Caves Branch, Cayo District

destination • experience • outdoors

Caves Branch

Want to rappel into a 300-foot sinkhole called the Black Hole Drop? I thought so. You'll start by hiking steeply uphill to the edge of the sinkhole. After a brief training, you'll get roped in and have to step backwards into nothingness, walking your way down the edge of the sinkhole. When we did this, my friend Kachine lost her shoe and had to complete the drop half barefoot. Eventually, you'll drop through the forest canopy to the bottom of the hole, have lunch, and then rock and ladder climb your way back out!

Stann Creek District, Belize

destination • experience • outdoors

Mayflower Bocawina National Park

Five waterfalls. The longest single zipline in Central America. Waterfall rappelling. It's all right here in Mayflower Bocawina National Park. I highly recommend the steep, scrambling hike to Bocawina Falls, the rappel down 250-foot Antelope Falls, and the 9-run, 2.5-mile zipline course through the jungle treetops.

Cayo District, Belize

destination • experience • outdoors

Barton Creek Cave Reserve

Though neighboring Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave gets all the press, Barton Creek Cave offers similarly spectacular natural features for a fraction of the cost. Plus, you can take pictures in Barton Creek Cave. Once you arrive, a guide will take you on a short hike to a pool at the mouth of the cave. You'll hop in a canoe and paddle about a mile through large cathedral-like caverns, past organ pipe stalagmites, and by ancient anthropological relics. An optional zipline is available when you're done, as well!

Corozal District, Belize

destination • experience • outdoors

Ambergris Caye

In addition to the pristine beaches, Ambergris Caye is a scuba diver's and snorkeler's paradise. Take your pick of outfitters, rent your gear, and hop on a boat. A guide will take you out past the breakers to some of the world's most incredible coral reefs. We saw rays, fish in every color of the rainbow, and eels, and watched our guide wrestle a tiger shark.