Discover Belize With Royal Caribbean Cruises

Belize, a tropical paradise in Central America, is a popular cruise destination for good reason. With its impressive lowland jungles, crystalline rivers, silky-sand beaches, waving palms, and colorful coral gardens, it offers a unique mix of natural attractions and cultural experiences. Royal Caribbean Cruises offers a range of itineraries that include Belize as a port of call, allowing passengers to explore the country's natural wonders and ancient ruins. From mountain biking through lush rainforests to snorkeling with marine life, Belize promises adventure both on shore and off.

Royal Caribbean International cruise line

Royal Caribbean International offers a range of cruises to Belize City, Belize, with 37 cruises available. Belize is a tropical paradise, with crystalline rivers flowing through lowland jungles, silky-sand beaches, waving palms, and colorful coral gardens. It is a destination that promises adventure, both onshore and off.

Belize City is situated on the coast of Belize and offers a wealth of excursions and activities for visitors of all ages and activity levels. The city provides access to incredible sea and land adventures, including cave tubing, snorkeling, exploring nearby Cayes, and visiting ancient Mayan ruins. Belize is also home to the only jaguar preserve in the world and offers the opportunity to trek through ancient Maya ruins and scout for jaguars.

Royal Caribbean International cruises to Belize City depart from various ports, including Tampa, Galveston, New Orleans, Miami, and Port Canaveral. The cruises typically range from 6 to 10 nights and make stops at other destinations in the Western Caribbean, such as Cozumel, Roatan, Costa Maya, and Progreso.

In addition to cruises, Royal Caribbean also offers a resort in Belize, located in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. The resort features cabana suites and a beachfront village atmosphere, providing privacy and stunning views of the Caribbean Sea. The professional staff at the resort are available to assist with reservations, tours, and information on water sports and other activities.

Belize City, Belize

Belize City has a rich history, dating back to the 1600s when it was a logging camp and export centre for mahogany. The city was settled by British adventurers who engaged in logwood cutting. Today, it is a bustling metropolitan area with trendy boutiques, restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. The city is also home to several notable landmarks, including the only manual swing bridge in the world and the oldest Anglican cathedral in Central America.

There are plenty of things to do and see in Belize City. The city offers easy access to incredible sea and land adventures, including snorkelling, cave tubing, and exploring nearby cayes and Mayan ruins. Popular excursions include the Altun Ha Mayan Ruins, the Belize Zoo, and the Xunantunich Maya Ruins. Belize City is also known for its local cuisine, which fuses a variety of influences, including hearty meat stews, tacos, and deep-fried meat-stuffed pastries called panades.

For those interested in culture and history, the Museum of Belize, the Belize City Historical Museum, and the Museum of Belizean Art (MOBA) are all worth visiting. The city also has a vibrant social scene, with trendy boutiques, restaurants, bars, and nightclubs.

Overall, Belize City offers a unique blend of Central American charm and Caribbean soul, making it a great destination for those seeking adventure, culture, and relaxation.

Mayan ruins

Belize is home to more than 600 Mayan sites, making it the perfect destination for those looking to explore the mysterious Maya empire. Here is a guide to some of the most fascinating Mayan ruins in Belize:

Caracol

Tucked inside the Chiquibul Forest, Caracol is one of the most important Mayan ruins in Belize. Once a bustling city home to over 140,000 people, it is now a sprawling archaeological site with endless opportunities for exploration. The site's biggest draw is the Canna ("Sky Palace"), a pyramid that stands 143 feet tall and houses four palaces and three temples. Caracol also features ball courts, an astronomic observatory, reservoirs, and hieroglyphics.

Lamanai

Lamanai, located in the Lamanai Archeological Reserve, is one of the largest and most well-preserved Mayan sites in Belize. To reach Lamanai, visitors must first travel to Orange Walk Town and then take a 26-mile boat ride up the New River. The site features several beautifully preserved ceremonial buildings, including the High Temple, the Jaguar Temple, and the Mask Temple. Lamanai also offers a glimpse into the intersection of Mayan and Spanish colonial history, with the remnants of two 16th-century Spanish churches found on-site.

Altun Ha

Altun Ha, located about an hour's drive north of Belize City, is one of Belize's best-excavated archaeological sites. The site consists of two main plazas surrounded by over a dozen Mayan temples, pyramids, and residential structures. Altun Ha is also known for the discovery of a jade carving of the Mayan sun god, "Kinich Ahau," considered one of Belize's most significant artifacts. The site is a great option for those looking for a day trip from Belize City.

Xunantunich

Xunantunich, located on the Mopan River in southern Belize, is a Maya archaeological site that was a ceremonial center for the civilization. The site is dominated by El Castillo, a 130-foot pyramid believed to have been used as an ancestral shrine for the ruling family. Xunantunich also offers a challenging hike to the top of the pyramid, rewarding visitors with breathtaking 360-degree views of the surrounding area.

Cahal Pech

Cahal Pech, located on a steep hill overlooking the Macal River, is one of the oldest-known ruins in the Belize River Valley. The site features two ball courts and around 34 structures, including temples and residential buildings. Cahal Pech provides valuable insights into the life of early Maya settlers during the Preclassic period. The site also offers panoramic views of San Ignacio and the Belize River Valley.

Lubaantun

Lubaantun, the largest Maya site in southern Belize, is known for its unique construction. Unlike other sites in the region, Lubaantun's buildings were constructed from black slate instead of limestone, and no mortar was used. The site features five main plazas, two ball courts, and 14 major structures. Lubaantun is also known for the discovery of a large collection of small ceramic objects and a controversial crystal skull.

Snorkelling

Belize is renowned for its world-class snorkelling, with the Belize Barrier Reef stretching from Bacalar Chico to the Bay of Honduras. The reef is dotted with hundreds of small islands (cayes) and is known for its spectacular corals and abundant marine life.

The best spots for snorkelling in Belize are generally considered to be the Southwater Caye Marine Reserve, Glover's Reef Atoll and Lighthouse Reef Atoll. These are all part of the Belize Barrier Reef.

Glover's Reef Atoll is the most southerly atoll and is surrounded by sheer drop-offs that plunge metres down into the Caribbean. It is famous for its whale shark population, which can be spotted between March and June. Whale sharks are one of the largest creatures in the ocean and come to Belize to feed on spawning fish populations.

Lighthouse Reef Atoll is the furthest from the coast and features the famous Great Blue Hole, the world's largest underwater sinkhole. While there isn't much fish life here, there are giant stalactites to see. Lighthouse Reef Atoll also features Half Moon Caye and Long Caye Wall, which have amazing fish life.

The Hol Chan Marine Reserve is another popular snorkelling spot in Belize, located just 6km from Ambergris Caye. It is the country's oldest reserve and is teeming with marine life. Shark Ray Alley, part of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, is a great spot to see sharks and rays, including lemon sharks, nurse sharks, tiger sharks, bull sharks and black-tipped reef sharks, as well as yellow stingrays and spotted eagle rays.

Turneffe Reef Atoll is the largest of the three atolls in Belize's Barrier Reef and is a full day's trip from Caye Caulker. It was established as a marine reserve in 2012 and is comprised of hundreds of small mangrove islets. You have a good chance of spotting turtles here, as well as lionfish.

If you're looking for a more relaxed snorkelling experience, Goff's Caye could be a good option. It's a tropical island located just 30 minutes from Belize City, with white sands and palm trees. You can also spot a huge selection of colourful fish, as well as the occasional turtle and dolphin.

Belize offers year-round tropical climate and ocean temperatures, making it a great destination for snorkelling at any time of year. However, the dry season from November to May is generally considered the best time to visit and snorkel.

When snorkelling in Belize, it is recommended to wear a lightweight wetsuit or a spandex/lycra dive suit to keep warm and protect yourself from the sun. It is also important to be mindful of the corals and avoid using sunscreens that can cause bleaching.

Belize is home to a diverse range of marine life, including manatees, rays, sea turtles, and whale sharks. You can also spot nurse sharks, lemon sharks, and tiger sharks in some areas.

In addition to the snorkelling spots mentioned above, there are numerous other cayes and reefs in Belize that offer great snorkelling opportunities, such as Mexico Rocks, Rendezvous Caye, Colson Caye, and Carrie Bow Caye.

So whether you're a beginner or an experienced snorkeller, Belize has something to offer with its abundance of marine life and diverse snorkelling environments.

Rainforest tours

Belize is home to lush rainforests, and there are several tours that allow you to explore its rich biodiversity. Here are some options for rainforest tours in Belize:

Rainforest Jungle Expedition

This tour combines several activities to give you a comprehensive rainforest experience. Start with a horseback ride through the jungle, where you can discover ancient Maya ruins and observe the diverse wildlife of Belize. Follow this with an exhilarating zip-lining adventure, soaring through the jungle canopy while enjoying breathtaking views. You'll also get to explore the rainforest on foot, hiking along nature trails and learning about the area's flora and fauna from knowledgeable local guides.

Belize Baboon Sanctuary and Zip Line Excursion

This excursion takes you to the Community Baboon Sanctuary, a project established to protect the habitat of the back howler monkey, also known as the "baboon". After getting up close and personal with these primates, you'll head to the World-Famous Belize Rainforest, where you can fly through the treetops on a zip line course with seven platforms. This tour offers a thrilling combination of wildlife viewing and adrenaline-pumping fun.

Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve Tour

The Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, located in western Belize, offers a unique combination of pine forests and rainforests. On this tour, you'll explore a variety of scenic attractions, including the Rio Frio Cave, Rio on Pools, Big Rock Falls, and the breathtaking Hidden Valley Falls, a narrow chute of water plummeting over 1,000 feet. This tour provides a great opportunity to appreciate the diverse landscapes and natural wonders of Belize.

Rainforest Botanical Garden Tour

For a more relaxed rainforest experience, consider a guided botanical garden tour. Belize is home to an impressive variety of indigenous orchids, bromeliads, ferns, and other exotic plants. On this tour, you'll learn about the medicinal and culinary uses of various plants, including spice plants and cacao, the source of chocolate. It's a great option for nature lovers who want to learn more about the flora of Belize.

Rainforest Bird-Watching Tour

Belize is a bird-watcher's paradise, with over 500 recorded species. On a bird-watching tour, you'll have the opportunity to observe various avian species in their native habitats, including several endangered ones. Early morning excursions to specific bird-watching spots can increase your chances of spotting a wide variety of colourful birds.

These rainforest tour options provide a range of experiences, from adventurous activities to immersive nature explorations. Each tour offers a unique perspective on the rich biodiversity and natural beauty that Belize has to offer.

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