Exploring Old Belize: An Adventure Through History And Nature

Old Belize is a popular attraction near Belize City. It is easily accessible by bus and taxi and offers a range of activities for families, couples, and adventure seekers. Known as a marina for sailors from around the world, Old Belize also features a man-made beach, a zip line, a waterfall, a restaurant, and a private museum showcasing the country's history. The museum offers a 45-minute guided tour, while the beach provides entertainment for children and adults with a waterslide, playground, and separate zip-line cable adventure. The food market at Old Belize offers an open-air dining experience with a view of Kukumba Beach, and the gift shop allows visitors to purchase local souvenirs. With its mix of cultural attractions, outdoor adventures, and laid-back vibes, Old Belize is a great destination for travellers seeking a blend of history, nature, and relaxation.

The Old Belize Train Tour: a whimsical light rail journey through Belize's history

Old Belize is a popular attraction near Belize City. It offers a comprehensive experience of the natural, cultural, and political history of Belize. The Old Belize Train Tour is a cultural exhibit experienced via whimsical light rail transit, showcasing the untold stories of Belize's ecological, archaeological, industrial, and political history. Here's what you can expect from this unique journey:

A Journey Through Time

The Old Belize Train Tour takes you back in time as you explore the country's rich history. The attraction features exhibits recreating various aspects of Belize's past, such as a rainforest, a Mayan ceremonial cave, a logging camp, and a Garífuna home. It's like stepping into a time machine and witnessing the country's evolution first-hand.

Immerse Yourself in the Culture

Belize is a melting pot of cultures, and Old Belize celebrates this diversity. As you ride the light rail, you'll learn about the blend of languages and traditions that make the country unique. From the Maya and Mestizo to the Garifuna and Mennonites, you'll get a glimpse into the fascinating cultural tapestry that defines Belize.

Interactive Exhibits and Hands-on Fun

Old Belize offers more than just a passive observation of history. The attraction includes interactive exhibits and hands-on activities that engage and entertain. From exploring ancient Mayan ruins to taking a plunge on the 80-foot waterslide into the Caribbean Sea, you'll have plenty of opportunities for fun and adventure.

Culinary Delights and Local Flavors

Your journey through Old Belize wouldn't be complete without tasting the local cuisine. The Old Belize Food Market is a dining experience that showcases the delicious flavors of Belize. Indulge in fresh seafood with a Caribbean twist, perfectly cooked rice and beans, and an array of tropical fruits. Don't forget to try the local brew, Belikin beer, as you relax and soak in the vibrant atmosphere.

Shopping for Local Treasures

No trip to Old Belize is complete without a visit to The T-Shirt Factory. Here, you'll find a variety of souvenirs and knickknacks to commemorate your trip. From rum and artisan wooden crafts to Cuban cigars and t-shirts, you're sure to find the perfect memento to take home.

So, whether you're a history buff, a cultural enthusiast, or simply seeking a fun-filled day out, the Old Belize Train Tour is a whimsical journey through time and culture. With its unique exhibits, delicious cuisine, and memorable experiences, it's an attraction that captures the essence of Belize.

Kukumba Beach: a 350-foot stretch of beach with a 50-foot slide, a Tarzan rope swing, and water inflatables

Kukumba Beach is a 350-foot stretch of beach hugged by the Caribbean Sea in Belize City. It boasts silky sand and a range of exciting attractions, including a 50-foot slide, a Tarzan rope swing, and water inflatables. The beach also has a 1 million-gallon saltwater pool, which doubles as a rental space for events.

Kukumba Beach offers a family-friendly environment with a range of amenities, including a beach bar, Wata Hole, where you can grab a cocktail or a bucket of Belikin Beer. There are also thatched palapas available for those seeking shade, as well as wooden lounge chairs and umbrellas. The beach is known for its golden sands and azure waters, providing a tropical paradise for sun-seekers.

The beach has a unique history, dating back to the 1950s when a Florida farmer and trader grew cucumbers and other vegetables on this plot of land before exporting them to the USA. The beach became synonymous with cucumbers and earned its name, Kukumba, which is the phonetic pronunciation of "cucumber" in Belizean Creole.

Today, Kukumba Beach is a popular destination for both locals and tourists, offering a range of beach activities and a relaxing atmosphere. It is located at Mile 5 George Price Highway and is accessible by taxi or water taxi. The entrance fee is typically USD $10-15 per person, with minors under 3 feet entering for free and residents receiving a 50% discount.

The T-Shirt Factory: a shop selling souvenirs, rum, cigars, and wooden knick-knacks

The T-Shirt Factory is a shop located within the Old Belize complex, which is situated at Mile 5 George Price Highway in Belize City, Belize. This shop is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to bring a piece of Belize home with them.

The T-Shirt Factory offers a wide range of products that cater to tourists and locals alike. The shop lives up to its name by offering a variety of t-shirts, including trendy designs, special occasion shirts, and shirts with funny and clever sayings. But beyond t-shirts, the shop also boasts an impressive selection of souvenirs, rum, Cuban cigars, and artisan wooden knickknacks.

The shop is known for its wholesale and retail business, and it is a trendsetter for events, special occasions, and funny designs. They also offer custom print services, so you can create your own unique souvenir or gift. The staff are friendly and accommodating, ensuring that you find what you're looking for and providing assistance with custom orders.

Old Belize itself is an attraction that provides a comprehensive experience of Belize's natural, cultural, and political history. The site includes a cultural exhibit, a beach, a marina, a museum, and a food market. The beach, Kukumba Beach, features a 50-foot slide, a giant Tarzan rope swing, and water trampoline inflatables. The museum offers a guided tour that recreates various aspects of Belize's history, such as a rainforest, a Mayan ceremonial cave, a logging camp, and a Garífuna home. The food market, with its coastal touches and open-air space, provides a delightful dining experience with a sweeping view of the beach.

So, if you're planning a trip to Belize and are looking for a place to immerse yourself in the local culture, create lasting memories, and find unique souvenirs, be sure to include a visit to The T-Shirt Factory at Old Belize on your itinerary.

The Old Belize Food Market: an open-air dining experience with sea-glass lanterns and hand-carved wooden dories

The Old Belize Food Market is the newest dining experience at Old Belize, an attraction near Belize City. Old Belize is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, offering a unique blend of cultural and historical experiences, as well as fun activities for all ages.

The Food Market is an open-air space that showcases the best of Belizean cuisine and hospitality. It is a vibrant and inviting area adorned with coastal touches, such as sea-glass lanterns and hand-carved wooden dories, adding a distinct Belizean character to the venue. The market houses five individual vendors, each offering a unique culinary experience, from authentic Belizean dishes to classic American fare and everything in between.

One of the standout vendors is Angie's Belizean Cuisine, which serves local favourites like rice and beans, stewed chicken, and grilled Caribbean lobster tails. The menu changes daily, ensuring a fresh and seasonal dining experience. For those craving something different, Petunia On The Go offers made-to-order sandwiches, burgers, and even healthier options like signature salads.

The Market Smoothie Bar is a must-visit destination within the Food Market, serving a wide range of signature smoothies and bowls that are both dairy-free and free from added sugar. With 30 options to choose from, there is something for every taste, including crowd favourites like the Pina Colada and more exotic creations such as the dragonfruit-based Mellow Dragon.

In addition to the diverse food and beverage options, the Old Belize Food Market also boasts a full-service marina, providing both wet and dry dockage, as well as water, electricity, WiFi, fuel, and other amenities for sailors docking their yachts.

Old Belize truly offers something for everyone, from its man-made beach and water slide to its private museum, showcasing the ecological, archaeological, industrial, and political history of Belize. So whether you're a foodie, a history buff, or just looking for a fun day out, a visit to the Old Belize Food Market and the surrounding attractions is sure to delight and enchant.

Marina: a full-service marina with wet and dry dockage, water, electricity, WiFi, fuel, and security

Old Belize is a popular attraction near Belize City, known for its marina, man-made beach, zip-line, waterfall, restaurant, and private museum showcasing Belize's history. The marina at Old Belize offers a unique experience for sailors and yacht charterers, with crystal clear waters teeming with marine life and shelter provided by the western hemisphere's longest barrier reef.

The full-service marina at Old Belize provides both wet and dry dockage options, along with essential amenities such as water, electricity, WiFi, fuel, lubricants, laundry service, garbage disposal, and 24/7 security. The marina is conveniently located 5 miles southwest of Belize City on the George Price Highway and is accessible via water, just 3 miles SSW of Belize City Port.

The entrance channel to the marina is well-lit and maintained, with no rocks, ensuring safe navigation. The marina offers slips with dockside depths of up to 6 feet, accommodating various vessel sizes.

Old Belize's marina provides daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly mooring rates, with annual rates requiring payment in advance. They accept VISA and MASTERCARD, with all prices listed in Belize Dollars (BZ$).

In addition to the marina services, Old Belize also offers a cultural exhibit in the form of the Old Belize Train Tour, providing a whimsical light rail transit experience that showcases the ecological, archaeological, industrial, and political history of Belize. The site also features a food market with five individual vendors, serving up delicious coastal dishes in an open-air setting with stunning views of Kukumba Beach.

Old Belize truly offers a full-service marina experience, catering to the needs of both commercial and recreational boaters, while also providing a wealth of attractions for visitors to enjoy.

Frequently asked questions