Cruising To Belize: Exploring The Country's Natural Wonders Safely

Belize is a beautiful country with a lot to offer tourists, from its sandy white beaches and crystal-clear waters to its lush jungles and rich Mayan cultural heritage. However, it's important to consider safety when planning a trip to Belize, especially when it comes to cruising.

Belize has a high crime rate, with a significant presence of violent crimes and gangs, particularly in Belize City and its Southside, which should be avoided by tourists. The country also faces issues with drug and human trafficking, as well as border tensions with neighbouring countries. While tourists are not usually targeted, it's crucial to stay vigilant and avoid displaying valuables when walking on the street.

When it comes to cruising specifically, the cruise port of Belize City doesn't offer much within walking distance, and the city itself is not considered particularly safe for exploration on foot. The cruise terminal, known as Fort Street Tourism Village, is clean and well-maintained, but the surrounding area may be intimidating for some travellers. The best way to explore Belize is through shore excursions, as public transportation is generally unreliable and unsafe.

Overall, while Belize offers stunning natural sights and cultural attractions, it's important to stay informed about potential safety concerns and take necessary precautions when visiting the country.

Crime and safety in Belize City

Belize is a popular tourist destination, with nearly 900,000 tourists visiting in 2022. However, it has a reputation for being unsafe due to its high crime rate and gang presence. Belize City, in particular, has a high rate of violent crime, with gang conflicts and shootings occurring almost daily. The south side of Belize City is especially dangerous and should be avoided at all times. This area has been the site of frequent inter-gang conflict and should be off-limits to tourists.

Violent crimes such as sexual assault, home invasions, armed robberies, and murder are common in Belize, even during daylight hours and in tourist areas. Visitors to Belize should exercise caution and be aware of their surroundings at all times. It is recommended to avoid walking or driving at night and to avoid displaying signs of wealth, such as expensive watches or jewellery. The local police lack the resources and training to effectively respond to serious criminal incidents, and most crimes remain unresolved and unprosecuted.

In addition to the high crime rate, there are a few other safety concerns to be aware of when visiting Belize. The public transportation system is generally unreliable and unsafe, and medical care facilities are under-equipped and under-staffed. It is recommended to seek medical care at private hospitals, mainly located in Belize City, as they are better equipped and provide better healthcare.

Despite the safety concerns, many travellers enjoy incident-free trips to Belize, especially in the Caribbean islands off the coast, which have less frequent and generally non-violent crimes. When visiting Belize, it is important to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

How to stay safe in Belize

Belize is a beautiful country with a lot to offer tourists, from its sandy white beaches and clear waters to its lush jungles and rich Mayan cultural heritage. However, it's important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety during your trip. Here are some detailed instructions on how to stay safe while visiting Belize:

• Be cautious in high-risk areas: Avoid non-essential travel to Southside Belize City, the Guatemalan border, and the Honduras border. These areas have a high risk of gang-related violence, drug activity, and human trafficking.
• Stay informed: Be aware of your surroundings at all times and avoid travelling alone or at night. Keep yourself informed about local news and official updates, especially regarding hurricanes and other natural disasters.
• Practice basic safety measures: Don't flash your cash or valuables on the street. Keep your money and passport secure, and avoid carrying large sums of cash.
• Use reputable transportation: Avoid public buses and unlicensed taxis. Stick to registered taxis with green license plates, or rent a car if possible.
• Be vigilant at tourist sites: Stay alert when visiting popular tourist sites like Mayan ruins or areas such as Caye Caulker, as these places may be targeted by thieves.
• Follow local laws and customs: Understand the local laws and customs before your trip. For example, public drinking is prohibited in Belize.
• Protect yourself from mosquitoes: Use insect repellent and cover up, especially during dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
• Be cautious when consuming food and drinks: Only eat at reputable restaurants and avoid accepting food or drinks from strangers.
• Get travel insurance: Ensure you have adequate travel insurance that covers medical evacuation and hospital stays.
• Be aware of cultural differences: Understand that catcalling is common in Belize. Respond politely and move on. If you experience extreme verbal or physical abuse, report it to the local authorities.
• Follow safety guidelines for women travellers: Women travelling alone may encounter harassment and verbal abuse. Avoid isolated areas, unlit alleys, and unsupervised beaches.
• LGBTQ+ travellers should take extra precautions: LGBTQ+ travellers may experience harassment and abuse. Avoid public displays of affection, and carefully consider the risks before travelling to Belize.

The Belize Barrier Reef

70 hard coral species

36 soft coral species

Hundreds of invertebrate species

The reef also provides vital protection to the coastline from wave action, tropical storms, and hurricanes. It is a popular tourist destination, attracting scuba divers, snorkelers, sailors, and fishers. The Belize Barrier Reef is also crucial to the country's fishing industry.

In addition to its barrier reef, the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System includes three distinct Caribbean atolls: Turneffe Atoll, Glover's Reef, and Lighthouse Reef. Lighthouse Reef is the most easterly diving area and is home to the Great Blue Hole, made famous by Jacques Cousteau in 1970. These different reefs offer diverse scuba diving opportunities, including walls, pinnacles, and reef flats across a vast expanse of sea.

Belize's food and drink

Breakfast

Eggs are a common breakfast option in Belize, often served scrambled with diced tomatoes, beans, and hot, biscuit-like rolls called johnny cakes or fry jacks (deep-fried dough puffs).

Lunch and Dinner

Rice and beans are a staple in Belize and are often served as an accompaniment to grilled fish or meat. The beans are usually small red beans, but black beans are sometimes used.

Belize's strongest suit is its seafood. Fresh fish, lobster, shrimp, and conch are widely available, especially in beach and island destinations. Other popular dishes include stew chicken, stew beef, and stew fish—dark stews spiced with red recado, made from annatto seed or achiote.

In Garífuna regions, a traditional dish is hudut—fish with coconut milk and mashed ripe and green plantains.

Specialities

Belize's Afro-Creole Garifuna, Mayan, and Maya peoples have their own recipes. Cassava and plantain are key to Garifuna cooking, while Mayan staples include caldo (a spicy stew of meat and root vegetables), cochinita pibil (slow-roasted pork flavoured with recado), and ixpa'cha (fish steamed inside a leaf).

Something Sweet

Belize has a long history of cacao production, and several local producers, such as Goss, Kakaw, and Cotton Tree, make chocolate with organic Toledo cacao.

Drinks

Belize has a variety of unique drinks, including fresh tropical juices, seaweed shakes, and rum punch.

The national beer of Belize is Belikin, which comes in several varieties, including lager, premium, and stout.

Rum is the spirit of choice in Belize, with several brands and distilleries in the country. One of the most popular brands is 1 Barrel, which has a hint of vanilla.

Something Hot

Marie Sharp's pepper sauce is a common condiment in Belize, found on tables everywhere from taco stands to refined family restaurants. The original sauce is made from habanero peppers, carrots, and onions, but there are now several varieties, from 'Mild' to 'Beware'.

Getting around Belize

Belize is a small country, so it's easy to get from one place to another within a few hours. However, the best way to get around will depend on your budget and your appetite for adventure.

By Plane

Local airlines fly small Cessna aircraft (puddle-jumpers) to the major towns in the six districts of Belize. This is the fastest and most convenient way to get around Belize, but it can be expensive. Some airlines also offer regional flights to Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras.

By Water Taxi

Water taxis are the best way to access Belize's many cayes. They are also the most affordable way to travel to popular destinations such as Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, and St. George's Caye. There are two water taxi companies in Belize City, both offering daily departures. You can also take water taxis in Placencia and Dangriga to visit more secluded cayes.

By Shuttle or Taxi

Shuttle services and taxis are a great way to get around, especially if you want to hire a driver for the day. Shuttle services are a more affordable option, with clean and well-maintained vans that often come with Wi-Fi. Taxis are better for shorter rides within a town or region. In Belize City and larger towns like San Pedro, San Ignacio, and Placencia, you can flag down a taxi or ask your hotel to call one for you.

By Bus

Taking the local bus is a good-value way to get to most major towns and villages. The various bus companies throughout Belize are private and run on a schedule that is more or less adhered to. The cost will vary by distance, though often it will be no more than a few dollars. Taking the bus is also a great way to experience local life and culture. However, buses can be jam-packed and slow.

By Car

Renting a car can be a good option if you want more control over your itinerary or want to visit harder-to-reach destinations. However, be prepared to navigate potholes, random rainstorms, and the occasional Mennonite horse cart. Most car rentals take place at the airport, and you will need an international driving permit. Consider renting a four-wheel-drive vehicle, as some roads can be rustic and challenging to navigate due to rainy weather conditions.

Frequently asked questions