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Belize City (Belize) Cruise Port Guide: Review (2023)

Everything you must-know about Belize City cruise port including anchoring and tender boats; what's at cruise terminal; things to do, shore excursions; how to explore on your own; sightseein; dining; shopping, and more ...

By: Editor-in-Chief | Updated: May 28, 2023

The cruise port of Belize City (in the country of Belize) has a good number of world-class attractions like the Mayan archeological sites of Xunantunich , Altun Ha , or Lamanai . And there are also lots of wildlife adventures to enjoy both in the ocean and in the lush tropical forest.

Although, all these attractions are located between 33 miles (53 km) and 78 miles (126 km) from the cruise terminal, cruise passengers will not find much to see or do near the port besides exploring the cruise terminal known as Fort Street Tourism Village .

Belize City , the country's largest urban center has a few interesting landmarks and is just around the corner from the cruise terminal but is not particularly appealing (nor safe) to explore on your own.

• Where is Belize City port
• Anchoring and tender
• Shuttle bus
• To see and do in Belize
• Top highlights of Belize
• What's within walking distance
• How to explore Belize City port
• Shore excursions (Shorex)
• Discover on your own
• Sightseeing
• How to get around
• Local cuisine, drinks, and lunch
• Shops and shopping
• Must-know: tourist info, language, currency, wi-fi and more
• Safety, emergencies, and basics

The cruise port of Belize City on Fort Street Tourism Village possesses an appealing atmosphere, the area is clean and well maintained. However, Belize City itself is known for not being particularly safe.

The local population typically tends to be friendly, polite, and speak English very well. For those cruising with families, there is a lot do. Cruise passengers with disabilities or with walking difficulties may find it a bit challenging to wander around in on your own.

Where is Belize and the cruise port

Although Belmopan is the country's capital, Belize City is the largest city with a population of around 110,000. Belize City is located in the eponymous district, on the East coast of the country bathed by the Caribbean Sea.

The cruise port is 191.67 nautical miles (354.97 km) south of Cozumel cruise port, 118.25 nautical miles (219 km) northwest of Roatan and 407.21 nautical miles (754.15 km) west of Grand Cayman.

Anchoring and tender boats in Belize City port

Cruise ships do not dock in Belize City port. Because the Caribbean Sea waters are too shallow by the port, cruise ships anchor around 2 miles from the coast and large boats operated by local authorities transfer passengers to the Fort Street Tourism Village .

The tender operation typically takes around 20 minutes. The cruise terminal is a secluded (and safe) area just a stone’s throw away from the historic center of Belize City.

Belize City cruise port map

Cruise Terminal and services

Cruise travelers will find in the terminal building all basic services and modern amenities, many typical shops found all over the Caribbean and a few restaurants.

Shuttle bus in Belize

Due to the proximity of the cruise terminal to Belize City and because there isn't much to see downtown, the port does not operate a shuttle bus.

Things to do in Belize City cruise port

The port of Belize City is a stunning port for cruise travelers interested in Mayan archeologic sites, for those who appreciate breathtaking scenic sights, magnificent natural wonders, wildlife parks, zoos, or bird watching. There are lots of attractive options for cruise visitors looking forward to relaxing on a secluded beach and genuinely enjoy watersports.

Belize offers great outdoor activities both onland and in the Ocean some of which are ideal for those cruising with families including thrilling pursuits for the most adventurous.

In the Belize City cruise port, you can also savor local flavors and cuisine and shop for duty-free jewelry and watches. Once again, it must be emphasized that Belize City is far from ideal for cruise passengers that enjoy exploring cruise ports on your own and/or on foot.

Top attractions, sights and highlights

Here are the top things to do and see in the port of Belize City for cruise passengers selected by type of specific activity.

Archeology and cultural: Mayan ruins and Belize City

• Altun Ha Mayan Temple Distance from cruise port:  32.9 miles (53 km).
• Xunantunich Mayan Ruins Distance from cruise port:  77.8 miles (125 km)..
• Lamanai Mayan Ruins Distance from cruise port:  78.1 miles (126 km).
• Belize City Distance from cruise port:  within walking distance but better on a sightseeing tour..

Wildlife encounters

cruise visitors should be aware that most of the following sites can only be visited on shore excursions either booked onboard or with online tour services.

• Belize Zoo Distance from cruise port:  29.8 miles (48 km).
• Little Guana Caye Bird Sanctuary Distance from cruise port:  41 miles (66 km) by ferry.
• Community Baboon Sanctuary Distance from cruise port:  27.2 miles (43.8 km) in Bermuda Landing village.
• Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary Distance from cruise port:  49.3 miles (101 km).
• Manatee Watching Distance from cruise port:  23 miles (37 km) around 45 minutes by water taxi.

On land outdoors activities and thrilling pursuits

Cave tubing and cave kayaking are two active pursuits that are unique to Belize. But you can also experience thrilling adventures such as horseback riding, riverboat and airboat tours, hiking, trekking, biking, buggy, and jeep tours. And, of course, ziplining.

There are a few great places to enjoy these activities, although most can only be experienced on a shore excursion. The following are some of the best close to the cruise terminal:

• Bacab Eco Park Distance from cruise port:  5.7 miles (25.3 km)
• Crystal Caves - Blue Hole National Park Distance from cruise port:  62.1 miles (100 km).
• Nohoch Che'en Caves Branch Distance from cruise port:  43.4 miles (69.8 km).
• Jaguar Paw Distance from cruise port:  80.7 km).

Mesoamerica Reef Ocean adventures and activities

The Mesoamerican Reef is the second largest on the planet and a stunning place for cruise passengers to snorkel, scuba dive, or fishing. You may also have guided encounters with sharks, rays, and sea turtles. For those that enjoy secluded beaches, Belize is a stunning cruise destination.

• Ambergris Caye and San Pedro Distance from cruise port:  28.18 nautical miles (52.18 km).
• Caye Caulker Distance from cruise port:  17.8 miles nautical (32.97 km).
• Beaches and Islands Bannister Island, Starfish Island, Goff's Caye Island.
• Great Blue Hole This natural wonder is too far from the Belize City cruise port and can only be seen on a helicopter tour.

What's within walking distance and nearby

As mentioned at the beginning of this port review, Belize City is not particularly appealing to explore on your own. In reality, many cruise travelers feel intimidated when walking around the city.

This said, if you do not have such a legitimate concern, keep in mind that the tender boats dock at the Fort Street Tourism Village , which is right by Belize City downtown. However, two of the most interesting landmarks in Belize City are on distinct sides of the river and not so close to the exit gates of the cruise terminal.

• Museum of Belize Distance from cruise port:  0.9 mile (1.7 km) north bank of the river.
• St John Cathedral Distance from cruise port:  (1.8 km) south bank, across the Swing Bridge.

How to explore Belize for cruise passengers

Unless you earnestly wish to explore a couple of historic landmarks in Belize City on foot, almost all highlights and principal attractions in the cruise port require traveling between 15 and 80 miles. Therefore, the best way for cruise visitors to explore, discover, and enjoy Belize is with Shore Excursions. The only exceptions are Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker , which can be reached by water taxi. More about this in the following paragraphs.

Shore excursions (shorex)

All cruise lines offer anything between 10 and 30 shore excursions to all notable highlights of Belize cruise port. Norwegian Cruise Line doesn't call at Belize as it has invested on its own private island in Harvest Caye. But Carnival lists 18 cruise excursions .

Celebrity Cruises offer as many 14 shore explorations , and Princess has available 16 cruise excursions in Belize City cruise port cruise port.

The upper-premium cruise lines like Oceania visit Belize City cruise port cruise port on a few itineraries. Oceania Cruises organizes 9 shore excursions in Belize City cruise port.

Most luxury cruise lines include shore excursions with the cruise fare. However, Silversea is the only luxury cruise line calling at Belize City and offering 10 cruise excursions .

The large Italian fleet of MSC also calls at Belize cruise port offering 21 cruise excursions .

There are also many delightful excursions offered by reputable private online services. The following offer shore excursions in Belize:

• Shore Trips
• Shore Excursions Group
• Shore Excursioneer
• Venture Ashore
• Tours by Locals

Explore on your own

Very few sites, attractions, and highlights can be adequately explored on your own in Belize for the simple fact that public transportation is far from good. There are a few car rentals available but once you drive to sites, it is not easy to explore these without guides. More about car rentals in the following paragraphs. The only good and advisable service for cruise passengers is the San Pedro Water Taxi, which runs regular ferries between Belize City and Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker.

These modern water taxis depart from a pier which is less than a 10-minute walk from the cruise terminal. In 2020, the return ticket to San Pedro (on Ambergris Caye) costs $30.00 and to Caye Calker US$50.00. For updated schedule, tickets and online booking see: Belize Water Taxi

Sightseeing in Belize City cruise port

cruise visitors that enjoy sightseeing will find a couple of interesting services touring Belize City with stops in the most notable landmarks such as the Museum of Belize, the Liberty Hall, the Baron Bliss Lighthouse, or the St. John's Anglican Cathedral. These sightseeing services can be booked as a shore excursion.

• Calypso Train Tour: check the Facebook page of the Calypso Train Tour for more information.
• Horse-Drawn Carriage and Trolley: Check the Facebook page of the Horse-Drawn Carriage and Trolley for more information.

How to get around and transportation in Belize City cruise port

As mentioned already, public transportation in Belize is far from acceptable. Renting a car is really the only option to travel around the country. The following car rentals can be booked online and are within walking distance of the cruise terminal.

• Cars Belize

Local cuisine and drinks, quick bites and lunch in Belize City port

Cruise passengers that take pleasure in tasting local delicacies will be glad to discover in the Belize City port quite a few pleasant places to savor lunch, a light meal, a refreshing drink, a delicious snack, or even an ice-cream.

Cruisers may like to try regional specialties like Chicken Stew served with rice and beans and fried plantains; Bile Up (eggs, fish, cassava, plantains, yams, and sweet potatoes, boiled on a tomato sauce); Hudut (fish soup cooked on coconut milk); conch fritters, fried maize or tortillas.

In a country with a fertile tropical forest, fresh fruit is a must: passion fruit, starfruit, jackfruit, dragon fruit, guava, papaya, mango, and pineapples are out of this world.

Generally speaking, eating and drinking in Belize City cruise terminal is relatively affordable. Like most countries in the Caribbean, Belize also has some signature drinks like Belikin Beer, One Barrel Rum, used to mix with cranberry juice to get Cranbarrel, Caribbean Coconut, and Caribbean Gold Rum.

In the historical center of Belize City, within walking distance there are a few places like the Smoky Mermaid and the elegant restaurants and grills of the Radisson Fort George Hotel (St. George's, Stonegrill, Baymen's Tavern and Le Petit Café).

If you do not wish to venture outside the cruise terminal, there is a good number of restaurants, grills, and bars at the Fort Street Tourism Village where you can taste great food and drinks from Belize. The Wet Lizard is arguably the most famous but there are many others. Check Bars in Belize to learn more.

In the Fort Street Tourist Village cruise terminal you will find the following restaurants, bars and coffee shops in alphabetic order:

• Bearded Clam
• Belize Daiquiri
• Better Belize It Bar
• Caribbean Café
• Coconut Bar
• The Green Turtle

Gifts, souvenirs, best shops and shopping

cruise passengers looking for souvenirs from Belize and local gifts will find the best shops at the Fort Street Tourism Village . In fact, there isn't much of interest to buy outside the gated cruise terminal compound unless you travel to San Pedro where there is a larger and more diverse number of shops in Ambergris Caye .

What to buy

The Fort Street Tourism Village cruise terminal boasts around 30 shops selling souvenirs, tobacco, liquors, perfumes, Rum cake, regional chocolate, Caribbean clothing, exotic local crafts, and a few well-known brands like Del Sol or the ubiquitous Diamonds International.

The Jungle Gift Shop is a large store impossible to miss where cruisers find great collections of souvenirs, hats and caps, t-shirts and sweatshirts, swimwear, toys, and clothing for kids, men, and women.

The following shops, ordered alphabetically, are amongst the better known and well-rated by frequent cruisers to Belize:

• Diamonds International
• Duty-free (liquor, tobacco and perfume)
• Harley Davidson
• Moho Chocolate Factory and Gift shop
• Piarana Joe
• Tanzanite International

Must-know: tourist info, language, money, and basics

Tourist info.

The Belize Tourism Board office is located in Belize City across the Swing Bridge on Regent Street, around 0.9 miles (1.4 km) southwest of the cruise port.

English is the official language of Belize. The country only became independent of the United Kingdom in 1981, when it was known as British Honduras. Creole, an English-based dialect, is spoken by 44.6% of the population. Spanish is spoken by 56.6% and Maya by 10.5%.

The Belize dollar is the official currency of Belize and is pegged at BZ$2 = US$1 according to the Central Bank of Belize. However, US dollars are widely accepted in Belize but be aware that you may receive change in the local currency, which is worthless outside the country

There are ATMs in the Fort Street Tourism Village cruise terminal. There are also ATMs in Belize City but you need to look for the ones with the Plus or Cirrus logos. The following banks in Belize City have ATMs: Belize Bank (21 Regent Street and in the Radisson), First Caribbean Bank (21 Albert Street), Scotiabank (4 Albert Street), and Atlantic Bank (Freetown Road).

Exchange bureau

You will not find an Exchange Bureau in the terminal or in Belize City.

Credit and debit cards

Credit and Debit Cards - Visa, MasterCard, and American Express - are widely accepted in most shops and restaurants in the Fort Street Tourism Village cruise terminal and also in some touristic-related services.

Tipping and haggling in Belize

Tipping is not expected in restaurants, cafes, or bars but it is appropriate to tip around 10%. Taxi drivers do not expect tips. Tour guides expect a tip of around 10%. Haggling is not expected in shops with fixed prices (like the ones selling liquor, tobacco, and perfumes). In fact, it is considered rude to haggle if you venture outside the cruise terminal. However, on duty-free shops selling jewelry and watches like Diamonds International haggling is a must.

Keep in touch: phones, wi-fi and Post Office

Wi-fi and internet.

In the Fort Street Tourism Village cruise terminal there is an internet cafe - Click & Sip - and restaurants/bars like the Wet Lizard or the Bearded Clam offer patrons free wi-fi. T-Mobile offers unlimited data at up to 2G speeds at no extra cost.

Belize country code: 501. To call the US or Canada dial 001 prior to the number. To call other countries dial 00 + country code + area code + local number. T-Mobile offers calls at 25 cents/min. and text at no cost. Other US phone providers may work but it is advisable to check with your provider to avoid roaming charges.

Post Office

The main Post Office in Belize City is located on 150 North Front Street, around 0.4 mile (600 meters) northwest of the Fort Street Tourism Village cruise terminal. Check the Belize Postal Service website for more information.

Safety, US travel advisory, and basics

For comprehensive and updated information about traveling to Belize see the U.S. Department of State website page updated advisory.

Coronavirus advise for cruises to Belize City port

For updated coronavirus (Covid-19) information and travel advice to Belize and the cruise port in Belize City visit the website of the U.S. Embassy in Belize . For more Traveler's Health advice to Belize see the CDC Website .

Health matters and emergencies

There is a pharmacy conveniently located in the Fort Street Tourism Village cruise terminal. In Belize City, you will also find two pharmacies less than 1/2 mile (800 meters) from the port: Popular Pharmacy , on 150 North Front Stree,t and Family Health Pharmacy, on Queen Street.

There are three private hospitals in Belize City, around 2 miles (3.2 km) from the cruise terminal providing, open 24/7 and with well-rated health services: Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (phone: +501 223 1548), Belize Medical Associates (phone: +501 223-0302), and Belize Healthcare Partners (phone: +501 223 7870 )

U.S. Embassy

There is a U.S. Embassy in Belize on Floral Park Road, Belmopan, around 45.1 miles (72.5 km) from Belize City. Emergency services are provided during normal duty hours - Monday to Friday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Phone from Belize (501) 822-4011. After-hours emergency number: 610-5030.

Belize City basic info at a glance

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Belize City – Belize

Last updated on September 16th, 2023 at 08:10 am

Welcome to Belize City, home of the Belize Cruise Port. Immerse yourself in the rich blend of Mayan, Creole, and Garifuna cultures. Explore the ancient ruins of Altun Ha or Xunantunich, go snorkeling or diving in the famous Belize Barrier Reef, or take a boat tour through the lush mangroves of the Belize River. Sample traditional Belizean cuisine and experience the warmth of the local people.

Belizean Dollar, but the US Dollar is widely accepted, just make sure you get American back in change. ATMs are available at the port.

Wireless Internet:

Widely available throughout Tourism Village

Where You Dock in Belize City – Belize

The Belize cruise port itself, called “Tourism Village” is quite small, with souvenir shops and Diamonds International and restaurants offering cheap drinks and Caribbean specialties. There is a high guarded fence around Tourism Village which they don’t recommend tourists venture outside of by themselves.

Getting Around Belize City – Belize

Taxis – are easy to come by at Tourism Village. Look for the green licence plates as these are the licensed taxis. Agree on a fare before getting in the taxi as they are not metered.

Water Taxis – these leave from the Marine Terminal and travel to islands such as Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye. Make sure you leave enough time to get back to the dock in order to catch a tender back to your ship. It takes about an hour and a half to reach San Pedro on Ambergris Caye and 45 minutes to Caye Caulker.

Flights – Tropic Air and Maya Island Air offer flights from Belize City to Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker. The flight to Caye Caulker takes less than 10 minutes and only 20 to Ambergris Caye but will run around $75 per person, one way to either location. Be aware that the planes are very small – 5 people – but the views are amazing.

Shopping In Belize City – Belize

At Belize Cruise Port, you’ll find the typical cruise port shopping destinations. Diamonds International, Del-Sol,  and Piranha Joe, within Tourism Village. Look for the souvenir shops offering hand-made goods such as mahogany or rosewood carvings, or baskets. Note: don’t buy items that are made from sea turtle shells, Triton’s trumpet shells or black coral.

Moho Chocolate & Cafe – stop here for some wonderful local chocolate, made in small batches. They also offer specialty hot beverages and a couple of small tables. Watch them roast the cacao beans on their front porch.

Pharmacy Express – the hot-spot for inexpensive over-the-counter medication

National Handicrafts Sales Center (2 South Park Street near Tourism Village) – artwork and crafts

Dining In Belize City – Belize

There are a few restaurants located within Tourism Village such as the Bearded Clam, or the Grill at the far end of the village or the Wet Lizard. Try Belikin, the local beer.

If you want to try some local cuisine outside of the port gates:

The Smoky Mermaid -(The Great House, 13 Cork St) great seafood with a Caribbean twist. Everything on their lunch menu is under $10 USD.

Bird’s Isle – just a short walk from the port, this restaurant gets great reviews for its authentic Belizean cuisine at great prices and with wonderful ocean views

Terry’s Caribbean Grill – Caye Caulker, on the beach by The Split – where the locals eat! Great grilled seafood and Caribbean cuisine

Things To Do in Belize City – Belize

Visit ambergris caye.

Ambergris Caye is the largest and most popular destination in Belize and is a great jumping-off point for some fabulous snorkeling on the famed Belize Barrier Reef.

San Pedro is the main town on Ambergris Caye and is easily walkable (only 3 streets wide), or golf cart or bicycle rentals are readily available. Enjoy the laid-back island feel at one of the many great restaurants or enjoy some shopping.

Another option for Ambergris Caye is to get a day pass to one of the many first-class resorts. You’ll have access to the beach, pools, restaurants and other resort amenities all for one great price. Check out the options with ResortPass!

Getting there by plane: The municipal airport is a 10 minute taxi ride from the port in Belize City and the flight to San Pedro on Ambergris Caye is only 20 minutes. Check Tropic Air for pricing.

Getting there by ferry:  There are two ferry companies – Caribbean Sprinter and San Pedro Express that go between Belize City and San Pedro and the ferry docks are a short 2 minute walk from the pier. It’s considerably cheaper to take the ferry instead of flying, but the ferry ride is about a hour and a half.

See all Belize Shore Excursions

Top tours & excursions in belize city – belize, goff caye beach break with snorkeling.

Board a powerboat to the unspoiled island of Goff Caye, which sits atop one of the best reefs in the Caribbean, perfect for snorkeling. Goff Caye is not your luxury resort experience, but is a small isle with rustic charm and basic amenities, like the Caribbean used to be....

• Duration: 4.5 hours
• Activity Level: Moderate
• Wheelchair Accessibility: test
• Tour Includes: test

Belize Cave Tubing

After you arrive at the Caves Branch River, you’ll grab your tube and take a 45 minute jungle hike to the underground cave system. You’ll get a miner’s light to see the amazing sights inside the caves as you float along with the gentle current....

• Duration: 5 hours (2 hours activity duration)

Altun-Ha & Belize City Overview

As you take the 45 drive through the Belize countryside, your guide will tell you all about the mysterious Mayans. Tour the ruins dating from 1000 BC, before heading back for a tour of Old Belize City....

• Duration: 4 hours

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Belize Cruise Port Guide | 6 Best Things To Do In Belize Port

Welcome to Belize cruise port!

Belize is a Caribbean country located on the northeastern coast of Central America, bordering Mexico, Guatemala, and the Caribbean Sea. Known for its rich Mayan cultural heritage, countless little islands (cayes), and Belize Barrier Reef – the second-longest reef in the world, Belize is a popular stop in the Caribbean cruise itineraries. In this article, read about:

• Belize cruise port (Belize cruise terminal, getting around, helpful info)
• 6 things to do in the cruise port of Belize and best Belize shore excursions

Visit also our cruise guides to Falmouth , Ocho Rios , Montego Bay ,   Cozumel , Roatan

Belize Cruise Port

Belize cruise port is a tender port, which means that ships anchor off the coast of Belize and use tender boats to transfer passengers ashore. The tender ride takes about 15-20 minutes and passengers are transferred to the Fort Street Tourism Village dock , located within a short walk from Belize City – the former capital of Belize.

Once you arrive at the dock, you’ll see a shopping village in front of you with four terminal areas featuring numerous bars and eateries, tour and car rental booths, and dozens of duty-free shops.

The terminal areas are the following: Terminal Area 1 “REEF”, Terminal Area 2 “JAGUAR”, Terminal Area 3 “MAYA”, and Terminal Area 4 “PIRATE”. Make sure you remember which terminal you disembark at because this will be the terminal where you’ll wait for your tender to take you back to your ship. There may be more ships in port, so make sure you get on the right one to avoid delays and inconveniences.

The port area is safe. Upon exiting the port security gates, turn right on Fort St, and after a couple of minutes’ walk you’ll reach the Belize Welcome Sign and an iconic red and white Baron Bliss lighthouse.

However, it is not recommended to venture too far into Belize due to safety reasons. The best way to maximize your stay in Belize is to have an organized plan on what to do once you arrive in port.

Major cruise lines sailing to Belize include Royal Caribbean International, Carnival Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, MSC Cruises, and Viking Ocean Cruises .

Getting Around Port of Belize

• The port area is flat and wheelchair accessible.
• There is no beach within walking distance.
• Belize is the only country in Central America where English is an official language.
• The best way to get around Belize is by taxi or on a shore excursion . Licensed taxis have green license plates and they are not metered, so make sure you agree on the price before the ride. Alternatively, you can book a shore excursion with your cruise line or a reputable independent tour operator.
• Belize is not so safe to wander around on your own. The nearest attractions are located at a minimum 30-minute drive, so booking an organized trip is convenient due to the ship’s limited time in port. In addition, if you book a shore excursion that involves a boat ride, you’ll be picked up and brought back straight to the ship (no need for a ferry boat ride to the Tourism Village).
• Water taxis are another convenient transportation option for those of you who want to go to the islands of Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye. Water taxis depart from a terminal that is located less than a 10-minute walk from the Tourism Village, close to Terminal 4 and Jungle Gift Shop. It takes about 1.5 hours one way to reach the resort town of San Pedro on Ambergris Caye, while a trip to Caye Caulker takes 45 minutes one way. The departures are not so frequent (there is one departure hourly or in two hours), so make sure you check the water taxi timetables beforehand at https://belizewatertaxi.com/
• Belize Tourism Board is located in Belize City across the Swing Bridge on Regent St, a 15-minute walk from the Belize cruise terminal.
• Fort Street Tourism Village offers the best shopping opportunities in Belize. You’ll find dozens of shops selling jewelry, local arts and crafts, souvenirs, tobacco, perfumes, clothing and more. The top-rated brands include Jungle Gift Shop, Diamonds International, Tanzanite International, Harley Davidson, Moho Chocolate Factory and Cafe, Pirana Joe, Cariloha and Del Sol.
• Free Wi-Fi is available in some restaurants and bars in the Tourism Village cruise terminal.
• The official currency in Belize is the Belize dollar (BZD). 1 USD equals 1.99 BZD. Credit cards and US dollars are accepted in the majority of shops and restaurants, but be sure to receive the change in US currency. ATMs are available in the Tourism Village and Belize City.
• In 1962, after Hurricane Hattie, the country’s capital was moved from Belize City to Belmopan. However, Belize City is the country’s largest city and the main entry point for tourists.
• Calypso Train Tour is an open-air trolley tour that goes around Belize City, past major landmarks. This tour is usually offered by cruise lines and is an interesting choice for those looking to learn about the history and culture of Belize.
• Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport is located 18 km/11 miles (a 30-minute drive) northwest of the cruise port of Belize.
• The peak season in Belize lasts from late November to mid-April when the weather is dry and warm. The wet season lasts from June to November, with hurricanes impacting every three years because the country lies within the hurricane belt.
• Explore Belize tours and activities
• Check out the best Caribbean cruise deals

What To See Within Walking Distance From the Port

• Belize City’s downtown area is located within a short walking distance from the port. The cruise passengers may not feel particularly safe wandering around on their own and Belize City hasn’t got much to offer, so it’s recommended to book a guided tour. However, if you decide to stay, there are a few things you can do:
• The Swing Bridge divides the city into two and is the only swing bridge operated manually that is still in function.
• The Museum of Belize showcases artifacts tracing the history of Belize and is located only a 10-minute walk from the terminal.
• St John Anglican Cathedral is a historic place of worship dating from the 19th century and is located a 20-minute walk from the port, across the Swing Bridge.
• Government House , located near the cathedral, was built in 1812 and is nowadays a history museum.
• The Baron Bliss lighthouse and Belize Welcome Sign lie only 200 m from the terminal and offer great photo ops. 

6 Best Things to Do in Belize Cruise Port

Belize port is known for its breathtaking islands (cayes), barrier reefs, Mayan heritage sites, and tons of outdoor adventure activities such as cave tubing and kayaking, horseback riding, ziplining, snorkeling, diving and so much more!

1. Belize Cave Tubing

Cave tubing ranks among the best adventure activities you can do in Belize! The tour takes you into the rainforest outside of Belize City where you’ll float on a tube through a cave system featuring spectacular rock formations.

Cruise lines and independent tour operators offer various cave tubing excursions that take place at different locations such as Nohoch Che’en Caves Branch Archaeological Reserve and Jaguar Paw (both around a 1h 10-minute drive from the port).

Cave tubing tours may include lunch or are combined with different experiences such as ziplining, kayaking, hiking, or a visit to Mayan archaeological ruins.

Upon booking a shore excursion, make sure you check the program of the tour. Also, keep in mind that there is at least a 45-minute drive each way to the rainforests and national parks where the caves are located.

Check out Belize Cave Tubing tours and activities

2. Mayan Archaeological Ruins

Belize boasts a rich Mayan heritage and there are plenty of archaeological sites scattered around the country. The most famous one is the Altun Ha Temple featuring temple pyramids out of which the Temple of the Masonry Altars is the largest one (16 meters/52 ft high). Altun Ha covers an area of 8 square km and lies 53 km/33 miles (a 1-hour drive) northwest of the Belize cruise terminal.

Another famous ruin is Xunantunich Mayan Ruins , located near the town of San Ignacio, about 126 km/78 miles (a 2h 30-minute drive each way) southwest of the cruise port of Belize. This impressive archaeological site sits atop a ridge above the Mopan River and served as the Mayan civic ceremonial center of the Belize Valley region.

The site features the remnants of ancient plazas, temples and palaces, and the imposing El Castillo temple — the second tallest in Belize. From the top of El Castillo, you can admire stunning panoramic views stretching into Guatemala.

Lamanai Archaeological Reserve lies 127 km/79 miles (a 2h 20-minute drive) northwest of Belize port and is the second-largest site in Belize that was once a major city of the Maya civilization. Mask Temple, Temple of the Jaguar and High Temple are the main ruins offering beautiful views of the New River. The site also features a museum and local arts and crafts souvenir store.

3. Snorkeling and Scuba Diving

The Mesoamerican Reef is the second-largest barrier reef in the world offering incredible snorkeling and scuba diving. The Belizean waters are home to vibrant coral gardens, nurse sharks, stingrays, sea turtles and fascinating marine wildlife.

One of the most popular snorkeling and scuba diving locations is Hol Chan Marine Reserve which lies just off the coast of the islands of Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye. The protected reserve covers more than 18 square kilometers of coral reefs, seagrass beds and mangrove forests, and is also popular for fishing.

Another top-rated snorkeling and diving location is a 124-meter-deep Great Blue Hole , a deep blue circular sinkhole located on the Lighthouse Reef atoll.

Check out Belize snorkeling and scuba diving tours

4. Belize Beaches and Islands

Belize boasts over 150 miles of islands (cayes), the two largest ones being Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye, two resort islands known for their incredible beauty and unspoiled nature.

Caye Caulker is a gorgeous, small coral island known for amazing snorkeling, scuba diving, and manatee spotting. Experience the thrill of swimming with nurse sharks at Shark Ray Alley and discover the colorful world of the shallow Coral Garden, one of the best snorkeling sites for inexperienced snorkelers.

Caye Caulker is known for its relaxed island vibe, pristine sandy beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters great for swimming and sunbathing. A boat ride from Belize port to Caye Caulker takes about 45 minutes each way by water taxi.

Ambergris Caye is Belize’s largest island and a top-rated destination renowned for its picture-perfect turquoise waters and water sports, including snorkeling, scuba diving and fishing. Ambergris Caye’s coastline is protected by the 190-mile-long barrier reef and the island itself is 25 miles long and a little over a mile wide.

The island was a trading post in Mayan times and boasts a rich historical heritage that you can learn by exploring a few small ruins scattered around the island.

The major resort town is San Pedro , the only inhabited area on the island famous for a wide variety of eateries, shops, small businesses and bustling nightlife. The boat ride to Ambergris Caye takes about 1.5 hours each way by water taxi.

Starfish Island (formerly known as Bannister’s Island) is often offered as a shore excursion as it’s within a 20-minute boat ride from the cruise port of Belize. Starfish Island is small and boasts a beautiful sandy beach where you can swim and snorkel.

The facilities available include sunbed/umbrella rentals, changing rooms, a small gift shop, a cafe and a restaurant where you can taste delicious Belizean dishes. I went to Starfish Island and wrote more about it in my article 7 Private Islands to Visit on a Cruise to the Caribbean

Half Moon Caye is an island and natural monument nestled at the southeast corner of Lighthouse Reef Atoll. It is part of the Belize Barrier Reef and is known for its bird sanctuary established in 1924. Half Moon Caye boasts a magnificent white sandy beach known as a sea turtle nesting ground. T

he entire island is protected as Half Moon Caye Natural Monument and can be visited on a day trip, however, a one-way boat trip takes about 2-3 hours, so it’s not convenient for cruise passengers.

• Check out Caye Caulker tours and activities
• Explore Ambergris Caye tours and activities
• Explore San Pedro tours and activities

5. Wildlife Sanctuaries

If you are looking to get to know Belize’s native wildlife, there are plenty of options to choose from. The Belize Zoo , located 48 km/30 miles (a 50-minute drive) southwest of the cruise port, houses native, orphaned and rehabilitated animals in their natural habitat.

The Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center is home to over 200 animals, including over 45 native species. Set on 29 acres (12 hectares), the zoo is a great place to learn about the native wildlife of Belize’s jungles and savannas and get up close with jaguars, toucans and red-tailed boas. Belize Zoo is wheelchair accessible. Get more info at https://www.belizezoo.org/

Alternatively, you can go bird-watching in Little Guana Caye (situated off the coast of Ambergris Caye), go manatee-watching in the waters of Caye Caulker or visit the Community Baboon Sanctuary Visitor Center and Museum (A Black Howler Monkey Sanctuary) that offers tours through the rainforest and wildlife spotting. The sanctuary is located 44 km/27 miles (a 1-hour drive) west of the port of Belize. Find more info at https://www.howlermonkey.org/

Last but not least, you can also visit Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary , a nature preserve featuring a network of lagoons, swamps, and estuaries sheltering endangered species such as the Central American River Turtle (locally known as Hicatee), Mexican Black Howler Monkey, and Yellow-headed Parrot. The sanctuary is one of the best bird-watching spots in Central America and lies 59 km/37 miles (a 1h 15-minute drive) southwest of the cruise port in Belize.

Check out Belize wildlife tours and activities

6. Taste the Local Cuisine

Belize boasts a delicious mix of different cultural influences when it comes to food. Fort Street Tourism Village has several eateries and bars where you can try local specialties such as Cochinita Pibil (Yucatán-style slow-roasted pork dish), Hudut (a fish cooked in a coconut broth, served with plantains or yams), rice and beans, stewed chicken, fry jacks (buns), and a variety of fish and seafood (lobster, red snapper, grouper, barracuda, conch fritters, or shrimps).

The restaurants you’ll find in the port area include the Wet Lizard, Baymen’s Tavern, Martha’s Cafe, and a few more bars and grills. Bird’s Isle Restaurant, located a 5-minute drive from the port, features amazing food and great sea views.

San Pedro on Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker also offer a variety of great restaurants and food options. Top off your day with local Belikin beer, fresh exotic fruits and desserts like Rum Fruit Cake, Milk Cake, Coconut Tart, and Sweet Potato Pudding.

Check out Belize food-tasting tours and activities

Wrapping Up

To maximize your stay in the cruise port of Belize, make sure you plan your day according to your preferences. If you love adventure, go for river tubing, horseback rides, or off-road rides. Explore the fascinating sea life on a snorkeling or diving tour, meet the native wildlife in one of the sanctuaries, or simply visit one of the cayes and enjoy some beach time.

Visit also our cruise port guides to  Costa Maya , Grand Cayman , Perfect Day at CocoCay , Labadee

You may also like our cruise port guides to the Mediterranean , Caribbean , Western Europe , Baltic & Scandinavia , USA & Canada , Australia & New Zealand

This article may contain affiliate / compensated links. For full information, please see my  disclaimer  here.

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Belize City cruise port

Bahamas - caribbean - bermuda.

• Coordinates 17.492, -88.184
• LOCODE BZBZE
• Local Time 2024-06-26 19:03

Belize City cruise ship schedule

• Temperature

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Belize City Belize

The port of Belize City located on the coast of Belize a little south of Mexico. This country is a proud protector of ecology. Nearly 20% of its territory, mostly covered by forests, is protected. Large reefs are also present along its coast, making it a popular spot for divers. The country also has several Mayan sites.

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Useful Information

English (official language) and Spanish

A 10% tip will be appreciated in restaurants.

BZD Belize dollar - Merchants accept credit cards or American money. On the other hand, make sure you receive the exchange for American money.

Time difference

from New York: 0h

from San Francisco: +2h

from London: -5h

Where is located the Port de Belize City Cruise Terminal

Travelling around the belize city cruise port, activities in belize city, historical sites.

This site is located an hour from the port. In the tombs, jewels and jade were found, including the jade head, 15 centimeters high, of the King of the Sun.

This archaeological site is in the middle of the forest. You will see several ruins, but also mounds that hide other monuments not yet restored. Get mosquito repellent for this visit. To get to the site, the excursion combines a boat ride in the nearby rivers where you can observe the flora and fauna.

Xunantunich

This historic site is located near the border with Guatemala. It is home to the highest Mayan structure in Belize.

Museum of Belize

This former prison built in 1857 is now a museum displaying exhibitions about the history of the city and the Mayans in addition to Mayan pottery.

Houses of Culture

This house was the home of the governors of Belize and the center of the administration. The museum now features art exhibitions and cultural events.

Maritime museum

Presents Belize’s maritime history by displaying maps, model boats and paintings.

Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary

This protected park allows the observation of different species of birds.

Community Baboon Sanctuary

This sanctuary created by the local population is home to black howler monkeys.

Family activities

Located near the city, this zoo has more than 125 animals.

Excursions in Belize City

• Catamaran excursions allow you to snorkel to admire the corals and then go to an island to kayak or relax on the beach.
• Belize city tour and Rum Factory
• Cave tubing adventure with Lunch
• Jungle Jeep Adventure

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Useful References

• Tourism Board - Belize !
• Belize City on Wikipedia
• Belize on Wikipedia
• Travel Advice and Advisories (Government of Canada)
• Port Website

For details or to book an excursion, visit our page:

Alternative:

https://www.viator.com/en-CA/Belize_City/d5094-ttd?pid=P00045706&mcid=42383&medium=link&campaign=morebutton

Bridgetown Barbados

Charlotte-Amalie, St. Thomas US Virgin Island

Costa Maya (Mahahual) Mexico

Cozumel Mexico

Fort-Lauderdale United States of America

George Town Cayman Islands

Grand Turk Island  Turks and Caicos Islands

Key West United States of America

Marigot Saint-Martin

Miami United States of America

New Orleans United States of America

New York United States of America

Ocho Rios Jamaica

Oranjestad Aruba

Philipsburg Sint Maarten

Roatan Honduras

Roseau Dominica

San Juan Puerto Rico

St. George's Grenada

St. John's Antigua and Barbuda

Tortola British Virgin Islands

Willemstad Curaçao

Other cruiseports in the area

• Belize City
• Charlotte-Amalie, St. Thomas
• Costa Maya (Mahahual)
• Fort-Lauderdale
• George Town
• Grand Turk Island
• New Orleans
• Philipsburg
• St. George's

More World Destinations

• Adriatic Sea
• Canada and New England
• Central America
• Mediterranean Sea
• Northern Europe
• Norwegian Fjords
• Panama Canal
• South America

Belize City, Belize – Cruise Port

Belize is the second smallest nation in Central America, but it still packs a punch for visitors. Archeology, diving, great beaches, shopping, culture, and more await visitors in the aptly named Belize City.

However, tourists will want to book tours and excursions and stick to the more touristy parts of town for safety, and most of the attractions are 10 to 85 miles from the city.

Port Overview

Ships moor about twenty miles from Belize and passengers are tendered to the tourist area by a boat ride. It’s a choppy trip, but after a twenty-minute ride, you’ll arrive in the Fort Street Tourism Village, where you will see some familiar shops and restaurants for cruise ship guests.

You can still experience a lot of Belizian culture just in the port. Restaurants and coffee shops offer local specialties, like Moho Chocolate Factory. You can take a short tour to see how chocolate is made, then buy some Belizian chocolate to savor.

Sightseeing and Activities

One of the biggest draws to Belize is the sheer number of Mayan ruins available to tour. Altun Ha, Lamanai, and Xunantunich are all available as day tours or excursions into the city, and there are plenty of other ruins to discover if you’re not on a time limit.

If you prefer wildlife over archeology, you’re spoiled for choice. You can head to the Belize Zoo or visit one of the city’s many nature sanctuaries. The Community Baboon Sanctuary, Little Guana Caye Bird Sanctuary, and Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary are all within an hour of the town.

Shopping and Food

You won’t have to break out the binoculars to find some authentic Belizian food like ceviche or stew chicken. But if you’re looking for something that may be more familiar, you still have plenty of options. Bars like the Wet Lizard in the tourism village and The Lazy Lizard in Caye Caulker have you covered.

Head down to The Smoky Mermaid on Cork Street for some genuinely incredible seafood, and remember to try the lobster no matter where you go. It’s plentiful in Belize, and they have so many delicious lobster dishes you might get sick of the stuff.

If you’re craving a little retail therapy, you should take the water taxi to Ambergris Caye, just a short ride from the port. They have more variety for shopping than the tourism village, and you can hit the beach while you’re there.

Nearby Beaches to Check Out

Unlike most cruise ports, you aren’t immediately surrounded by beaches when you step off the boat. You must hop on a water taxi to either Ambergris Caye or Caye Caulker to find the best beaches in Belize.

Caye Caulker is the less visited of the two islands and has a laid-back, relaxing vibe that will let you know you’re in the Caribbean. It’s the cheaper of the two options and more friendly to budget limits than Ambergris while providing some quality beaches with fewer crowds.

Ambergris Caye, on the other hand, is the largest of the 200 cayes that dot the shoreline of Belize, is home to several luxury beach resorts, and is less than a mile away from the Belize Barrier Reef, meaning snorkeling and scuba diving should be at the top of your bucket list when you arrive.

Other Things To Do

If none of the above activities speak to your inner daredevil, try an excursion that tubes you into a cave and ziplines you over the jungle. If you’re looking for a truly unique Belize experience, you won’t find anything quite like Jaguar Paw, plus you’ll learn about how the caves were sacred to the Mayans.

If you prefer soaring through the air in a vehicle, opt for an airplane tour over the city and the famous Blue Hole, where the ocean seems to drop out and stretch on for an eternity. Or you could snorkel or dive it instead. You simply can go wrong with this one-of-a-kind giant hole in the ocean.

The primary currency of Belize is the Belizean dollar, but the US dollar is widely accepted. M any places will give your change back in Belizean, which is useless outside of Belize, so ask for American dollars when getting change.

The exchange is about two Belizean dollars to one American dollar, and there’s no place to exchange your currency in the port.

How To Get To Belize City from the Belize Cruise Port

The port lets out into Fort Street Tourism Village, just a five-minute walk from Marine Terminal, the central downtown district of Belize. You can also get to St. John’s Cathedral, Baron Bliss Lighthouse, and the Museum of Belize on foot, but you should probably take a taxi.

Once you hail a taxi, you can negotiate a fare from anywhere near the touristy areas. You can also hop on a water taxi and ferries that run between the port and the cayes to get to some other attractions.

Cruise Lines That Sail Here

Several cruises stop in Belize to let their guests explore the unique country, as well as offer excursions for many of the activities listed above, including:

• Royal Caribbean
• Princess Cruises
• Viking Ocean Cruises
• Celebrity Cruises
• MSC Cruises

Several major cruise lines stop in Belize, and rumor has many more are planning to do so in the future. Some cruises even have private cayes for guests to enjoy the Belizean culture and beach stress-free.

Belize makes a fantastic stopover with many opportunities you shouldn’t miss, from exploring Mayan ruins to diving into a gaping hole in the ocean. But whether you choose to spend time at the beach or in a museum, Belize is sure not to disappoint.

Belize is full of friendly locals, delicious food, and a history rooted in Mayan culture, with ten percent of the population still speaking the Mayan language. Just keep your wits about you while walking the city, and you’ll make some of the best memories of your cruise.

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Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting the Bonaire Cruise Port Have you booked a cruise that will be visiting the Bonaire cruise port? Or perhaps you are still deciding if a cruise docking here is the right vacation for you. In either case, we’re confident this guide will help you understand everything you need …

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As ships are moored or anchored in this port, you will be tendered ashore. If more ships are anchored at the same time, try to get one of the first tenders as things might get busy.

All passengers disembark at cruise terminal docks in Belize's Tourism Village. It has a collection of gift shops, restaurants, and tour operators along the harbor. Small and OK for an hour or so, not a destination in itself.

Norwegian Cruise Line and the Government of Belize are reported to be moving forward in a major multimillion dollar project to bring Norwegian ships to Belize with a dedicated facility. See Harvest Caye , which is about 105 miles south of Belize City.

Printable map to take along on the cruise.

Cruise calendar for this port.

Watch a destination video .

Live Nautical Chart with Wikipedia Markers

Port Location on Google Maps

Monthly Climate Averages for Belize Belize

Sightseeing:

Belize is blessed with a multitude of natural attractions, from:

• The longest barrier reef in this hemisphere, home to the Great Blue Hole, hundreds of islands, snorkel and dive locations.
• Hundreds of ancient Maya sites both excavated and jungle-covered,
• Lush tropical rainforest with many species of birds, and exotic tropical flora and fauna.
• Cave Tubing. Only for the fittest and preferably in the rainy months as the water levels are higher. There are several companies who offer this.
• Established as a House of Culture in 1999 and located in Belize City, the Government House is one of Belize's most important political and historical landmarks. For over 150 years, it was the seat of colonial government and the private residence for a series of Superintendents, Lieutenant Governors and Governors sent from Great Britain, as well as the first Governor-General of an independent Belize.

Tours Excursions Transportation:

Belize City’s downtown hub is compact and easy to navigate on foot. However, the city has a rather nasty reputation for being unsafe for visitors, and you’d be wise to stick to the busiest sections of downtown and obvious tourist districts.

All taxis in Belize are licensed and easily identifiable by their green number plates. They operate from special ranks in the center of all mainland towns and, particularly in Belize City, drivers will call out to anyone they suspect is a foreigner. There are no meters, so you'll need to establish the fare in advance, though within the towns a US$2.50 fixed rate should apply. Hourly rates are negotiable but expect to pay around $35 per hour.

Get off your ship as early as you can to catch a Water Taxi to Caye Caulker . Tours ara offered to San Pedro and Caye Caulker. Research the Water Taxi times before you go on the cruise and note that Belize time is an hour earlier than ship time. You can use the same taxi both ways or one each way, whatever works best to get back to ship on time. Give yourself at least an hour to get back.

Once at Caye Caulker proceed to the Split and set up camp at the Lazy Lizard. Lots of cold drinks at awesome prices. From there you can walk the Island to see the sights and have lunch. A very relaxing and stress-free day. The water taxi will cost between 15 and 20 per person for round trip.

If you are looking for things to do in Belize, Cave Tubing should be on the top of your list. There is no other country or island in all of the Western Caribbean and perhaps in the entire world that offers anything quite like this.

It pays to compare your cruise line tours here

Nearby Places:

The largest of the cayes, Ambergris Caye , draws more than half of all tourists to Belize, their main destination being the resort town of San Pedro . To the south, Caye Caulker is the most popular of the islands amongst independent travelers. Many of the less developed cayes are becoming easier to reach, and organized trips are available to the atolls of Lighthouse Reef and Glover's Reef

Belize Zoo is settled upon 29 acres of tropical savanna and exhibits over 170 animals, representing over 45 species, all native to Belize. The Zoo keeps animals which were orphaned, rescued, born at the zoo, rehabilitated animals, or sent to The Belize Zoo as donations from other zoological institutions.

Shopping and Food

The Tourism Village is the city's main shopping area with a variety of stores, shops and restaurants. The city's downtown area and the Marine Terminal are about five minutes away on foot, and there's always a line of taxis waiting adjacent to the Tourism Village.

Since the cruise ships are such a big market for local merchants, many adjust their hours to specifically coincide with cruise-ship traffic and their particular shore times.

Seafood is almost always excellent. Red snapper or grouper is invariably fantastic, and you might also try a barracuda steak, conch fritters or a plate of fresh (though usually farmed) shrimp . In San Pedro, Caye Caulker and Placencia the food can be exceptional, and the only concern is that you might get bored with lobster , which is served in an amazing range of dishes: pasta with lobster sauce, lobster and scrambled eggs, lobster chow mein or even lobster curry.

Belizean dollar (exchange rate is roughly $2 Belize to $1 U.S.

US dollars are accepted everywhere. Be sure you get change in U.S. currency

Currency Converter

Communication:

English is Belize's official language.

The "Click & Sip" Internet Cafe is located inside the Belize Tourism Village

Opening Hours and Holidays:

It's difficult to be specific about opening hours in Belize but in general most shops are open 8am-noon and 1-8pm. The lunch hour - noon to 1pm - is almost universally observed and it's hopeless trying to get anything done then. Some shops and businesses work a half-day on Saturday, and everything is liable to close early on Friday.

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Belize City

Belize City limits reach out to Mile 8 on the Western Highway and Mile 14 on the Northern Highway, at the Haulover Bridge that spans the mouth of the old Belize River where it disgorges into the Caribbean Sea. The city proper is split into two areas: North side Belize City, bounded by the Haulover Creek and ending in the east at the Fort George area, and Belize City South side, extending to the outskirts of the city to the Western Highway (now also known as the George Price Highway). The city itself is part of the larger Belize District.

The Belize City north side is considered the safest and most prosperous area of this population center. Good hotels, casinos and the Museum of Belize – featured in our Top Ten Things To In Belize – are located in that zone as are the cruise ship and marine terminals. The southside has a couple of tourist attractions, namely historic St. John’s Cathedral and the House of Culture.

Four bridges starting from the west and going east, the new Chetumal Street Bridge opened in 2016 (unofficially called the Dean Barrow Bridge), the BelCan (Belize-Canada), BelChina (Belize-China) and the original Belize City Swing bridge (the only functioning manually operated bridge in the world) join both sides of Belize City. Belize City’s coordinates are 17°15′ North longitude and 88°45′ West latitude. This city is the largest population center in the country with well over eighty thousand inhabitants sprawling over the delta formed by the Haulover Creek which branches off the Belize River. Belize City itself is no longer the nation’s capital, but remains the commercial capital and home to the largest sea port and airport in the country and location of the Belize Tourism Village where most cruise ships dock. Like many old cities, Belize city has a mix of narrow streets and wider avenues, some with place names such as Princess Margaret Drive (in the upper scale northside) and Collet Canal (in the poorer southside), and then more modern naming conventions such as 1st street and so on. You can see a map of Belize city in our maps page .

As a seaport the city built itself from the east inwards so most of the older colonial structures are near the coast. Efforts are underway with support from the Republic of China (Taiwan) to preserve several of these buildings such as the Supreme Court, Government House (formerly the home of the British governor), and the oldest Anglican church in Central America St. John’s Cathedral. Regretfully allegations of corruption surfaced in 2019 when a local politician’s office on Regent Street was selected for renovation from Taiwan’s public purse.

Driving in Belize City is an adventure on to itself as the streets were designed by the British colonizers for bicycles and mule and cart transport. Belize City is emblematic of the crumbling infrastructure that peeps out from most of what is the Belize welcome mat. Potholes that can swallow small cars, poor or no drainage, missing or unreadable street signs and crime that has cops and paramilitary riding around on ATV’s chasing gangs are common and an accepted everyday part of city life.

The country’s most popular tourist resort town, San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, is located in the Belize District as is the famous Mayan ruin of Altun Ha , the Belize Zoo and well-known wildlife sanctuaries. The Phillip Goldson International Airport is located ten miles from downtown in the neighboring bedroom community of Ladyville and several international airlines provide daily flights. The country’s largest municipal airport and water taxi connections to all major cayes are located downtown. Bus transportation is available hourly and half hourly during peak times to all districts.

Origins Of Belize City

The city itself originated as a logging camp and export center for mahogany in the 1600’s. After the Paleo Indians who were the original inhabitants, came the Maya, then the British and Scottish pirates who used the area’s many creeks and mangrove swamps as natural hiding out areas and a base from which to loot passing Spanish ships laden with treasure. Naturally, because it is the country’s largest urban area, one finds all cultural types and mixtures in the city – Creole, Garifuna, Latino, Chinese, Lebanese, Hindu and the original East Indian descendants and Maya.

One traveler had this to say as a first impression: “Belize is an amazing place. You cross the border into the first town Corozal and you see Creoles, Chinese, Latinos and Caucasians all speaking at least two languages, one usually Creole. I could pick up phrases and words here and there but it is far enough from standard English to be an entirely distinct language. Verb conjugations are non-existent, everything is abbreviated and accented very heavily and vernacular expressions are standard.  They even use words that we would consider diminutive in every day speech, like addressing each other as “boy”. And when they want to be polite and they want something from you, you are called “boss” or “general”. “Baad” means good, and “haaht” means “hard”. They abbreviate “And then I said” to “An nen I seh”.

From its history as a pirate town and logging port, Belize City maintains much of its past architecture, narrow streets and rundown appearance. Dirty creeks and canals with mud walls criss-cross much of the city. Visitors may want to consider ahead of time that Belize City is by no means a Caribbean Paradise in terms of Cancun in Mexico or Freeport in the Bahamas. Although the city is perched on a delta that juts out into the magnificent Caribbean Sea – there are no beaches. See Belize City History .

The upside is that this is the busiest metropolitan area of the country. Trendy boutiques, restaurants, bars and nightclubs make for a good social scene and the best, but maybe not the safest, area to party and let your hair down.

A Walkabout Downtown

First impressions of Belize City for the day visitor can lead to something of a culture shock. Most of the commercial activity is centered around the Swing Bridge in the main downtown area. This old bridge joins North Front Street in the North Side to Albert and Queen Streets on the South Side. North Front Street runs parallel to the Haulover Creek and is intersected by Queen Street. Day visitors, especially those arriving by cruise ship exit the Tourism Village into the eastern end of North Street, then walk west up this street heading to the Swing Bridge. Walking along this area takes you through one of the oldest areas of the city – you will see many poorly maintained colonial era clapboard style buildings mixed in with newer concrete buildings. Belize City, to put it kind, is a run down city with concrete streets, poor drainage, many potholes, seedy areas and nothing much to see.

Street hawkers selling anything from handmade jewelry, wood carvings and tourist knickknacks are very active in this area to the point of being bothersome. Simply telling them “No Thanks” in a firm and polite manner a couple of times will hold you in good stead. During the day, and especially when cruise ships are in port, police officers are very visible and looking out for the well-being of tourists. And regretfully, trying to score an arrest of a tourist caught purchasing illegal substances.

The water taxi terminal, formerly the city’s main fire station, is at the corner of North Front Street and the Swing Bridge. You take a left and stroll over this bridge and unto Albert Street the busy downtown area full of banks, shops, hardware stores and a recently restored down market featuring pawn shops, jewelry shops, and the Belize City Council Offices on the upper floor. There is a good supermarket, Brodies on Albert Street with an excellent but cramped takeout deli. You can also find rows of Hindu operated shops selling clothes, shoes and cheap electronic gadgets, fast food, juices, ice cream and other sundries.

Walking to the end of Albert Street Street takes you to St. John’s Cathedral on your left. Do not make the mistake of taking right. That is where the historic Yarborough Cemetery sits, and gang-infested territory. You continue walking and swing left at the cathedral and you are then on Regent Street and heading back up towards the Swing Bridge. Regent Street now has the new Museum Of Belizean Art MOBA (formerly the residence of the British Governor), where visitors may see art from some of Belize’s most famous artists, the offices of the drab and heavily fortified Belize Tourist Board building (formerly headquarters of the Jehovah Witnesses in Belize) a bank, law firms, and the drugstore and hardware section of Brodies.

Around Belize City

A number of sights outside Belize City along the Western Highway make memorable day-trips especially for cruisers: among them, the superb Belize Zoo and Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary , and beyond to Belmopan and the famous Xunantunich Maya Ruins . As you leave the city you first pass through the Lord’s Ridge cemetery, then skirt the coastline, running behind a tangle of mangrove swamps and past Old Belize – a nice beach, marina, restaurant and bar and museum showcasing the history and cultures of the country. The mangroves and creeks here are home for air boat tour companies catering to cruise ship visitors. A few miles further, the highway crosses the Sir John Burden Canal, an inland waterway that serves as a nature reserve and valuable wildlife corridor connecting the Belize and Sibun rivers; some small boat tours take this canal to the Northern and Southern lagoons and Gales Point. After fourteen miles the highway passes through Hattieville, named after the 1961 hurricane that gave the village its first inhabitants in the form of refugees. From here, a paved road leads north to Burrell Boom, while slightly west, on the south side of the highway near the Sibun River, Gracie Rock is the highest of several curious limestone outcrops quarried for road-building, and used as the fictional settlement of Geronimo in the film The Mosquito Coast

Water Taxis And Caye Excursions

Short commuter flights and water-taxi rides take visitors out to the cayes and atolls. By plane, 15 minutes to Belize San Pedro Ambergris Caye or 10 minutes to Caye Caulker gets a traveler nearly out to the reef. By boat, 15 minutes transports a day-tripper to Swallow Caye to see the gentle manatees. A snorkel or dive trip to St. George’s Caye — in 1798 the site of a famous battleground, but now the site of vacation homes — is only 20 minutes by boat. To reach Goff’s Caye, right on the reef for snorkeling and manatee watching, in just 30 minutes. Visitors should be aware that water taxis rates are controlled by government to ensure a level playing field for consumers. In high demand seasons, such as Easter in Belize , some water taxis operators arbitrarily raise prices. Click Here For Belize Water Taxi Schedules And Approved Passenger Fares

South of Goff’s Caye, the secluded Rendezvous Caye makes a great spot for snorkeling. Lighthouse Reef Atoll, site of the famous Belize Blue Hole , and Turneffe Islands Atoll both sit out beyond the reef, a short trip from Belize City through mostly protected waters. Tour operators provide day and night snorkeling, diving, Sea Kayaking , sailing, and fishing excursions.

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Sun princess: the best dining, amenities and more on princess cruises' newest ship.

Sun Princess features an updated layout, delicious new restaurants and plenty of spaces to be entertained.

Sun Princess Review

Courtesy of Princess Cruises

Key Takeaways

• Sun Princess' fresher, more modern design may appeal to a younger crowd than the line normally caters to.
• Incredible dining options abound, including The Catch by Rudi and the new Spellbound dinner and magic show.
• New Cabana Mini-Suites feature indoor-outdoor cabana areas and spacious balconies.

As a travel writer who cruises with all the major lines, I was excited to travel through the Mediterranean on the new Sun Princess cruise ship in May 2024. I traveled with my mother to celebrate her 76th birthday shortly after the new ship's February debut in Rome . The itinerary we sailed was a unique, one-way offering that departed from Athens, Greece , with visits to ports like Bar, Montenegro; Corfu, Greece; and Messina and Naples, Italy .

A true marvel of modern engineering and ship architecture, Sun Princess boasts a maximum guest capacity of 4,300 and room for 1,600 crew. The Sphere-Class vessel is 1,133 feet long and 200 feet high, with a breadth of 139 feet and 21 total decks. There are 2,157 staterooms, including 80 unique suites with extra space for guests.

Standout features include a three-floor main dining area, the Princess Arena with capacity for 990 guests and a 250-person entertainment space known as The Dome. Read on to learn everything there is to know about the Sun Princess cruise ship, including my own take on the dining and entertainment options available to cruisers.

Find your perfect cruise

Sun Princess itineraries for 2024 and 2025

Holly Johnson

While Sun Princess is scheduled to cruise the Mediterranean through September 2024, the ship will cross the Atlantic on its way to Fort Lauderdale, Florida , by October for the winter cruise season.

From this new homeport, Sun Princess will offer seven-day Caribbean cruises with the stops in Honduras, Belize , Mexico, the Bahamas , the Dominican Republic, and Turks & Caicos through March 2025.

Sun Princess will then embark on a 14-day Spanish Passage voyage in March 2025, which ends in Barcelona, Spain , and repositions the ship for its summer in the Mediterranean. At that point, cruisers can book a range of lengthy Mediterranean options over various dates, which include stops in Turkey, Greece, Montenegro, Italy, France, Spain and more.

Who should sail on Sun Princess?

While most people may think of Princess Cruises as a cruise line for baby boomers, Sun Princess aims to attract a younger, livelier crowd. This is immediately apparent when walking around the ship's common areas; Sun Princess boasts bold color schemes, endless windows, sparkling lights and a more modern central piazza than other Princess ships.

While my Mediterranean sailing largely consisted of adult travelers, Sun Princess will likely attract more families on its Caribbean itineraries. The ship's layout is ideal for parents with children of all ages, and amenities geared specifically toward kids abound. It all starts with the ship's Park19 family area, which features a huge climbing structure, a splash zone, a recreational court, a jogging court and more. Sun Princess also has three dedicated youth clubs: Firefly Park Kids Club (ages 3 to 7, with a separate play area for babies and toddlers 6 months and older), Neon Grove Tweens Club (ages 8 to 12) and The Underground Teen Lounge (ages 13 to 17).

What's interesting about Sun Princess is that it still has so much to offer more mature travelers, including couples who want to enjoy a romantic, upscale vacation. This is shown in the ship's elevated dining venues, expansive casino and luxurious spa. Sun Princess also offers the Sanctuary Collection of rooms and suites, which offer more amenities and spaces to relax on the ship.

Travelers who book a room in the Sanctuary Collection get their pick of a nicer selection of rooms, a premium beverage package, access to a private restaurant and pool deck and a more personalized experience overall. Think of the Sanctuary Collection suites as an alternative to MSC Cruises Yacht Club cabins – the biggest difference being that the venues available to cruisers in these cabins are spread throughout the ship.

The stateroom

I stayed in one of the new Cabana Mini-Suites on the Sun Princess, which I would book again in a heartbeat. These rooms are a take on the classic balcony cabin most cruisers expect, but with a twist. In addition to an outdoor balcony, Cabana Mini-Suites have a separate indoor-outdoor cabana-like area with a flat-screen television.

This extra space means the new Cabana Mini-Suites are much longer from one end to the other than a traditional balcony stateroom. The additional space is nice to have whether you want more room for storage or a separate place to read or relax while your cabinmate naps. My mom sat in our cabana area and read several times while I showered and got ready for dinner, and she even took a nap out there while I worked on my computer in our stateroom.

Regardless of the stateroom you book, know that Sun Princess cabins feature soft, neutral tones and plenty of closet space. Power outlets are abundant, and there are all kinds of nooks and crannies for storage. Cabin types on Sun Princess include the following:

Interior Cabins (136 to 145 square feet)

Basic interior rooms offer a queen bed or two small twin beds, a flat-panel television, a refrigerator, and a private bathroom with a shower. These are the most affordable cabins on the ship, and they work best for guests who just want a place to relax and sleep.

Premium Oceanview (212 square feet)

Ocean-view cabins have slightly more space than interior rooms, but they still lack a balcony. These rooms feature a queen bed or two twin configurations, a large flat-screen television, a refrigerator, and more floor and storage space.

Deluxe Balcony (235 square feet, including balcony)

Balcony cabins offer more space than ocean-view rooms due to the addition of a spacious balcony with outdoor seating. Balcony cabins can also come in a queen bed or two twin configuration and have a large flat-screen television, a refrigerator, and more floor and storage space.

Mini-Suite (303 square feet, including balcony)

Mini-Suites are essentially large balcony cabins with more storage space, more closet space and more floor space. These rooms have all the amenities of other cabins but include two flat-screen televisions (one for the bedroom area and another for couch viewing).

Cabana Mini-Suite (329 square feet, including balcony and cabana)

These rooms add the indoor-outdoor space of the cabana adjacent to the outdoor balcony. The cabana area has seating for several people and its own flat-screen television (in addition to the in-room TV).

Signature Suites (304 to 636 square feet, including balcony)

Signature Suites range in size and include larger balconies with premium furniture, two flat-screen televisions, a more spacious bathroom with a separate tub and shower, and dedicated sleeping and living areas.

Signature Sky Suites (1,262 square feet, including balcony)

Princess Cruises Signature Sky Suites are the largest staterooms across all Princess vessels, and they have all the bells and whistles you can imagine. Standout features of Sky Suites include separate living and dining areas; huge, luxurious bathrooms; and Nespresso coffee machines.

(Note: Sanctuary Collection rooms are dotted throughout the ship and consist of balcony-, mini-suite- and suite-category accommodations.)

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Best amenities on Sun Princess

Since my itinerary on the Sun Princess cruise ship included multiple port stops, I didn't get to experience everything the ship had to offer. However, what I did experience was worth it – from the nonstop entertainment in the piazza to over-the-top dining features. Some of my standout experiences include:

Part dinner and part magic show, Spellbound by Magic Castle is bookable for an additional charge. The experience begins with a small group dinner with drink pairings, then moves to a hidden bar area of the ship, where the magic begins. The bar itself features magical artifacts and vintage curiosities, a "ghost" pianist, and an incredible drink menu designed to wow and delight guests. Some drinks were served in cages, golden owls and elaborate chests with dry ice.

Magic came in the form of intriguing card tricks and disappearing acts at the bar, plus a separate stage area where crowd participation helped facilitate the illusions. I don't want to give anything more than that away – you must simply experience it for yourself. Though I thought Spellbound was slightly cheesy at times, I thoroughly enjoyed the dinner and show and feel it was worth the added cost.

The Dome on the Sun Princess is part pool area and part stage. Guests can swim in a unique indoor-outdoor pool by day and watch entertainers dance in the evening, with alluring lighting effects and a cozy, intimate atmosphere.

I watched an acrobatics show in The Dome from the comfort of a padded lounge chair and thought the venue was the place to be.

Princess Arena 

The Princess Arena is a circular stage area that holds up to 990 guests. Shows on offer include multifaceted stage productions and acrobatic features with plenty of surprises.

Fitness center

The Sun Princess' fitness center was huge and featured a range of treadmills, stair climbers, weights and machines to choose from. I never had trouble securing a treadmill at any time, even though I've had to wait and fight crowds for machines on other cruise ships.

I also loved the expansive walking track on the ship, which was constantly in use by both serious exercisers and cruisers walking leisurely to enjoy the views. I used the walking track every morning for at least an hour; I found it much more spacious and usable than other ship walking tracks, which are often congested and never quite wide enough.

The ship also features a Fitness Studio with guided classes, but I did not use it during my trip.

Sun Princess features five large pools and nine hot tubs. There are two pools on the lido deck, plus an indoor-outdoor pool in The Dome, a Sanctuary pool (for Sanctuary Collection guests only) and a wake-view infinity pool.

Medallion services

Princess MedallionClass is one of the coolest and most convenient amenities at sea. In place of a traditional cruise card, Princess gives you a small wearable device to bring with you around the ship and on shore. The medallion tracks your physical location on the ship, which allows you to order services and deliveries on board no matter where you are. Medallion delivery options range from food and drinks to extra pillows or bottled water.

I ordered room service through my medallion multiple times and hot, fresh food arrived in my cabin in less than 20 minutes. Meanwhile, drinks were delivered to our cabin and elsewhere on the ship in less than five minutes.

MedallionNet

Princess' Wi-Fi at sea (MedallionNet) is the fastest internet service I have ever used on a cruise ship. The internet was fast and reliable enough for me to complete some work while on board, which is not the norm on cruise ships.

Best dining venues Sun Princess

Sun Princess features 30 dining and bar options, many of which are included in the base cruise fare. Complimentary dining venues on Sun Princess include three traditional dining rooms, The Eatery (a take on the classic buffet, but with staff service), a café for coffee and light bites, The Lido (serving up salads, pizza and more) and the Promenade Dining grill.

Specialty dining options for an extra charge range from O'Malley's Irish Pub to a sushi spot to steak, seafood and Italian restaurants. For an extra special experience, head to Love by Britto to indulge in fine dining, or opt for Umai hot pot or teppanyaki venues. Meanwhile, bars on Sun Princess include Bellini's Cocktail Bar, Sea View Bar, The MIX and more.

My personal favorite dining experiences included:

My Spellbound dinner was excellent, even though the menu is fairly brief. I enjoyed a delicious shrimp cocktail and seafood entree, followed by a vegan dessert (I'm allergic to dairy and the ship happily accommodated). What stood out for me with Spellbound, at least food-wise, was the eclectic selection of drink pairings offered with the meal. It started with a caprese salad cocktail that tasted like tomatoes and balsamic vinegar in a strange, delicious way, then moved on to the spooky concoctions offered in the Spellbound bar.

Crown Grill

Crown Grill, a specialty dining venue, is not unique to Sun Princess, but it is the cruise line's most popular steakhouse brand. My mom and I had a delicious meal here for her birthday that included a Mediterranean-style spiny lobster cake, Chilean sea bass and a huge (surprise) birthday cake delivered to our table.

The Catch by Rudi

The Catch by Rudi is the ship's specialty dining seafood restaurant. Here, I dined on a delicious shrimp cocktail and the catch of the day (a grilled dorado filet). Everything was fresh and the meal was exceptional from start to finish.

I loved The Eatery, the ship's buffet-style dining option. The main difference between this venue and more traditional cruise ship buffets is that you're served by staff instead of serving yourself, which I prefer. The Eatery featured a rotating selection of exceptional main courses (seafood, chicken, beef and ethnic options), salads, appetizers and delicious desserts. It even had a vegan section and an easy-to-find selection of gluten-free offerings.

Best excursions on Sun Princess

The best excursions on Sun Princess vary depending on where you're going on your cruise – the Caribbean or various Europe destinations. Here's an overview of some excellent excursions offered aboard Sun Princess, a few of which I did myself.

Corfu, Greece 

Catamaran Coastal Cruise & Swim: This easy excursion lets you see Corfu from the sea and get out into the water for some snorkeling and swimming. I picked this excursion so we could relax for one day and avoid a lot of walking, and it delivered. A delicious lunch with an open bar was served on board as we sailed around the island taking in some of Corfu's most beautiful sights.

Naples, Italy

Sorrento & Amalfi Coast Cruise: No trip to this region of Italy is complete without a stop in the Amalfi Coast . This excursion was a long one (eight to nine hours) with lots of walking and bus time, but the views of this dynamic coast and time spent in Amalfi and Sorrento made the travel time well worth it.

Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos

Island Vibes & Beach Swim: This relatively short excursion includes a narrated bus trip throughout the island of Grand Turk, highlighting some of the island's top sights. A beach break at picturesque Governor's Beach is included.

Princess Cays, Bahamas

Princess Cays Coastal Cruise: Princess Cruises' private island offers a range of bookable activities, from banana boat rides to snorkeling tours. This coastal cruise is another option that takes you along the shores of Eleuthera in a 40-foot Reef Princess boat.

Overall impressions of Sun Princess

If you're considering a cruise on Sun Princess, you should know that this isn't your traditional Princess ship. The look and feel of this vessel are younger and livelier compared to other Princess ships I have sailed on. Gone are the hallways filled with cruisers knitting and playing cards; in their place, you'll find dancing, entertainment, music and activities around the clock.

When it comes to Sun Princess dining, every meal I had on board was either very good or excellent. You don't even have to opt for an extra-cost specialty dining venue to get a good meal. The Eatery and the regular dining rooms feature fresh, seasonal foods that are more than enough for the average palate to enjoy.

Caribbean itineraries on offer later this year (and into 2025) start at around $660 per person for an interior cabin, and Princess features an endless roster of sales throughout the year. If you're looking for a new cruising experience and want to give Princess a try (or another chance), Sun Princess is more than worthy of your consideration.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is a travel writer who covers all aspects of family travel, including all-inclusive resorts and cruises with both boutique and major cruise brands. Johnson has traveled to more than 50 countries around the world, and she has cruised in destinations throughout the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, Northern Europe and the Arctic Circle, and the Middle East. Johnson works alongside her husband, Greg, who runs the travel agency Travel Blue Book .

You might also be interested in:

• Icon of the Seas Review
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• The Best Cruise Insurance

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Belize City Cruise Ship Schedule For 2024

How To Make The Most Of Your Time During A Cruise Port Of Call In Belize

B elize, a beautiful Central American country sandwiched between Mexico and Guatemala, is one of the hottest cruise ports of call on western Caribbean routes. With its incredible shoreline, dense jungles, and rich history, there’s no shortage of things to see, do, and experience while you’re stopped at port. We had just 8 hours there during our own cruise, but they were jam-packed. Here’s how we spent our time and what we’d love to check out on our next visit.

Guided Coach Tour

The sea surrounding Belize City is quite shallow, so we were tendered from our cruise ship to the port. It was a quick trip, but it allowed us to get a great view. Candy-colored buildings, businesses, and homes dotted the oceanside, and we were glad we’d reserved a bit of extra time at the end of the day to explore the historic city center. We made our way through the shops at the port (more on those later!), met our guide, and hopped on our motor coach. We were ready for an adventure .

We were headed to an area deep in the rainforest called Jaguar Paw, about 90 minutes from Belize City. It was an easy ride on fully paved roads and allowed us to view first-hand several of Belize’s ecosystems.

At first along the shoreline, we spotted thick mangroves, which help prevent erosion during storms and provide a stunning — and somewhat foreboding — backdrop for kayakers. As we headed inland, the land changed dramatically. The plants grew scrubbier, with widely spaced pine trees taking the place of palms. The soil was a rich red, and it was clearly much drier. Our guide let us know we had entered Belize’s savannah, or grasslands. It was quite remote; we only passed a couple of tiny villages before another scenic shift. The tree canopy closed, getting greener and thicker. We realized we were entering the rainforest, and after about 20 minutes, we reached our destination: the Nohoch Che’en Caves Branch Archeological Reserve , along the Jaguar Paw section of the Caves Branch River.

Rainforest Hike

We got off the bus, applied lots of sunscreen and bug spray that we’d brought from the cruise ship, and grabbed lightweight inner tubes from our guide. It was time for a hike through the Belizean rainforest, right along the river. A gravel trail took us deep into the jungle, and during the trek our guide told us about the Mayans who lived in the area hundreds of years ago. The land and river were sacred to them, as were some of the animals there, including the jaguar, puma, and ocelot. Our guide also pointed out various medicinal plants and trees. We saw tiny but mighty leafcutter ants marching across the trail, and enormous spiders. After about 45 minutes, we reached the spot where we’d begin our float, right through caves that the Mayans once used.

Mayan Cave Adventure

We put on life jackets, donned helmets with lights on them, and then entered the river in a shallow spot. The water was clear and cool, a welcome respite after the warm jungle stroll. Our guide tied our tubes together and explained more about the history of this special place as we slowly and effortlessly floated along. The area’s limestone caves were carved out by the river millions of years ago, and the Mayans used them for ceremonial purposes. As our tubes passed in and out of the three main caverns, the lights on our helmets helped light the way. We were warned repeatedly not to look up with our mouths open, since the bats gathered near the top of the cave tend to poop on tourists below!

While other Belize cave sites, such as Actun Tunichil Muknal , are home to more archaeological discoveries — including pottery and even the skeletons of sacrifice victims — ours was still a fascinating and rather eerie experience. Our guide explained how the caves sheltered the Mayans and played a role in their worship and sacrifice.

Once we cleared the caves, we had a few minutes to swim before we had to return the way we came. It was an unbelievable — and surprisingly relaxing — float. We learned an incredible amount, both about the ecosystems and ancient cultures of Belize.

Tour Of Historic Belize City

On our way back to the cruise port, our driver took us on a quick tour of the historic part of Belize City. During the ride, we saw the island’s Colonial roots on full display. The Brits first arrived in Belize in the 1650s, and Belize became a British colony in 1840. Full independence wasn’t achieved until 1981. We drove by the candy-cane-striped Baron Bliss Lighthouse , named after the British aristocrat buried at its base who left his fortune to the people of Belize. On Regent Street, we spied the Supreme Court of Belize , a gorgeous New Orleans-style structure, and Saint John’s Cathedral , which was constructed in 1812. We were grateful to have had this brief introduction to the historic part of the city during such a busy day.

Eating In Belize

While we were tubing, our driver and his assistant went to work cooking up a traditional Belizean lunch. While Belize City looks quite British, the country’s heart is Creole, with European, African, and Mayan roots. This cultural mash-up is easily apparent in the country’s cuisine. We feasted on grilled jerk chicken, with its spicy, smoky flavor, and red beans and rice, well seasoned with a variety of peppers and hot sauces. The area’s tropical fruit was also amazing: The mangos and papayas were our favorites.

When we arrived back at the cruise port, we had some time to sample other street foods. The salbutes — tiny fried tortillas served with pulled chicken, pork, and avocados — were really tasty, as were the tamales wrapped in plantain leaves. Fresh-caught fish was served up with plenty of lime juice and chilis for a delicious, zippy ceviche. We washed these all down with ice-cold Belikin beers made by the Belize Brewing Company. Needless to say, we were absolutely stuffed by the time we headed back to our ship’s tender.

Shopping In Belize

There were plenty of high-end shopping options near the port in Belize City. There were also a number of handicraft shops in the Fort Street Tourism Village; we saw some stunning and sustainably crafted wooden kitchenware there, including salad bowls and cutting boards. However, we did most of our shopping just outside the Caves Branch Archeological Reserve at the end of our float. Local artisans had set their wares out for us to peruse, and we purchased a small Mayan-woven jute basket and some sweet shell jewelry. They were items we could easily bring back on the ship and stash in our luggage; perfect reminders of our Belize adventure.

Next Time Around

There were several places we wished we had had time to explore, but we had to skip. If we return to Belize (which we really hope to do), we would make plans to visit these places.

About 45 minutes from the port, the Belize Zoo features many animals native to the country, including big cats, colorful birds, and weirdly adorable tapirs. It’s small but beautifully curated, providing care and shelter for animals rescued from illegal trading or those transferred from rehab facilities. The zoo gets rave online reviews. VIP tours are also available.

Mayan Ruins

We had booked an archeological tour at a different port of call, but Belize has its fair share of magnificent Mayan sites. Consider touring Altun Ha , an ancient city north of Belize City where a mysterious and gorgeous jade head was discovered by scientists excavating the site in the 1960s. Caracol is another terrific option. While farther afield (about a 3.5-hour drive from Belize City), it’s the largest Mayan site in the country, with plenty of pyramids to explore deep in the jungle.

Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System

Belize is well known for its snorkel and scuba scene ; its spectacular barrier reef is the world’s second-largest and a UNESCO World Heritage site . Many marine creatures make it their home, and they are absolutely stunning to observe in their natural habitat. Your best bet is to hire a charter or take a tour to get to these sites . For land-based over-the-top thrill-seekers, the famed Blue Hole sinkhole sits 40 miles from the coast and offers bucket-list diving and snorkeling opportunities.

This article originally appeared on TravelAwaits

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Belize City Highlights

Belize City, Belize

Activity Level

Excursion Type

Wheelchair Accessible

Starting At

Minimum Age

Information Not Currently Available

Approximately 4 Hours

Meals Included

Meals not included

Begin your best-of-Belize experience with a visit to the Baron Bliss Tomb and Lighthouse Monument . Note the 17th-century cannons that speak to Belize's strategic and important location.

In the historical quarter , your guide shares legends and lore around the baymen and buccaneers that colorful past. Hear how Yarborough Cemetery acquired its name and view the beautiful grounds at the colonial Governor's Mansion .

At St John's Cathedral , an exclusive tour takes you inside the oldest Anglican Cathedral in Central America, built solely with bricks from a ship's ballast.

Journey along old Regent Street, lined with heritage homes. View the Supreme Court building and the famous Swing Bridge. From the original port and marina, a mini-train ride takes you to the Natural History Museum . Before you return to the pier, there will be time to visit the gift shop or purchase local food and beverages (at your own expense).