Belize—small in size, big on reef, and even bigger on personality.

I snorkeled the Belize Barrier Reef, swam with nurse sharks and stingrays in Shark Ray Alley, and soaked up the easygoing vibe of Caye Caulker.

It was beautiful, chaotic in parts, and unforgettable—but also made me think twice about how marine life is treated in popular spots.

This page brings together the places I visited, what I honestly thought, and why Belize is worth exploring—especially if you care about the ocean and want to do it right.