Belize Packing List (27 Essentials to Bring)

👉 Jump to: Travel Essentials for Belize | Clothing to Pack | Seasonal Items | Packing Tips | Get Printable Version

Belize might just be my favorite country in the world. I’ve gone there at least once a year since my first visit, and I intend to keep the tradition alive for as long as I live! I like to arrive equipped with everything I need for a successful trip, and I’m sure you do, too.

A beach bag alone won’t cut it in Belize, unfortunately. However, I’ve perfected my Belize packing list after years of traveling to this balmy paradise. This guide has everything you need to bring to enjoy the Caribbean trip of a lifetime.

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Travel Essentials for Belize

🖨️ Get a free printable version of this packing list here

Travel Backpack

I recommend bringing a travel backpack over a suitcase to Belize due to the country’s many sandy pathways and its commonly rough terrain. A pack on your back will make navigation much easier than wheeling a suitcase across uneven ground.

My Tortuga Travel Backpack Lite carries enough clothing for a week and fits in the overhead bins of any airline. I never have to worry about checking a bag, and I don’t have to sacrifice space thanks to its intuitive design. This is one of the best travel backpacks around and I’d recommend it to anyone in need of a reliable product.

📚 Related Reading: Get more details from our full Tortuga Travel Backpack review! 

Day Pack

A day pack will make your everyday adventures easy to accomplish. Bring all of your key travel essentials with you so you don’t have to hand-carry anything important.

I love the Osprey Collapsible Stuff Pack because it takes up so little space in my main backpack, but expands to hold all of my daily necessities throughout my trips. It’s durable, breathable, and inexpensive compared to many other brands. I never go anywhere without it!

Waterproof Camera

My snorkeling experiences in Belize are core memories. The crystal-clear waters offer pristine views of tropical fish, eagle rays, sea turtles, nurse sharks, and more in their natural habitat. Capture it all with a reliable underwater camera.

My GoPro HERO13 Black is my prized possession on snorkeling trips. It’s ready to shoot photos and videos in 4K up to 33 feet underwater straight out of the case (no additional gear needed). This tiny gadget has captured the coolest footage of my life, and I couldn’t recommend it more for a trip to Belize.

Packing Cubes

Packing is so much easier when all of your things are organized. No product simplifies the process and frees up space better than packing cubes.

These Veken Packing Cubes set me up for success on every trip. I never have to dig through a pile of jumbled clothing and products to find what I need, thanks to this simple invention.

Sunscreen

Belize is home to some of the most fragile underwater ecosystems on the planet. Do your part for the environment by using reef-safe sunscreen.

Blue Lizard is my newfound favorite sunscreen brand. Their reef-friendly formula is not only safe for the water, but also safe for you. It’s made without harsh chemicals, so you can feel good about protecting your skin from the sun and harmful ingredients.

Sun Hat

Sunscreen is rarely enough on its own. Shade is the way! Keep your face and neck protected from the tropical sun with a wide-brimmed UPF hat.

This adorable FURTALK hat is less than $20 and made with materials scientifically proven to block harmful UV rays. It’s perfect for long hikes through the jungle or lazy days on the beach.

Sunglasses

More sun protection incoming! As wonderful as those bright Belize beaches are, you need to be cautious of harmful rays. Don’t forget to protect your eyes with a pair of classic Sojos sunglasses. This stylish design blocks harmful UVB rays while making you look like a movie star.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is universally known as the world’s best sunburn relief. You should nurture your skin with after-sun gel since you’ll be in the sun and water more than you’re probably used to in Belize.

My favorite brand is the Aloe Up Ice Sunburn Jelly. It’s reef-safe, organic, and guaranteed to leave your skin in better condition after a day of sun exposure. I notice significantly less burn damage after using this product.

Reusable Water Bottle

You need to drink plenty of water to feel your best when traveling. The sun and sea will deplete you faster than you think in Belize, so make sure to replenish your body with several liters of water per day.

Grayl is always the brand I recommend for countries where it’s not safe to drink the tap water. This impressive bottle filters out impurities and removes all pathogens from unclean water, making it safe to drink. It’s a game changer for your health abroad.

Hydration Sticks

Sweaty days and salty water take their toll in Belize. Maintain energy by adding electrolytes to your water bottle every morning.

These LMNT hydration sticks have the best ingredients of any I’ve tried. Ditch the popular Liquid IV packs, which contain over 10 grams of sugar per pouch, and opt for this much healthier, highly-rated brand. I’m a huge fan! 

Insect Repellent

Belize is notorious for having lots of hungry bugs. They’re especially pesky in the inland areas with dense foliage and warmer temperatures. Bug spray is a must if you plan to enjoy yourself in the jungle.

I use Medella Naturals Travel Repellent on my travels. It’s Deet-free, which means it doesn’t let harmful chemicals soak into your skin. This pack comes in three sizes, including one that will make it through airport security. Toss it in your bag and keep the bugs away in Belize.

Dry Bag

Nothing is worse than a suitcase full of damp, musty belongings. Be proactive about keeping your things dry to avoid a stinky packing disaster. Dry bags are great for humid environments near water, like Belize.

This awesome Earth Pak is well-made and reliable. It comes with a waterproof phone case, too, so you can take your phone out on a boat without worrying about water damage. 

Luggage Locks

Luggage locks could make or break your trip to Belize. If you intend to stay in a hostel, snap these cabled babies from Forge on your luggage before leaving your accommodations.

The sight of a lock alone deters potential thieves from trying anything fishy. And the peace of mind will keep you focused on what’s important: enjoying yourself in paradise.

👉 Don’t Miss: First time in a hostel? Here’s what to pack!

Snorkel Gear

Belize is home to the second-largest barrier reef in the world, just after Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. The snorkeling here is phenomenal and one of my favorite things to do on Earth. If you don’t want to rent equipment, bring it yourself.

This full-face snorkel from Hydroview comes highly recommended by snorkel enthusiasts. I don’t suggest bringing fins since they take up so much room, but a mask will be easy to bring to every beach excursion. Never miss out on the magical world beneath the surface.

Travel Towel

You’re going to need a towel for daily trips to the beach in Belize. I’ve used my Youphoria microfiber travel towel for years all over the world. It’s packable, non-irritating, and gets me completely dry in less than a minute. Don’t leave home without this awesome little towel.

First Aid Kit

You never know when you might get a booboo on the road, especially in an outdoorsy destination like Belize. Bandages, painkillers, and other small necessities offer huge relief for even the smallest injuries.

The General Medi kit is so discreet that you’ll forget you even packed it — until you wind up needing it. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!

Hand Sanitizer

Keeping your hands clean is a key part of avoiding illness while traveling. I always stash a few bottles of Purell in my bag when I’m out and about without access to a restroom. Germs be gone!

Checklist of Other Belize Essentials to Pack

• Passport
• Wallet
• Medications
• Phone charger
• Camera charger
• Toiletries
• Toothbrush/toothpaste
• Hair ties
• Beach bag
• Beach blanket
• Headphones
• Airplane pillow
• Book(s)

Clothing, Shoes, & Accessories to Pack for Belize

Get ready for a beachy look in Belize. The usual staples (swimsuit, sandals, shorts) are a must, but there are some other hot-weather pieces you’ll want to bring. The temperatures don’t fluctuate too much through the seasons, so you can pack the same things most of the year.

No need to get fancy here — Belizeans are all about taking it easy and wearing what makes you comfortable in the heat. Here are my top recommendations for clothes to bring to Belize, along with a list of basic staples:  

Swimsuit

This is an obvious but necessary mention. Invest in a high-quality swimsuit for your trip to Belize. You’ll spend a lot of time in the water, especially if you plan to snorkel or scuba dive, so you need a design that will stay put.

Rip Curl has always been one of my favorite swimsuit brands. I’ve worn this flattering bikini on multiple snorkeling adventures, and it has never failed me. It’s made with eco-conscious fabric (always a plus), and it looks great in photos!

Beach Coverup

This one is easily forgotten, but enormously helpful under the harsh Caribbean sun. A beach coverup offers shady relief on the beach the moment you’re out of the water.

Be kind to your skin by donning this adorable lace cover-up from Colornival. This piece is super affordable and doubles as a dinner outfit at a beachfront snack shack.

Water Sandals

Water sandals are a game changer when hiking across jungle rivers or wading in coral-rich seas. They conveniently protect your feet and keep you from sore soles during the trip.

I will sing the praises of Teva until I die. This is my favorite all-day sandal brand thanks to their long-lasting materials and comfortable designs. Plus, they look cute in every outfit. I never have to pack any other sandals with these in my bag.

Moisture-Wicking Shirts

There’s no escaping the sweatiness of Belize. Your clothing will make a big difference in your comfort levels when you’re pouring sweat in the humid jungle. Get a pack of these Magcomsen athletic shirts to minimize chaffing and stinky pits!

Sundress

Sundresses are the perfect way to look put-together with minimal effort. And they’re the most comfortable, breathable option in a humid country like Belize.

This HUHOT summer sundress is fashionable and affordable. You can dress it up or down depending on the occasion. Pack a few, as they barely take up any room in your bag!

Athletic Shorts

Shorts are undeniably the best bottoms to wear in Belize, no matter the time of year. I mistakenly only brought denim shorts on my first visit. Opt for an athletic style to maintain comfort in breathable fabric.

I’m a big fan of these Willit athletic shorts. They’re a trifecta of comfort, breathability, and style. These shorts will treat you well no matter what activities you tackle in Belize.

Other Clothing, Shoes, & Accessories to Pack for Belize

So what clothing, shoes, and accessories should you pack for Belize? Here is a quick checklist: 

• 3-4 shirts
• 3-4 tank tops
• 2-3 pairs of shorts
• 1-2 skirts
• 1-2 maxi dresses
• 3-5 sports bras
• 1-2 swimsuits
• 1 ball cap
• 1 pair of flip flops
• 1 pair of sneakers
• 7 pairs of underwear
• 3-4 pairs of socks
• Waterproof jewelry

Seasonal Items to Pack for Belize

Belize has two seasons: rainy and dry. Both are still quite hot, so you don’t need to alter your clothing packing list too much.

Many people visit during lobster season, which runs from July through February. Want to try catching crustaceans and partake in the many lobster cookouts and festivals? I’ve added a few particular items to your packing list if you’re interested in that.

Here are my recommendations for seasonal items or clothing you might need in Belize:

Rain Slicker

You’re going to get rained on if you visit Belize during the rainy season. It’s inevitable! Keep this Frogg Toggs lightweight rain poncho in your pack at all times to keep dry in a routine shower.

Mini Fan

Warm weather is tough if you run hot like me. A handheld fan can make all the difference in your mood when you’re out on a stifling day.

I know dozens of flight attendants who travel with this JISULIFE mini fan to keep cool on hot airplanes. It’ll come in handy in Belize if you need a little extra relief while you’re out exploring in the heat.

Protective Gloves

Don’t let the lobsters poke you with their sharp claws! If you plan to partake in lobster season, these fishing gloves from Schwer will prevent you from getting hurt. They’re made with tiny metal wires that are impenetrable to knives, hooks, and pointy claws.

Overalls

Another lobster fishing necessity. Fishing overalls will keep you clean and dry during underwater hunts. You won’t regret packing these Rain Rider bib overalls if you intend to visit for lobster season festivities.

Belize Packing Tips

Bring cash to the cayes

Many of the shops and restaurants on the cayes (small islands) in Belize only take cash. There are ATMS available in those areas, but the deposit fee is usually higher than on the mainland. Think about taking out a few hundred dollars before hopping on a boat to the cayes. American dollars are accepted!

Sun protection is key

I can’t stress this enough: You need to be extra cautious of sun damage in Belize. The constant exposure to sun and saltwater increases your vulnerability to burning. Pack all of the protective gear on this list to ensure you don’t go home looking like the lobster you caught.

Don’t drink the tap water

Belize’s tap water is not safe to drink. Bring a filtration bottle like the Grayl one I recommended on this list, or buy packs of water bottles at a local convenience store to ensure you don’t get sick on your trip.

Activewear works well for daily clothing

I made the mistake of bringing dark cotton materials and denim shorts on my first trip to Belize. Now, I rarely branch off from athletic shorts, tank tops, and sports bras. The materials are designed to wick away sweat and allow for movement without discomfort in sticky weather.

No need for anything fancy

That $200 pair of sunglasses you just bought? Leave them at home. You shouldn’t bring anything fancy to Belize. You could easily lose items like sunglasses and jewelry on a boat ride. And even though petty theft isn’t a big worry, you don’t want to make yourself a target with flashy items.

Cold weather doesn’t exist

Belize is hot, as you can tell from the recommendations on this list. Bring a sweatshirt for the plane ride, but don’t prioritize any other cold-weather wear. Those bulky items will go untouched throughout your time in Belize, no matter what time of year you visit.

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🖨️ Get a free printable version of this packing list here

You’re ready to enjoy an unforgettable trip to Belize! You’ll have everything you need with the items on this guide. But check out Vanessa’s beach packing list for even more recommendations.