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

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How safe is Belize?

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.

Travel experiences

3.8 /5

Based on 12 experiences

Anna

Anna (31)

United States

Solo travel experience

Felt very safe in Caye Caulker Belize. Beach time, walking/biking around the island Took a day trip to San pedro. I was on a low budget so stayed at reputable hostels If you like any more details feel free to ask!:)

Posted: March 7, 2024Experienced: February, 2024
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Solo travel experience

I visited San Pedro, Caye Caulker and San Ignacio, falling in love with each of these places. On the mainland I traveled by chicken bus and felt very safe. I stayed in hostels all the time, which were great, except those on Caye Caulker, where the hostels were quite rundown. Belize is more expensive than other Central American countries, but there are ways to travel on a limited budget.

Posted: December 26, 2023
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Solo travel experience

Belize was my first solo trip. I spent my time in San Ignacio and Caye Caulker. I only traveled to Belize City and from there, so I didn't spend much time there. I felt safe during my stay there. Caye Caulker seemed very safe. Men stare a lot, which made me uncomfortable, but I never felt in danger.

Posted: December 3, 2023
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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
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Solo travel experience

A year ago, I went to Tikal and the Great Blue Hole by myself. For two weeks, I visited Guatemala, San Pedro and Caye Caulker. I felt extremely safe everywhere I went, except for San Pedro. I didn't feel threatened there, it just seemed to me that it was not the right city for a woman traveling alone to walk around in the evening. Despite that, I met a few really nice people there when I went out for dinner.

Posted: September 24, 2023
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Solo travel experience

I was on vacation alone in Belize and it was OK (not great, just OK). I didn't feel safe and the places I visited seemed very touristy, but not welcoming.

Posted: September 11, 2023
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Solo travel experience

I visited San Pedro, Caye Caulker, and San Ignacio and I liked each of these places a lot. During my stay 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 travel there economically.

Posted: August 16, 2023
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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 a hotel for expatriates and they made sure I returned to my room every day. The locals were incredibly friendly and welcoming, and there was virtually no language barrier.

Posted: June 5, 2023
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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 unwanted whistles on Caye Caulker, but we tried to convince ourselves that it was a cultural issue and nothing threatening. I felt as safe there as in most other places we have visited.

Posted: November 27, 2022
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Is Belize safe for women?

Is Belize safe right now?

Before your visit to Belize, it's essential to check travel advisories for Belize, including your home country's official travel advisory. These advisories can provide up-to-date information on safety, health, and any specific considerations for travelers.
🇺🇸

United States Travel AdvisoryExercise a high degree of caution

The United States Government advises to exercise increased caution in Belize due to crime. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: November 13, 2023
🇨🇦

Canada's Travel AdvisoryExercise a high degree of caution

The Canadian Government advises exercising a high degree of caution in Belize due to high levels of violent crime throughout the country. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: March 13, 2024
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Australia's Travel AdvisoryExercise a high degree of caution

The Australian government advises exercising a high degree of caution in Belize due to the threat of violent crime. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: July 6, 2023

Is Belize worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.2 /5

based on 12 experiences

Rating summary

Things to do

4.4/5

Safety

3.8/5

Food

4.5/5

Budget-friendly

3.8/5

Solo travel experience

I have visited many Caribbean countries and Belize is probably my least favorite. It is a beautiful country with extreme poverty. It's one of the few countries where I really didn't feel comfortable walking around the city (Belize City). I wouldn't recommend Belize for more than a vacation on 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've been to Placencia and Caye Caulker in Belize and I highly recommend them. Placencia was very peaceful and stress-free, everything was easily accessible by foot, and the food was amazing. Caye Caulker had the best possible place for snorkeling I've ever seen, it was also easily accessible by foot, but it was a bit more touristic. I would definitely recommend these places 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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Meet locals in Belize

Meet local women in Belize who are open to meet up for a coffee or a drink, show you around, give local advice or practice a language with.
Alma

Alma

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.

Speaking

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Upcoming visitors to Belize

Connect with upcoming visitors to Belize who are looking for travel buddies or meet ups.
Priscilla

Priscilla

About Me

Hello, my name is Priscilla and I’m Latina. I love music, dancing the beach, museums, and food. I’m looking for travel buddies or meet up’s when I do travel! First time solo travailing next month 🥰

Speaking

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Safety in Belize