You’re preparing for your trip to Belize and are trying to figure out what needs to be on your Belize packing list. Here is everything you need to take with you so you can have the best experience possible while traveling in Belize. Use this Belize packing list to decide what you need to take with you and what to wear in Belize.
Here you will find everything you need, as well as things you don’t need, and things I wish I brought with me on my trip to Belize. Also included will be travel insurance, safety features and updated entry requirements to visit Belize.
If you’re wondering what to pack for Belize, this article combined with the 13 Essentials you need to bring with you to Belize and why, will provide everything you need to plan and pack for your trip to Belize. So here is my ultimate Belize packing list!
Planning a trip to Belize? Here are some articles that should help you make your trip successful
Complete Belize Travel Guide-everything you need to know about traveling in belize
bELIZE Travel Itinerary
13 essential things you need to bring with you to belize and why
Belize Entry Requirements
If your trip to Belize is under 30 days, a tourist visa to Belize is not required. If you intend on staying any longer than 30 days, you will have to apply for a proper visa from immigration authorities, which have offices in major towns and cities. If you overstay your 30 days, you may be fined, detained or deported, so don’t.
Covid-19 in Belize
As of July 2022, the government of Belize has decided to remove all public health measures at all points of entry, both land and sea. This means that you are not required to show proof of vaccination for entry into Belize. Unvaccinated travellers are also no longer required to show proof of a negative Covid Test upon arrival.
Belize Travel Insurance
All foreign tourists entering Belize will have the option to purchase, at the border, from Belize Travel Insurance. It is not mandatory but it is highly recommended and only costs $18 USD for 21 days of coverage.
What’s the weather like in Belize
What the weather’s like in Belize will absolutely influence your packing list. There are essentially 2 seasons in Belize, the rainy season and the dry or less rainy season. The dry season in Belize runs from January through May and the rainy season technically spans from June through to December. At the end of the day, Belize is a tropical destination, so you can expect both humidity and a little bit of tropical rain on your vacation in Belize, dry or rainy season.
Temperatures in Belize are warm, so expect hot sunny days, although if you’re traveling in the Mayan Mountain region of Belize, don’t be surprised to find the evenings cooler. The temperatures in Belize stay pretty consistent year round. Lightweight quick drying fabrics are best for the climate of Belize.
Best time to visit Belize
The best time to visit Belize is during the dry season which from runs from January through May. December is the busiest month to travel in Belize as many visitors make their way to the tropical country to escape the snow at home. Tourism generally peaks over the holidays, both in December and then again in April surrounding Easter.
You can escape the tourist rush by visiting in May and June, at the beginning of the rainy season. During these months the rainfall isn’t too intrusive and hotel rates are lower making it a great time to visit Belize. September and October are the rainiest months, and therefore the cheapest months to visit Belize, however some establishments might shut down as this is the true off-season.
What do you need to Pack for Belize, Luggage Wise
Belize can be a luxurious beach destination, or an adventurer’s paradise. With its incredible beaches, lush jungles, and exceptional reef, there is one thing I can say. Belize is an activity oriented destination. So let’s get you ready to go with this, Belize packing list.
Backpack vs Suitcase: Which is better?
While the great backpack vs suitcase debate is truly a personal choice, when it comes to traveling in Belize there are some serious benefits to both. The one massive benefit to consider in today’s travel world is, can I travel carry-on only? Luggage and airlines have been an absolute nightmare, so whether you pack in a backpack or a suitcase, if you can organize your travel needs into a carry-on sized piece of luggage, you are already winning.
Packing for Belize in a Backpack
Belize is an adventure destination in my eyes. If you’re planning to visit Belize and are looking to stay in both beach and jungle locations, for ease of carrying over various topographies, I personally believe backpacks are the go to choice. Not just because I have backpacked extensively, but because even the most luxurious and popular destinations in Belize are a sand filled adventure. Wheels just don’t mesh with sand, jungle, and are harder to sling over the edges of a boat.
Best Carry-On Backpack
My go to backpack for traveling carry-on style, is the Osprey Sirrus 36L. This backpack is at the high end of acceptability as carry-on; essentially it is the biggest you are going to get in the overhead compartment. I walked 900 km on the Camino de Santiago with this pack and can say with confidence, it never let me down as far as comfort went. The men’s version of this pack is called the Osprey Stratos 36L.
Osprey packs are quality. They come with a lifetime warranty, are well thought out, offer superior comfort and you can fit more than enough in them.
Best Checked Backpack
If I was checking a bag, my go to choice would be the classic Osprey Ariel 55L for women. The men’s version of this pack is called the Aether 60L.
You can fit everything you need in a backpack. They are as big as, or bigger than luggage, just shaped differently and easier to carry. They require a different style of organization, but there are pack organization tools available which I will share shortly. They also come with raincoats, so just in case you hit one of those Belizean tropical rainfalls, your luggage will stay dry.
Packing for Belize in a Suitcase
Suitcases are definitely easier to live out of. You can fling open a suitcase and have a pretty good view of everything you brought with you. With a backpack you always end up having to take everything out to locate specific items or see what you brought in general. When considering your packing list for Belize however, suitcases just aren’t as easy to move from location to location. Suitcases are however, easier to pack and if you end up doing some shopping,they are more forgiving than a backpack. You can always expand a suitcase.
Best Carry-on Suitcase
My favourite carry-on suitcase is without a doubt the ZDX 22” Spinner by Briggs and Riley. The compartmentalization features of this piece of luggage makes it super easy to pack and organize. It is an absolute gem of accessibility while traveling and has a fair amount of stretch.
Best Checked Suitcase
The best check sized suitcase for me, is the Briggs and Riley ZDX Upright Duffle. Similar to the carry-on, these bags are well organized, easy to pack and not get lost in. The Duffle version of the ZDX has the convenience of the wheels and the handle, but also has duffle like straps to provide options when transporting over difficult terrain. As I said, Belize is an adventure destination, so with this bag, if there is sand in your future, you can carry it by the duffle straps. I am also a fan of soft luggage over hardcover.
Bag Organizers
Packing and organization goes hand-in-hand. The better your pack is organized, the better your experience traveling will be. When it comes to packing for Belize, properly organizing your bag means you can bring more and locate items easier. It also means you can separate things like cold vs hot climate items, clean and dirty items, or even wet and dry items.
Compression Sacks
I prefer these compression sacks for two reasons. The first being that you can get them waterproof so if your pack happens to get wet, your items will definitely be dry. The second is that you can minimize the space your items take in your bag. This could be the make or break moment between carry-on vs checked luggage. You can compress all of your items into smaller spaces.
Generally I bring three with me. One for clean clothes, one for dirty clothes, and one for clothes that never dried. When you are traveling in a humid climate like Belize, you will find that things that get wet, remain wet. Packing waterproof compression bags can help contain the pandemic of moisture in your bag. The one downside is that your clothes do get wrinkled from being compressed.
Packing Cubes
Similar to the compression sacks mentioned above, Packing cubes are a great way to keep your bag organized. They come in a variety of sizes, so you can compartmentalize your pack easily. Bring one for socks and undies, one for bottoms, for tops, for toiletries, and for bathing suits. Packing cubes don’t have the compression abilities or the waterproofing of the compression sacks, but they at least don’t wrinkle everything you own. These are better if you are bringing a suitcase as they tend to be rectangular and are easy to place, Tetris style, in a rectangular suitcase.
What to Wear in Belize
The year-round tropical climate of Belize inspires a fairly light packing list. The weather is warm, and while temperatures can drop slightly in the mountains and rain is always possible, the weather is consistent enough that it’s easy to plan a light packing list for Belize.
This list is designed for a one to two week Belize itinerary. If you are going for less time, feel free to remove items you don’t need, and if you’re planning to go for longer, just do laundry in Belize. At the end of this list, you will find a downloadable Belize Packing List PDF you can print off to use when packing for your trip to Belize.
Belize Packing List for Women
Clothes
4x Shorts– Two pairs of stylish shorts for touring or going out and 2 pairs of athletic shorts for adventures
1x Light weight pants- One pair of Lightweight pants. These are useful for when you want a break from the sun and/or bugs, or are doing something like horseback riding. These North Face Aphrodite 2.0 Joggers are my favourite.
1x Comfy Pants- For travel days, lounging in the hotel/hostel or cooler days. Leggings are a great option
2x Skirt- Two shorter skirts for going out and touring
1x Dress– One sundress for going out
1x Beach Cover Up– For days at the pool or on the beach. A sarong would work as well
5x Tank tops- Five tank tops or crop tops, these are what you’re most likely to wear in the Belize climate. The Lululemon Align tank is my go-to top
3x T shirt- Three T-shirts, a great base item for all climates
1x Long sleeve UV shirt– One of these, both for adventure activities that require sun cover and also for cooler nights.
1x Hoodie– One hoodie for hotels, restaurants, cooler nights, or the jungle. I love my Cotopaxi Fleece for this.
5x Socks– Five pairs, I use Darntough socks, they are incredible, sweat wicking, cute, and last forever.
5x Bras/Underwear- The number and types of these are a personal choice; body and personality dependent. For me, I bring 5-7 pairs of underwear and 3 bras. Two of the bras are bralettes (as I am not blessed), and one of them is a sports bra.
3x Bathing Suits-At least three so you can use one while the others dry
1x Pajamas- For sleeping at night of course
Rain Coat -It rains in Belize almost every day. You should have a raincoat in your pack all the time. I love my Arcteryx Jacket
Hat– It’s either sunny or rainy in Belize, so either way a hat works. To keep your face out of the sun on a hot day, and dry when its rainy. There’s no better hat than the Tilley Air-Flo and/or the Lululemon Both Ways reversible hat for a destination like Belize
Shoes– Four pairs
One pair of hiking shoes for adventures; these Lowa’s
One pair of walking sandals; these Tevas
One pair of going out/beach sandals; these Salt Water Sandals
One pair of flip flops; these Havianas
Water shoes- Not essential, but if you plan to spend a ton of time in the water, or swimming in jungle waterfalls, water shoes are a great addition to a Belize packing list.
Belize Packing List for men
Clothes
3x Shorts– One pair of stylish shorts for going out and 2 pairs of athletic shorts because lets be real, they can double
1x Light Weight Pants– Long pants appropriate for hiking and horseback riding. These should be easy to wear on hot days to help with mosquitoes. These Outdoor Research pants are ideal
1x Comfy Pants/Going out– One pair of either comfy pants for relaxing in hotels, or for going out. The Lululemon ABC pants are a great combo for this
3x Sleeveless Shirt– Two or 3 of these because it’s just that warm in Belize
2x T shirt– Two comfortable cotton T shirts which can double as going out shirts
2x Athletic T-shirt– Two sweat wicking athletic T-shirts. Belize is an activity oriented destination so when you are adventuring through its hot climate, you will want these
1x Long Sleeve UV Shirt– One light long sleeve shirt that you can use on cool nights, to protect yourself from the sun on hot days, to get a break from bugs, and to take on adventures that require protection.
1x Hoodie– One hoodie for hotels, restaurants, cooler nights, the jungle. The Cotopaxi Fleece is a solid, yet sustainable choice for this.
5x Socks-– Five pairs, I use Darntough socks, they are incredible, sweat wicking, athletic, and last forever.
5x Underwear– Five to seven pairs. At least 2 athletic pairs. These should all be as quick drying and comfortable as possible. After walking the Camino we learned quickly that Saxx were the best men’s undies for the job.
2x Bathing Suit– At least two, so you will have one to wear while the other dries.
1x T-shirt and Shorts for Sleeping– For sleeping at night of course
Rain Coat– Because it rains in Belize almost every day, you should have a raincoat in your pack all the time. Graham is a big fan of his Marmot Jacket
Hat– It’s either sunny or rainy in Belize, so either way a hat works. To keep your face out of the sun on a hot day, and dry when its rainy. There’s no better hat than the Tilley Air-Flo
Shoes– Three pairs.
One pair of hiking shoes for adventures; these Salomons
One pair of walking sandals; these Tevas
One pair of flip flops; these Havianas
Water shoes- Not essential, but if you plan to spend a ton of time in the water, or swimming in jungle waterfalls, water shoes are a great addition to a Belize packing list.
Things you need to bring to survive
There are somethings you need to bring with you on every trip in order to make the adventure happen. These are the important things that need to be on your Belize packing list.
Documentation
Passport
You need to make sure you have your passport, with more than 6 months time on it, and a few images and photocopies before you go on any trip. Belize is no exception. I also suggest that you pick up a waterproof passport cover just in case. This is your traveling lifeline and ticket home so take care of it.
Drivers License
If you plan on renting a car, scooter or golf cart, you need to have your drivers license with you. This also doubles as piece of photographic ID, which is good to have.
Travel Insurance Policy
Regardless of the likeliness of anything happening to you, you should never leave home without some form of travel insurance. Accidents do happen. I have seen it time and time again (recently actually), and so I understand the value of insurance. This doesn’t just apply to your health and wellness but also to the items you travel with including your phone, wallet, cameras, jewelry and even for possible rental car accidents.
You can grab insurance from World Nomads, a popular and common travel insurance provider. Have your insurance policy with you, printed and forwarded to your e-mail, and the e-mail of your primary emergency contact.
Credit Cards
Always bring at least two credit cards. You do not want to be in the situation where you have no access to funds. The majority of destinations around the world take cards, and you can use credit cards to take money from ATM’s. It’s safer to travel this way as the credit company offers a layer of protection which the debit cards do not. Just remember to pay them off. There are some locations that only accept cash, but in consideration of Belize, there are ATM’s accessible everywhere for you to access cash if you need to.
Cell phone
It’s a modern world out there. Bring your phone to help you with booking hostels and hotels, to get in touch with drivers, and to reach your family at home. They are also useful for things like using blogs like this to find the best restaurants and tours, etc..
Airalo E-SIM
You might not know this, but your phone likely has E-SIM capabilities. Which means, through an app and your phone, you can now easily access SIM cards and phone plans worldwide. This is a game changer because it comes without the stress of having to go to a phone store in a different country to purchase a SIM card in a different language then extract it from an “is it unlocked” phone. E-SIM’s eliminate the confusion.
Simply download an app like Airalo, search the country, purchase the E-SIM, and switch it on (while switching your home SIM off) when you get there. Instructions are available on the app. I’ve used this product personally with great success in Saint Lucia, Spain, France, Portugal, and Belize.
Medications
I never travel anywhere without a basic medicine kit. This includes common over the counter medicines like gravol or ibuprofen. While I am aware that most of these items can be purchased overseas, honestly, if I am not feeling well, I prefer to have it immediately on hand. The last thing I want to do when I am not feeling well is find a foreign pharmacy and try to figure out what all of these brands are called in a different language/country. Brands are not consistent and it is confusing.
For me my Medicine kit looks like this: Gravol Liquid Gels, Gravol with ginger, Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, Pepto Bismol, Imodium*, and any prescription medications I might require.
Also in a medicine kit you might include: Bug spray, bandaids, Polysporin (actually this), compeeds etc.
Scuba Certification
We are talking about a Belize packing list here so if you have any intentions of diving in Belize, don’t forget to bring your diver certification with you.
Things to leave off your Belize packing list
Camo– Camo is strictly reserved for the military in Belize. Don’t be that guy.
Valuables– There is no reason to bring expensive jewelry on any trip. There’s a high chance your trip to Belize will involve active adventures like hiking through the jungle and swimming in the sea. Leave expensive jewelry and watches at home. You don’t need them, you should not wear them, and this way, you don’t have to worry about them.
Jeans– It’s simply too humid in Belize to wear denim. Jeans do not breath and they do not dry when they get wet. They also take up significant room in your luggage. Do yourself a major favour and stick with lightweight, breathable, quick drying fabrics.
Safety in Belize
My experience traveling around Belize was pretty comfortable. I have the same rule of thumb for safety when traveling in every country. I call it the rule of compromise. If you put yourself in a compromising situation, you might be compromised. If you don’t, you won’t. Belize is like every country, there are places that are safe for tourists and locals, and places that are less safe. If you’re visiting a destination based on tourism, the chances of accessible tourism being in one of those unsafe places are null. You have no reason to be outside of them.
When it comes to safety, it’s to your benefit to travel responsibly. I felt very safe exploring Belize.
Your Belize Packing List
When you book your trip to Belize and are wondering what needs to be on your Belize packing list, I hope that this post combined with the 13 Essentials items that need to be on your Belize packing list will help you put together everything you need to have an unBelizeable experience.
Once you have figured out what to pack for Belize and what to wear in Belize based on this Belize packing list, you can get started on putting together the perfect Belize Itinerary using this Complete Belize Travel Guide.
Belize is incredible. It is a slice of paradise on the Caribbean coast of Central America and I can’t wait for you to have your Jacques Cousteau and Indiana Jones moments while sunbathing in luxury in Belize.
Traveling to Belize soon? Pin This Belize Packing List so you can find it later!
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