This blog is part of the Another World Adventures Signature Sabbaticals series, which focuses on unusual and inspired tailor-made sabbatical trips whether you’re planning solo, en famille or just the two of you. These trips have been meticulously planned with serious attention to detail, so you can enjoy the ultimate luxury of time to do something uniquely different. 

Today, we look at why Belize might be your dream location for your sabbatical. Located on the northeast coast of Central America, it offers unforgettable experiences carefully curated by our independent operating partner. They specialise in authentic travel experiences that are designed to last longer, and give you more meaningful access to a country and culture.

Why choose Belize for Your Sabbatical?

Famed for its dazzling cobalt and turquoise coastline and its impressive barrier reef, Belize is a paradise for divers and snorkelers. Multi-coloured fish and vibrant corals are abundant and make this a wonderful ecosystem to explore, while the powdery, white sand beaches await for downtime, with lush shady palms and fresh coconuts galore on its many cayes and islands. Charming visitors with its relaxed Caribbean vibes and rich blend of cultures, this small English-speaking country has so much more to offer than its ocean delights. Mainland Belize is covered by dense rainforest, which hides some fascinating Mayan archaeological sites and a vast cave network, as well as being home to plentiful wildlife, from the elusive jaguar to numerous not-so-shy monkey species. 

Accommodation choices include upmarket boutique hotels and small, relaxed beach resorts, eco-cabanas, jungle lodges, quaint guesthouses and homestays in the Maya villages.

Off The Beaten Track

The breadth of experiences you can take part in make this sabbatical really special. Partake in a drumming lesson with the Garifuna masters in Dangriga or Punta Gorda, then participate in a local ceremony. Linger at Lamanai’s Mayan ruins without the tourists, accessible only by boat. Visit Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM), a vast limestone cave used by Mayans for sacred ceremonies and rituals. You’ll see the skeletons of sacrificial victims! Wildlife Belize’s 185-mile coral reef is a Unesco site, home to masses of marine life, including eagle rays, barracuda, endangered hawksbill turtles and manatees. Whale sharks appear around Placencia from April-June. Inland, you’ll see howler monkeys, ocelots, tapirs, coatimundis and big cats. 

Unique experiences in Belize

You shouldn’t miss Visiting Xunantunich Mayan site, with its incredible preserved detail. Snorkelling with manta rays and nurse sharks off Ambergris Caye. Flying over or diving into the Blue Hole, a 400ft-deep turquoise sinkhole. Giving back Wildtracks Belize is a non-profit conservation organisation focused on the protection of manatee and primates as well as education and biodiversity. 

Example Itinerary 

Day 1 Arrive on Ambergris Caye, Belize. Victoria House 

Day 2 Hol Chan Marine Reserve & Shark Ray Alley snorkelling. Victoria House 

Day 3 Fishing, snorkelling & beach BBQ. Victoria House 

Day 4 Day at leisure on the beaches of Ambergris Caye. Victoria House 

Day 5 Fly to Belize City & drive to your riverside lodge in the Cayo District. Chaa Creek 

Day 6 Day at leisure in the jungles of the Cayo District. Explore nature trails & canoe the Macal River. Chaa Creek 

Day 7 Explore the Mayan ruins of Xunantunich. Chaa Creek 

Day 8 Day at leisure in the jungles of the Cayo District. Chaa Creek 

Day 9 Explore the mysterious Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Caves, once used for Mayan sacrifices. Chaa Creek 

Day 10 Day at leisure in the Cayo District. Chaa Creek 

Day 11 Return by road to Belize City. Board your Private Catamaran & sail to Bluefield Range. Private Catamaran 

Day 12 Snorkel among abundant marine life on Tobacco Caye’s coral reef. Private Catamaran 

Day 13 Snorkel at Carrie Bow and South Water Caye. Visit the Smithsonian Institute Field Station conservation project. Private Catamaran 

Day 14 Snorkel, kayak, paddleboard and fish at Pelican Cayes. Private Catamaran 

Day 15 Fish & snorkel by the sand bars off North Long Coco Caye. Private Catamaran 

Day 16 Chill out on the tiny, laidback island of Ranguana Caye. Private Catamaran 

Day 17 Relax at Ray Caye Resort or book a diving excursion. Private Catamaran 

Day 18 Disembark in Placencia & check in for a 7-night beach break. Turtle Inn 

Day 19 – 24 Days at leisure to explore Placencia, its beaches & the reef. Optional Kids Coppola Curriculum Programme. Turtle Inn 

Day 25 Depart Belize

Contact us to start designing your own bespoke Signature Sabbatical or you can choose one of our many adventures as part of your sabbatical journey.