Cruise Ships Departing Belize: Where To Next?

Belize is a popular cruise destination, with over 200 ships visiting the small Central American country each year. The country boasts a unique combination of ecosystems, from the second-largest barrier reef in the world to rainforest jungles, as well as important Mayan archaeological sites. With a blend of Caribbean and Spanish cultures, Belize offers a rich history and diverse natural wonders for visitors to explore.

Cruise ships do not dock directly in Belize City port due to shallow waters. Instead, they anchor a few miles from the coast and transfer passengers to the Fort Street Tourism Village via high-speed boats or water taxis. From there, a range of excursions are available, including archaeological tours of Mayan ruins, river tubing in underground caves, ATV tours through the jungle, and snorkelling and scuba diving at the famous Blue Hole.

Cruise ships anchor outside Belize City harbour and transfer passengers via boat

Belize City is a popular destination for cruise ships, attracting tourists with its Mayan heritage sites, eco-tourism, water sports, and friendly people. The cruise port terminal is located at Belize's Tourism Village, where ships anchor in the bay of Belize, as the waters near the coast are too shallow for docking.

Cruise ships anchor outside Belize City Harbour, and passengers are tendered to the cruise port terminal via high-speed boats. The tender boats are equipped with three powerful engines, ensuring a swift and efficient transfer. The ride typically takes around 20 minutes, providing a quick and convenient way for guests to access the city.

The tender boats dock at the Fort Street Tourism Village, which is conveniently located close to Belize City's downtown area. From there, passengers can explore the city and its attractions, including the Museum of Belize, the Liberty Hall, the Baron Bliss Lighthouse, and the St. John's Anglican Cathedral. These landmarks can be visited as part of a shore excursion or sightseeing tour.

The Fort Street Tourism Village itself offers a range of shops, restaurants, and bars for passengers to enjoy. It is known for its clean and well-maintained atmosphere, providing a safe and enjoyable experience for visitors. The village also features basic services and modern amenities, making it a comfortable stop for cruise passengers.

Overall, the process of anchoring outside Belize City Harbour and transferring passengers via boat allows guests to efficiently access the city and its surrounding attractions, making it a popular choice for cruise ships visiting Belize.

The Fort Street Tourism Village is a safe area with shops, restaurants and bars

Belize is a popular cruise destination, attracting tourists with its Mayan heritage sites, eco-tourism, water sports, and amazing subtropical climate. The cruise ships anchor in the bay of Belize, as the water is shallow near the coast. Passengers are then tendered to the Belize City cruise port terminal via high-speed boats.

The Fort Street Tourism Village is a safe area with shops, restaurants, and bars. It is a popular stop for tourists visiting Belize City. The village features around 50 gift shops, including the MOHO chocolate shop, which offers free samples of organic, Belize-made chocolates. You can also find the usual duty-free shops and jewelry stores common throughout the Caribbean. In addition to shopping, the Fort Street Tourism Village provides clean restrooms, a cyber cafe, tour kiosks, and other services. Security is tight in the village, so you can feel safe during your visit.

In addition to the shops within the village, vendors also set up booths on nearby streets on cruise ship days. Here, you can find a variety of products, including handmade baskets, jewelry, artwork, souvenirs, and mass-produced clothes, bags, and other knick-knacks.

When it comes to dining, the Fort Street Tourism Village offers a selection of restaurants and mini bars serving delicious Belizean cuisine and drinks. It is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the local arts, crafts, and food of Belize.

Belize City is not considered safe for tourists to explore alone

Belize is an increasingly popular tourist destination, particularly for eco-tourism, with its beautiful jungles, ancient ruins, and islands. However, it is important to be aware of safety concerns, especially in Belize City, which has the highest crime rate in the country. While tourists will mostly be spending time in safer areas, Belize City is not considered safe for tourists to explore alone.

Belize City is known for its gang activity and violent crime, and the south side of the city, in particular, should be avoided at all times due to gang activity. The U.S. State Department advises against personal trips to the south side of Belize City due to this gang activity. The city has the unfortunate distinction of being part of a country with one of the world's highest per capita murder rates. While this gang activity rarely affects tourists, it is still a concern for anyone considering exploring the city alone.

In addition to gang violence, Belize City also has a problem with petty theft, burglary, and hotel room theft. These crimes often occur in tourist areas and can be a concern for solo travellers. It is important to always be aware of your surroundings and keep your valuables secure and out of reach. The police force in Belize is typically understaffed and poorly equipped, so their ability to respond to crimes may be limited.

While there are some relatively safe areas in Belize City, such as the main tourist part of town, it is still important to exercise caution. Stick to well-lit, busy areas, and avoid isolated or deserted places, especially at night. If you need to get somewhere after dark, take a taxi. It is safer than public transportation and be sure to take an authorized taxi with green license plates. If you are a female traveller, it is recommended to travel with a companion, even in taxis, for added safety.

Belize City has a lot to offer tourists, from the Museum of Belize to the Fort George Lighthouse, but it is important to be aware of the safety concerns and take the necessary precautions. By being vigilant and taking sensible precautions, tourists can enjoy their time in Belize City while minimising the risk of becoming a victim of crime.

The Museum of Belize is a former prison that showcases 362 years of Belizean history

Belize is a popular cruise destination, with cruise ships anchoring in the bay as the water near the coast is shallow. The country offers a unique blend of blue waters, green mountains, and colourful wooden houses. It is also home to the world's second-largest coral reef, ancient ruins, and lush rainforests.

One of the most iconic museums in Belize is the Museum of Belize, located in Belize City. The museum is housed in a former prison and showcases 362 years of Belizean history, as well as the Maya legacy for 3000 years. The building itself is impressive, with a grand heritage-style structure and a nice lawn in front, providing a great view from either end. The museum is located close to the US Embassy and is one of the newest attractions in Belize City.

The Museum of Belize offers visitors a glimpse into the country's rich history, with exhibits covering various themes such as colonial history, slavery, piracy, and Mayan archaeology. The museum also features a small gift shop and a rotating temporary exhibit. The entry fee is reasonable, and the museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday, with Monday being closed to the public.

The city of Belize has a lot to offer as well. The commercial centre, located along Albert Street, offers various shops and banks. For those interested in music, there is a small shop selling Belizean and Caribbean CDs and cassettes. Battlefield Park is a popular spot for social gatherings and political speeches. The city also has a swing bridge at Haulover Creek's mouth, which is manually operated and opened two times a day.

The Marine Terminal houses two museums—the Coastal Zone Museum and the Marine Museum. Across from the terminal is the post office, housed in the Paslow Building, and a large indoor market. Belize City also offers easy access to archaeological sites like Altun Ha, a Mayan ruins complex located approximately 50 km north-northwest of the city.

Belize is the only Central American country with English as its official language

Belize is a Central American country on the northeastern coast of the continent, with Mexico to the north, Guatemala to the west and south, and the Caribbean Sea to the east. It is the only Central American country with English as its official language, though Belizean Creole is the most widely spoken dialect. Spanish is the second most commonly spoken language, followed by Mayan languages, German dialects, and Garifuna. Belize's diverse linguistic landscape is reflected in its varied population, which includes Maya, Mestizo, Kriol, Garifuna, East Indian, Mennonite, Arab, and Chinese communities.

Belize's history as a former British colony contributes to its English-speaking status. The country was first settled by the Maya around 1500 BCE, and European contact began in 1502 when Christopher Columbus sailed along the Gulf of Honduras. English settlers arrived in 1638, and Britain and Spain both laid claim to the land until Britain defeated Spain in the Battle of St. George's Caye in 1798. Belize became a British colony in 1840 and achieved independence in 1981.

Belize is a popular destination for cruise ships, attracting tourists with its Mayan heritage sites, eco-tourism opportunities, water sports, and friendly people. The country offers a unique blend of blue waters, green mountains, and colourful wooden houses. Visitors can explore the Belize Barrier Reef, the second-largest coral reef in the world, dive into warm Caribbean waters, and snorkel alongside nurse sharks and southern stingrays. On land, they can hike through rainforests, explore ancient Mayan ruins, and discover the country's diverse wildlife, including toucans, howler monkeys, and kinkajous.

Belize's status as the only English-speaking country in Central America is a result of its historical ties to Britain and its diverse cultural influences. The country's official language reflects its unique position as a bridge between Central America and the Caribbean, making it a fascinating destination for visitors from around the world.

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