Belize Welcomes Cruise Ships Back

Belize is a popular cruise destination, known for its clear waters and rich history. The country offers opportunities for diving and snorkelling, as well as exploration of ancient Mayan ruins and natural caves. Cruise ships anchor outside the port of Belize City, and passengers are tendered to shore. From there, tourists can explore the city or take excursions to natural and historical attractions, such as the Blue Hole, a famous diving site, and Xunantunich, a Mayan archaeological site. Belize is also known for its diverse cuisine, including fresh seafood and dishes influenced by Caribbean, Mexican, Spanish, African, and Mayan cultures.

Belize City Cruise Port Facilities

The Belize City Cruise Port is the gateway to the country's Caribbean cayes, mainland, and urban centre. While most visitors don't linger at the port, it offers a range of facilities and serves as a starting point for various excursions. Here's what you need to know about the Belize City Cruise Port facilities:

Tendering and Transportation

Upon arrival, cruise ships anchor in the harbour, a few miles from the shore, and passengers are tendered to the city. The tendering process takes about 20 minutes, using speedy boats to transport visitors to the Tourism Village, a bustling transit hub. From there, it's a short taxi ride to the centre of Belize City. Certified taxis can be identified by their green license plates.

Shopping and Dining

The Tourism Village offers a variety of shopping and dining options. You'll find duty-free shops, chocolate shops, and artisanal jewellery for sale. The village also features restaurants and bars, providing a true taste of Belizean cuisine and culture.

Excursion Booking

All excursions to inland attractions, such as Mayan ruins, cave tubing, snorkelling, and exploring rainforests, typically begin at the Tourism Village. These excursions often include round-trip transfers from the cruise port, making it convenient for visitors to explore beyond the city.

Nearby Attractions

For those who want to explore Belize City, there are several national landmarks within walking distance of the cruise port. The Baron Bliss Lighthouse and St. George's Fort, which houses the historic St. John Cathedral, are popular tourist destinations. The Museum of Belize, formerly Her Majesty's Prison, offers insights into Mayan history and artefacts.

Safety and Currency

It is recommended to stick to tourist-friendly areas for safety. The local currency is the Belize dollar, but US dollars are widely accepted in shops and restaurants. ATMs are also available in Belize City.

Belize's natural wonders

Belize is a Central American country brimming with natural beauty, from lush rainforests to diverse oceans teeming with marine life. Here are some of the natural wonders that make Belize a captivating destination:

The Belize Barrier Reef

The Belize Barrier Reef is a stunning natural wonder that stretches along the country's coastline. It is the second-longest continuous barrier reef in the world and is part of the Mesoamerican Reef System. The reef boasts an array of vibrant marine life, including hundreds of species of coral and fish. It is a haven for scuba diving and snorkelling enthusiasts, offering unparalleled opportunities to explore a vibrant underwater paradise.

The Blue Hole

The Blue Hole, located within the Lighthouse Reef, is a spectacular natural monument. Made famous by underwater explorer Jacques Cousteau, this 407-foot-deep underwater sinkhole invites adventurers to dive into its azure waters and discover exotic fish, stalactites, and stalagmites. The Great Blue Hole is a thousand-year-old limestone formation that was once a collapsed roof later engulfed by rising sea levels.

Mayan Ruins

Belize is home to numerous Mayan ruins, bearing testament to the ancient civilisation that once flourished in the region. Trekking through these archaeological sites, such as Caracol, Xunatunich, and Altun Ha, offers a glimpse into the past. The Sky Palace, El Caana, stands tall at 137 feet and is the tallest building in the nation. These ruins showcase the architectural prowess of the Maya, who revered nature and performed ceremonies in caves, believing them to be entrances to the underworld.

Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary

The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary in southern Belize is a vast protected area encompassing rugged, forested mountains. It was established to safeguard and study the jaguar, the largest cat in the new world. The sanctuary is also home to Belize's other wildcat species, as well as an array of other wildlife, including tapirs, coati-mundis, deer, and an impressive variety of birds.

Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary

In northern Belize, the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary is a swampy lowland that serves as a haven for over 250 bird species. It is also a resting spot for migratory birds and the principal nesting site of the endangered jabiru stork, the largest bird in the Americas. The sanctuary offers the opportunity to spot crocodiles, iguanas, and howler monkeys, providing a well-rounded wildlife experience.

Belize's currency and shopping

Belize's currency is the Belize dollar (BZD), which is pegged to the US dollar at a rate of BZ$2 to US$1. While the US dollar is widely accepted in Belize, it is recommended that you carry local currency. ATMs are available across the country, particularly in most tourist destinations, and usually accept foreign cards. Most businesses accept major credit cards such as MasterCard, Visa, and AMEX.

When arriving in Belize, individuals are allowed to bring a maximum of US$5,000 in cash, checks, or other monetary instruments. This limit is per person and must be declared on the Disembarkation Card before presenting it to the Belize Customs Authority. Violation of this restriction can lead to arrest and fines.

Shopping in Belize offers a variety of options, especially for those looking for local crafts, shirts, jewellery, and hats. In Belize City, the Tourism Village is a popular shopping destination, with duty-free shops, chocolate, and artisanal jewellery. The Belize Handicraft Market Place, located within walking distance of the cruise port, offers locally made souvenirs.

Belize's cruise line options

Belize is a popular cruise destination, with many cruise lines offering trips to the Central American country. The country offers a unique mix of Caribbean soul and Central American heart, with a plethora of natural and historical attractions. From ancient Mayan ruins to lush rainforests and stunning coastlines, Belize is a nature enthusiast's paradise.

Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean International offers several cruise options that include Belize as one of their ports of call. Their Western Caribbean cruises often include Belize, with sailings from Tampa, New Orleans, and Fort Lauderdale. The line also offers a 10-night New Orleans & The Caribbean cruise that includes a stop in Belize City.

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises provides an opportunity to explore Belize's natural beauty and ecological treasures on their Western Caribbean cruise. With luxurious staterooms, cuisine, and service, passengers can discover Belize's rich history and diverse natural wonders, including the famous Blue Hole and the Belize Barrier Reef.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line includes Belize in its Caribbean cruises, with a 7-night cruise departing from Miami, Florida, and visiting Harvest Caye, Roatan, Costa Maya, and Cozumel. They also offer longer cruises, such as a 14-day Authentic Alaska cruise, that include a stop in Belize.

Carnival Cruise Lines

Carnival Cruise Lines offers a variety of Western Caribbean cruises departing from Galveston, TX, and Tampa, FL, that include Belize as a port of call. These cruises range from 6 to 7 nights and typically include stops in Costa Maya and Cozumel, along with Belize.

Hurtigruten

For those seeking a more extended and exotic voyage, Hurtigruten offers a 95-night Pole to Pole Adventure cruise from Vancouver to Buenos Aires, which includes a stop in Belize City. This cruise provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore multiple continents and immerse yourself in diverse cultures.

Belize's cruise departure ports

Belize is a popular cruise destination, brimming with natural beauty and ecological treasures. The country boasts the second-largest barrier reef in the world, ancient Mayan ruins, lush rainforests, and diverse marine life.

Belize City is the main cruise departure port in Belize. It is located on the country's East coast, bathed by the Caribbean Sea. The cruise port is situated in the Belize Tourism Village, a few miles from the shore, as the waters near the coast are too shallow for cruise ships to dock. Passengers are tendered to the cruise port terminal via high-speed boats, a ride that typically takes around 20 minutes.

The Tourism Village offers a range of shops, restaurants, and tour operators. It is also within walking distance of Belize City's downtown hub and several notable landmarks, including:

• The Museum of Belize: Located in a former prison, this museum showcases Belize's history and the Maya legacy.
• St. John's Anglican Cathedral: Located on the south bank of the river, across the Swing Bridge.
• Baron Bliss Memorial: A memorial honouring Baron Bliss, a national hero in Belize.
• Fort George Lighthouse: A historic lighthouse located near the Baron Bliss Memorial.

Other notable areas near Belize City include:

• Altun Ha: A Mayan town dating back to 600 BC, known for its Mayan jade carvings.
• Xunantunich: A Mayan archaeological site dating back to 1000 B.C., featuring 25 temples and palaces.
• Hol Chan Marine Reserve: A popular diving and snorkelling site located off the shore of Ambergris Caye.
• Blue Hole Natural Monument: A 407-foot deep underwater sinkhole located inside the Lighthouse Reef, considered one of the world's best diving sites.

While Belize City is the primary cruise departure port, there are also plans for a new "Cruise Ship Docking Facility" in the city. This facility will have a docking capacity of four liners and will include a yacht marina, shopping complex, and a dedicated beach.

Frequently asked questions