The approach into Belize City brings you over a patchwork of mangroves and tidal flats, the Caribbean shifting from deep blue to bands of bright turquoise as the reef rises beneath the surface. Small boats cut white lines across the water. Beyond the shoreline, the land turns dense and green.

Spirit Airlines is now flying nonstop between Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport in Belize City, creating a direct link to one of the most geographically diverse destinations in the Caribbean Basin. The route operates 3 times weekly, on Monday, Friday and Saturday, and is the only nonstop service between the 2 cities.

Belize City is the latest addition to Spirit’s expanding Fort Lauderdale network, where the airline operates more than 100 peak-day departures to more than 70 destinations.

What that nonstop delivers is access — to reef, rainforest, islands and small beach towns that sit far from the large resort corridors found elsewhere in the region.

The Reef: Coral Walls and Clear Water

Belize’s coastline runs alongside the second-largest barrier reef in the world, stretching nearly 190 miles. From Belize City, you can connect quickly to dive boats heading toward coral walls, spur-and-groove formations and marine reserves thick with sea life.

Snorkelers float above brain coral and purple sea fans inside Hol Chan Marine Reserve. Eagle rays move through the shallows. Nurse sharks circle below tour boats at Shark Ray Alley. Further offshore, the Great Blue Hole drops more than 400 feet into a near-perfect marine sinkhole, drawing experienced divers from around the world.

The reef shapes daily life. Fishing boats leave before dawn. Lobster traps stack along docks during the season. Beachfront grills fill with the scent of fresh snapper and conch.

The water is the headline here — clear, warm and active.

Ambergris Caye: Reef Access and Dock Life

North of the mainland, Ambergris Caye is Belize’s largest island. The town of San Pedro lines the eastern shore, with wooden piers extending into shallow water and golf carts moving along sandy streets.

Dive shops cluster along the waterfront. Boats depart throughout the day for snorkel trips and fishing charters. Restaurants serve grilled lobster, fry jacks and rum cocktails within steps of the sea.

The reef lies close enough that many excursions return before midday. In the late afternoon, the docks fill again, boats idling as the light softens over the water.

Ambergris balances active days on the reef with easy access to beach bars and small hotels lining the shore.

Caye Caulker: Sandy Lanes and the Split

South of Ambergris, Caye Caulker moves at a slower pace. Sandy lanes cross the island. Bicycles lean against painted wooden houses. Hammocks hang between palm trees near the water’s edge.

The Split — a narrow channel dividing the island — draws swimmers and small boats throughout the day. Snorkel tours depart for the same reef system that defines Ambergris, but the rhythm here remains quieter.

Evenings bring open-air seafood grills and small bars with tables set directly in the sand. The island is compact, walkable and unhurried.

Into the Rainforest: Rivers, Caves and Maya Temples

Head inland from Belize City and the terrain changes quickly. Mangroves give way to dense rainforest. Rivers cut through limestone hills. The air grows thick with humidity and birdsong.

Guides lead visitors into cave systems where underground rivers run through cathedral-like chambers. Ancient Maya temples rise from the forest floor at sites like Xunantunich and Caracol, with stone steps leading to panoramic views over jungle canopy.

In the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, waterfalls drop into clear pools framed by pine trees and broadleaf forest. Roads wind through red earth and green hills toward eco-lodges and riverfront retreats.

The interior adds depth to a Belize itinerary — a shift from salt water to fresh, from coral to canopy.

Hopkins and Placencia: Beach Towns in the South

Further south, the coastline narrows into a string of beach communities facing the Caribbean.

In Hopkins, wooden fishing boats rest along the sand. The Garifuna culture remains central here, with drumming and traditional dishes woven into daily life. Small inns and boutique resorts line the beach, separated by palms and sea grape trees.

South again, Placencia stretches along a narrow peninsula between lagoon and sea. A concrete sidewalk runs through the center of town, branching into sandy side streets that lead toward the beach. Sailboats anchor offshore. Anglers head into the lagoon at dawn in search of tarpon and permit.

Placencia offers access to both reef and rainforest, with dive operators and tour companies running trips in multiple directions.

Together, Hopkins and Placencia provide a quieter alternative to the islands, with long stretches of sand and easy access to inland adventures.

Where to Stay in Belize

The Phoenix Resort, Ambergris Caye

Located in San Pedro, The Phoenix Resort offers beachfront suites facing the Caribbean. The property includes a central pool deck overlooking the sea, on-site dining and immediate access to dive shops and boat departures. Guests can walk to restaurants and bars in town or step directly onto a pier for snorkel excursions to Hol Chan Marine Reserve.

Gaia Riverlodge, Mountain Pine Ridge

Set above the Five Sisters Waterfalls in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, Gaia Riverlodge places guests deep in Belize’s interior. Cabanas and villas look out over forest and river. Trails lead down to waterfalls, and guided excursions connect visitors to nearby caves and Maya archaeological sites. The setting centers on rainforest and river rather than coastline.

Seiri Del Mar, Hopkins

In the village of Hopkins, Seiri Del Mar offers beachfront villas along a long stretch of sand. The property includes a pool area and restaurant steps from the shoreline, with easy coordination of reef tours and inland excursions. Guests wake to the sound of waves and fishing boats moving along the coast.

One Flight, Multiple Landscapes

With Spirit now flying nonstop between Fort Lauderdale and Belize City, reaching this mix of reef, island and rainforest requires a single direct flight.

From the airport, water taxis carry travelers toward Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker. Small planes connect to Placencia. Roads head west into pine forest and jungle hills.

Belize concentrates reef diving, inland exploration and small-town beach culture into one compact stretch of coastline. The new nonstop places that variety within easy reach — from coral walls offshore to river waterfalls inland, all accessible after one flight south.

Prices on the New Belize Flight

Flights start at about $369 roundtrip right now, according to Google Flights. It’s a just-under two and a half hour flight.