Belize Ecolodges and Resorts

Belize eco lodges and eco resorts are a great way to see this small country. Our eco lodges can be found near the beaches or further inland where you have a more jungle atmosphere near San Ignacio. Belize is the only country in Central America whose official language is English. So this might be a good choice if you’re not multi-lingual or interested in learning a foreign language. For a quick overview of all our listings visit our Belize Eco Hotels directory. Our Belize Eco lodges and Eco resorts are waiting for you to book your next holiday:

Belize Ecolodges, Ecotourism, Beaches and Culture

Belize is a hidden gem for ecotourists, a dream destination with pristine rainforests, paradise like beaches and a fascinating mix of cultures. The country is small but boasts enormous biodiversity. The flora and fauna of Belize is unique; more than 60% of the country is covered by rainforest and there are more than 100 protected natural areas and reserves. It also has the second largest barrier reef in the world, well worth snorkeling or diving! Thirteen percent of Belize’s waters are protected and thirty six percent of it’s land as well.

Flora and Fauna in Belize

Flora – What Grows in Belize

• Rainforests: Mahogany, orchids (including the Black Orchid, Belize’s national flower). Tropical rainforests with giant ceiba trees (sacred to the Mayans).
• Mangroves: they protect the coastlines and are vital for marine life. You will find mangroves and swamps along the coast.
• Bromeliads, orchids and heliconias.
• Palm trees.
• Pine forests: found in Mountain Pine Ridge, different from typical tropical rainforests.

Fauna – What you can see in Belize

Belize is one of the best places in the world to spot wildlife, thanks to its many protected areas and sustainable initiatives.

• Mammals: Jaguars, tapirs (Belize’s national animal), howler monkeys, ocelots, and pumas. Mammals: Jaguars, tapirs, howler monkeys, raccoons.
• Birds: Keel-billed toucans (Belize’s national bird), scarlet macaws, harpy eagles, and motmots, Jabiru storks, hummingbirds.
• Reptiles: Green iguanas, caimans, venomous snakes.
• Marine Life: Manatees, whale sharks (April-June), sea turtles, dolphins, stingrays, and over 500 species of fish.

The Best Ecotourism Destinations in Belize

Belize offers a perfect mix of adventure, wildlife, and cultural immersion. Whether you’re diving with whale sharks, hiking through jaguar territory, or visiting Maya temples in the middle of the jungle, you’ll experience nature at its finest. Sustainable tourism and nature conservation are key. Check our Belize Ecolodges directory.

Belize Barrier Reef and Hol Chan Marine Reserve

The Reserve is a unique marine ecosystem with over 500 species of fish and colorful corals. It hosts the Belize Barrier Reef (UNESCO), the world’s second-largest coral reef, stretching over 300 km, perfect for diving and snorkeling.
Activities:
*Snorkeling and diving in Hol Chan Marine Reserve
*Swim with nurse sharks and stingrays at Shark Ray Alley.
*Spotting Sea turtles, rays at Shark Ray Alley.
*Diving at the Great Blue Hole, one of the world’s most famous & spectacular dive sites
*Diving at the Lighthouse Reef.
Wildlife: Sea turtles, whale sharks (seasonal), manatees, parrotfish, and vibrant corals.
Our Belize ecolodges near the Reef and Reserve:
Turneffe Flats Lodge 

Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary

The wildlife sanctuary is the world’s first jaguar reserve, covering over 150,000 acres of lush jungle. The reserve forms part of the larger Maya Mountain Forest Reserve. The protected rainforest has the highest jaguar population in Central America.
Activities:
*Hiking trails, river tubing, waterfall swimming, birdwatching and night safaris.
*Hiking through pristine jungle and to the Tiger Fern waterfall.
*Inner tubing on the South Stann Creek River.
Wildlife: Jaguars, ocelots, tapirs, howler monkeys, toucans and over 300 bird species.
Belize ecolodges: 

Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave (ATM Cave)

This ancient Maya ceremonial cave is filled with artifacts and skeletal remains. They don’t have a website but there are a number of walking tours that cover it.
Activities: guided cave tours through crystal-clear water to see stalactites, pottery, and “The Crystal Maiden” (a fully calcified skeleton).
Wildlife: bats, cave-dwelling fish, and blind shrimp.
Belize ecolodges: 

Forest Reserve – Caves and Waterfalls

The reserve is a unique pine forest ecosystem with waterfalls, caves, and wildlife. – The coniferous forests and limestone caves make it different from the other rainforests.
Activities:
*Explore Rio on Pools and Big Rock Falls, to swim in spectacular, natural waterfalls.
*Visiting the Rio Frio cave.
*Exploration of Caracol, the largest Mayan city in Belize.
Wildlife: Keel-billed toucans, tapirs, and the elusive jaguar.
Belize ecolodges: 

Placencia

This quiet, beautiful peninsula in southern Belize, is famous for its idyllic beaches, laid-back atmosphere, and access to both the Caribbean Sea and the lush jungles inside the country. It is often referred to as “the Caye on the mainland” due to the tropical vibes you normally find on the islands.
Activities:
*Relaxing at one of the many beautiful sandy beaches.
*Kayaking in the mangroves and manatee spotting at the Manatee sanctuary in the lagoons.
*Whale shark watching in Gladden Spit. You can swim with these gentle giants at Gladden Spit from April to June.
*Snorkeling at Laughing Bird Caye National Park.
*Boat trips to the Silk Cayes Marine Reserve.
*Visit Placencia Village, a colorful fishing village with a laid-back Caribbean atmosphere.
Belize ecolodges: 

Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve – Caves and Waterfalls

The reserve is a unique pine forest ecosystem with waterfalls, caves, and wildlife. The coniferous forests and limestone caves make it different from the other rainforests.
Activities:
*Explore Rio on Pools and Big Rock Falls, to swim in spectacular, natural waterfalls.
*Visit the Rio Frio cave.
*Explore Caracol, the largest Mayan city in Belize.
Wildlife: you might see keel-billed toucans, tapirs, and the elusive jaguar.

Our Belize ecolodges near the reserve:
Table Rock , San Ignacio
Black Rock, San Ignacio
Macaw Bank Jungle Lodge

The Toledo District and Community-Based Tourism

Southern Belize is home to Maya villages, untouched rainforests, and eco-farms. For travelers looking to contribute something to the local communities, there are some interesting experiences.
Activities:
*Stay with Maya families.
*Visit cacao farms.
*Hike waterfalls.
*Explore ancient sites like Lubaantun.
Wildlife: Scarlet macaws, tapirs, and kinkajous.

Our Belize ecolodges:
Cotton Tree Lodge – an off-grid jungle retreat.

Swallow Caye Wildlife Sanctuary & Manatee Watching

This protected area near Belize City is dedicated to the conservation of the endangered West Indian manatee.
Activities: take a boat tours to spot manatees in their natural habitat.
Wildlife: you might see manatees, dolphins, and sea turtles.
Belize ecolodges:

The Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary – Birdwatcher’s paradise.

These wetlands are excellent to watch exotic birds, including the Jabiru stork. Local Maya communities manage the area in a sustainably way.
Activities:
Eco-tours by canoe or boat through the swamps and lagoons.
Wildlife: for bird watchers Belize is paradise. There are more than 300 species including toucans and parrots.
Belize ecolodges: 

Suggestion for a 2-week Sustainable Itinerary in Belize

Week 1: Rainforests and Ruins

• Day 1-2: fly to Belize City. Travel to San Ignacio (ATM Cave, Maya ruins, jungle hikes).
• Day 3-4: Mountain Pine Ridge (Big Rock Falls, Rio Frio Cave).
• Day 5-6: Cockscomb Basin (Jaguar spotting, river tubing).
• Day 7: Toledo District (Cacao farms, waterfalls, cultural experiences).

Week 2: Reef and Islands

• Day 8-10: Placencia (Whale shark diving, manatee watching).
• Day 11-13: Ambergris Caye and Hol Chan Marine Reserve (snorkeling, beach relaxation).
• Day 14: departure from Belize City.

Check out Tips on How to Travel Sustainably.

Ecological Threats in Belize

Belize is a hotspot for ecotourism thanks to its rich biodiversity, coral reefs and pristine rainforests. However, the country faces several ecological threats that impact its unique ecosystems.

Deforestation – illegal logging, agricultural expansion and infrastructure development threaten the rainforests and with them species such as jaguars and howler monkeys.
Coral Bleaching and Climate Change – The Belize Barrier Reef, the second largest Barrier Reef in the world, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is being affected by rising sea temperatures, coral bleaching and pollution.
Illegal Fishing and Overfishing – the fishing industry is under pressure from illegal fishing and the destruction of habitats such as mangroves.
Plastic Pollution and Waste Management – especially in coastal areas and on islands, waste is a major problem for the oceans and biodiversity.
Tourism Pressure – although ecotourism is a sustainable option, excessive tourist pressure can damage sensitive areas such as Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley.

The government of Belize and ecotourism

The government of Belize says it is committed to ecotourism. As well, the government supports community based eco-tourism. One offshoot of this is a group of landowners working to help preserve their land as a habitat for the endangered black howler monkey. Known as the Community Baboon Center (what black howler monkeys are called here). This is made up of community landowners that pledge their land as a safe haven for these monkeys.

The Belize government also backs other community-based projects. This includes a project that started as a local grass roots project against illegal logging, fishing and poaching. As well, this group has grown to work with villagers to preserve natural resources and habitat. You can read more about them here: Toledo Institute for Development and Environment (TIDE). Belize Ecolodges Resorts are another step in promoting sustainability in Belize.

Examples of Small-Scale Conservation Projects in Belize

Fortunately, there are many small-scale conservation projects that are working to protect nature and promote sustainable tourism:

• The Belize Women’s Seaweed Farmers Association.
• Belize Audubon Society– this organization manages several nature reserves, including the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, the world’s first jaguar reserve. They promote sustainable tourism and community management.
• Fragments of Hope – a groundbreaking coral restoration project on the Belize Barrier Reef that focuses on restoring damaged reefs through coral nurseries.
• Toledo Institute for Development and Environment (TIDE) – active in Southern Belize, they promote sustainable conservation, community-based ecotourism initiatives, and the protection of mangroves and marine ecosystems.
• Wildtracks – a rehabilitation center for injured and orphaned howler monkeys and manatees, with the goal of returning them to the wild.
• Sea to Shore Alliance – focuses on protecting Caribbean manatees and their habitats in Belize’s coastal waters.

Belize Ecolodges and Travel safety

Check in advance about the safety in Belize and in the places you plan to visit. You can also consult your country’s official government websites. For American citizens, this is the US Dept. of State’s page on Belize.