What Belize Is Known For: Top Exports That Shape the Country — and Why Travelers Love Staying at Ocean Breeze Beach Resort in Placencia
- Craig Densham
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Belize is more than beautiful beaches and turquoise water. Behind the laid-back Caribbean lifestyle is a vibrant economy fueled by agriculture, marine products, culture — and of course, tourism.
At Ocean Breeze Beach Resort in Placencia Village, we meet guests from all over the world who are curious about the real Belize. They want to understand the country’s culture, flavors, and the industries that make Belize unique.
Here’s a traveler-friendly look at Belize’s major exports — and how you can experience them during your stay with us.
Belize Exports
1. Tourism – Belize’s Number 1 Economic Driver (And Why Placencia Is Perfect)
While not a physical product, tourism is Belize’s largest export-equivalent industry. When travelers visit Belize, they bring foreign income into the country — making tourism the most important part of the economy.
Placencia is one of the top destinations thanks to:
The Belize Barrier Reef
Snorkeling at Silk Caye & Laughing Bird Caye
Monkey River wildlife tours
Mayan ruins
World-class fishing
The famous Placencia Sidewalk
Ocean Breeze Beach Resort sits right in the heart of this action — a beachfront boutique hotel steps from everything that makes Placencia special.
Guests love relaxing by our pool, sipping cocktails at Toucan Jack’s Tiki Bar, and watching sunrise over the Caribbean before heading out on their adventures.
2. Bananas – “Green Gold” of Belize (Just Minutes From Our Resort)
Belize is one of the Caribbean’s top banana exporters. The Stann Creek District — where Placencia is located — is banana country.
Travelers often enjoy fresh local bananas at breakfast, in smoothies, and in Belizean desserts.
Driving into Placencia, you'll pass the banana farms that support thousands of Belizean families — a reminder of how agriculture and tourism thrive side by side.
3. Sugar Cane – The Sweet Side of Belize
Sugar cane is a powerhouse export for Belize. It produces:
Raw sugar
Molasses
Rum (yes — a traveler favorite!)
At Ocean Breeze, guests can enjoy local sugarcane rum in cocktails at our tiki bar, or sample Belizean rum during village bar crawls.
4. Citrus – Belize in a Glass
Belize exports oranges, grapefruit, and concentrated juices worldwide. Visitors love the bright, fresh flavors in:
Morning orange juice served at local cafés
Citrus-marinated fish dishes
Fresh grapefruit cocktails at beachfront bars
These fruits come from just outside Placencia, and guests often comment on how much sweeter Belizean citrus tastes.
5. Lobster, Conch & Fresh Seafood – A Belizean Export You Can Taste Here
Belize is a major exporter of:
Spiny lobster
Queen conch
Snapper and grouper
The best part? You don’t have to export it — you can enjoy it right here.
Many of our guests at Ocean Breeze plan their trip around Lobster Season (Opens July 1st) or savor fresh conch ceviche at Placencia’s beach bars.
You’re truly tasting Belize’s culture and economy in every bite.
6. Cacao – Home of World-Class Chocolate
Southern Belize grows some of the finest heirloom cacao in the world. Belizean chocolate is exported globally and is a rising star in the gourmet market.
Visitors can enjoy:
Chocolate tasting tours
Maya chocolate-making classes
Belizean chocolate bars sold in Placencia shops
A perfect souvenir to take home — or enjoy while relaxing in your oceanfront room at Ocean Breeze.
7. Shrimp Farming – A Quiet Export With Big Flavor
Belize’s shrimp farming industry is rebounding, and much of the harvest is exported.
Guests at Ocean Breeze often enjoy at local restaurants Belizean shrimp dishes such as:
Garlic butter shrimp
Shrimp tacos
Shrimp curry
A delicious part of Belize’s coastal identity.
Experience the Heart of Belize at Ocean Breeze Beach Resort
Staying at Ocean Breeze Beach Resort gives travelers the chance to experience everything that makes Belize special:
Local foods made from the country’s top exports
Tours that showcase Belize’s marine and jungle ecosystems
Cultural interactions with the people behind these industries
A beachfront location steps from Placencia’s restaurants and shops
From the moment you wake up to the sound of the Caribbean Sea to the adventures waiting outside your door, Ocean Breeze connects you not just to Placencia — but to the story of Belize itself.
About the Author
Craig Densham is the owner of Ocean Breeze Beach Resort, a boutique seaside resort in Placencia, Belize. With years of local experience and a passion for hospitality, Craig loves helping guests discover the best of Belize — from hidden beaches to authentic local cuisine. Follow Ocean Breeze Beach Resort on Facebook and Instagram for travel inspiration.
