If you haven’t heard of the Central American country of Belize, it’s become one of the hottest vacation spots in the Eastern Hemisphere due to its pristine beaches, easy accessibility, and awe-inspiring natural landscapes. This Caribbean nation borders Mexico to the north, the Caribbean Sea to the east, and Guatemala to the west and south. The west side of the country is covered in dense jungles containing some mind-blowing Mayan ruins. The east side of the country is lined with some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. No matter where you go, you’ll find amazing nature, extremely kind people, good food, and so much more.
If you’re traveling from an English-speaking country, you’ll be happy to learn that Belize is the only country in Latin America where English is the official language. The second most spoken language in the country is Spanish. This is due to the fact that Belize was colonized and declared part of the Spanish Empire and then later colonized by the British. And, while Belize gained its independence in 1981, the influences of those two cultures are still very much evident in Belize today. Between cultural experiences and outstanding wilderness, there’s something for everyone in the nation of Belize. And the best way to make the most out of your time in the country is by renting a motorbike and cruising around at your leisure.
Here is everything you need to know about hiring a motorcycle in Belize. Most things here can also be applied if you are renting a scooter as well. This guide includes:
- Whether you need an international driving permit to hire a motorcycle in Belize
- Whether it’s safe to hire a motorbike in Belize
- The normal price of motorbike hire in Belize
- The best places to find motorcycle rental in Belize
- The best things to do in Belize by motorcycle
Do You Need an International Driving Permit To Hire a Motorcycle in Belize?
If you’re interested in hiring a motorbike while in Belize, you need to make sure to obtain an international driving permit before arriving in the country. All foreign drivers are required to carry three things with them at all times while operating any type of motor vehicle in Belize: a passport with a valid entry stamp, an international driving permit, and a valid copy of their driver’s license from their home country. Failure to present local law enforcement with any of these three things may result in a ticket or even deportation.
If you want to apply for your international driving permit, you can do so online here. The application fee is $20 and the permit should arrive at your address within two weeks, so you should make sure to submit your application at least two weeks before departing your home country. Once you’ve received your IDP, it will be valid for one full year.
Is It Safe to Rent a Motorbike in Belize?
For the most part, renting a motorcycle in Belize and driving pretty much anywhere in the country is perfectly safe. First of all, if you’re used to driving in the United Kingdom or the United States, you’ll be pleased to find that all of the speed limits are measured in miles per hour and all of the street signs are written in English. Also similarly, the normal speed limit is 55 miles per hour on highways and 25 miles per hour in cities and towns.
Unlike the United Kingdom, however, they drive on the right side of the road in Belize. This means that turning left will involve turning in front of oncoming traffic on two-way roads. Also, strangely, when turning left on a highway, you have to pull into the right lane with your left indicator on and then wait for other vehicles to pass before making the turn. This will be strange for drivers from the United States or Europe where cars making a left turn just stop in the left lane and all of the cars behind it are expected to stop.
What Is the Normal Cost of Motorcycle Hire in Belize?
Being that Belize is a very popular vacation spot for people from the United States and other wealthy countries, the price of motorcycle hire is higher than in other Central American nations. If you want to rent a proper motorbike, such as a Lifan LF 125, you can expect to pay around €55 per day. A more powerful motorcycle, such as a Lifan LF 250, will cost you more like €70 per day. There are also other vehicle options such as cars and ATVs that are available for fairly affordable prices.
No matter what type of vehicle you choose to rent, you should always make sure that insurance and helmet rental are included in the stated rate. You do not want to be caught driving in any foreign country without insurance. You should also inquire with your rental service about reduced rates for weekly or monthly rental.
Where Are the Best Places To Find Motorcycle Rental in Belize?
If you plan on flying into Belize, chances are that you’ll be flying into Philip Goldson International Airport, the only international airport serving the country of Belize. It’s located in the village of Ladyville, which is about 10 miles northwest of Belize City. You can probably find a company to deliver a rental motorbike directly to your airport terminal if you look online. However, you may not be able to find a rental service at the airport upon arrival.
If you’d rather get to your accommodation before renting a motorcycle, you can find rental shops all around the country of Belize. But, to get you started on your search, the best cities to find motorcycle hire are San Ignacio, Hopkins, and Belize City.
What Are the Best Things To Do in Belize by Motorcycle?
Now that you have all of the necessary information for finding a rental motorcycle in Belize, here are some of the best things to do around the country with your rented vehicle:
Ambergris Caye
While you can’t actually drive there due to the fact that it’s an island off the northern coast of Belize, Ambergris Caye is an absolute must-visit spot if you’re traveling in Belize. The 25-mile-long island was named after a very valuable form of whale vomit, but the views are anything but nausea-inducing. This island is particularly popular among those who enjoy diving and snorkeling due to the barrier reef that surrounds the island and is home to an incredible abundance of wildlife.
If aquatic exploring isn’t your thing, a trip to Ambergris Caye is still absolutely worth it. The island is home to some of the most stunning beaches in Belize, lined with white sand and clear water. You should also stop by San Pedro, Ambergris Caye’s biggest town, where you can find a ton of amazing hotels, restaurants, and shopping outlets.
Lamanai
If you’re looking for a break from stunning beaches and luxury resorts and you’d like to see something cultural, the first place you should visit is Lamanai. The name of the site translates to “submerged crocodile” in the Yucatan Mayan language, and that name gives you a pretty good idea of what you can expect at this 960-acre site. The area is covered with carvings and statues of crocodiles. Plus, you can see real crocodiles sitting along the banks of the New River to bask in the sunlight.
This area was inhabited by Mayans between 1500 BC and 1700 AD, making it the longest-occupied known Mayan site on the planet. Those interested in Mayan history can learn a ton about the development of their society by examining the different types of architectural ruins around Lamanai. However, if you just want to see some beautiful nature, Lamanai has you covered as well.
Great Blue Hole
Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1996, the Great Blue Hole is probably the most impressive landscape feature in all of Belize. If you’re an avid scuba diver, you simply cannot leave Belize without making a trip to the Great Blue Hole. This amazing landmark was formed when the roof of an underwater cave crumbled in, forming a giant hole that descends 410 feet below sea level. Inside you can find all sorts of tunnels, caverns, and interesting rock formations.
If you aren’t a diver, you should still take a trip out to the Great Blue Hole and explore the amazing reefs that surround it. It’s best to visit the Great Blue Hole during April and May because this is the dry season and will give you the best chance of having ideal weather conditions.
Explore Belize by Motorcycle
The country of Belize has innumerable things to see from outstanding beaches to dense jungles to sprawling cities. And, if you want to really make the most out of your time in this amazing country, the best way to do so is by renting a motorbike and cruising around the country on your own time.
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