wet
• 5-6 pairs of socks – pack more if you’re not a sandals/thongs person
• Underwear
• Jewellery – Sure wear your leather strap or paracord bracelet but leave the gold Rolex at home
• 1 travel towel 
• 1-2 hat (foldable fedora plus a baseball cap) 
• Sunglasses 

I talk more below about choosing a snorkel if you have facial hair. 

Toiletries Packing List

• 1 travel/foldable toothbrush
• 1 tube of toothpaste (keep it under 100ml and you can take it in your carry on)
• 1 razor
• 1 small bottle of shampoo & conditioner
• 1 small bottle of shower gel
• Deodorant
• 1 dry shampoo – I like this one, or Lush’s No Drought because it’s an easy-to-use powder. 
• 1 hairbrush or a wide-tooth comb
• Spare contact lenses and solution
• 1 generous sized insect repellent containing DEET, take coconut oil as a backup if you have it to hand. 
• 1 quality insect bite relief cream/gel 
• 1 large bottle of sunscreen
  Opt for the strongest you can find, it should be 50+ SPF protecting you against UVA & UVB. If you’re spending time in the Cayes, opt for reef safe sunscreen to protect the coral. I’m personally not a fan of aerosol sunscreen. It’s not that it won’t protect your skin from harmful UV rays and sun damage, BUT you need to apply enough for it to be effective. I find the lotions work better. Buy a large bottle, 100ml is not enough for 10 days in Belize
• Aloe Vera/After sun lotion – Don’t let a sunburn spoil your holiday
• Basic first aid kit is always a good idea. Mine contains:
  • Band-Aids/Plasters
  • Hydrocortisone cream
  • Antibacterial cream
  • Earplugs
  • Hand sanitiser
• Medicine/Drugs
  • Paracetamol
  • Ibuprofen
  • Antihistamine
  • Diarrhoea drugs
  • Motion sickness pills – my preference is Kwells (NHS)
  • Prescription medicines – bring enough to last your trip
  • Asthma inhaler & a spare in case you lose it in the water

Additions for Females

• Contraceptives/birth control
• Feminine hygiene products
  A menstrual cup like Moon Cup or Diva Cup would be very handy in a destination like Belize.  However if you prefer standard supplies, bring your own and enough to last you throughout your trip to Belize. It’s not that it’s not available, more that your preferred brand is unlikely to be available and you don’t really want to be wandering around looking for it in every Pharmacy you can find
• Basic makeup – though you’ll likely sweat it off
• Hair tie and bobby pins 
  

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Tech Packing List

On top of all this then there’s the large amount of tech. The list below might seem rather intense for the average traveller. Depending on your travel tech style you may wish to mix and match any and all of these items to suit your needs.

For our 10 days in Belize, I took a Nikon DSLR with three lenses.  One for landscape, one for wildlife and a general purpose prime lens I like to use for portraiture and people.  A general purpose lens like a 24-105mm would surely suit most people.  

Read More: How to Buy a SIM Card in Belize

Packing a waterproof camera like GoPro is essential for your trip if you’re spending any time in the water.  Much of Belize’s beauty can be found underwater, don’t miss the opportunity to capture it. 

If you don’t have a GoPro or equivalent action camera, you might wish to invest in a protective case for your phone should you wish to take it in, or near, the water. Some cases while they are waterproof, they do not float.  Drop it in the water, and it’s gone forever. Activities like sightseeing boat rides, or tubing through caves can suddenly be a costly experience if you need to replace your smartphone. 

• Travel Power Adapter – Belize uses the 2 pronged flat type the same as the US
• Camera & charger
• Lenses (focal length & quantity will depend on activities)
• GoPro 
• Spare GoPro batteries & charger (Hero5/6/7, Hero8)

• Several micro SD cards – never ever take just one! 
• Consider your activities and pick GoPro accessories accordingly. Head strap, chest strap, floating hand grip, extension pole, are a good start
• GoPro’s standard waterproof housing is good down to 40m (131 ft) so you’ll be fine if you stick to those depth limits. If you’re diving beyond that you’ll need a specific housing
• A filter for your GoPro will correct the colours in your underwater content. The colour of the filter required depends on the depth you dive
• Small compact laptop and charger 
• Gimbal for stabilised mobile video creation
• Headphones – Noise-cancelling is best for the plane
• A power board – We like this one, with three universal plug sockets and six USB charging outlets. It also means you only need one power adaptor for the wall socket!
• One charging/data cable per phone (+ a spare)
• Portable battery pack
• Cables for accessories (we take mini, micro and USB-C to cover all the bases)
• Keep your cables and accessories organised with this packing cube for tech
  

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Miscellaneous Packing List

• • Cash. Cash is king in Belize.  While Belizean dollars BZ$ are the official currency, US Dollars are widely accepted throughout the country. Noting that regardless of the currency you use to pay, any change you receive will likely be in BZ$ or a combination of BZ$ and USD. US coins are not accepted, any coins provided as change will be in BZ$.
  • A combination lock – I like this one or this one from Pacsafe which has a retractable to loop
  • Zip-lock bags – unbelievably handy for snacks and lunch on the go/picnics, rapid storage/waterproofing small items
  • Plastic bags – great for transporting wet clothes, separating clean and dirty clothes in your bag
  • Reusable Water Bottle – Fill it with filtered water or use tap water with a purifying water bottle like LifeStraw
  • Goggles, snorkel & a microfibre buff band – add fins if you have them as the quality of gear you receive can vary from one tour to another. If you have facial hair, keep reading!
  • PADI certification card – if you have one
  • Guide book – We took the physical book, not an e-guide
  • A pen
  • Drivers license – if you plan to rent a car
  • Binoculars for bird watching and wildlife spotting
  • Don’t forget your passport! We like to use a travel wallet to keep essentials and travel documents in one place. Opt one in a colour other than black so you can find it quickly in your bag when you need it.

What to Pack for the Belize Jungle and/or a Maya Ruins Day Trip?

There’s a chance that to get to some of Belize’s Maya Ruins you will need to trek to get to them. Some are more accessible than others, so for these reasons I’ve combined both jungle trekking and Maya Ruins into one as you’ll most likely need the same gear.

However, it’s worth acknowledging that if you’re looking for Bear Grylls type ruggedness, you won’t be getting any advice on that from us.  This is basic level advice and packing for nothing which involves sleeping under a palm tree or knowing jungle survival skills.  

To explore the ancient ruins plan you absolutely need solid footwear. Steps are large, uneven and the platforms are thousands of years old. Keep that in mind when you explore on or around the ruins.  You will likely climb monuments so you want rugged shoes that will stay on your feet. I opted for sneakers with a solid shoe, an alternative would be these hiking shoes. Do not attempt to visit Maya ruins in sandals or flip flops.  

Due to navigating steep ancient steps, opt for lightweight, and flexible/loose-fitting clothing. Ensure you can see your feet so you know where you’re walking. For this reason I discourage flowy maxi dresses.  I wore a midi skirt and that was tricky enough to navigate the enormous ruin steps at Xunantunich.

Dress for the heat and humidity, by packing a sun hat and sunglasses. I love a day bag and would recommend a backpack for carrying snacks and water. At most of the Maya sites there are no shops to buy things, you might find some entrepreneurial locals selling drinks and snacks but I most certainly wouldn’t rely on it. Pack everything you need for the day, and a bit more – just in case. 

Things to Pack for a Caving Day Trip in Belize?

Cave tours, also known as caving, spelunking and potholing, is essentially exploring wild cave systems. To do this you can expect some light trekking, wading through rivers, swimming, and climbing over surfaces that are often wet and slippery.

In Belize, this includes the famous Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) cave near San Ignacio and other caving activities which include Cave Tubing in which you will hike (roughly 30 minutes) through the rain forest before you get into an inner tube and begin to float down stream through caves. 

For any cave tour, regardless of gender, you will want to wear a swimsuit as your bottom layer.  Over the top, a T-shirt will do, or better still opt for quick-dry clothing like shorts or leggings because there’s a good chance you’ll be in and out of the water throughout the activity. 

Here you also want to opt for those rugged shoes you packed that you’re happy to get wet.  You could opt for aqua/water shoes which are made from mesh or foamed neoprene like a wetsuit but specifically for the ATM Cave I personally think you need a thicker sole on those sharp rocks. 

You should be given a helmet and a head torch by your tour operator. If not, ask for one. 

What to Wear for a Diving/Snorkelling Day Trip in Belize?

Almost everyone that goes to Belize will spend some time on, in or near the water. After all it is home to the world’s second largest living coral reef after Australia so why wouldn’t you want to spend some time in the water!  

Snorkelling on Shark Ray Alley or diving into Belize’s Blue Hole, you should be prepared for the incredibly strong sun. 

Even if you’re not in the water and in the shade, you can still get burnt. 

Obvious things you’ll need to pack is a wide-brim hat, and sunglasses.  The reflection off the sea is blinding! Get yourself reef safe sunscreen, this means the product is nontoxic to coral or any marine life in the Belize barrier reef ecosystem. Check the label before purchasing, essentially you’re looking for these two common chemicals, oxybenzone and octinoxate, which many researchers worldwide have deemed potentially harmful to aquatic life. 

If you are going in the water, consider investing in a rashie, swimshirt.  These are quick drying, made from UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) fibres which provide extra UV protection while snorkelling. If you’re diving you’ll likely be in a full wetsuit and so a rashie isn’t necessary. 

Consider investing in your own snorkel and mask ahead of your trip to Belize.  You can never be sure of the quality you’ll get from the tour company you use, and in the water spotting turtles is not the time to become familiar with it, so practice before your trip and you’ll be set for the best water adventures in Belize.

For the boat ride you’ll want a dry towel, I like these compact travel towels, and potentially a sarong to cover up and stay warm.

Capture your underwater experience with a waterproof action camera. GoPro is the market leader in this arena, but they’re not the only brand. Be sure to pack additional batteries and all the accessories you might need for such an activity. I took a long a head and chest mount and used neither, instead opting for the GoPro extension pole. If you’re diving to a depth, you may want a red filter to allow more red light to reach your camera’s sensor. 

If you want to use your phone on the boat or in the water you should consider a waterproof phone case. Some designs are like a dry-bag making them a relatively universal size so you can store almost any device (or other valuables) in them and hang them around your neck while you tweet and Instagram to your hearts content.  If you’re accident prone like I am, I recommend you opt for a floatable design, which will come in handy if you accidentally drop your phone overboard. Those suckers will sink like lead! 

Additionally, a dry bag or waterproof backpack will help keep your belongings dry while in the boat all day.

What to do with Hair when Diving/Snorkelling?

Long Hair

If you can, braid it! Pigtail braids are the best option, and tucked into a diving hood or headband.  If you can’t braid, a tight plait will do.

For a fringe, secure it with a hair pin or two, and add a headband or microfibre buff band over the top. This will keep long hair out of your eyes and away from the inside of your mask (which can lead to water leaking inside it). 

If your hair becomes a birds nest from free-range life in the water, a gentle rinse with cool water and add a natural leave in conditioner will help retake control. 

Facial Hair

Choosing a goggle & snorkel set seems relatively easy, unless you have a beard. The golden rule of hair is any hair that’s trapped between your mask seal and your face is an entry point for water.

Moustache hair is a good example.  Your mask can seal around your entire skin except at your philtrum ridge. You may need to shave a little under the nose to get a good seal. If you look closely in the image above, you can see that Russ’s moustache hinder the seal around his mask

Full face snorkel masks are great for children and those new to snorkelling. However, they are not suitable if have a beard.  If you have facial hair around the jawline opt for a traditional snorkel instead. 

 🚫 What Not to Pack for Belize 🚫

Ahead of our 10 days in Belize, the advice was not to bring a number of things.  Some I adhered to, others I didn’t. Do what’s right for you and your travel style.

Warm Clothes – Disclaimer: I didn’t actually adhere to this rule. I routinely wear a hoodie on long haul flights as the aircon chills me to the bone.  Our first few nights in Belize coincided with a cold snap, as a result, I slept in said hoodie for 3 nights straight. A small jumper or jacket is unlikely to take up much suitcase space and just might come in handy even if you only need it once.

Valuables/Jewellery –  Belize is not the destination for flashy jewellery like diamond necklaces or an engagement ring. It’s safer if you take it off and leave it at home. For the most part Belize is generally safe, but there is opportunistic thieves that operate particularly in cities. Hotel safes generally aren’t big enough to hold everything like electronics, jewellery, passports etc. Make it easy, don’t bring anything you can’t replace, and lock everything else in your suitcase that doesn’t fit in the in-room safe. Plus, you don’t want to lose it in the water! 

Excessively heavy books – Do you like lugging a heavy suitcase? No, I didn’t think so.  On our trip, one of us brought some rather heavy books with them on this trip, and the other brought a Kindle. Be smart, be the person with the Kindle.

A curling wand – Do you like those wavy curls under your sun hat?! Yeah, I do too! However you may have forgotten (or not know) about the insane humidity in Belize. The only curl you’re going to get is frizz.  Accept it, learn to braid, and leave it at home. You’re also unlikely to use a hair dryer or a hair straightener either so leave those at home too. 

Final Thoughts

A trip to Belize is something you will never forget and it was easily one of our favourite trips because the sheer scope of everything we were able to experience was truly amazing! We can’t recommend Belize enough to anyone who is considering spending some time exploring. We hope that this post about what you should include in your Belize packing list has been helpful in choosing what you should include for your Belizean adventure. If you do have any questions or need any further information then don’t hesitate to leave a comment below or drop us an email. Travel safe.