Cruise Dock To Belize City: How Far?

Belize City is a popular cruise destination in Central America, attracting tourists with its Mayan heritage sites, eco-tourism, water sports, and sub-tropical climate. The cruise port of Belize City is located in the country's largest urban centre, which has a population of around 110,000. The city itself is divided by the Haulover Creek, where an old, manually operated swing bridge is turned open twice a day. The cruise port terminal is located at Belize's Tourism Village, where cruise ships anchor in the bay as the waters near the coast are too shallow. Passengers are then tendered to the port via high-speed boats, which takes approximately 20 minutes. The downtown area of the city is less than 1km from the village, and it is considered safe to wander around during the daytime if you stick to the main streets.

Getting to the City

The cruise port of Belize City is located in the country of Belize, in Central America, and is a popular destination for cruise ships, with over 200 ships visiting yearly. The port is known for its world-class attractions, including Mayan archaeological sites and wildlife adventures. However, these attractions are located between 33 miles and 78 miles from the cruise terminal. The city itself is just around the corner from the cruise terminal and can be easily accessed by various means of transportation.

When cruise ships arrive at the port, they anchor a few miles offshore due to the shallow waters, and passengers are tendered to the port via high-speed boats, which takes approximately 20 minutes. The tender boats dock at the Fort Street Tourism Village, which is right by the downtown area of Belize City. From here, passengers can explore the city on foot or use other forms of transportation such as taxis or water taxis.

Belize City's downtown hub is compact and easy to navigate on foot. However, it is recommended to stick to the busiest sections of downtown and obvious tourist districts, as the city has a reputation for being unsafe. The Museum of Belize, the Liberty Hall, the Baron Bliss Lighthouse, and the St. John's Anglican Cathedral are some of the tourist attractions within walking distance of the cruise terminal.

For those who prefer organized tours, shore excursions are offered by all major cruise lines, including bus tours to archaeological sites and natural attractions. Water taxis are also a popular way to get between the city and the cruise port, with frequent services to nearby islands such as Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker. These islands offer beautiful beaches and are a great option for those looking for a relaxing beach day.

In terms of local transportation, all taxis in Belize are licensed and easily identifiable by their green number plates. They do not use meters, so passengers need to negotiate the price in advance. A US$2.50 fixed rate is standard within the towns, and hourly rates are negotiable, typically costing around $35 per hour. Rent-a-car offices are also available, but it is important to note that the local roads are in poor condition.

Attractions in the City

Belize City is the country's largest urban centre and former capital. It is known for its rich Mayan cultural heritage and is the country's main entry point for tourists. The city itself does not have many attractions, and it is not particularly safe to explore on your own, but there are a few interesting landmarks to visit.

The Museum of Belize showcases Belizean history and is located just a 10-minute walk from the cruise terminal. St John's Cathedral, a historic place of worship dating from the 19th century, is a 20-minute walk from the port, across the Swing Bridge. The Baron Bliss Lighthouse and Belize Welcome Sign are also located just 200 metres from the terminal and offer great photo opportunities.

The city's downtown area is divided by the Swing Bridge, the only manually operated swing bridge still in use. The bridge is opened twice a day.

The city's commercial centre is located along Albert Street, where you can find banks and shops. There is also a small music shop selling Belizean and Caribbean CDs and cassettes. Battlefield Park is a popular spot for social gatherings and political speeches.

The Marine Terminal houses two museums: the Coastal Zone Museum and the Marine Museum. Nearby, you can find the Paslow Building, which houses the post office, and a large indoor market.

Belize City also has a variety of restaurants and bars serving local cuisine and drinks. Popular dishes include Chicken Stew, Hudut, Bile Up, and conch fritters. As for drinks, you can try Belikin Beer, Caribbean Coconut, and Caribbean Gold Rum.

Attractions Near the City

Belize is known for its breathtaking islands (cayes), barrier reefs, and Mayan heritage sites. Here are some of the top attractions near Belize City:

• Mayan Archaeological Ruins: Altun Ha, Xunantunich, and Lamanai are impressive Mayan archaeological sites located within a few hours' drive from the cruise port.
• Snorkelling and Scuba Diving: The Mesoamerican Reef, the second-largest barrier reef in the world, offers incredible snorkelling and scuba diving opportunities. Hol Chan Marine Reserve, located off the coast of Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye, is a popular spot for diving and fishing.
• Beaches and Islands: Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye are two of the largest cayes, offering incredible natural beauty, pristine beaches, and water sports.
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: The Belize Zoo, Community Baboon Sanctuary, and Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary are great options for those interested in native wildlife.
• Cave Tubing: This unique adventure activity takes place in the rainforest outside Belize City, where you can float through a cave system with spectacular rock formations.

Excursions from the City

Belize City is the country's largest urban centre and is located within walking distance of the cruise terminal. However, it is not particularly appealing or safe to explore on your own. The city has a reputation for being unsafe for visitors, so it is recommended that you stick to the busiest sections of downtown and obvious tourist districts.

There is not much to see or do near the port besides exploring the cruise terminal, known as Fort Street Tourism Village. Here, you can find a collection of gift shops, restaurants, and tour operators. The city's downtown area and the Marine Terminal are about five minutes away on foot, and there's always a line of taxis waiting adjacent to the Tourism Village.

• Mayan Ruins : Belize has the highest concentration of Mayan sites in Central America. The Mayan ruins of Altun Ha are located about 33 miles (53 km) from the cruise port. You can also visit the Mayan ruins of Xunantunich, located near the Guatemalan border, which can be reached by crossing the Mopan River on a hand-cranked ferry. Another option is the Lamanai Mayan Ruins, which are located about 78 miles (126 km) from the cruise port.
• Museum of Belize : Housed in a former prison, the Museum of Belize features exhibits that explore the city's past, including the pirate years, colonial era, and natural and man-made disasters. It is located about 0.9 miles (1.7 km) from the cruise port.
• Belize Zoo : Located about 29.8 miles (48 km) from the cruise port, the Belize Zoo is home to over 170 animals, representing over 45 species native to Belize, including jaguars, ocelots, coatis, howler monkeys, and kinkajous.
• Community Baboon Sanctuary : Located in Bermudian Landing, the Community Baboon Sanctuary is home to a large number of black howler monkeys, called "baboon" in the local Creole dialect. You can also find parrots, hummingbirds, turtles, and more. It is located about 27.2 miles (43.8 km) from the cruise port.
• Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary : This sanctuary, located a bit further out from the centre of Belize City, is a bird lover's paradise. With over 16,000 acres of lagoons, creeks, forests, and pine savannas, visitors can spot dozens of bird species, as well as howler monkeys, crocodiles, and more. It is located about 49.3 miles (101 km) from the cruise port.
• Water Activities : Belize offers a variety of water activities such as snorkelling, scuba diving, and swimming. The Great Blue Hole, a huge marine sinkhole off the coast, is a popular spot for diving and snorkelling. The barrier reef off Ambergris Caye is also a great location for these activities.
• Cave Tubing : This unique activity involves tubing through Belize's underground cave system. It is offered by several companies and is a must-do tour for nature lovers.
• Zip-lining : Experience the rainforest from above with zip-lining tours, often offered in combination with cave tubing.

Food and Drink

Belize City is known for its rich blend of Mayan, Creole, and Garifuna cultures, and its cuisine reflects this. Here is a guide to food and drink in Belize City, near the cruise port.

Local Specialities

Belize City has a variety of local specialities that showcase the region's cultural diversity and use its abundant natural produce. Here are some dishes to try:

• Chicken Stew with rice and beans, fried plantains
• Bile Up: eggs, fish, cassava, plantains, yams, and sweet potatoes, boiled in a tomato sauce
• Hudut: fish soup cooked in coconut milk
• Conch fritters, fried maize or tortillas
• Fresh fruit: passion fruit, starfruit, jackfruit, dragon fruit, guava, papaya, mango, and pineapple

Drinks

Belize also has its own signature drinks:

• Belikin Beer
• One Barrel Rum, mixed with cranberry juice to make a Cranbarrel
• Caribbean Coconut
• Caribbean Gold Rum

Where to Eat and Drink

Within Walking Distance

If you want to stay within walking distance of the cruise port, there are a few options:

Smoky Mermaid: a short walk from the port, serving great seafood with a Caribbean twist

In the Historical Centre of Belize City

A little further afield, but still within walking distance, are some elegant restaurants and grills in the Radisson Fort George Hotel:

• St. George's
• Stonegrill
• Baymen's Tavern
• Le Petit Café

Fort Street Tourism Village

If you don't want to venture far from the cruise terminal, there are plenty of options at Fort Street Tourism Village, including:

• Wet Lizard: arguably the most famous bar and restaurant in the village
• Bearded Clam: a restaurant within the village
• Better Belize It Bar
• The Grill: at the far end of the village

Other Information

• Eating and drinking in Belize City is relatively affordable.
• US dollars are widely accepted, but be aware that you may receive change in Belize dollars, which are worthless outside the country.
• The legal drinking age in Belize is 18 years.
• Smoking is prohibited in restaurants and public buildings but may be allowed outdoors in bars.

Shopping

Belize City's cruise port terminal is located at Belize's Tourism Village, also known as Fort Street Tourism Village. The village has around 30 shops, including gift shops, tobacco shops, liquor stores, perfume stores, and shops selling local souvenirs, rum cakes, regional chocolate, and exotic local crafts. There are also a few well-known brands, such as Del Sol and Diamonds International. The Jungle Gift Shop is a large store that sells souvenirs, clothing, toys, and swimwear.

The city's commercial centre is along Albert Street, where you can find banks and various shops, including a small music shop selling Belizean and Caribbean CDs and cassettes. Battlefield Park, a gathering place for social and political events, is also located nearby.

The Marine Terminal, about five minutes from the Tourism Village, houses two museums—the Coastal Zone Museum and the Marine Museum—and is also where you can hire taxi boats and ferries. Across from the Marine Terminal is the Paslow Building, a colonial-style structure that houses the post office. Continuing on from there, you'll find a large indoor market.

Belize City also has a few interesting landmarks, such as the Museum of Belize, the Liberty Hall, the Baron Bliss Lighthouse, and St. John's Anglican Cathedral. However, the city has a reputation for being unsafe for visitors, and it is recommended to stick to the busiest sections of downtown and tourist districts.

Frequently asked questions