Is Belize Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Belize generally presents a moderate safety environment for solo female travelers. While it is generally warm and welcoming, with an emphasis on eco-tourism and culture, like in any other countries, there are also areas with higher crime rates, thus reasonable precautions should be taken. It's always best to keep your belongings secure, avoid isolated areas, particularly at night, and use reputable transportation. Locals are usually amicable and willing to help, as long as you remain cautious, respectful and aware of your surroundings.

Safety rating

3.7 /5

Based on 9 experiences

3.5 /5

Based on research and crime data

Safety overview

Safety at night:Unsafe

While Belize is a beautiful country with friendly locals, it is recommended that solo female travelers avoid walking alone at night due to safety concerns. In larger cities like Belize City and certain parts of San Pedro, there have been instances of petty crime such as pickpockets and purse-snatching. Also, some areas are poorly lit which may increase the risk. As always, your safety depends on being aware of your surroundings and taking sensible precautions, but it's always better to pair up with someone, take a taxi, or stay in well-lit populated areas after dark.

Public transportation: Moderate

Belize's public transportation system is widely used by both locals and tourists. The majority of travelers use buses which are generally safe and affordable. However, they are often crowded and not the most comfortable. It is important to stay vigilant, especially with personal belongings, as pickpocketing can occur. Taxis are another option, but make sure to use licensed taxi services. Overall, while it's generally safe, it's essential to remain cautious at all times.

Street harassment: Low

In Belize, street harassment is not a widespread issue compared to some other countries. While occasional catcalling or comments from local men may occur, most often, these are rare and largely non-threatening. Always, awareness of one's surroundings and assertiveness can help reduce any unpleasant encounters. The residents are typically hospitable and respectful towards travelers.

Petty crimes:Moderate

Belize is a popular destination, however, petty crimes such as pickpocketing, bag snatching, and other opportunistic thefts are fairly common, especially in crowded areas and tourist hotspots. It's also not uncommon for people to lose possessions left unattended. Therefore, it's advisable to be alert and take reasonable precautions to safeguard your belongings. Women traveling solo, in particular, should be wary of these crimes.

Tap water:Unsafe

Tap water in Belize may not be consistently safe to drink. Different regions have varying levels of water sanitation, particularly in rural areas where it might not be as clean. And while there are some areas where residents safely consume it, for visitors it's recommended to stick to bottled or purified water to avoid potential health issues.

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Travel experiences

Overall rating

4.1 /5

based on 9 experiences

Rating summary

Things to do

4.2/5

Safety

3.7/5

Food

4.4/5

Budget-friendly

3.8/5

Group travel experience

I travelled Belize as part of a group trip with lots of other solo female travellers. We felt totally safe in Caye Caulker and San Ignacio (the only 2 places we went), the people were so friendly and helpful. We had heard that catcalling was bad in Belize but we didn’t experience any really. We were told Belize City wasn’t very safe so we didn’t explore there much. There’s lots of activities to do involving wildlife and food, not the cheapest place but I think all activities are reasonably priced for the experience you get!

Posted: November 28, 2023Experienced: November, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

I visited a lot of Caribbean nations and Belize is probably my least favorite. It is a beautiful country with extreme poverty. It is one of the few countries where I really didn't feel too comfortable walking in the city (Belize City). I wouldn't recommend Belize for more than a vacation in Ambergris Cay.

Posted: September 26, 2023
Things to do: 4/5Food: 4/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 3/5
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Solo travel experience

I went by myself last year to Tikal and Great Blue Hole. I stayed throughout Guatemala, San Pedro, and Caye Caulker for two weeks. I felt extremely safe everywhere I went but San Pedro. I didn’t feel in danger in San Pedro, just didn’t seem like an appropriate city to walk around at night as a solo female traveler. I still met some really nice people there when I went for dinner.

Posted: September 24, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 4/5
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Solo travel experience

I’ve been to Belize solo for a vacation and it was OK (not great just OK). I didn’t feel safe and it felt very touristy in the areas I was, but not welcoming.

Posted: September 11, 2023
Things to do: 4/5Food: 4/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 3/5
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Solo travel experience

I visited San Pedro, Caye Caulker, and San Ignacio and loved each stop. When on the mainland I traveled by chicken bus and felt very safe. I stayed in hostels the whole time. Belize is more expensive than other countries in Central America but you can make it budget-friendly.

Posted: August 16, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

Belize was my first solo trip. I was in the Placencia area and felt very safe. I stayed at an expat hotel and they made sure I returned to my room every day. Locals were so friendly and welcoming and almost no language barrier.

Posted: June 5, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

I have been to Placencia and Caye Caulker in Belize and would highly recommend them. Placencia was very relaxed and calm, everything was easily walkable and the food was amazing. Caye Caulker had the best snorkeling I’ve ever done and was also super walkable but was a bit more touristy. I’d highly recommend them for a solo female traveler.

Posted: March 25, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Family travel experience

My mom and I had the best time ever in Belize. We were there for a week and a half. We experienced some unwanted cat calling on Caye Caulker, but we just tried to tell ourselves it was a cultural thing and nothing threatening. I felt as safe there as most other places we’ve traveled.

Posted: November 27, 2022
Things to do: 4/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 4/5
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Group travel experience

I loved my 10 days in Belize. My friend (female) and I had a wonderful time. We didn’t spend any time in Belize City; we were told not to. We visited Caye Caulker (took a taxi straight to the ferry port from the airport) , San Ignacio (day trip to Tikal in Guatemala) and Hopkins. We hired a driver to take us to each city.

Posted: November 27, 2022
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 4/5
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Meet locals in Belize

Alma

Alma

Speaking

About Me

Hi my name is Alma i was born in El Salvador and currently living in Belize, i live in one of the most beautiful island ever ! I love dancing and i love eating, my favorite food is pasta and sushi and ofc pupusas! I love learning languajes i currently speak 3 languajes, spanish, English and Italian. And i love making new friends and learning about different cultures.

Countries I’ve Visited

🇸🇻 El Salvador, 🇬🇹 Guatemala, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇲🇽 Mexico

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Upcoming visitors to Belize

Charmaine

Charmaine

Speaking

About Me

Hi! My name is Charmaine and I’m a 24 year old Marine Corps veteran that was retired after 5 years of service in 2021. Im looking into backpacking South America in late 2023 or early 2024. I would love to have some travel buddies along the way as I am planning a solo journey. Any advice and recommendations are always welcome!

Countries I’ve Visited

🇦🇫 Afghanistan, 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇨🇦 Canada, 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇨🇳 China, 🇺🇸 United States

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Safety in Belize