Waterfalls. Rainforests. Rivers. Blue holes. If you’ve been to Belize before, you know the extent of the Caribbean destination’s natural wonders, whether you’re venturing out across the second-largest reef system on earth or going deep into the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve. 

It’s a haven for adventure, and home to some of the most striking beauty in the Caribbean Basin — and some of the region’s most exquisite eco-focused hotels. 

Next winter, it’s about to get even easier to visit Belize, with United Airlines planing to kick off a new nonstop route between San Francisco and Belize, with flights operating on Saturdays. 

It’s part of a sizable expansion in the Caribbean for the upcoming winter season, Caribbean Journal has learned. 

belize caracol
Inside the Caracol site in Belize.

So where else is United Airlines headed? Well, there is the new route between Newark and Dominica, the first-ever flight from the tri-state-area to the island, with flights starting on Feb. 15. 

But that’s just the beginning. United says it is also launching its flights between Newark and St Kitts earlier than usual this year, with service set to begin in November. 

United is also making its Newark-Port of Spain flights daily for the festive season and carnival season, in a boost for Trinidad’s tourism ambitions. (Heading to Trinidad? One hotel really stands out, the Hyatt Regency Trinidad, rates at $627). 

belize resorts private island
Cayo Espanto in Belize.

While the carrier hasn’t yet revealed specifics, it is also planning to ramp up its Puerto Rico offering, with increased flights from four cities including LA, the nation’s capital, Houston and Chicago. 

Are you planning a Belize vacation? We like to recommend visiting both “sides” of the destination: “inland” destinations on the mainland like the Cayo District (home to vibrant, fascinating hotspots like the town of San Ignacio), river lodges such as the fantastic Gaia (rates starting at $295), value-focused eco-boutiques like the Falling Leaves Lodges (rates at $114); and offshore spots including the world-famous Ambergris Caye (here’s more on a food tour we loved during one of our recent visits) and private islands like Cayo Espanto (rates starting at $2,095 all-inclusive). 

Belize has actually been seeing big growth in new airlift in recent years, including a major new route that launched at the end of last year between New York and Belize City

What about cost? 

The United flights to Belize start at $599 round trip.

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