Crime directed at travelers in the resort areas is rare. The greatest danger of theft and robbery is in Belize City, but taking some precautions should minimize your risk: Don't walk alone there, especially at night (take a taxi instead), and stick to well-populated areas. Belize has enacted a "swift justice" law intended to deter thieves from targeting travelers: Those accused of any crime against a tourist are brought to trial the next day. If convicted, they are given a minimum sentence of five years in prison. Special "tourist police" also patrol the streets in Belize City, San Pedro, Caye Caulker, Dangriga, Placencia, Punta Gorda and elsewhere, not only as a means of protection, but also to assist visitors in finding their way around.
Divers and snorkelers have been carried away by strong currents around the cayes, so choose a reputable operator. Be aware that carjackings do occasionally take place on Belize's highways, especially in the southern and western parts of the country. Driving at night is not advisable.
For the latest information, contact your country's travel-advisory agency.
Dos & Don'ts
Do visit one of Belize's many caves, such as Barton Creek, Chechem Ha or Actun Tunichil Muknal.
Do try to meet locals. Belizeans, regardless of background or place in life, are among the most genuinely friendly people you'll ever find.
Don't miss the popular Wednesday-night "Chicken Drop" at the Pier Lounge (part of the Spindrift Hotel) on Ambergris Caye. In this local version of bingo, participants purchase squares that have been drawn on a large wooden board. A chicken is placed on the surface, and whoever owns the square where the chicken lands its first droppings gets the pot—and a rag to clean up the mess.
Don't think something is wrong with you if people keep asking, "You alright?" It's the Belizean way of saying "How are you?"
Do take a nighttime jungle hike with a guide—you won't see jaguars, but you'll see plenty of tree frogs, spiders and scorpions (and the jaguars may very well see you).
Don't expect wide sandy beaches. Although many of Belize's beaches are beautiful, most are narrow and, depending on the current washing trash up the coast, can be dirty. This is because of the barrier reef along the coast, which reduces the wave action that would have created wide beaches and sandy sea floors.
Do take a drive on the Hummingbird Highway, the country's most scenic roadway.
Do go snorkeling—Belize has some of the best snorkeling you'll find anywhere, most of the best spots accessed by boat.
Do spend a couple of nights at one of the wonderful jungle lodges.
Do take binoculars—the bird population is extraordinary. When in the rain forest, try to spot the colorful toucans.
Don't remove coral, pick wild orchids, spearfish, hunt without a license or remove archaeological artifacts: All these actions are against the law.
