Getting Ready

 

Essential Information
These details will help you prepare and ensure your trip goes smoothly. Please be sure to read this carefully.

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Before You Travel

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• Confirm that your passport will be valid for the entire duration of your trip; we recommend having at least three months of validity beyond your return date to the U.S. U.S. citizens do not need a visa for trips of this length to Belize. More information can be found in the “Passport, Visa & Documentation” section.

• Review the CDC’s most recent guidance for travel to Belize and talk with your healthcare provider about routine travel vaccinations or any recommended precautions. See the “General Health and Inoculations” section for details.

• We strongly advise purchasing travel insurance that includes emergency medical coverage and evacuation. Allianz Travel Insurance offers plans that include full medical and repatriation benefits.

• Book your international flights to and from Philip Goldson International Airport (BZE). Once you have your flight schedule, please send a copy to Spark Birding.

• Soft-sided suitcases or duffel bags work best for loading into the vans. Keep essential medications, optics, and at least one day’s change of clothes in your carry-on in case your checked luggage is delayed.

 

Arrival at Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE)
As we get closer to the tour dates, we will coordinate airport pickups once everyone has provided their travel details. It is very important that we receive both your arrival and departure information—emailing us your flight confirmation is the easiest way to ensure we have the correct details. We will also monitor airline updates online. Please schedule your inbound flight to arrive in Belize City no later than 2:00 p.m. 

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After landing, follow signs through Immigration, then retrieve your bags at Baggage Claim, and proceed to the Customs area. If you experience delays while in transit, please contact our Belize partner using the phone number provided. Our guide will meet you at baggage claim when you arrive and escort you to the first-night hotel. Depending on group member arrival times, there may be a delay if we have to wait for other flights or we will have multiple transfers. Our guide will either review the trip details during an evening orientation or at breakfast the following morning. 

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Departing Belize (Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport – BZE)
For your return flight, plan to be at the airport roughly three hours before departure. For this reason, we recommend avoiding early morning flights and choosing departures after 1:00 p.m. whenever possible.

 

Passports, Visas & Required Documents
Entry requirements can change, so it’s wise to verify all documentation needs 60–90 days before your trip. U.S. travelers can consult the U.S. Department of State’s Belize page for updates. Travelers from other countries should check their respective embassy websites.

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• Passport: Currently, U.S. citizens need a valid, undamaged passport that remains valid through the end of their trip. We strongly advise ensuring at least three months of validity beyond your departure from Belize. Confirm that you have at least one blank visa page for entry stamps; pages labeled “Amendments and Endorsements” are not acceptable.

• Visa: U.S. citizens do not need a tourist visa for a stay of this length but must show proof of onward travel. Airlines will provide any required entry forms during your flight or upon landing. Having a printed copy of your lodging list can be useful at immigration.

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We strongly recommend keeping both physical and digital backups of important documents (passport photo page, visas, credit cards—front and back—and luggage tag barcodes). Leave one copy with an emergency contact at home. These backups will make replacement much easier if anything is misplaced.

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Health & Vaccination Guidance

Health-related entry rules may shift, so check Belize’s health recommendations 60–90 days before travel. The CDC website for Belize is a helpful resource. Our guide will receive the health information you provide; this information remains private and allows them to respond appropriately in an emergency.

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• Mosquito-borne illnesses: Malaria medication is not required for areas visited on this tour. Dengue, Zika, and similar diseases can occur in lower elevations, so insect repellent containing DEET or Picaridin, long sleeves, and proper clothing are important precautions.

• Vaccines: Bring proof of your current vaccinations. The CDC advises travelers to be up to date on routine immunizations and to consider basic travel vaccines such as Hepatitis A and Typhoid. Always consult your doctor 4–6 weeks before departure.

• Medications: Pack regular prescriptions in your carry-on, and bring an extra pair of glasses or contacts. Carry medications in original labeled containers, along with copies of prescriptions and generic names in case refills are needed abroad.

• Allergies: Bring any allergy or asthma medications you might need. If you have severe allergic reactions, talk to your doctor about carrying an EpiPen and let our guides know. Carry a list of your allergies and medical conditions.

• Basic First Aid: A small personal kit is helpful—include items such as bandages, pain relievers, antidiarrheals, motion sickness tablets, sunscreen, insect bite ointment, and blister care supplies.

 

Daily Schedule
Although we generally follow the posted itinerary, we remain flexible and may adjust plans if exciting wildlife sightings or new opportunities arise. Each evening, our guide will outline the next day’s plans and note anything special you should bring. You’re encouraged to ask questions anytime. The overall pace is moderate, with some early starts and long days outdoors, but you can always adjust your participation to match your comfort level.

 

Weather & Climate
Belize has a tropical climate. Expect warm to hot temperatures (75–90°F) in the lowlands, with early mornings and evenings sometimes dropping into the high 50s or low 60s.

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• June–October: hot, rainy season

• November–February: slightly cooler with diminishing rainfall

• February–May: dry season transitioning back into hotter months

 

Bring rain gear—a light jacket, poncho, or umbrella is useful. Cloudy boat rides can also feel cool, so pack a light extra layer.

 

Insects & Other Hazards
Mosquitoes are common in forested areas, so repellent with DEET is essential. Chiggers may be present in grassy or agricultural areas—spray shoes, tuck pants into socks, and wash up afterward. Snakes and other wildlife are rarely encountered but follow our guide’s instructions for safety. Protect yourself from the strong sun with appropriate clothing and sunscreen.

 

Food & Water
Meals at lodges and restaurants are varied, clean, and typically prepared from fresh local ingredients. Use common sense when trying new foods, as your system may react differently. When in doubt, ask staff or consult a reputable guidebook.

According to the CDC, tap water in Belize is not safe to drink. Bottled water will be supplied during excursions, and refillable drinking water is available at the lodges. We encourage bringing reusable bottles to reduce plastic waste.

 

Packing, Clothing & Laundry
Clothing is casual and comfortable; lightweight fabrics work best in the warm climate. Laundry service is available for a fee at most lodges. Many guests simply change into clean, dry versions of what they wore during the day.
Please pack minimally—travel is easier when bags are light, especially since we move locations several times. Most lodges have hair dryers available. Travel Tip: Pack essentials—including medications, optics, and one full change of clothes—in your carry-on in case your checked luggage is delayed.

 

Money & Payments
Belize’s currency is the Belizean Dollar. We suggest carrying a mix of cash, an ATM card, and a credit card. U.S. dollars in good condition are accepted almost everywhere, so currency exchange is often unnecessary. ATMs are present at the airport but limited elsewhere. Some machines may not accept foreign cards, and banks often charge fees for international withdrawals. Check with your bank before leaving. Major credit cards (especially Visa and Mastercard) are widely accepted, though small shops, restaurants, and taxis may only take cash. Notify your bank of your travel plans to prevent fraud alerts or freezes. If possible, travel with a card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees. Traveler’s checks are not recommended—they are rarely accepted.

 

Gratuities
Tipping is optional but appreciated. Typical guidelines for birding tours are:

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• Lead birding guide: $10–$15 per guest per day (shared among multiple guides if applicable)

• Driver (if separate): $5–$7 per guest per day

• Lodge staff: $6–$10 per guest per day

• Airport transfer driver: $2–$3 per person

• Bell staff: $1 per bag

 

Some travelers also bring small gifts for local people—items like T-shirts, school supplies, hats, or small nature books are always welcome but not required.

 

Cell Phones & Internet
Our guide will assist if urgent communication is needed, but carrying a phone is highly recommended in case of emergencies. Check with your carrier about international coverage. Options include activating roaming, buying a local SIM card (if compatible), or using Wi-Fi only. Apps such as WhatsApp, Skype, and Viber allow free messaging and calling over Wi-Fi.

 

Most hotels and many restaurants provide Wi-Fi, though service can vary in remote areas.
To avoid international data charges, turn off cellular data or switch your phone to airplane mode if you do not intend to use roaming. Please avoid making phone calls in the vehicle unless it’s an emergency.

 

Electricity
Belize uses the same electrical standard as the U.S. and Canada: 110V AC, 60 Hz. Outlets are similar, but three-prong outlets can be limited. Bring adapters that fit both two- and three-pronged plugs.

 

Time Zone
Belize does not observe Daylight Saving Time. The country remains aligned with U.S. Central Standard Time year-round. The website timeanddate.com is a helpful resource if you need to verify current local time.