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Both Belize and Barbados are Caribbean destinations that generally receive well over a million visitors each year.
In this article, we complete a review of Belize and Barbados to help you decipher which one is ideal for your Caribbean adventure.
As a general rule, Belize is ideal for visitors seeking exceptional diving and snorkeling sites such as the Belize Barrier reef and the Turneffe Atoll. Alternatively, Barbados is an excellent destination choice for a solo female traveler seeking a vibrant nightlife atmosphere.
Read on for more information on how Belize and Barbados compares. This article was written by a Caribbean national.
Belize Vs Barbados- Which Destination Is Bigger
Known for having lush jungles and rainforests, Belize is the larger of the two destinations with a landmass of 8,867 square miles.
On the other hand, Barbados is remarkably smaller with a landmass of 166 square miles.
Additionally, Belize is much more mountainous of the two countries with Doyle’s Delight having an elevation of 3, 670 feet.
On the other hand, Barbados is a flat coral based island with the highest point of elevation being Mt Hillaby which stands at 1,120 feet.
Belize Vs Barbados- Does The Currency Differ?
Both Belize and Barbados have different local currencies. The official currency used in Barbados is the Barbadian dollar.
USD $1 is equivalent to BBD$2 and is also pegged to the US Dollar. The Barbadian currency is managed by its own local central bank.
On the other hand, the official currency used in Belize is the Belizean dollar.
Bank notes are available in $2, $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 denominations. Alternatively, coins are available in 1, 5, 10, 25, 50 cents and $1.
From 1978, the Belizean dollar has been pegged to the US Dollar at a rate of BZ$2 to $1 USD.
Belize Vs Barbados- Which Destination Gets More Tourist Arrivals
Based on 2019 statistics, Belize receives more tourists of the two countries.
According to Tourism Analytics, Belize received a total of 1,674,265 visitors with 503,167 being stop over visitors and 1,171,098 being cruise passengers in 2019.
Alternatively, for the year 2019 Barbados welcomed 1,399,759 visitors with 686, 813 stopover visitors and 712,946 cruise ship passengers.
Belize Vs Barbados- Is It Easy To Travel To Other Countries
Belize provides outstanding opportunities to visit multiple destinations once you arrive in the country.
The Central American country of Belize is bordered by Mexico to its North and Guatemala to the West and South.
As a result, visitors to Belize may choose to cross overland borders into Mexico and Guatemala for additional travel experiences.
Furthermore, once in Guatemala there are buses and taxis available for onward journey to neighboring El Salvador and Honduras.
Contrastingly, overland crossings and ferry services to nearby Caribbean islands such as St Vincent is not available from Barbados.
Inter-regional travel is only via Caribbean airlines such as Inter Caribbean which can be expensive.
Belize Vs Barbados- Which Country Is Safer
Barbados is the safer of the two destinations and is the ideal choice in this instance for solo female travelers.
According to the US Department State, Overseas Advisory Council based on a 2018 crime report per 100,000 citizens, Barbados had 10 murders and 1 kidnapping for the period.
Additionally, according to GISBarbados.gov, there was an increase in the rate of homicide from 2019 to 2020.
Despite this, the homicide rate remains low when compared to regional counterparts in Latin America and the Caribbean such as Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago.
Contrastingly, crime rate is much higher in Belize. According to the website, Belize.com most of the crime is concentrated in certain areas of Belize City.
Nonetheless, visitors must exercise due care and prudence when in both countries.
Avoid taking unauthorized transportation and keep valuables secure at all times.
Belize Vs Barbados- Which Destination Has The Better Nightlife
In terms of nightlife, Barbados is the better destination.
The South of the island is the primary area for entertainment with numerous restaurants and bars which hosts parties especially on the weekends.
One event which is a must visit while on the island is Oistins Fish Friday.
There is a local live band providing entertainment as well as vendors selling dishes with fish being the star ingredient.
Alternatively, nightlife in Belize is concentrated in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye region.
Sunset Lounge and Carlo & Ernie’s Runway Bar are two locations to check out for entertainment in San Pedro.
Belize Vs Barbados- Which Destination Has The Better Beaches
If you want to relax and rest on white sand beaches with clear waters, then Barbados is the perfect island to consider.
Crane beach located on the southeastern end is one of the most popular beaches on the island.
Its pink sand and beautiful waters have earned it several accolades. Beach chairs and umbrellas are available for rent. The beach shares it shores with the hotel Crane Resort.
On the other hand, for superior diving and snorkeling experiences Belize is the better destination.
Some of the top spots in the island to consider include Turneffe Atoll, Belze Barrer Reef, Hopkins and Placencia.
Belize Vs Barbados- Unique Things To Do In Each Country
Andromeda Tropical Garden, Barbados- this is a six acre garden located in Bathsheba in the parish of Saint Joseph.
This garden is open every day except bank holidays. There are several types of flora and fauna such as ferns, orchids, palms, bougainvillea and hibiscus.
There is a café and gift shop at this location where you can buy refreshments as well as local craft items and souvenirs.
Belize Sign Monument, Belize– this is the perfect location in Belize City for your Instagram photos with a view of the Caribbean Sea in the background.
The landmark swing bridge is located in the vicinity which opens to facilitate fishing boats.
Final Thoughts
On a whole, Belize is ideal for travelers seeking superior snorkeling and diving site such as Placencia and the Belize Barrier Reef. On the other hand, Barbados is perfect for solo female travelers seeking to bask and relax on beautiful white sand beaches with turquoise waters.
Need More Information?
We trust that the above article was helpful as you choose whether Belize or Barbados is better for your next Caribbean adventure.
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