Exploring Old Belize: A Guide For Cruise Passengers

Belize City Cruise Port is located in the second-smallest country in Central America and is a growing attraction among cruise-goers, with over 200 ships visiting yearly. The port is located in the country's largest city and is an entry point for most visitors. The port connects the country's Caribbean cayes with the mainland and the city's urban centre.

Cruise ships anchor in the harbour and tender passengers to the Tourism Village, a bustling but small transit hub. From there, it's a short taxi ride to the centre of Belize City. However, most visitors skip the city and head out on shore excursions, which typically include round-trip transfers from the cruise port.

Getting from the cruise port to Old Belize

The Belize City Cruise Port is located at Belize's Tourism Village. Cruise ships anchor in the bay of Belize, and passengers are tendered to the port via high-speed boats, which takes around 20 minutes. From the Tourism Village, it's a short taxi ride to the centre of Belize City.

The city is divided in two by the swing bridge at Haulover Creek's mouth. The bridge is manually operated and is opened twice a day. The city's commercial centre is along Albert Street, where you can find banks and shops.

The cruise port is the main gateway for ferry traffic to islands such as Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker. Water taxis can be hired at the Marine Terminal, which is a short walk from the cruise terminal.

Belize City is no longer the country's capital, but it is the largest city and the entry point for most visitors. The city itself does not have much to offer in terms of attractions, but it is possible to head to nearby destinations such as Mayan ruins, or go cave tubing or snorkelling.

Getting Around Belize

The roads in Belize are reportedly in poor condition, so it is not advisable to rent a car. Taxis are available, but they do not have meters, so passengers will need to negotiate the price in advance. A US$2.50 fixed rate should apply for rides within the town.

Important Information

• Belize is the second-smallest country in Central America and has the only official language of English in Central America.
• The official currency is the Belize Dollar, but US dollars are widely accepted and credit cards are also accepted in many places.
• The dry season in Belize is from November to April, and this is typically the best time to visit.
• The locals are reportedly friendly, but the city has a reputation for being unsafe for visitors, so it is recommended to stick to busy areas and tourist districts.

Attractions in Old Belize

Old Belize is a popular marina and tourist attraction in Belize City. It houses a man-made beach, a zip line, a waterfall, a restaurant, and a private museum showcasing Belizean history. The museum aims to provide a comprehensive experience of the country's natural, cultural, and political history. It features exhibits such as a recreated rainforest, a Mayan ceremonial cave, a logging camp, and a Garífuna home. The admission fee includes a 45-minute guided tour, but visitors often choose to stay longer to explore the exhibits at their own pace, visit the gift shop, or enjoy the beach. Old Belize also has a decent beach with a waterslide and a children's playground area. It usually takes between one and two hours to explore the entire attraction.

How to get around Old Belize

The Belize City Cruise Port is located at Belize’s Tourism Village, where passengers are tendered via high-speed boats. The tender operation typically takes around 20 minutes. At the Tourism Village, there are taxis available, but they don't use meters, so passengers need to negotiate the price in advance. A popular alternative is to use water taxis, which can be hired at the Marine Terminal.

Belize City's downtown hub is compact and easy to navigate on foot. However, it's recommended to stick to the busiest sections of downtown and obvious tourist districts, as the city has a reputation for being unsafe for visitors.

All taxis in Belize are licensed and easily identifiable by their green number plates. They operate from special ranks in the centre of all mainland towns, and drivers will often call out to anyone they suspect is a foreigner. There are no meters, so you'll need to establish the fare in advance. Within the towns, a US$2.50 fixed rate should apply, and hourly rates are negotiable, starting at around $35 per hour.

If you want to rent a car, there are a few car rental companies within walking distance of the cruise terminal. However, be aware that local roads are in poor condition.

Where to eat in Old Belize

Old Belize is a cultural exhibit experienced by whimsical light rail transit, offering a unique insight into the country's ecological, archaeological, industrial, and political history. It is located at Mile 5 George Price Highway, Belize City, and can be contacted via phone on +501-280-4129 or +501-611-4129.

The newest dining experience at Old Belize is the Old Belize Food Market, a fast-casual, open-air space with five individual vendors and a view of Kukumba Beach. The beach is a 350-foot stretch of soft sand, featuring thatch-roof huts, colourful lounge chairs, and inflatables.

While there are no specific restaurants mentioned for the Old Belize Food Market, there are other dining options in Belize City and the surrounding area. Here are some suggestions:

The Smoky Mermaid

For a taste of seafood, try the Smoky Mermaid on Cork Street.

Radisson Fort George Hotel

The Radisson Fort George Hotel in the historical centre of Belize City offers elegant restaurants and grills.

Fort Street Tourism Village

The Fort Street Tourism Village cruise terminal has a good number of restaurants, grills, and bars. The Wet Lizard is a popular choice.

Club Calypso Seafood Restaurant

Club Calypso Seafood Restaurant offers Caribbean, Bar, and Seafood cuisine.

Celebrity Restaurant

Celebrity Restaurant serves delicious Caribbean and seafood dishes.

Midtown Restaurant & Bar

Midtown Restaurant & Bar serves international and pub food. Their garlic shrimp is highly recommended.

Vino Tinto Restaurant Bar & Grill

Vino Tinto Restaurant Bar & Grill offers international and Asian fusion cuisine.

Sumathi Indian Restaurant

Sumathi Indian Restaurant is one of the best restaurants in Belize City that delivers.

Friendship Chinese Restaurant

Friendship Chinese Restaurant is another top restaurant in Belize City that offers delivery and takeout.

St. George's Restaurant

St. George's Restaurant serves Caribbean and Central American cuisine.

Marva's Restaurant

Marva's Restaurant offers Caribbean and South American food.

Anna's Lunch Box

Anna's Lunch Box serves Caribbean and Central American cuisine.

Plaza Diner Restaurant

Plaza Diner Restaurant offers American and Latin food.

Dit's Restaurant

Dit's Restaurant serves Caribbean and South American dishes.

The Little Boar House

The Little Boar House is a Caribbean barbecue restaurant.

Where to shop in Old Belize

When it comes to shopping in Old Belize, there are plenty of options to choose from, ranging from tiny vendors on the street to gift shops, art galleries, clothing stores, and lifestyle boutiques. Here are some places to consider:

Front Street

Take a stroll down Front Street, where you'll find a variety of colourful and interesting stores within a short walking distance. Here, you can explore a range of shops, including art galleries, clothing stores, and vendors selling Central American goods.

Belizean Arts in Fido's

Located in Fido's Bar and Restaurant, Belizean Arts offers a wide range of items, from jewellery and beaded Christmas ornaments to original artwork. It boasts the largest collection of paintings in Belize, featuring contemporary, native, and realistic works by leading and up-and-coming artists.

San Pedro Artisans Market

Located on Back Street, the San Pedro Artisans Market is a great place to find handmade crafts by local artists. Here, you can discover wooden sculptures, shell art, hand-woven hammocks, and more. It's a one-stop shop for all things art and crafts in Old Belize.

Graniel's Wood Shop

For those who appreciate beautiful hardwoods, a visit to Graniel's Wood Shop on Middle Street is a must. They offer a range of products made from exotic hardwoods like mahogany, sea grape, and rosewood. Their multi-wood clam chair is a particularly popular item, and they also offer comfortable and packable furniture for travellers.

Belize Chocolate Company

The Belize Chocolate Company, located in San Pedro, is a bean-to-bar chocolate boutique that uses organic cacao beans grown on small family farms in southern Belize. They craft a range of chocolate products, including milkshakes and chocochinos, and offer a unique chocolate-making experience for visitors.

Diamonds International Belize

If you're looking for fine jewellery, Diamonds International Belize is worth a visit. They offer a range of jewellery pieces, including tanzanite earrings, rings, and bracelets. Their knowledgeable staff can guide you through their selection to find the perfect piece for yourself or as a gift.

Belizean Breezes Soap Company

With two locations on Front Street, Belizean Breezes Soap Company offers a wide range of natural skincare products and soaps. They have over 160 scents of natural, hand-poured soaps, as well as unique jewellery and gift items. Their products are free of harmful chemicals, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for your skin.

Habano Cigar Store

For cigar enthusiasts, the Habano Cigar Store is a must-visit. They feature four humidors and a smoking chair, allowing guests to choose from a wide selection of cigars, including Cuban cigars, and enjoy them in a comfortable setting.

Image Factory Art Foundation and Gallery

The Image Factory Art Foundation and Gallery is an excellent place to keep up with the local Belizean arts scene. Located near the Water Taxi Terminal and Maritime Museum, it features a constantly changing gallery of locally produced artwork and an extensive collection of literature.

Zaara's Boutique

Zaara's Boutique offers a blend of clothing, jewellery, and other items at great prices. Their American Hi-Fashion style ensures that their inventory remains trendy and suitable for various occasions, making it a versatile shopping destination.

These are just a few of the many shopping destinations in Old Belize. Each offers a unique experience and a chance to discover local crafts, artwork, and other speciality items.

Frequently asked questions