Exploring Belize's Atm Tour From A Cruise Ship

Belize is a popular stop on Caribbean cruise itineraries, known for its Mayan cultural heritage, islands, and the Belize Barrier Reef. The Belize cruise port is a tender port, meaning ships anchor off the coast and transfer passengers ashore via small boats. The port area features shops, bars, eateries, and tour booths, and is generally safe. However, it is not recommended to venture too far into Belize City due to safety concerns. The best way to explore Belize is through organized shore excursions, which can be booked with your cruise line or independent tour operators. These excursions offer a range of activities, including cave tubing, zip-lining, snorkelling, wildlife spotting, and exploring Mayan ruins.

Snorkelling and scuba diving at Hol Chan Marine Reserve

The Hol Chan Marine Reserve is one of the most popular snorkelling and scuba diving sites in Belize. Located just off the coast of the islands of Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye, it is part of the Belize Barrier Reef—the second-largest reef system in the world. The reserve covers more than 18 square kilometres of coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangrove forests. It is known for its vibrant coral gardens, nurse sharks, stingrays, sea turtles, and fascinating marine wildlife.

The Hol Chan Marine Reserve is divided into several zones, with Zone A being the only area dedicated to snorkelling and diving. The reserve is teeming with marine life, including over 160 species of fish, 40 coral species, five sponge species, and three marine mammals. The shallow depth of around nine metres makes it an ideal site for inexperienced divers or those looking for a relaxed dive experience.

When snorkelling or scuba diving in Hol Chan Marine Reserve, you will have the opportunity to explore colourful coral formations and interact with a diverse array of marine life. The reserve is known for its fish life, including blue-striped grunts, Bermuda chub, yellow-tailed snapper, groupers, barracuda, and queen parrotfish. You may also spot turtles, nurse sharks, and stingrays.

There are various tour options available for visiting Hol Chan Marine Reserve, with some tours combining multiple snorkelling or diving sites in the area. Full-day and half-day tours are commonly offered, and some tours include additional activities such as island exploration, beach time, or fishing. It is recommended to book a guided tour to ensure a safe and informative experience.

Whether you are an experienced diver or a beginner, snorkelling and scuba diving at Hol Chan Marine Reserve offer a rewarding opportunity to explore the underwater world and appreciate the natural beauty of Belize.

Visiting the ancient Mayan site of Altun Ha

Belize is a popular stop on Caribbean cruise itineraries, known for its rich Mayan cultural heritage. One of the best things to do in Belize is to visit the ancient Mayan site of Altun Ha. Here is a guide to help you plan your visit:

Getting to Altun Ha

Altun Ha is located about 50 kilometres (31 miles) north of Belize City and about 10 kilometres (6.2 miles) west of the Caribbean Sea shoreline. The site is accessible by tourism and you can either drive or join a tour. If driving, take the Northern Highway towards Orange Walk and turn right onto the Old Northern Highway just past Sand Hill. Then, turn left onto Rockstone Pond Road to reach the site. Alternatively, you can book a tour through a cruise line or a reputable independent tour operator.

Exploring Altun Ha

Altun Ha is the name given to the ruins of an ancient Maya city, covering an area of about 8 square kilometres (3.1 square miles). The site consists of two main complexes, Group A and Group B, with smaller, mostly residential groups located within. Group A was the early civic and ceremonial core of the site, with structures arranged around a large plaza. Group B gained importance during the Late Classic period and is where many elite burials were found, including the famous "Tomb B-4/7" or the "Sun God's Tomb".

History of Altun Ha

Altun Ha was occupied for many centuries, from about 900 B.C. to A.D. 1000, with the largest occupation occurring during the Classic Period (200-900 A.D.). The site was first inhabited during the Pre-Classic period (1000 B.C.-200 A.D.), with the earliest monumental construction dating from around 100 B.C. Most of the structures at the site date to the Early Classic period, when the site reached its peak. Altun Ha began its slow decline in the middle of the Late Classic and was eventually abandoned in the Post Classic (900-1200 A.D.), with a short-lived re-occupation after this period.

What to See at Altun Ha

Altun Ha features two main plazas and 13 structures, including the Temple of Masonry Altars, which is the largest of the temple-pyramids at 16 metres (52 feet) high. Other notable structures include A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, and A6 in Group A, and B3, B4, B5, and B6 in Group B. The site also has a large reservoir constructed by the Maya, which is now home to crocodiles. In addition, Altun Ha is situated amid one of the richest wildlife areas in Belize, with over 200 species of birds and other critters such as bats, foxes, white-tail deer, tapir, and armadillos.

Practical Information

Altun Ha is open year-round from 8 A.M. to 5 P.M. The entrance fee is US$5.00 or BZD $10.00. There are bathrooms and a gift/snack shop on-site, but no on-site museum or accommodations. The nearest accommodations are in Belize City, about an hour's drive away.

Exploring the Belize Barrier Reef

Belize is a popular stop on Caribbean cruise itineraries, renowned for its breathtaking islands, barrier reefs, Mayan heritage sites, and abundant outdoor activities. The Belize Barrier Reef is a must-see for those seeking adventure and exploration. Here is a comprehensive guide to exploring the Belize Barrier Reef:

Location and Accessibility:

The Belize Barrier Reef is located off the coast of Belize, in the Caribbean Sea. It is easily accessible from the cruise port of Belize, which is a tender port. This means that ships anchor off the coast, and passengers are transferred to the Fort Street Tourism Village dock via smaller boats. From there, it is a short walk to Belize City, the country's largest city and the main entry point for tourists.

Natural Significance:

The Belize Barrier Reef is the second-largest coral reef system in the world, after the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. It is part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, which spans from Cancún on the Yucatán Peninsula to Honduras. The reef runs parallel to Belize's entire coastline, stretching about 190 miles (300 kilometers). Within the reef system, you will find offshore cayes (small, low-elevation, sandy islands), coral atolls, coastal lagoons, estuaries, mangrove forests, and various types of reefs.

Ecological Diversity:

The reef is home to a vast array of marine life, including sea turtles, rays, eels, nurse sharks, goliath groupers, dolphins, and manatees. It is also vital to Belize's fishing industry. The reef hosts a diverse ecosystem, with an estimated 70 hard coral species, 36 soft coral species, and hundreds of invertebrate species. What's more, 90% of the reef remains to be researched, meaning there is much more to discover!

Conservation Efforts:

The Belize Barrier Reef is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its vulnerability and ecological importance. A significant portion of the reef is protected by the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System, which encompasses seven marine reserves, 450 cayes, and three atolls, covering an area of 960 square kilometers (370 square miles). In recent years, Belize has implemented several successful protective measures, including an oil drilling moratorium, development restrictions, and fishing reforms. As a result, the reef was removed from UNESCO's Endangered List in 2018.

Things to Do:

The Belize Barrier Reef offers a range of recreational activities, with snorkeling and scuba diving being the most popular. Here are some specific activities and locations to explore:

• The Great Blue Hole: This is a 124-meter-deep circular sinkhole located on Lighthouse Reef. It was made famous by Jacques Cousteau in 1970 and is a top attraction for divers.
• Hol Chan Marine Reserve: Located off the coast of Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye, this protected reserve offers some of the best snorkeling and diving opportunities. You can observe a diverse array of fish, nurse sharks, sea turtles, and manta rays.
• Swim with Whale Sharks: At Gladden Spit and Silk Cayes, you can have the thrilling experience of swimming with whale sharks during their season from April to June.
• South Water Caye Marine Reserve: This is Belize's second-largest marine reserve and a great spot for diving.
• Half Moon Caye: This pristine, crescent-shaped island is a natural monument offering both above-water and underwater exploration.

Where to Stay:

When exploring the Belize Barrier Reef, the most popular cayes to stay at are Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker. These larger cayes provide easy access to popular attractions like Hol Chan Marine Reserve and the Great Blue Hole. However, smaller cayes and atolls, such as Turneffe Atoll and Glover's Reef, offer remote getaways with abundant opportunities for offshore swimming and wildlife encounters.

Best Time to Visit:

Belize has a subtropical climate, which means the water is warm year-round, making it suitable for diving and snorkeling anytime. The dry season, from November to April, is considered the high tourism season, with clearer waters but cooler temperatures. The wet season, from May to October, sees fewer crowds and price drops, and rainfall typically doesn't interfere with diving or snorkeling plans.

The Belize Barrier Reef is a natural wonder, offering a plethora of exploration and adventure. With its diverse marine life, ecological significance, and range of activities, it is a must-see destination for those cruising to Belize.

Touring the Belize Zoo

The Belize Zoo is a great option for cruise passengers looking to experience Belize's wildlife. The zoo is located 29 miles from Belize City, roughly halfway between Belmopan and Belize City, and is accessible by car, bus, or tour. It is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with last admissions at 4:00 p.m. on weekdays and 3:30 p.m. on Sundays.

The zoo is home to over 150 animals representing more than 45 native species, including tapirs, jaguars, spider monkeys, keel-billed toucans, and scarlet macaws. The zoo also offers a unique experience called the "Lindo Link," where you can get up close and personal with "Lindo," a rescued jaguar and one of the zoo's "jaguar ambassadors."

The Belize Zoo is not just a typical zoo but also a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation facility. It was founded in 1983 by Sharon Matola, who started with a handful of wild animals that were used in a natural history documentary. Today, the zoo is a world-renowned wildlife education centre, with natural habitats designed for the animals and immersive educational experiences for visitors.

The zoo also has a Tropical Education Center (TEC), located a mile up the road from the zoo itself. The TEC sits on 84 acres of tropical savanna and provides accommodations and meals for visitors.

For cruise passengers interested in a more comprehensive Belize experience, combining a visit to the zoo with other activities is also an option. Some tour companies offer packages that include a stop at the zoo along with other attractions, such as cave tubing, Mayan ruins, or snorkelling. These tours typically last a full day and provide transportation and meals, making it a convenient way to see more of Belize during your cruise stop.

Cave tubing through the rainforest

Cave tubing is one of the best adventure activities you can do in Belize. It involves floating on a tube through a cave system with spectacular rock formations. The caves used for tubing were once used by the ancient Maya, and the experience offers a unique insight into their history and culture.

A typical cave tubing tour begins with a hike through the rainforest to the site. The hike usually takes around 20-30 minutes, and once you reach the site, you'll be provided with a tube and any other necessary equipment. The actual tubing experience lasts around 45 minutes, and you'll be guided through the caves by an experienced leader who will share stories and information about the ancient Mayan civilisation.

There are various companies offering cave tubing tours in Belize, with some also including additional activities such as ziplining, kayaking, hiking, or visits to Mayan archaeological ruins. The tours usually depart from Belize City, with a drive of around 1 hour and 10 minutes to the rainforests and national parks where the caves are located.

One popular location for cave tubing is the Nohoch Che'en Caves Branch Archaeological Reserve, which is managed by the National Institute of Culture and History (NICH). This unique and mysterious series of caves is known for its incredible rock formations, including stalactites and stalagmites, and the crystal-clear waters that flow through them.

Another spot to consider is the Rainforest Bridges in the Sky w/ Cave Tubing tour, which combines hiking through the rainforest with cave tubing. This tour takes place in a 30,000-acre forest reserve, and you'll get to explore four suspension bridges totalling over 1,250 feet in length.

When planning a cave tubing tour, it's important to choose a reputable company that prioritises safety and has experienced guides. It's also recommended to bring appropriate clothing, such as closed-toe shoes and comfortable hiking apparel. Additionally, don't forget to bring a swimsuit, a towel, sunscreen, insect repellent, and cash.

Cave tubing in Belize is a unique and exhilarating experience that combines natural beauty, adventure, and cultural insights. It's a great choice for those seeking an unforgettable and informative outdoor activity during their visit to this stunning country.

Frequently asked questions