Where Is Belize Located?
Belize is a small, English-speaking country on the Caribbean coast of Central America—but it feels like nowhere else you’ve visited.
From the reef to the rainforest, Belize offers a blend of cultures, landscapes, and rhythms that set it apart from better-known neighbors like Mexico or Costa Rica.
Let’s look at where Belize is—and why it feels so unique.
🌎 So, Where Is Belize?
Belize borders:
- Mexico to the north
- Guatemala to the west and south
- The Caribbean Sea to the east
It’s about the size of Massachusetts, with a population of around 400,000 people.
Most travelers are surprised how easy it is to get here.
- Flights from Miami take about two hours.
- From Houston, Dallas, and Atlanta, it’s about three hours.
- Belize is on Central Standard Time year-round, so in winter, it’s the same as U.S. Central Time.
Fun fact: If you leave Miami at noon, you often arrive around noon Belize time—like gaining an hour of vacation.
See my Belize Travel Planning Guide for more arrival tips.
📍 Here’s where Belize sits — between Guatemala, Mexico, and the Caribbean Sea. And that’s where I live too.
(Zoom in to see where Belize With Alvin is based. Zoom out to feel the whole region.)
🌍 Central America vs. Caribbean: Why Belize Feels Like Both
Belize is officially part of Central America, but if you’ve ever been here, you know it doesn’t feel like anywhere else in the region.
We’re Caribbean by culture, rhythm, and spirit — but we’re also connected to the mainland, with jungles, Maya mountains, and rivers just minutes from the coast.
Caribbean side: Reggae and soca in the streets, coconut rice, barrier reef, and island time
Caribbean side: Reggae and soca in the streets, coconut rice, barrier reef, and island time
Central American side: Dense jungle, ancient Maya ruins, wildlife corridors, and cacao farmsWe’re a hybrid. And that’s what makes us special.
✈️ What Makes Belize Feel Different?
You might expect Belize to feel like Cancun or the Caribbean, but as soon as you arrive, you’ll notice small things that make it special:
✅ Not much mega-resorts or high-rise hotels—most places are small, family-run, and personal.
✅ English is the official language, but you’ll hear Belizean Creole, Spanish, and Maya languages mixed into daily life.
✅ There’s no McDonald’s or Starbucks anywhere—just local sodas, street food, and seaside shacks serving fresh-caught fish.
✅ Shops often close for lunch, and on Sundays, the whole country slows down. Fewer buses run, many stores close, and everyone makes time for family.
✅ The sun sets early—around 6 PM all year—so people start their days early.
✅ Nature is never far, even in towns. It’s common to see iguanas, toucans, or pelicans while you’re out for a walk.
✅ You can go from the jungle to the reef in the same day, something few countries offer.
These are the details that make Belize feel real, relaxed, and different from anywhere else.
Read Things Belizeans Know That Visitors Don’t for more local insights.
🌞 Climate and Seasons
Belize has a warm, tropical climate all year:
- Dry Season (November–May): Sunny skies, cooler breezes, less rain.
- Green Season (June–October): Lush jungle growth, short tropical showers, and fewer crowds.
Even during the rainy season, most rain falls in bursts rather than all day. Some of the most beautiful sunsets happen right after an afternoon downpour.
See my Belize Seasons Guide to plan the best time for your trip.
🌴 What Can You Do in Belize?
No matter when you come, Belize offers something unique:
- Snorkeling and diving the Belize Barrier Reef, the second largest in the world.
- Exploring ancient Maya ruins like Xunantunich and Caracol.
- Tubing or canoeing through caves used by the Maya for ceremonies.
- Relaxing on quiet beaches in Placencia or Caye Caulker.
- Sampling local food—from fry jacks and stewed chicken to fresh lobster in season.
📦 Regional Travel Comparison
Here’s how Belize compares to other well-known Central American spots:
| Feature | Belize | Costa Rica | Guatemala | Mexico (Yucatán) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Language | English 🇬🇧 | Spanish 🇪🇸 | Spanish 🇪🇸 | Spanish 🇪🇸 |
| Caribbean Coastline | Yes 🌴 | Yes (limited) | No | Yes |
| Maya Ruins | Yes 🗿 | Few | Yes 🗿 | Yes 🗿 |
| Reef & Diving | Yes 🐠 | Moderate 🐢 | No | Some |
| Jungle & Wildlife | Yes 🐾 | Yes 🐾 | Yes 🐾 | Yes |
| Island Experience | Yes (Cayes) 🏝️ | No | No | Cozumel/Isla Mujeres |
| Language Advantage | Yes (English) ✅ | No | No | No |
Belize blends the best of both worlds — island time with inland culture, all in one small country.
📌 Quick Facts About Belize’s Location
- Continent: North America (Central America region)
- Borders: Mexico (north), Guatemala (west/south),Caribbean Sea (east)
- Latitude/Longitude: Between 15°52′ and 18°30′ N, 87°28′ and 89°13′ W
- Coastline: ~386 km (240 miles) of Caribbean coastline
- Nearby islands: Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, South Water Caye, Turneffe Atoll
- Closest major cities (by air):
Cancún, Mexico: ~1 hour
Miami, USA: ~2 hours
Houston, USA: ~2.5 hours - Time zone: GMT–6 (same as U.S. Central Standard Time)
- Main airport: Philip Goldson International Airport (BZE), 9 miles from Belize City
- Land area: ~22,966 km² (smaller than Massachusetts)
- Population (2024 est.): ~440,000 people
- Belize is Part of CARICOM and uses the Belize dollar (pegged to USD)
“Belize is the only English-speaking country in Central America.”
“The Belize Barrier Reef is the second-largest in the world.”
🛖 But That’s Not the Whole Story
I always tell my guests:
Belize isn’t just a place you find.
It’s a place that finds you.
You don’t really locate Belize until:
- You’ve smelled the bush after a July rain
- You’ve heard howler monkeys in the hills above Cayo
- You’ve swum where the reef meets the river in your heart
That’s why this site isn’t just a map or a booking engine.
It’s a guide into a Belize that isn’t fully labeled yet — but still knows your name.
✨ Why Belize’s Location Is Good for Travelers?
Belize isn’t just a pin on the map — our location makes travel easy.
- We’re closer than most people realize. Flights from Houston, Miami, and Atlanta take 2–3 hours.
- You can see multiple ecosystems in one trip. In the morning you might be snorkeling on the reef, and by late afternoon, standing in a Maya temple surrounded by howler monkeys.
- Most destinations are connected by road, river, or short flight. No long hauls or cross-country exhaustion.
This means less time moving and more time experiencing.
🚐 Estimated Travel Times from Belize City
- Belize City → Placencia: ~3 hours (by road)
- Belize City → San Ignacio: ~2 hours
- Belize City → Hopkins: ~2.5 hours
- Belize City → Tikal (Guatemala): ~3.5 to 4 hours (border + drive)
- Belize City → Caye Caulker / Ambergris Caye: 15–30 min flight or 45–90 min water taxi
Most domestic transfers are quick — we don’t have long distances like other countries.
👋 From Me to You
“I’m Alvin, a licensed Belize tour guide. I grew up exploring these rivers, reefs, and backroads. If you have any questions about planning your visit—or just want to know what Belize is really like—feel free to get in touch. I’d love to help you discover the country I call home.”
Before you start planning, it helps to understand a few other things that shape the Belize experience — like when to come, how you’ll land, and where exactly we’re located in the region.
