Passports 

A current passport with 3 to 6 months available validity is required for Canadian, American, and British citizens for entry to Belize. For citizens of other countries you must contact your embassy or consulate for entry requirements. When traveling with children you will require full documentation as well as a Consent Letter or Minor Travel Consent Form from the absent parent(s) or guardian approving out-of-country travel. Notarization may be required.

General Packing

When traveling to Belize it is best to travel with one larger check-in bag and one carry-on bag. These bags are easy to move around, can be toted easily, fit in boats, small planes, and van roof racks. Soft luggage works best; Backpacks can work too; do try to avoid large suitcases.  

Check with your airline for weight restrictions and carry-on allowances.When packing your carry-on try to include what you would need to be comfortable in Belize your first few days in case your checked baggage is misrouted by the airline.

We recommended you have one small day pack to carry a few items for your documents, camera, phone etc., Also it is smart to bring some ziplock bags to keep items extra dry incase of inclement weather

Here is a list of things not to forget. 

• Sunscreen & bug spray

• large refillable water bottle (non-plastic)

• lightweight hikers that are ok to get wet.

• watersport sandals 

• lightweight quick-dry long pants

• swimsuit

• rain jacket

• wide-brimmed sun hat or lightweight cap 

• headlamp and spare batteries 

Money & Tipping

$1USD = $2BZD

US cash is accepted everywhere in Belize at a rate of 1 to 2.

The amount of personal spending money you bring will largely depend on your own needs. 

There opportunity to purchase souvenirs, alcohol, cold drinks, and wayside snacks at the resort and you can pay using your credit card at the end of your stay.

When traveling offsite, you may also have the opportunity to purchase souvenirs and other items, and having small denomination US bills will enable you to participate. We recommend you bring a combination of US bills - a few $50 bills with the majority in small denominations such as $20, $10, $5, and a few $1 bills.

Tipping is customary in our industry. A 10% is standard, 15-20% is for an outstanding service. Meals and your stay at Bocawina include a 9% service fee. Tours and adventures do not include gratuities.

Visa and MasterCard are accepted at the resort and in some establishments in major centers, but you should not entirely depend on credit cards as many establishments do not accept this form of payment.  

Electricity

Belize uses 110V AC power. Our facilities run on 24 hour - 110V AC power, supplied by inverted solar power and a generator for backup when needed

Drinking Water

The water system in mainland Belize towns/cities is normally potable and safe to drink. Be sure to bring a durable water bottle and we will provide drinking water throughout your stay with us. 

At Bocawina we have safe, fresh, water catchment and we filter our drinking water as an extra precaution. Water fill points are set up throughout the facilities and ice is available in the restaurant. 

Environment 

Biodegradable Soap & Shampoo

As part of our conservation and sustainable practice we provide biodegradable soap and shampoo in your rooms. Recycle points are set up around the resort.

Biodegradable Reef-Safe Sunscreen

Biodegradable & reef Safe sun-block is environmentally friendly sunscreen that lacks the harmful ingredients that are destroying the world's coral reefs.  These sunscreens are biodegradable, meaning they break down naturally in the environment, and eco-friendly, meaning that they minimize damage to the environment.  We strongly encourage using only biodegradable & reef safe sunscreen in Belize. 

Weather in the Tropics

The climate of Belize is subtropical. Temperatures range from 70 to 105F (20 to 40C) with high humidity during the day, dropping at night to 70 to 80F (20 to 27C). 

From November to June conditions are usually clear, sunny, and warm. However, November and December are generally cooler and more moist. Although this is known locally as the dry season, there can be an infrequent "Northerly" bringing along with it cooler temperatures and some rain - these systems rarely last more than a few days. 

July through October is also a great time to travel. It is considered a shoulder season but this is because most people tend to enjoy spring and summer in their home region, and travel to hotter destinations during the winter months. At this time of year we see a shift in the trade winds to a more consistent South Westerly, and with it comes an increase in squalls that can also bring rain. Rains are usually intermittent and can last up to a few hours at a time. Sometimes inland conditions can change quickly with afternoon thunderstorms and heavy rainfall at times. 

Our traveling philosophy is "All Weather is Good Weather" since we can't do anything to change it!  Activity schedules may need to be adjusted to compensate for inclement weather.

Critters and Bugs 

Yes, they do exist in the jungle!  Weather, wind conditions, and proximity to the previous rainy season affect the concentrations of biting insects found both on the mainland and at the island. The most effective form of precautions are clothing to cover up and a good deet-based repellent when necessary. For insect repellent you should look for something with 20%+ deet content for optimal protection.   Lightweight long pants, socks, and a light long sleeve shirt will help when the bugs are out. Quick-dry fabrics work very well in these instances.