What to Pack for A Trip to Belize
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If you’re planning a trip to Belize, you’re in for an adventure like no other! With its lush jungles, turquoise waters, ancient Mayan ruins, and vibrant culture, this small but mighty Central American gem offers something for everyone. Whether you’re traveling with family, solo, or with friends, it’s important to pack the right gear to ensure you’re well-prepared for the full range of activities Belize has to offer.
While packing you need to be prepared for anything from cave tubing to bike riding to kayaking
In this guide, I’ll help you figure out what to pack for your Belize trip—whether you're snorkeling on the Belize Barrier Reef, hiking through the jungle, or simply relaxing on the beach.
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Table of Contents
Clothing to Pack for Belize
Belize has a hot and humid climate, so it’s important to pack accordingly. However, you can easily pack light and do laundry to minimize your luggage:
GENERAL: Lightweight, quick dry clothes are ideal for the entire family. Not only will they help with keeping you cool but they will also dry quickly if you get wet from an unexpected rain shower. We stayed at Sweet Songs Jungle Lodge and Hopkins Bay Resort where they did a bag of laundry for $14, so we loaded that thing up and had fresh laundry often.
WOMEN: Bring light pants that can be dressed up or down as well as a shorts than can be used day and night. I wear the Old Navy linen pants often. I also have a great black romper from Amazon that is so comfy and can be dressed up or down. Also, I found sports bras much more comfortable that a regular bra in the humidity.
Linen pants for the win & the kids had flowy clothes to stay comfy
SHIRTS: A mix of lightweight tank tops, short sleeve and long sleeve will fit the bill for various activities.
PANTS: A few pairs of lightweight shorts and at least one pair of lightweight pants are necessary. You will find yourself in shorts most of the time but some activities, such as horseback riding, are more comfortable with longer pants. Also, for anyone susceptible to bug bites, pants are an easy way to keep them off your skin.
SOCKS & UNDERWEAR: I usually pack for 7 days and do laundry if our trip is longer.
SWIMSUITS: We usually bring 2 swimsuits per person if we know we will be swimming at least once per day so we have an extra pair while the most recently used one is drying.
HATS: I brought a brimmed hat for when we were out in the sun all day. I sweat so much that sunscreen would usually only last for minutes and I needed hours.
we have used these shoes for the kids for years
Best Shoes for a Trip to Belize
We try to minimize the number of shoes we bring when we travel and try to stick to these categories:
ACTIVE SHOES - something good for hikes and active day trips. Sometimes makes sense to wear this pair on the plane to minimize luggage.
My favorite Hiking Shoes for Kids
WATER SHOES - a study water shoe is essential for Belize as there are several active watersport opportunities and also some rocky shorelines on the rivers. My kids wore crocs and I usually wear my TEVA water shoes, but when we went to Belize I only had my Rubber Birkenstocks and they worked really great.
my arizona birkenstocks were so perfect for our trip to belize - they stayed on without effort through everything from cave tubing to canoeing to sight seeing.
What Toiletries to Pack for Belize
Sunscreen - ensure it is a reef safe option if you'll be in the ocean. With kids in tow, I like this roller to make application easier.
Insect repellant - After contracting Dengue Fever in Barbados in 2024, I have taken my bug repellent much more serious. There is Dengue in Belize. I suggest using Picaridin lotion when possible or DEET if you can’t find picaridin.
Small first-aid kit: Be sure the kit has cortisone (for any insect bites), aloe vera (for any sunburn), Band-Aids, alcohol swabs, etc
Having my Mirrorless DSLR allowed me to take photos I want to frame - I have so many wonderful shots from belize
Must Have Tech for a Trip to Belize
I try to keep my tech as simple as possible when I travel to avoid carrying around so many items of value. My must-haves are:
Cell phone with charger
Headphones and/or ear buds for music
iPads (or tablet) for the kid’s for entertainment
Power bank for charging on the go
Having my DSLR with a good lens allowed me to get photos I couldn't get with my phone.
I like to document our trips, so I always carry my Mirrorless DSLR, Tripod, underwater case, and now my drone!
Mirrorless DSLR Camera (I swear by my mirrorless DSLR and absolutely love how compact it is for travel)
Underwater Phone Case (love this case and have used it in Hawaii, Barbados, Belize, etc)
Drone: DJI Mini 4 Pro
you can find me on most trips with a baby on my back and camera in my hand
Other Must Have Items for a Trip to Belize
On my list of Must Have Things for Belize are:
US Dollars - Cash is king in Belize. Always assume the shop does not accept card and prepare accordingly. The US Dollar is acceptable alongside the Belizean dollar and the exchange rate is $2 Belizean Dollars for $1 USD. Try to have a mix of small and large bills.
Baby Carrier: Belize is not going super stroller friendly and many places are not conducive for strollers at all. I brought along my Toddler Tula and used it everywhere for my 1 year old. So, if you’re going to Belize with a baby or Belize with a toddler - pack a soft carrier!
Foldable Beach Bag: I can’t tell you how many times I used this bag as a day bag, a pool bag, a beach bag, etc. It folds up so small and it’s carry bag can be used as a dry bag as well. It’s also great if you buy too many souvenirs, you can use it as an extra checked or carry on bag. Check out my review of this beach bag HERE.
WET BAG - we always bring a wet bag with and Belize was no exception. You never know when you’re going to need to store a pair of wet socks or shorts or bathing suits in Belize!
Reusable Water Bottles - to fill up with filtered water
Favorite Water Bottle for Kids - it keeps ice in it all day long and is extremely durable
Packing for a trip to Belize is all about being prepared for adventure while staying comfortable in the tropical climate. With the right mix of essentials—light clothing, sun protection, bug repellent, and the perfect gear for water and jungle activities—you’ll be ready to make the most of your time in this beautiful destination.
Whether you’re exploring ancient ruins, swimming in crystal-clear cenotes, or relaxing by the beach, having the right items in your suitcase can make all the difference. So pack smart, stay flexible, and get ready for an unforgettable Belizean adventure!
Have any questions or any other items to pack for a trip to Belize?
Leave a comment below.
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