Burrell BoomBurrell Boom at a Glance
Costs: Moderate budget ($50-90) - around $50-90 daily for midrange stays and river tours.
Safety: Mostly safe with usual precautions - generally safe, though avoid isolated areas after dark near Belize City approaches.
Best Time: Dry season travel (Dec-Apr) - december-April is dryer and best for river tours and wildlife viewing.
Why Visit Burrell Boom?
Perched on the Belize River, this village is known as a launch point for river cruises to sites like the Lamanai Maya ruins and for its Creole‑flavored culture. Riverboat tours, local festivals and rum shops give travelers a sense of Belizean life, while nearby jungle and archaeological sites reward nature and history buffs. It’s a practical spot for combining boat‑based adventure with community encounters.
Best Things to Do in Burrell Boom
Archaeological Site
Altun Ha
Ancient Maya city with ceremonial plazas and pyramids
Archaeological Site
Lamanai
Riverside Maya ruins occupied from Preclassic through Colonial
Island
Caye Caulker
Small Caribbean island with relaxed vibe and snorkeling
Island
St. George's Caye
Small cay off Belize coast, site of colonial history
Island
Caye Chapel
Small private island near Ambergris Caye, Belize
Island
Goff's Caye
Small Belizean cay with coral reefs
Islands
Hick's Cayes
Small cay group within Belize Barrier Reef
Wildlife Reserve
Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary
Protected wetlands in Belize supporting birdlife
Burrell Boom Bucket List
Don't Miss
Community Baboon Sanctuary (Bermudian Landing) - Walk trails at the Community Baboon Sanctuary to see black howler monkeys in habitat.
Belize River boat tours - Take riverboat rides from Burrell Boom to view wildlife and traditional riverside life.
Local craft markets - Browse stalls selling woven goods, carved wood, and Belizean souvenirs near the village.
Hidden Gems
Village riverside eateries - Dine at riverside shacks offering fresh fish and Belizean stews enjoyed by locals.
Community-led birdwatching walks - Join guided birdwatching walks to spot kingfishers, toucans, and migratory species.
Traditional rum shops - Visit small rum shops for local gossip, music, and homemade fare in the evenings.
Day Trips
Altun Ha - Take a trip to Altun Ha ruins to explore classic Maya architecture and plazas.
Belize City - Visit Belize City for museums, creole eateries, and gateway transport connections.
Nearby Cities #
Best Time to Visit Burrell Boom
Visit Burrell Boom between late November and April for drier, more comfortable weather and easier jungle access. Expect heavy rains and possible storms from June through October, with hurricane risk extending into autumn.
Dry Season
Drier, sunnier period perfect for Maya ruins and river trips; mosquitoes are fewer and trail conditions are more reliable too.
Wet Season
Heavy daily rains, humid air, and swollen rivers; jungle is vibrant and waterfalls dramatic, but some roads and trails can become impassable.
Hurricane Season
Peak tropical storm months with elevated risk; travel plans should be flexible and insured if visiting during summer and autumn.
Burrell Boom's climate is classified as Tropical Monsoon - Tropical Monsoon climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 19°C to 32°C. Abundant rainfall (1911 mm/year), wettest in September.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Very Good | 19° - 28° | 23° | 122 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 2.6 m/s | 1.4 high | 11.1h |
| February | Excellent | 20° - 29° | 24° | 66 mm | some cloud | 78% | 2.9 m/s | 1.7 very high | 11.5h |
| March | Excellent | 21° - 30° | 25° | 56 mm | some cloud | 76% | 3.3 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 11.9h |
| April | Excellent | 22° - 31° | 27° | 48 mm | some cloud | 76% | 3.5 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 12.4h |
| May | Very Good | 24° - 32° | 31° | 103 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 3.2 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 12.8h |
| June | Good | 24° - 32° | 32° | 246 mm | partly cloudy | 82% | 3.0 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 13.0h |
| July | Good | 24° - 31° | 31° | 245 mm | partly cloudy | 82% | 3.0 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.9h |
| August | Good | 24° - 32° | 31° | 196 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 2.5 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 12.6h |
| September | Good | 23° - 31° | 31° | 260 mm | partly cloudy | 82% | 2.3 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.1h |
| October | Good | 22° - 31° | 26° | 226 mm | partly cloudy | 83% | 2.2 m/s | 1.7 very high | 11.6h |
| November | Very Good | 21° - 29° | 25° | 186 mm | partly cloudy | 82% | 2.2 m/s | 1.4 high | 11.2h |
| December | Very Good | 19° - 28° | 24° | 157 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 2.3 m/s | 1.3 high | 11.0h |
How to Get to Burrell Boom
Burrell Boom is a short drive north of Belize City and is most conveniently reached via Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport (BZE). There is no rail-use taxis, shuttles or the local bus network for onward travel.
Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport (BZE): BZE (near Ladyville) is the main international gateway for northern Belize, including Burrell Boom. The drive from BZE to Burrell Boom takes roughly 25-40 minutes by taxi or private car depending on traffic.
Other airports: Domestic flights operate to smaller airstrips around Belize, but for international arrivals BZE is the standard choice and provides the easiest onward road links to Burrell Boom.
Train: Belize does not have a passenger rail network.
Bus: Public buses run between Belize City and Burrell Boom from the main bus terminals; the city-to-Burrell Boom ride is short and inexpensive. Taxis and shuttles from the airport or Belize City are also commonly used for direct transfers.
How to Get Around Burrell Boom
Burrell Boom is best reached by road from BZE or Belize City-taxis and local buses are the typical options. Renting a car gives the most flexibility for exploring the surrounding area.
- Taxi / airport transfer (BZD 30-60) - Taxis from BZE to Burrell Boom are quick and straightforward-expect a 25-40 minute drive. Many visitors pre-book airport transfers or take licensed taxis at the terminal; confirm the fare before departure.
- Public bus (BZD 1-3) - Public buses connect Belize City with Burrell Boom and are the cheapest option for local travel; they depart from the main bus terminals and run frequently during the day. Buses can be crowded and slower than taxis but are reliable for budget travel.
- Car hire (BZD 80-150/day) - Hiring a car at BZE gives you flexibility to visit Burrell Boom and nearby sites such as the Belize River and Maya ruins. Main roads are generally in good condition but drive carefully-watch for local driving conditions.
- Water taxi (to/from Belize City areas) (BZD 10-25) - Water taxi services operate between Belize City and some coastal points; while not a direct link to Burrell Boom, they are useful for accessing cayes and coastal attractions from the city. Combine with land transport as needed.
- Walking - Burrell Boom village is compact and easily explored on foot for local errands, riverside walks and village amenities. For excursions outside the village plan road transport.
Where to Stay in Burrell Boom
Budget
Belize City / Burrell Boom - $40-120/night
Burrell Boom is a small riverside village with few tourist hotels. Budget travellers usually stay in Belize City or nearby guesthouses.
Radisson Fort George (Belize City) - Affordable rooms near the waterfront.
Best Western Plus Belize Biltmore Plaza - Chain with budget-friendly rates.
Mid-Range
Belize City - $120-220/night
Mid-range options are in Belize City; expect comfortable hotels with good transport links for exploring inland or the Belize River area.
Best Western Plus Belize Biltmore Plaza - Comfortable, well-located hotel.
The Great House (Belize City) - Boutique mid-range option.
Luxury
Orange Walk / Coastal resorts - $250+/night
Burrell Boom has no major luxury hotels; serious travellers seeking premium lodges head inland or to coastal resorts for high-end jungle or seaside stays.
Chaa Creek (Orange Walk) - Eco-luxury lodge in countryside.
Private resorts and high-end lodges (region) - Upscale jungle and beach lodges available.
Nightlife in Burrell Boom
Nightlife is modest and centred on a few local bars and riverside eateries. To find a livelier bar scene or clubs, travel to Belize City or San Ignacio.
Shopping in Burrell Boom
Shopping in Burrell Boom is focused on small grocery stores, local vendors and occasional craft stalls. For supermarkets, larger shopping centres and specialty shops head to Belize City.