Cruise Ship Tendering In Belize: When And Why?

Belize is a popular stop on Caribbean cruise itineraries. However, cruise ships do not dock in Belize City port because the waters of the Caribbean Sea are too shallow. Cruise ships anchor a few miles from the coast and transfer passengers to the Fort Street Tourism Village via small boats known as tenders. The tender ride typically takes 15-20 minutes.

Cruise ships anchor around 2 miles from the coast of Belize

The cruise port terminal in Belize is located at the Fort Street Tourism Village, which is within walking distance of Belize City downtown. The terminal has all the basic services and amenities, as well as shops and restaurants. The village also has dozens of duty-free shops, bars, eateries, tour and car rental booths.

Belize is a popular stop on Caribbean cruise itineraries due to its rich Mayan cultural heritage, countless little islands, and the Belize Barrier Reef – the second-longest reef globally.

Passengers are tendered to the Fort Street Tourism Village dock

Belize is a popular stop on Caribbean cruise itineraries, known for its Mayan cultural heritage, countless little islands, and the Belize Barrier Reef. As cruise ships cannot dock in Belize City port due to shallow waters, passengers are tendered to the Fort Street Tourism Village dock, located within a short walk from Belize City. The tender ride takes around 15-20 minutes.

The Fort Street Tourism Village is a safe, clean, and well-maintained area, with basic services and amenities, including shops, eateries, tour operators, and car rental booths. There are four terminal areas: Terminal Area 1 "REEF", Terminal Area 2 "JAGUAR", Terminal Area 3 "MAYA", and Terminal Area 4 "PIRATE". It is important to remember your disembarking terminal to avoid delays when returning to your ship.

The village offers various shopping and dining options, including duty-free shops, jewellery stores, local arts and crafts, souvenirs, tobacco, perfumes, and clothing. There are also several restaurants and bars serving local specialties and offering free Wi-Fi.

Belize City's downtown area is within walking distance from the Fort Street Tourism Village. However, it is not recommended to venture too far due to safety concerns. Some nearby attractions include the Swing Bridge, St. John's Church, and the Belize Museum.

Overall, the Fort Street Tourism Village provides a convenient and enjoyable experience for passengers arriving in Belize by cruise ship.

The tender ride takes 15-20 minutes

The tender ride from the cruise ship to the port in Belize City takes around 15-20 minutes. Passengers are transferred to the Fort Street Tourism Village dock, which is within walking distance of the city itself.

The tender boats have three powerful engines and are operated by local authorities. The ride is included in the price of the cruise and is a quick and easy way to get ashore.

Once you arrive at the dock, you will find a shopping village with bars, eateries, tour operators, and dozens of duty-free shops. The terminal areas are named Terminal Area 1 "REEF", Terminal Area 2 "JAGUAR", Terminal Area 3 "MAYA", and Terminal Area 4 "PIRATE". It is important to remember which terminal you arrived at, as this is where you will wait for the tender to take you back to your ship.

The port area is safe, and just outside the security gates, you will find the Belize Welcome Sign and the Baron Bliss lighthouse, which are great photo opportunities. However, it is not recommended to wander too far from the port area due to safety concerns.

The best way to get around Belize is by taxi or on a shore excursion. Licensed taxis do not have meters, so be sure to agree on a price before your ride. Water taxis are also available and can take you to the islands of Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye.

Belize City is not particularly safe to explore on your own

Belize is a popular stop on Caribbean cruise itineraries, with its rich Mayan cultural heritage, countless little islands, and the Belize Barrier Reef. However, it is important to note that Belize City, the country's largest city and main entry point for tourists, is not particularly safe to explore on your own. Here are some reasons why:

Firstly, Belize City has a high crime rate and is known for gang activity and violent crime. While tourists typically spend their time in safer areas, it is still important to be cautious when exploring the city. It is recommended to stick to the main tourist parts of the city and avoid wandering into sketchy neighborhoods that have been taken over by local gangs. The south side of Belize City, in particular, should be avoided due to gang activity.

Secondly, petty theft and pickpocketing are common in Belize, and tourists are often targeted. It is important to be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded tourist areas and on public transportation. Keep your valuables secure and out of reach, and avoid wearing flashy items or jewellery.

Thirdly, sexual assaults and harassment are common in Belize, especially towards female travellers. It is recommended to avoid hitchhiking or accepting taxi rides with unknown passengers. Even in taxis, sexual harassment by drivers has been reported, so it is important to be cautious and trust your instincts.

Fourthly, Belize has a problem with drug cartels, and it is illegal and unsafe to purchase or consume drugs in the country. Doing so can lead to harsh penalties and jail time, and it also supports the violent and corrupt system that condones human slavery.

Finally, natural disasters such as hurricanes and tropical storms pose a risk to travellers in Belize. The region's hurricane season spans from early June to late November, with September and October being the most affected months. It is important to be aware of the weather conditions and potential natural disasters when planning a trip to Belize.

In conclusion, while Belize can be a wonderful and adventurous destination, it is important to take certain precautions when exploring Belize City on your own. By being vigilant, aware of your surroundings, and following safety guidelines, you can help ensure that your trip is both enjoyable and safe.

The Belize dollar is the official currency, but US dollars are widely accepted

The Belize dollar is the country's official currency, but US dollars are widely accepted across the country. The Belize dollar is pegged to the US dollar at a ratio of 2:1, meaning that $2 Belize dollars are equivalent to $1 US dollar.

While the Belize dollar is the official currency, US dollars are interchangeable with Belize dollars in most instances. However, it is important to note that US coins are not accepted in Belize. Additionally, smaller establishments may only accept Belize dollars, so it is advisable to carry some local currency. Prices may be listed in US dollars, and change can be received in either US dollars or Belize dollars. It is recommended to carry smaller denomination bills for convenience when paying for taxis, meals, and tips.

Credit cards are also widely accepted in Belize, especially at larger hotels, restaurants, and shops. Visa and Mastercard are the most commonly accepted cards, while American Express may be accepted in some places but with higher fees charged to merchants. It is always a good idea to carry more than one credit card as a backup, in case of any issues or non-acceptance.

ATMs can be found in major tourist towns and urban centres across Belize, dispensing cash in Belize dollars only. It is important to note that there may be fees involved when using ATMs, including charges from your home bank for international usage and fees from the local Belize bank.

In summary, while the Belize dollar is the official currency, US dollars are widely accepted, and credit cards are also a convenient option for travellers. However, it is beneficial to carry a mix of cash and cards when visiting Belize to ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience.

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