Tendering In Belize: What's The Deal?

Belize City is a tender port, meaning that cruise ships do not dock in the port itself. Instead, they anchor around 2 miles from the coast and passengers are transferred to the Fort Street Tourism Village via large boats operated by local authorities. This tender operation typically takes around 20 minutes each way. The village features shops, restaurants, and tour operators, but it is separated from the rest of Belize City by a large fence with security guards. While there are some attractions within walking distance of the village, such as the Museum of Belize and St. John's Cathedral, most of the notable sites in Belize are located further away and can be visited via shore excursions.

Cruise ships tendering into Belize City port

Belize City is the largest city in Belize, with a population of around 110,000. The city is located on the country's East coast, 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.

Cruise ships do not dock in Belize City port due to shallow waters. Instead, they anchor around 2 miles from the coast, and passengers are transferred to the Fort Street Tourism Village via large boats operated by local authorities. This tender operation typically takes around 20 minutes. The cruise terminal is a safe area just a short distance from the historic centre of Belize City.

The Fort Street Tourism Village has basic services and modern amenities, including shops, restaurants, and tour operators. However, the city itself has a reputation for being unsafe for visitors, and it is recommended to stick to busy sections and tourist districts.

There are many attractions within a short distance of the port, including the Museum of Belize, St John Cathedral, and the Belize Zoo. For those interested in Mayan archaeological sites, Altun Ha, Xunantunich, and Lamanai are within 78 miles (126 km) of the cruise terminal.

The local population in Belize City tends to be friendly and polite, and English is widely spoken. The official currency is the Belize dollar, with US dollars also widely accepted. However, change may be given in local currency, which is worthless outside the country.

Attractions and activities in Belize City

Belize City is the country's largest urban centre, with a population of around 110,000. The city itself is not particularly appealing or safe to explore on your own, but there are a few interesting landmarks and activities within walking distance of the cruise terminal. These include the Museum of Belize and St John's Cathedral.

The cruise terminal, Fort Street Tourism Village, is a safe and appealing area with all the basic services and amenities you would expect, as well as shops and restaurants. There are also a few pleasant places to eat and drink within walking distance, such as the Smoky Mermaid and the Radisson Fort George Hotel.

Belize City is a great port for those interested in Mayan archaeological sites, scenic sights, wildlife, and water sports. However, most of the attractions are located between 33 and 78 miles from the cruise terminal. The port does not operate a shuttle bus, but there are plenty of shore excursions available, as well as reputable private online tour services.

Some of the top attractions near Belize City include:

• Altun Ha Mayan Temple
• Xunantunich Mayan Ruins
• Lamanai Mayan Ruins
• Belize Zoo
• Little Guana Caye Bird Sanctuary
• Bacab Eco Park
• Crystal Caves - Blue Hole National Park
• Nohoch Che'en Caves Branch
• Ambergris Caye and San Pedro
• Caye Caulker

Belize City also offers a range of outdoor activities, such as cave tubing, cave kayaking, horseback riding, riverboat and airboat tours, hiking, trekking, and ziplining.

When it comes to food and drink, there are plenty of options to choose from, both within the cruise terminal and in Belize City. Local specialties include Chicken Stew, Bile Up, Hudut, and conch fritters. Fresh fruit is also a must, with passion fruit, starfruit, jackfruit, and guava widely available. For drinks, try Belikin Beer or One Barrel Rum.

In terms of shopping, the best options are also within the cruise terminal, with around 30 shops selling souvenirs, tobacco, liquor, perfume, and local crafts.

Belize City's safety concerns

Belize City, the country's largest urban centre, is known for not being particularly safe to explore on your own. Tourists are advised to exercise a high degree of caution and be vigilant of their surroundings, especially when visiting banks or ATMs.

Violent Crime

Belize has a high crime rate and serious problems with violent crimes, including sexual assault, home invasions, armed robberies, and murder, which occur even during daylight hours and in tourist areas. A significant portion of violent crime is gang-related, with Belize City being the major crime centre in the country. The Southside of Belize City, in particular, has a reputation for being unsafe due to gang and drug-related violence, including murders and shootings. This area has historically been the site of much of the country's violent crime and is best avoided by visitors.

Police Presence

The local police lack the resources and training to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents, and most crimes remain unresolved and unprosecuted. However, in case of an emergency, the police can be contacted by dialling 911.

Transport

Public transportation in Belize is generally unreliable and unsafe. Public buses are not commonly used and lack maintenance and safety equipment. Taxis are also considered unsafe and should be avoided if possible. Ride-sharing apps are not available in Belize. If you must use a taxi, take note of the driver's name and plate number and negotiate the fare before getting in.

Medical Care

The quality of medical care in Belize is a concern, with public health institutions being underfunded and under-equipped. Private hospitals, mostly located in Belize City, may provide better healthcare, but most hospitals, both private and public, are expected to require immediate cash payment. It is recommended that you get medical insurance before travelling to Belize.

Transportation options in Belize City

Belize City is the country's largest urban centre and is located on the East coast of Belize, bathed by the Caribbean Sea. The city has a range of transportation options for visitors to choose from, depending on their preferences and budget. Here is an overview of the different ways to get around Belize City:

Water Taxis

Water taxis are a popular and affordable way to get around Belize City and the surrounding areas. The city has water taxi services to nearby islands such as Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, and St. George's Caye. The water taxi ride to Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker is particularly popular among tourists as it offers a chance to enjoy the scenic views and experience the local culture. San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi and Caye Caulker Water Taxi are two well-known companies offering these services.

Buses

Buses in Belize City are a cheap way to get around, but they can be slow and often crowded. They run along the major highways and will stop whenever a passenger needs to get off, or when the driver sees someone on the roadside who wants to be picked up.

Car Rentals and Shuttles

Renting a car or taking a private shuttle is another option for getting around Belize City and the country. This can be more expensive than local buses, but it offers the convenience of travelling at your own pace and making stops along the way. There are several car rental companies located within walking distance of the cruise terminal in Belize City, such as Crystal Auto Rental Belize and AQ Belize Car Rental.

Taxis

Taxis are a prevalent and affordable transportation option in Belize City. They can be found at bus stations, water taxi terminals, and downtown areas. Golf carts also serve as taxis on some of the islands.

Domestic Flights

For those looking to cover longer distances or travel to more remote areas, domestic flights are an option. Local airlines operate small Cessna aircraft, known as "puddle-jumpers", which connect the major towns in the six districts of Belize. This is a faster but more costly way to get around.

Walking

Walking is possible in Belize City, but it is not recommended for exploring the city on your own, especially for those with walking difficulties. The Fort Street Tourism Village, where the cruise ships dock, is within walking distance of some landmarks such as the Museum of Belize and St. John's Cathedral. However, the city itself is not considered particularly safe for tourists to wander around without a guide.

Food and drinks in Belize City

Belize City is a great place to sample local Belizean cuisine and drinks. The local population tends to be friendly and polite, and English is widely spoken, making it easy to communicate and order food and drinks. Here is a guide to the food and drinks scene in Belize City.

Local Specialties

Belizean cuisine is influenced by various cultures, including Creole, Mestizo, Mayan, and Garifuna. In Belize City, you can sample a variety of dishes such as Creole chicken stew, tamales, escabeche, and hudut (fish soup cooked in coconut milk). The city also has a healthy dose of Middle Eastern influence due to the Lebanese community, so you can find authentic shawarmas, kebabs, hummus, and gyros.

Restaurants

For a taste of local cuisine, Bird's Isle Restaurant is a popular choice, serving Belizean Creole dishes, seafood, and burgers. It's located just five minutes from the noisy downtown area and offers breezy views of the dock and the nearby birds.

If you're craving Indian food, Sumathi Indian Restaurant is a must-visit. It's worth the trip for the authentic Indian cuisine, and the lunch buffet is one of the best deals in town.

For Middle Eastern cuisine, Sahara Grill, located across from the Best Western Biltmore, serves delicious and affordable shawarmas, kebabs, hummus, and gyros.

For a fine dining experience, St. George's Restaurant at the Radisson Fort George Hotel offers elegant dining with dishes like garlic shrimp.

Drinks

Belize also has its signature drinks, such as Belikin Beer, One Barrel Rum, and Caribbean Coconut. You can enjoy these drinks at various bars and restaurants in Belize City, such as the Wet Lizard and the Bearded Clam, which also offer free Wi-Fi.

Street Food

Ms. Bertha's Tamales is a beloved local spot for delicious tamales and hot sauce. It's located on the Hummingbird Highway and is a great place to take a break and enjoy some authentic Belizean food.

Markets

The Fort Street Tourism Village, where cruise ships dock, has a variety of restaurants, grills, and bars offering local and international cuisine. It's a safe and clean area with basic services and amenities.

Belize City itself has a few interesting landmarks and is within walking distance of the cruise terminal, but it's not considered very appealing or safe for exploring on your own. However, if you do venture into the city, you'll find a few places to eat and drink, such as the Smoky Mermaid.

In summary, Belize City offers a variety of food and drink options, from local specialties to international cuisine. The city has a mix of restaurants, bars, street food spots, and markets, allowing visitors to experience the unique blend of cultures that influence Belizean cuisine.

Frequently asked questions