Sustainability
Belize holds responsible tourism at the core of its value systems, developing projects that encourage travellers to engage with the country’s rainforests, reefs, and unique culture in a truly sustainable and responsible manner. In an effort to protect endangered species such as the jaguar, Belize is a critical partner of the Maya Forest Corridor, protecting landscapes from Belize’s Maya Mountains, through the tri-national Maya forest of Belize, Mexico, and Guatemala – the most extensive continuous stretch of jungle in Central America.
What’s more, with a variety of tour operators offering packages that support local community tourism, the Belize Tourism Board enables travellers to responsibly engage with local Garifuna culture. Whether you want to learn a little Creole, or experience traditional Garifuna dance forms such as Punta, these ‘Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity’ – as recognised by UNESCO in 2001 – visitors can support community tourism ventures. For those with an affinity to water, Belize also boasts 386km of spectacular Caribbean coastline and the second largest reef in the world. Belize intends to continue to lead the way in reef protection and sustainable tourism, having launched a reef protection programme featuring a new wreck diving site allowing divers to explore the marine life and waters while reducing strain on these radiant reefs and eco-systems.
The below offers an easy-to-use directory for visitors to Belize to be able to search for responsible tourism organisations within the country when planning their visit.
Non-Governmental Organizations in Belize
Green Globe Certified Hotels
Gaia
Riverlodge
Gaia Riverlodge is located in the heart of the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, located approximately 1-hour drive from the nearest twin towns of San Ignacio/Santa Elena. This remote area is popularly known for its rivers & creeks, mountain scenery, impressive waterfalls, cave systems and the famous archeological site, Caracol. The location allows you to experience Caribbean Pine Forest as well as Broadleaf Jungle.
Hamanasi Adventure & Dive Resort
Welcome to Hamanasi, your award winning eco resort on the Southern coast of Belize. Our guiding principle is delivering vacation experiences of a lifetime with gracious Belizean hospitality. Awarded one of the Top 10 Hotels in the World in the 2022 Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards. From Mayan pyramids deep in the rainforest to pristine reefs teeming with coral, with Hamanasi you’ll discover the best of Belize, on and offshore!
Itz’ana Belize Resort & Residence
Relax on the white sand beach. Enjoy local cuisine fresh from the garden. Renew your senses with spa treatment overlooking the ocean. Discover the tranquility and cultural spirit of our Placencia resort, where the reef meets the rainforest. Life imitates luxury at Itz’ana.
Ka’ana Belize Resort
Inspiration comes alive at Ka’ana, a luxe adventure outpost where wandering spirits roam free. Nestled in the heart of the tropical jungle of western Belize, our luxury resort is an oasis of style, culture, and premium amenities for well-seasoned adventurers and tastemakers alike.
Matachica Resort & Spa
The tiny nation enjoys stunning landscapes of lush tropical rainforests, waterfalls, and beaches plus exotic wildlife, breathtaking Mayan ruins and a rich culture made of diverse ethnicities. Belizeans are always smiling, and incredibly welcoming. From our booking representatives, our staff on location to the people you’ll meet on the streets, you can always be assured to have genuine interactions.
Turneffe
Flats
Turneffe Flats has long been recognized as Belize’s premier saltwater fly fishing, scuba diving and marine eco-tourism destination. Located on Turneffe Atoll – the largest and most biologically diverse atoll in the Caribbean – we provide superior flats fishing, diving, snorkeling, and eco-adventure experiences for a limited number of guests.
Turneffe
Island Resorts
Our private island resort is located off the coast of Belize, just 30 miles from the world-famous Great Blue Hole. Spend your days with fins or fishing rod in hand, and live the life of a castaway.
Xanadu
Island Resort
Nestled amongst tropical indigenous gardens, eco-friendly Xanadu is situated on the beach overlooking the world’s second-largest barrier reef and the Caribbean Sea. Located a mile south of San Pedro Town on the island of Ambergris Caye, Xanadu is close enough to enjoy the amenities of the town yet far enough away to enjoy nature and relaxation.
