The Quick Tender Boat Ride To Belize: A Traveler's Guide

The tender boat ride to Belize takes around 15-20 minutes, transferring passengers from cruise ships anchored off the coast to the Fort Street Tourism Village dock. The ride can take up to 45 minutes, depending on the number of ships in port and other factors. Passengers disembark at one of four terminal areas: REEF, JAGUAR, MAYA, or PIRATE, and must remember their terminal to avoid delays when returning to their ship.

The ride can take between 30-45 minutes

The ride from the cruise ship to the shore of Belize City can take anywhere between 30 to 45 minutes. The duration of the ride depends on several factors, such as the number of ships in the port and whether you have priority boarding. It is recommended to get the first tender to have more time to explore Belize City and avoid any delays.

The tender boat ride is an essential part of the journey to Belize City, as cruise ships anchor a significant distance from the shore. The ride offers a unique perspective of the city and its surroundings, providing a glimpse of the vibrant Caribbean culture. The Fort Street Tourism Village dock, where passengers disembark, is conveniently located within walking distance of the city's downtown area.

Belize City, the former capital of Belize, is a popular destination for cruise passengers. It boasts a rich history and cultural heritage, with attractions such as the Swing Bridge, St. John's Church, and the Belize Museum all within walking distance of the Tourism Village. The city is also known for its shopping and dining options, with duty-free shops, bars, and eateries lining the streets near the dock.

The ride back to the ship can also take between 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the tender boat's schedule and any potential wait times. It is essential to keep track of time and ensure you get on the right tender back to your ship, especially if there are multiple ships in port.

It depends on how many ships are docked

The length of the tender boat ride to Belize depends on several factors, including the number of ships docked at the port. If multiple ships are docked, and yours is the last to arrive, it may take 10-15 minutes longer to tender to the port.

The tender ride itself is approximately 20-40 minutes, depending on the speed of the boat and the number of people on board. There are several tenders available, and they usually hold a lot of people on two levels. However, it's important to note that the wait times to get on a tender can vary, and you may have to wait up to 30 minutes to get back to your ship.

To ensure a smooth and timely experience, it's recommended to get the first tender if you want to spend some time exploring Belize City. This will give you at least an hour or so to walk around the Tourism Village and nearby attractions, such as St. George's Fort, St. John's Cathedral, and the Museum of Belize.

The Tourism Village is located less than 1 km from the downtown area of Belize City, and it offers various tourist shops, restaurants, and bars. From there, it's about a 600-meter walk to the Swing Bridge, which leads to the main street, Albert Street. Even the slowest walkers should be able to cover this distance in under an hour, depending on how much time you want to spend in shops or exploring other areas.

Overall, the tender boat ride to Belize can vary in length, especially if there are multiple ships docked at the port. It's important to factor in potential wait times and the number of people trying to tender at the same time.

The port area is safe

The port area in Belize is safe. The tender operation typically takes around 20 minutes and the cruise terminal is a secluded and safe area just a stone's throw away from the historic centre of Belize City. The terminal building has all the basic services and modern amenities, with many typical shops found all over the Caribbean and a few restaurants. The local population tends to be friendly and polite, and everyone speaks English very well. There are, however, a few areas in Belize City that are known to be extra sketchy and should be avoided. These include anywhere at night, especially the Northern part of the city.

Belize is the second-smallest country in Central America, and though its cruise and tourism industry is growing, the country remains largely unspoiled. The beaches are beautiful, the culture is rich, and the exchange rate is excellent. The official language is English, and US dollars are accepted nearly everywhere. The Belize dollar is the official currency, and it is pegged at BZ$2 = US$1. However, be aware that you may receive change in the local currency, which is worthless outside Belize.

There are plenty of things to do and see in Belize. The country boasts the largest cave system in Central America, and the second-largest barrier reef in the world. There are also Mayan ruins, incredible wildlife, and birdwatching opportunities. Belize offers great outdoor activities, including snorkelling, scuba diving, horseback riding, riverboat and airboat tours, hiking, trekking, biking, and ziplining.

When it comes to food and drinks, regional specialties include Chicken Stew served with rice and beans, Bile Up (eggs, fish, cassava, plantains, yams, and sweet potatoes boiled in a tomato sauce), and Hudut (fish soup cooked in coconut milk). As for drinks, Belikin Beer, One Barrel Rum, Caribbean Coconut, and Caribbean Gold Rum are some of the signature drinks of Belize.

In terms of safety, violent crime is on the rise in Belize, especially in urban areas like Belize City. However, tourists are usually not the target of these crimes. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and theft, is one of the main dangers in Belize, so it is important to be vigilant and keep an eye on your belongings. It is also recommended to avoid walking alone at night, especially in secluded areas, and to take a taxi if you are not familiar with the area.

Overall, with the right precautions and a bit of research, Belize is a safe and rewarding destination for travellers.

It's not recommended to wander too far from the port

The boat ride from the cruise ship to Belize City Port can take anywhere from 25 to 45 minutes. The time it takes depends on how far offshore the cruise ship is anchored and how many other ships are docked that day.

Belize City is considered the most dangerous place in Belize, with the highest crime rate in the country. It is known for gang activity and violent crime. However, tourists can usually visit the city without encountering any issues if they take some basic precautions. Here are some reasons why it is not recommended to wander too far from the port:

• Stick to tourist areas: The Tourism Village, located less than 1 km from the downtown area, is the main hub for cruise ships. It is relatively safe to walk around this area and browse the shops. There are also some nearby attractions, such as St. John's Church and the Belize Museum, which can be reached on foot.
• Avoid sketchy neighbourhoods: Certain areas of Belize City are known to be particularly dangerous and should be avoided altogether. These include the Northern part of the city and any areas at night.
• Be aware of your surroundings: While walking around the city, it is important to be vigilant and aware of your surroundings. Do not wear any flashy jewellery or expensive clothes that might make you a target for thieves.
• Petty theft: Petty theft and pickpocketing are common in Belize, especially in tourist areas. Keep your valuables secure and out of reach, and consider carrying a spare wallet with only a small amount of cash.
• Armed robbery: In the event of an armed robbery, it is best to comply with the robber's demands and hand over your valuables. Your safety is more important than any material possessions.
• Transportation: Taxis are a safe way to get around Belize City, especially at night. Look for licensed and registered taxis with green license plates. If possible, have your accommodation call a taxi for you.
• Belize City is not the only attraction: There are plenty of other places to visit in Belize that are safer than the city. These include Caye Caulker, Ambergris Caye, and Corozal, which offer beautiful beaches, snorkelling, and scuba diving opportunities.

There are four terminal areas

The tender boat ride to Belize's Tourism Village takes around 20 minutes. All passengers disembark here, and it is the main shopping area with a collection of gift shops, restaurants, and tour operators. The village itself is small and not a destination in itself, but it is within walking distance of Belize City downtown.

• The Cruise Terminal Building: This is where passengers disembark from the tender boats. The terminal building provides all basic services and modern amenities, including shops, restaurants, and bars. It is a safe and secluded area, just a stone's throw away from the historic centre of Belize City.
• The Marine Terminal: This is where you can hire water taxis and ferries to nearby islands and cayes. The building houses two museums: the Coastal Zone Museum and the Marine Museum. Opposite the Marine Terminal is the Paslow Building, which houses the post office.
• The Fort Street Tourism Village Shops: There are around 30 shops selling souvenirs, tobacco, liquors, perfumes, rum cake, regional chocolate, Caribbean clothing, and exotic local crafts. Some of the well-known shops include Diamonds International, Duty-free (liquor, tobacco, and perfume), Moho Chocolate Factory and Gift Shop, and Tanzanite International.
• The Fort Street Tourism Village Restaurants and Bars: There are several restaurants, grills, and bars in the village, including the Wet Lizard, Better Belize It Bar, and Click & Sip (an internet cafe). The Wet Lizard is a popular spot, known for its $5-a-spin wheel where you can buy rum body shots and buckets of beer.

Frequently asked questions