The Ultimate One Week Belize Packing List: Tips + Checklist
So, you’re going to Belize. Right on! Now, it’s time to figure out what exactly needs to be on your Belize Packing List!
After visiting Belize four years in a row, sometimes twice in the same year, I’d say I have a pretty good idea of what you should and shouldn’t pack.
Since Belize has ideal weather year-round, packing will be pretty easy! Yet, there are a few things you won’t want to forget!
This Belize packing list covers EVERYTHING you’ll want to pack and the things you just shouldn’t.
Bonus: I’ve included a checklist at the bottom to make it super simple!
Dust off that suitcase, and let’s get packing!
The Ultimate Belize Packing List
Here’s what you’ll need to pack for your Belize trip. This list will make sure you have everything you need for a great time!
Travel Documents for Belize
There are a few legal requirements you’ll need to pack for Belize. These items are:
Passport—You must have a passport to enter the country, and it must be valid for at least six months past your date of departure.
Plane tickets – You are only permitted to stay in Belize for 30 days. Border officials may request proof of your return plane ticket to leave the country.
Itinerary/Accommodations – Immigration and Customs will need this info to verify your trip, keep you safe during emergencies, follow health and environmental regulations, and track tourism trends.
💡 Pro Tip: You will need to put the address of your accommodation in Belize on the customs form. So have this information handy!
Visas – U.S., British, and Canadian citizens do not need a Visa for up to a 30-day stay. If you plan to stay longer, you will need a Visa. For a full list of countries and Visa requirements, please visit the official Belize Immigration website.
Proof of Financial Means – Be aware that authorities might ask for proof of your finances and intentions when traveling. Kinda invasive, I know. It’s a good idea to have cash and credit cards in hand.
I haven’t personally experienced this, but it’s good to be aware of the possibility. Just a heads up!
💡 Pro Tip: Belize has a fixed exchange rate. The Belizean dollar is pegged to the US dollar at a 2:1 ratio. This means the exchange rate is two Belize dollars for every one U.S. dollar.
Essential Clothing and Accessories for Belize
Don’t weigh yourself down with unnecessary baggage on your trip. Belize is hot and humid, and most of the time, you will be happiest in just your swimsuit and cover-up.
“Beach-casual” is the norm, and with that in mind, here is a list of clothing and accessories to add to your Belize packing list:
Clothing: Bring light and breathable fabrics for the humid climate. It will make all the difference in your experience.
- Casual dresses
- Shorts (quick dry)
- Lightweight pair of long pants (for jungle trekking)
- Capri yoga pants (I prefer ones with pockets!)
- Tank tops with built-in sports bra
- T-shirts
- Bathing suit
- Beach coverup
- Sleepwear (I use a tank top and shorts)
- Sweater or lightweight jacket (for cooler evenings)
- Rain jacket (only if visiting in the rainy season)
- Underwear
- Socks
Footwear: When packing your shoes for Belize, stick to the general rule of limiting yourself to no more than three pairs! Choose flat bottom, comfortable and breathable footwear such as sandals or flip flops, ideal for strolling along sandy streets and beaches of Belize.
- Comfortable sandals
- Flip-flops or water shoes (for the beach)
- Closed-toe shoes, sneakers, or hiking shoes (your preference if you will be hiking or trekking through the jungle)
Accessories: Keep it to a minimum. Leave the expensive stuff at home.
- Packable sun hat/baseball cap.
- Polarized Sunglasses
- Sunglass neck strap (especially if your activities involve water)
- Earrings/necklaces (keep simple, leave valuables at home)
- Hairpins, hair ties, headbands
Adventure Gear for Belize
There are a lot of adventure activities you can do in Belize. Here is a list of gear to help you pack for your adventures:
Snorkeling/Scuba gear:
If you are going to the islands and planning on scuba diving or snorkeling, you can either bring your own gear or rent it.
I suggest you at least bring your own mask! There’s nothing worse than a mask that doesn’t fit and fills with water or fogs up.
- Scuba certification card
- Dive computer
- Mask and snorkel
- Fins
- Wetsuit
- Dry Bag (I recommend the backpack style)
- Rash Guard Shirt
- Sand Free Towel
Hiking essentials:
If your adventures lead you into Belize’s lush jungles, where hiking into waterfalls and caves is popular, then here’s a list of hiking gear you will want to pack.
- Hiking or trail runner shoes (water resistant; hiking in the jungle can be wet).
- Day backpack (to carry your essentials, first aid kit, and snacks)
- Reusable filtered water bottle
- Wool hiking shocks (they actually help keep your feet cool and dry)
- Lightweight rain jacket
- Hiking sandals/water shoes (if you plan on touring the ATM cave or cave tubing)
Sunscreen: You won’t hear this from me enough. Wear your sunscreen! It’s so very expensive in Belize, so at least bring a carry-on size with you. You can always buy more once in Belize. I prefer to pack my sun protection in a stick form to reduce my liquids.
Insect repellent: The mosquitos can get pretty bad in the jungle! I recommend packing insect-repellent wipes for easy packing.
First aid kit: At least pack the bare minimum, like bandaids and antibiotic ointment. Here are some other suggestions that might be useful for you to put in your kit.
- Hand sanitizer
- Band-aids
- Afterbite (bug bite cream)
- Hydrocortisone cream
- Antibacterial ointment
- Aloe gel
- eye drops
- OTC pain meds
Electronics & Camera Gear for Belize
Let’s face it. Electronics are a part of our daily lives, and they will certainly make your long travel days a little easier.
Besides, I know you will want to take pictures of everything once you’re in Belize. Everywhere you look, it’s just absolutely gorgeous!
So here is a list of the essential electronics you’ll want to pack and items to keep them safe for worry-free fun!
- Underwater camera/GoPro (I have the GoPro 10 black, and I absolutely love it for underwater photos!)
- Dive case and floating handle for GoPro
- Smartphone (your number one camera)
- Floating waterproof phone case (never know when you might drop it in the water).
- Dry bag (protects all your electronics)
- Noise Canceling Headphones/Earbuds
- Chargers and charge cords for all electronics
- Adapter (FYI: The plugs in Belize are two-pronged, just like the ones you find in the U.S.)
- Xtra Camera batteries and charger
- SD cards (double-check for available space)
- Waterproof speaker
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Items
Did you know that Belize is one of the leading countries in eco-tourism and has a strong commitment to sustainability? Here are some ways you can support sustainability efforts to preserve Belize’s beauty for future generations.
- Pack a reusable water bottle.
- Pack eco-friendly toiletries (such as toothpaste capsules, shampoo bars, etc.)
- Pack reef-friendly sunscreen (free of oxybenzone).
- Pack reef friendly bug spray (Natural sprays using essential oils are great to use).
Interesting fact: Belize ranks among the lowest emitters of greenhouse gases globally.
Toiletries to Pack for Belize
The list of toiletries to pack for Belize isn’t long. With Belize’s high humidity and all the water activities, you won’t need to worry about makeup. You’ll just sweat it off, ladies!
At most, you’ll need a tinted sunscreen and waterproof mascara.
Also, if you’re not picky about your shampoo and Conditioner, don’t pack them. Use the one supplied by your hotel.
Here’s the full list of toiletries you’ll need: (not much)
- Toiletry bag (I prefer the hanging kind)
- Leave in hair conditioner (the salt water will dry your hair out!)
- Tinted face sunscreen
- Face moisturizer (the sun and salt water is drying)
- Body lotion (salt water will dry you out)
- Reef Friendly Sunscreen
- SPF Chapstick
- Deodorant
- Waterproof mascara
- Travel-size hair brush
- Tooth Brush and Paste
- Razor
- Feminine products (I prefer a period cup)
Miscellaneous Items to Pack for Belize
Here’s a list of all the other random things you might want on your packing list for Belize:
- Ziplock bags (great for collecting seashells or other small items).
- Dirty laundry bag (or use a pillowcase).
- Shoe bag (or use a shower cap).
- Seabands (great for motion sickness).
- Combination locks. (keep your valuables locked and safe)
- Prescription medications (keep these in your carry-on)
- Contact lenses and case
- Eyeglasses
Things You Should Leave off Your Belize Packing List
There most certainly will be things you’ll want to leave at home on this trip. Belize is very laid-back and casual, so you won’t need to bring a lot of fluff. For example, leave these things at home:
- Expensive Jewelry
- Fancy clothes (Everyone’s in flip-flops and beach clothes)
- Denim (It’s too hot and humid. They will never dry)
- High heels (No one wears heels in Belize! They will be impossible to walk in in the sand)
- Curling Iron (The humidity will ruin it anyway)
- Heavy Books (At most, pack your Kindle)
- Drones (Not allowed in Belize)
Should You Buy Travel Insurance for Belize?
Absolutely!!
It’s a huge mistake if you don’t, especially if you plan on doing adventurous activities such as scuba diving, caving, etc. Besides, you never know when you may have to cancel a trip for unexpected reasons.
I used to always buy the travel insurance that popped up while booking my flight, never researching and purchasing it separately. Boy, have I lucked out, especially with the adventurous activities that I’ve taken part in?
After thorough research and hearing horror stories, I am now convinced that the right travel insurance is a must-have.
I’ve compared A LOT of plans, and my go-to travel insurance is Safety Wing! They have great, affordable plans!
Trust me, you don’t want to take chances while traveling. My fractured shoulder from a bike accident in Switzerland can attest to it!
As with all insurance, be sure to read the fine print and make sure it’s right for you.
Tips for Packing for Belize
I bet you’ve heard about the magic of packing cubes and rolling your clothes to squeeze more into your suitcase a thousand and one times. It’s a classic tip worth mentioning, sure, but I don’t want to bore you with the same old tips.
So, here’s a list of unique and smart tips to ensure you’re ready for Belize:
💡 Make a List!
I’m not kidding you. I make a list for everything!
Whenever I’m getting ready for a trip, I like to make a list of all the things I need to pack. Then, after the trip is over, I go through the list and cross off anything that I didn’t actually use. By doing this, I’m able to create a Master Packing List as a reference. I highly recommend giving it a try!
💡 Carry Cash in Small Bills
Credit cards are widely accepted in Belize, but having some small US bills (yes, they accept US dollars) can be handy, especially when shopping at local markets or paying for transportation. ATMs can sometimes be scarce outside of major towns, so it’s a good idea to have cash on hand for small purchases and tips.
💡 Your shoes can be your personal ATM
Theft, pickpocketing, and fraud can happen while traveling.
So, tuck a $50 bill under the insoles of your shoes so that you at least have some money to get somewhere and get help. Stay safe!
💡 Ditch the Bra!
Hey ladies. Ditch the bra!
A bra is rather useless when in the heat and humidity of Belize. I guarantee if you pack it, you’ll never wear it. Instead, pack tank tops with built-in bras, or just wear your swimsuit top.
💡 Embrace the Beach Hair
Leave your curling iron and other hair styling tools and hair products at home! The salty air and humidity won’t have you doing much with your hair anyway. So, just embrace the “beach hair, don’t care” vibes.
💡 Keep it Cool
Beer is served in bottles in Belize, so bring a bottle cozy with you or an insulated mug to keep your favorite beverage cool. If you don’t, your beer is sure to be warm before you can finish it.
Best Luggage for Packing for Belize
I personally recommend packing in a waterproof duffle bag or backpack. The streets of Belize are rarely paved, and trying to drag roller bags through the dirt isn’t very fun. I learned this mistake after my first trip to Belize.
You’ll also most likely be taking the ferry out to one of the islands and keeping your stuff dry in a dry bag will be ideal.
What’s the Weather Like in Belize?
Before you start packing for your Belize vacation, it’s important to know the weather so you can pack the right stuff.
Belize has two seasons: the wet season and the dry season.
The wet season is from June to November, when it rains more and is more humid. You might get caught in heavy rain sometimes, especially in the afternoons. But the good thing is that the rain showers move through quickly, and there are generally fewer tourists during this season!
The dry season is from December to May. During this time, it hardly rains, and the sun shines every day. It’s perfect for outdoor fun like snorkeling, diving, or checking out ancient Mayan ruins. My husband and I are water babies, and the underwater visibility is the best during this time!
No matter when you visit Belize, the temperature stays pretty much the same all year round. It’s usually in the mid-high 80s Fahrenheit during the day and a bit cooler in the evenings, around 60-70 degrees.
So, it’s smart to pack light and comfy clothes like shorts, T-shirts, and swimsuits. If you’re going during the wet season, it’s a good idea to bring a light rain jacket just in case.
The Ultimate Belize Packing List at a Glance (For One Week)
I know I have given you a lot, so to make it easy on you, here is a one-week Belize packing list checklist.
Travel Documentation
□ Passport
□ Visa
□ Plane tickets
□ Itinerary
□ Accommodation paperwork
□ Debit Cards/Credit Cards
□ Insurance card
Clothing
□ 3-Casual dresses
□ 2 Pair athletic shorts
□ 1 Lightweight pants
□ 1 Pair capri pants or leggings
□ 2 Tank tops
□ 2 T-shirts
□ 1 Sports bra
□ 4 Bathing suits
□ 2 Beach cover ups
□ 1 Pair sleepwear
□ 1 Light jacket or sweater
□ 1 Rain jacket (optional)
□ 7 Pair underwear
□ 2 Pair socks
Footwear
□ 1 Pair sandals
□ 1 Pair flip flops/water shoes
□ 1 Pair sneakers or closed-toe shoes
□ 1 Pair hiking shoes (optional)
Jewelry/Accessories
□ 2 Pair earrings/necklaces/bracelets (simple)
□ 2 Pair sunglasses
□ 1 Sunglasses strap
□ Hair bands, ties, hairpins
□ Baseball cap (optional)
Adventure Gear (Scuba Diving/Snorkeling)
□ Scuba certification
□ Dive computer
□ Mask & Snorkel
□ Fins
□ Wet Suit
□ Dry bag/beach bag
□ Sand-free towel
□ Rash Guard shirt
Hiking Gear
□ Trail runners or waterproof hiking shoes
□ Daypack
□ Reusable filtered water bottle
□ Socks
□ Lightweight rain jacket
□ Hiking Sandals/Water shoes
□ Sunscreen (reef friendly preferred)
□ Insect repellent (reef friendly preferred)
□ First Aid kit
First Aid Kit
□ Band-aids
□ Afterbite (for bug bites)
□ Hydrocortisone cream
□ Antibacterial ointment
□ Aloe gel
□ Eye drops
□ OTC pain medication
□ Anti-diarrheal medication
Electronics/Camera Gear
□ Underwater camera/GoPro
□ Smartphone
□ Waterproof phone case
□ Dry bag
□ Headphones
□ Chargers/Adapters
□ Camera battery/charger
□ SD card
Toiletries
□ Toiletry Bag
□ Tinted face screen
□ Dry/solid shampoo
□ Leave in hair conditioner
□ Body lotion
□ SPF Chapstick
□ Deodorant
□ Hand sanitizer
□ Moisturizer/night cream
□ Waterproof mascara
□ Makeup eraser cloth
□ Toothbrush/toothpaste
□ Eyeglasses
□ Disposable contacts
□ Razor
□ Hairbrush/comb
□ Feminine products
□ Prescription meds
Miscellaneous Items to Pack for Belize
□ Ziplock bags
□ Dirty laundry bag (or pillowcase)
□ Shoe bag
□ Seabands
□ Combination lock
That’s a Wrap on the Ultimate Belize Packing List
There you have it, my fellow island babe!
You should be all set with this Belize Packing List.
The best part is you can personalize this list depending on your preferences and the activities you have planned for the trip.
This list was made with you in mind, so it’s super simple and easy to follow, leaving you with no stress whatsoever!
Trust me, with this Belize packing list, you’ll have everything you need to experience one of the most unbelizable vacations ever!
Talk to you later!