Belize is a country that deserves to be better known. Located in Central America on the Caribbean Sea, this hidden gem has white sand beaches, Mayan temples and fantastic diving. Here’s a handy Belize packing list as well as the essential items that will make your trip a lot easier.
Handy Belize Packing List
The weather in Belize is subtropical, with a dry and a rainy season. The dry season is generally from November to May and the wet season from June to October.
That’s why, when packing for Belize, it’s important to consider the time of your visit. Having said that, it’s always warm, with averages of 75°F from November to January and 81°F from May to September.
The official language spoken in Belize is English, so if that is your main language you won’t need a phrase book. However, all the items below will come in handy.
How to Use this Belize Packing List
We’ve separated the Belize packing list into sections, from clothes for her and him, to beach gear, travel equipment, electronics, documentation and optional items. We’ve even listed items that you can definitely leave behind!
The following Belize packing tips are for a 7 day trip, with clothing and equipment for sunbathing and outdoor activities. If you’re travelling for longer, just increase the amount of clothing in proportion to the length of your stay.
Clothing for Belize
- Anti-mosquito hat with elastic chin strap for jungle hikes and boat rides.
- T-shirts – make sure you bring several that cover your shoulders to protect them from the sun.
- Cotton tops or t-shirts
- Cotton dresses
- Cotton shawl
- Lightweight plimsolls or sneakers
- Lightweight cardigan
- Long-sleeved shirt – ideally mosquito repellent.
- Long pants – choose convertible pants
- Maxi dress
- Rain jacket or poncho
- Shorts
- Sunhat
- Sports socks
- Sports tops
- Trekking sandals
- Underwear
In certain areas inland where there are a lot of mosquitoes, a maxi dress and shawl will help to keep you protected. We also recommend a loose hairband to keep hair off your neck.
For men, polo shirts or t-shirts and shorts work well. You can also get some stylish water shoes that are suitable for walking.
Belize Beach Gear
- Bikinis or swimsuits
- Flip flops or light sandals
- Kaftan or coverup
- Rash guard shirt
- Sarong
- Sunglasses
- Water shoes
The dress code in Belize is very relaxed. In places like Caye Caulker, I found myself wearing a kaftan most of the time around town. You don’t need to splash out on designer beachwear brands, although you won’t feel uncomfortable wearing them!
Belize Travel Essentials
- Contact lenses or glasses.
- Dry bag – to keep your valuables dry when near the water.
- Eye mask – some hotels in Belize have windows without curtains or blinds.
- Flotation device for phones and other small objects.
- Money belt – spread your cash here and in at least one other place on your body.
- Packing cubes – very handy if you’re changing accommodation frequently, as you won’t have to unpack everything.
- Small lightweight backpack.
- Water bottle – check our recommendation below for one of the best water purifying bottles.
- Ziploc bag for wet clothes.
Toiletries for Belize
- Biodegradable wetwipes
- Body wash
- Bug spray
- Cleanser
- Cotton pads or Q-Tips
- Deodorant
- Hairbrush & hair accessories
- Makeup & makeup remover
- Moisturizer
- Mosquito repellent
- Prescription medication
- Razor
- Reef friendly sunscreen – ideally SPF 50+ for face and SPF 30+ for the body
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Sunlotion
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
On our way up to Mayan King Waterfalls, we stopped to take some photos of the bamboo. There were a lot of mosquitoes, and we wish we’d used bug spray beforehand!
Electronics for Belize
- Binoculars
- Camera, battery, lenses
- Cell Phone & wall + wireless charger (plus waterproof pouch if filming underwater)
- E-reader
- GoPro or DJI Osmo Action camera for filming underwater with a waterproof dome.
- Headphones
- Mini electric fan
- Power bank
- Tripod
Tip: we strongly recommend taking a wireless phone charger as well as a waterproof pouch for your phone, because if it gets wet as ours did, this is a sure-fire way to recharge it!
Documentation for Belize
- Driving license
- Emergency contact information
- Hotel confirmation
- Passport
- Tickets
- Travel Insurance policy
- Tour confirmation
Optional Items for Belize
- Band aids
- Earplugs
- Hand sanitizer
- Microfiber travel towel – handy to have but not essential if staying in a hotel.
- Motion sickness medication for the flight or boat excursions
- Reusable tote bag for shopping or use as a beach bag
- Travel pillow for the flight
- Travel umbrella
20 Belize Packing List Essentials
An essential to prevent you from burning when swimming or diving. Even if you apply ample sunscreen, it’s so hot that you’re likley to burn without one.
Keep those pesky mosquitoes and bugs away with this insect repellent top.
Ideal for covering up after a swim, and can also be used as a beach towel, scarf or wrap for colder evenings.
Great as a beach cover up or to wear in the evening. You can also add a belt and wear it as a maxi dress.
Comfortable enough to wear on the plane, these convertible hiking pants will come in very handy on jungle hikes too.
A super lightweight raincoat in a handy pouch that will keep you dry when it showers in Belize.
This skort combines the practicality of shorts with the elegance of a skirt and comes in lots of different colors.
These are ideal for evenings when it gets cooler in Belize.
Perfect for wearing in the jungle or on boats to keep the wind off your face.
Protect your feet from rocks and pebbles with these fast drying water shoes.
Ideal for hiking in Belize and also for walking in water. There’s a rubber sole and a water-chanelling lug, as well as adjustable straps for a tight grip.
Ideal for keeping your valuables dry, with a fun design.
An innovative way to carry money and cards discreetly
It’s not generally safe to drink tap water in Belize. This filtered water bottle will come in very handy and it even has a compass on the lid.
Reef friendly SPF 50 sunscreen
Ideal for warding off mosquitoes and sandflies in Belize.
Keep your camera or valuables safe in the water with this handy flotation device.
Just what you need to keep your phone dry in Belize, whether you’re tubing or on a speedboat.
Great for getting those selfie shots or stabilizing your camera.
Lightweight and portable, these binoculars are ideal for bird or wildlife spotting
What Not to Bring to Belize
- Camouflage pattern clothing – it is illegal to wear it in Belize unless you are a member of the Army.
- A drone – only those authorized by the government are allowed to fly a drone.
- Jeans – it’s way too hot to wear these.
- Tight clothing – instead, stick to loose clothing in natural fibers.
- Expensive jewelry – people dress casually in Belize and it’s best to leave luxury watches and jewelry at home.
What to Bring Back From Belize
There are some great Belize souvenirs, so leave a bit of room in your suitcase if you can!
- Belizean chocolate
- Belize rum or rum cake
- Garifuna drum
- Hammock
- Marie Sharp’s hot sauce – it comes in various levels of hotness!
- Wood carvings
- Woven baskets
Traditional Garifuna music is an important part of Belizean culture. You can buy a handmade Garifuna drum to take home.
Garifuna dancers generally wear yellow, black and white. Garifuna fabric also makes a fantastic souvenir.
In Conclusion: Useful Belize Packing List
So, now you have a complete Belize packing list to make sure your trip is truly enjoyable. Of course, the most important items are sunscreen, plenty of bug spray, and a sense of adventure!
There is no better way to explore the depths of nature than by immersing yourself in the culture and friendly people of Belize. When it comes to heritage and activities, every day has something special waiting for you.
Get ready for some amazing memories with these essential packing items. Don’t forget to check out our other travel articles so you can be fully prepared and informed.
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