If you love Cancun or St. Maarten, you probably won't like Belize.
# 1 Golf
Although the British played golf here in British Honduras days, there are now no links in the country.
# 2 Shopping
Shopping in Belize may remind you of Hobbes' description of working class life in olde England -- nasty, brutal, and short. While there are several modern supermarkets and stores in Belize City, and a few shops of visitor interest in San Pedro and Cayo, prices for almost everything but rum are high and selection is limited. Neither does Belize have the rich craft tradition of nearby Guatemala.
# 3 Great beaches
Those coming to Belize expecting the wide white sandy beaches of Anguilla, the BVI, or parts of Mexico's Yucatán are likely to be disappointed. The barrier reef all along the coast of Belize provides for rich underwater life but also blocks the sand deposits of less-protected shores. Seagrass is common off most beaches. Ambergris Caye has some small, human-helped beaches, the small ribbons of sand at Hopkins/Sittee Point and Placencia/Seine Bight/Maya Beach can be pleasant, and a few of the remote cayes have postcard-style strips of sandy beach, but no beach in Belize would make the world's top 100 list.
# 4 Nightlife
If you like to party hard, consider going elsewhere. Even Belize City shuts down early, and only the animals walk at night. San Pedro has the most action, what with the chicken drop at the Spindrift Hotel, and about 20 bars, some of which blast 'til the wee hours. (Many blame heavy drinking for a lot of the crime in Belize.) At the jungle lodges and remote resorts, guests are usually in bed by nine or ten, tired from the day's activities.
# 5 Gourmet dining
As noted, you CAN get a satisfying meal in Belize, but Guide Michelin will not need to come to Belize anytime soon.
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