Deep dives
The Blue Hole is exactly what it sounds like. Best seen from the sky, it stands out against the pure, aquamarine water as an indigo eye. Located 70 kilometres from the coast of Belize, the Blue Hole offers divers the chance to dive to a depth of 130 metres to see some truly incredible underwater architecture. Giant limestone stalactites hang from the cave’s roof, and if you’ve got a keen eye. you might just spot a reef shark. Dives are short; time at the deepest depth is limited to around eight minutes. But don’t let this put you off. Divers often cite the Blue Hole as an absolute must-see for anyone travelling to Belize.
Outdoor activities
If you don’t want to just use your cheap flights to the Belize as an excuse for lounging on the beach all day, there are always other adventures to be had. Although hiking isn’t a major draw in Belize, short guided walks in search of wildlife and birds are common place. Where Belize really comes into its own is in activities such as caving. The soluble rock in regions of the country has created intricate cave systems that are just waiting for you to explore them. Back when the Mayans roamed this area, these caves were used for performing ceremonies, and some of their remnants can still be seen today. The seas off the coast of Belize have some of the best conditions for water sports, such as windsurfing, paddleboarding and sailing. The waters tend to be calm, but with a slight breeze, you’ll skip over the top of the waves with ease.
When to go
Belize’s high season runs from December to April with an intense peak in tourism happening from mid-December to mid-January due to winter sunseekers coming from North America and Europe over the holidays. This will push flight prices up considerably, but they will lower somewhat starting in mid-January as more deals become available.
The shoulder season in November and May is an excellent time to pick up great offers on flights to Belize. Costs are low and tourist sites are quieter, so you can make the most of your time here. Although July and August are considered part of Belize’s low season, airfares from the United Kingdom (UK) will still be higher than in November and May.
For those wanting to experience the best of Belize diving, visit between April and June. Not only will visibility be at its best, but this is also the best time to see whale sharks, the world’s biggest fish. For other outdoor activities like hiking, caving and windsurfing, January to May is usually the best time to visit.
Airports and airlines
Use Netflights to find the best deal on flights to Belize. Compare prices for Belize flights using the calendar feature. Here, you can compare flight prices for an entire month to find a departure date that suits you. After selecting your dates, use the table at the top of the results page to see the best price by airline.
Although flights from UK airports like Manchester and Glasgow are available, the departure and return dates are limited. Departing from London is likely to be the most time efficient and economical option. Carriers will include American Airlines, Delta Airlines, Austrian Airlines and United Airlines.
Flying from the UK to Belize will require at least one transfer, usually in the United States. For a journey like this, it may be worth booking separate flights, flying first to Miami, Houston or Atlanta before heading onwards to Belize. Departure and arrival times can be more convenient and with the added possibility of saving money.