Exploring Belize: Norwegian Cruise Port To City

Belize City is a popular cruise destination, with Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) offering a range of excursions and activities for its passengers. The port of Belize City is known for its Mayan archaeological sites, scenic beauty, and natural wonders, as well as wildlife parks and water sports. NCL has its own private island, Harvest Caye, which features a range of facilities and activities, including a swimming pool, a zip line, and a beach. The cruise line has also partnered with local businesses and the Belizean government to create authentic experiences for its passengers.

Getting to Belize City from Harvest Caye

Harvest Caye is a private island owned by Norwegian Cruise Line, located a few miles off the coast of southern Belize. It is part of the Belize Barrier Reef, the largest coral reef system in the western hemisphere, and a popular destination for snorkelling and scuba diving. The island features a saltwater lagoon, a large freshwater pool, and wildlife exhibitions, including a butterfly house.

To get to Belize City from Harvest Caye, you have a few options:

Ferry to Placencia

There is a regular ferry service from Harvest Caye to Placencia, a colourful beach town on the coast. Placencia is the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage Belize Barrier Reef and popular destinations on the mainland, such as ancient Maya cities and national parks. The ferry ride takes around 90 minutes each way, and tickets can be purchased from the excursion desk onboard the ship.

NCL Excursion

You can book an excursion through NCL that includes a stop in Belize City. However, these tours may not offer much free time to explore on your own.

Monkey River Tour

Another option is to take a Monkey River Tour, which departs from Placencia. This tour will give you a chance to see more of the country and may include a stop in Belize City, depending on the itinerary.

Cruise Ship Tender

If you want to go directly to Belize City without stopping in Placencia, you can take a tender boat from your cruise ship. These boats typically depart from the Tourism Village in Belize City, which is within walking distance of the downtown area.

It's important to note that Harvest Caye is located several hours south of Belize City by car, so getting there by land is not a feasible option.

When visiting Harvest Caye and Belize City, it's essential to be mindful of the impact of tourism on the local environment and communities. Some locals have expressed concerns about the cruise industry's negative effects on the country.

Exploring Mayan ruins

Belize is home to several ancient Mayan ruins, which are easily accessible from Belize City. Here are some options for exploring these fascinating archaeological sites:

Lamanai Mayan Ruins

Lamanai, meaning "Submerged Crocodile" in Mayan, is one of the largest Mayan sites in Belize. It is located about an hour north of Belize City, in the Orange Walk District. The site consists of over 800 structures, including a ball court and 12 major buildings, deep in the Tropical Forest. The Lamanai Mayan Center holds precious artefacts spanning over 2000 years of Mayan history.

Getting to Lamanai is an adventure in itself, involving a scenic drive and a boat ride up the New River. The boat tour offers the chance to spot wildlife, including tropical birds, monkeys, and crocodiles. Once you arrive at the Lamanai Welcome Center, you can explore the onsite museum and well-kept paths through the rainforest to the monuments and temples. The site offers a breathtaking view of the New River Lagoon and the vast Lamanai Archeology Reserve.

Xunantunich Mayan Ruins

The Xunantunich Mayan Ruins are located on the border of Guatemala, about 2.5-3 hours from the cruise port. These ruins include the impressive El Castillo pyramid, which stands at over 130 feet (30 m) tall and offers expansive views of the surrounding forest and into Guatemala. The site is compact and easy to walk around, with six major plazas and more than 25 temples and palaces.

On the way to the ruins, you will pass through western community villages and cross the Mopan River on a hand-cranked ferry. The climb to the top of El Castillo is the highlight of the tour, offering a panoramic view of the site and the surrounding area. After exploring the ruins, you will enjoy a traditional Belizean lunch before returning to your ship.

Altun Ha Mayan Ruins

The Altun Ha Mayan Ruins are located about an hour north of Belize City, in the jungle. This site includes two large central plazas surrounded by medium-sized pyramids. Only about 15 of the over 500 mounds have been excavated, with the rest still buried in the thick jungle. You can follow the paths of the Mayans and hike up above the ruins for a bird's-eye view of the lush jungle and ancient structures.

The city of Altun Ha was settled around 200 BC as a major trading and religious centre. In the Sun God Temple, archaeologists discovered the largest jade object to date—a carved jade head weighing 4.42 kg. After exploring the ruins, you can purchase local handmade wood crafts and enjoy a delicious Belizean lunch.

Watersports and beach activities

Belize is known for its clear waters and rich history, and there are plenty of water and jungle activities to enjoy. The country has the second-largest barrier reef in the world, and its cruise and tourism industry is growing.

Diving and Snorkelling

Belize is a diver's paradise, with the Belize Barrier Reef providing some of the best underwater sightseeing in the world. The reef is just a 10-minute boat ride from Caye Caulker, a laid-back island with beautiful beaches. Ambergris Caye, Belize's largest island, also offers some of the best snorkelling and diving spots, including Shark Ray Alley. Here, you can get up close and personal with nurse sharks and stingrays. Hol Chan Marine Reserve is another popular dive site, spanning three square miles.

Beach Breaks

Goff's Caye is a beautiful beach where you can relax and snorkel the Belize Barrier Reef. Sun Kissed Goff's Caye Beach & Snorkeling offers a 4.5-hour tour that includes snorkelling gear and transportation to and from the port.

Water Sports

Belize offers a variety of water sports, including kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing trips. Local fishermen are happy to share their secret fishing spots, and you can even enjoy fresh sushi made from the catch of the day.

Cave Tubing

For an adrenaline-pumping experience, try river tubing through underground caves. X-Stream Cave Tubing Tours offers an exciting journey through the caves of Jaguar Paw, where you'll learn about their significance to the Mayans.

Zip-lining

For a bird's-eye view of the lush jungles of Belize, try zip-lining. You can soar high over the forest canopy and get up close and personal with the country's vibrant avian and wildlife.

Boat Tours

Take a guided boat tour to explore the waterways and lagoons of Belize. The Airboat Tour of the Wetlands is a great option, offering the chance to see manatees, turtles, and even crocodiles in their natural habitat.

Swimming

With warm, clear ocean waters, Belize is a great place to take a dip. Starfish Island Resort, located about an hour from the port, offers a private getaway with plenty of water sports and beach activities.

Wildlife Encounters

The Belize Zoo is home to over 170 animals, all native to Belize, including jaguars, ocelots, and howler monkeys. The Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, a little further out, is a bird-watcher's paradise, with over 16,000 acres of diverse habitats and dozens of bird species.

Beach Volleyball

For those who enjoy a more active beach experience, beach volleyball is a fun option. Many beaches in Belize offer volleyball courts, providing an opportunity to stay active and enjoy the sun and sand.

With so many water-based activities and beach options, Belize offers a diverse range of experiences for those looking to enjoy the Caribbean Sea and its surrounding natural wonders.

Wildlife spotting

Belize is known for its diverse wildlife, from the emerald-hued iguanas to the elusive ocelot. Here are some of the best wildlife spotting locations and activities in Belize:

Cockscomb Basin Jaguar Preserve

The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is the only known jaguar preserve in the world. It is located in the Stann Creek district and is easily accessible from the Southern Highway. The best chance to spot a jaguar is by going on an evening guided tour. If you're not interested in night hiking, there are plenty of other animals to see during the day, including pumas, ocelots, deer, and tapirs.

Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary

For bird enthusiasts, Crooked Tree is a must-visit when in Belize. The sanctuary spans 16,400 acres and includes over 3,000 acres of lagoons, swamps, and marshes. You can take a canoe to get a closer look at the wildlife, including crocodiles, iguanas, turtles, coatis, and the jabiru stork. The dry season, from November to May, is the peak time to spot some amazing birds, but you're likely to see 20 to 40 different species on any given day.

Community Baboon Sanctuary

Despite the name, this sanctuary is home to thousands of howler monkeys, not baboons. These swinging critters aren't kept in cages; instead, the sanctuary spans over 20 miles, and over 200 private landowners have voluntarily pledged to conserve their land for the protection of the Black Howler Monkey habitat.

Belize Zoo

About an hour away from Belize City, the Belize Zoo is the perfect quick stop on your way to the Cayo District. Here, you can meet Lindo the jaguar, Cortland the Margay, and the famous Sparks, the tapir. The zoo also offers interactive tours where you can get one-on-one supervised time with the animals.

Shark Ray Alley

For a wild encounter with nurse sharks and stingrays, head to Shark Ray Alley in the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. You can either jump in and swim among them or admire them from the boat.

Swallow Caye Wildlife Sanctuary

Located just a few miles off the coast of Belize City, Swallow Caye is a wildlife sanctuary that focuses on the protection of manatees. Certain tours can take you to the protected area, where you can patiently wait for manatee spotting as they graze on the sandy floors and come up for air. If you remain quiet, they might even swim close to the surface to say hi!

Local food and drink

When it comes to food and drink, there are plenty of options to choose from on a cruise from a Norwegian port to Belize City. Here's a guide to help you make the most of your culinary experience:

On the Cruise

The standard cruise fare on Norwegian Cruise Lines includes complimentary drinks such as water, lemonade, fruit juices, coffee, tea, and milk. If you're looking for a broader selection, you can purchase drinks individually or opt for a drink package to avoid a large bill at the end of your cruise.

Drink packages offer a more inclusive experience and can save you money, especially if you plan on consuming a certain number of drinks per day. For example, the Unlimited Open Bar Package provides access to a limited selection of spirits, beer, cider, spiked seltzers, and wines by the glass, with discounts on full bottles. The Premium Plus Beverage Package is more expensive but includes premium offerings such as Grey Goose Vodka and Patron Añejo Tequila, along with a larger selection of wines.

In addition to alcoholic drinks, Norwegian Cruise Lines also offers non-alcoholic packages. These include the Unlimited Soda Package, the Unlimited Starbucks Package, and a water package, allowing you to stock your stateroom with water.

In Harvest Caye, Belize

Harvest Caye, Norwegian Cruise Line's private island in Belize, offers a variety of food and drink options. Here, you'll find eight venues for meals, snacks, and drinks. The food has some touches of the Caribbean, including fried plantains and ceviche. You can expect to pay around $12-$18 per entree, $9-$12 for a cocktail, and $5-$7 for a beer.

For a taste of local Belizean beer, head to one of the four bars on the island: the Rum Coco Bar, Cat 5 Bar, Hurricane Bar, or the Laughing Bird Bar. If you're looking for a quiet spot, try the far end of the beach at Horse-Eye Jack's Villa Bar & Bistro.

In Belize City, Belize

When you arrive in Belize City, you'll find a variety of restaurants serving local and international cuisine. Here are some recommendations:

• Midtown Restaurant & Bar: Known for its delicious garlic shrimp.
• Vino Tinto Restaurant Bar & Grill: Offering international and Asian cuisine.
• Sumathi Indian Restaurant: A popular choice for Indian food.
• Friendship Chinese Restaurant: Serving Chinese cuisine and, according to some, the best fried chicken in town.
• Club Calypso Seafood Restaurant: A Caribbean, bar, and seafood restaurant.
• The Little Boar House: A Caribbean barbecue joint.
• St. George's Restaurant: Offering a variety of cuisines, including Japanese and sushi.
• Marva's Restaurant: Featuring genuine Belizean decor and takeout options.
• The Ice Cream Shoppe: For those with a sweet tooth.

When dining in Belize, keep in mind that it's customary to wait a bit longer for your food as meals are typically prepared from scratch. Don't be afraid to try new things, and consider straying from your usual palate to fully immerse yourself in the local food scene!

Frequently asked questions