Belize City: Cruise Port Worth?

Belize City is a popular cruise port in the second-smallest country in Central America. It attracts tourists with its Mayan heritage sites, eco-tourism, water sports, and friendly people. The city itself has a reputation for being unsafe for visitors, but it serves as a jumping-off point for tours and excursions to natural and historical attractions. The cruise port of Belize City offers a range of world-class attractions, including Mayan archaeological sites, wildlife adventures, and scenic sights. However, these attractions are located several miles from the cruise terminal, and the city itself does not offer much for exploration on foot.

Belize City's attractions include Mayan sites, eco-tourism, water sports, and wildlife adventures

Belize City is a great cruise port for those interested in Mayan sites, eco-tourism, water sports, and wildlife adventures.

Mayan Sites

The cruise port of Belize City has a number of world-class attractions, including the Mayan archaeological sites of Xunantunich, Altun Ha, and Lamanai. These sites are located between 33 miles (53 km) and 78 miles (126 km) from the cruise terminal. Altun Ha is just a one-hour drive from the port and covers an area of 25 square miles.

Eco-Tourism

Belize City offers eco-tourism opportunities, such as exploring the Mesoamerican Reef, the second-largest reef on the planet. This reef provides stunning opportunities for snorkelling, scuba diving, and fishing. The reef is also a great place for guided encounters with sharks, rays, and sea turtles. In addition, Belize is home to the Bacab Eco Park, located 5.7 miles from the cruise port, and the Crystal Caves in the Blue Hole National Park, located 62.1 miles from the port.

Water Sports

Belize is a great destination for water sports enthusiasts. The Mesoamerican Reef provides opportunities for snorkelling, scuba diving, and fishing. In addition, the port of Belize City offers thrilling pursuits such as cave tubing, cave kayaking, horseback riding, riverboat and airboat tours, hiking, trekking, biking, and ziplining.

Wildlife Adventures

Belize City provides plenty of opportunities for wildlife adventures, both in the ocean and in the lush tropical forests. The Belize Zoo, located 29.8 miles from the cruise port, is a great place to start. The Little Guana Caye Bird Sanctuary, located 41 miles away by ferry, is another popular destination for nature lovers. The Community Baboon Sanctuary, located in Bermuda Landing Village, is 27.2 miles from the port, while the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary is a bit further at 49.3 miles away. Manatee watching is also a popular activity, with tours departing from just 23 miles from the cruise port.

Belize City is the second-smallest country in Central America and has the highest concentration of Mayan sites in the region

Belize City is the second-smallest country in Central America, with a population of around 110,000. It is also home to the highest concentration of Mayan sites in the region.

Belize was once home to more than 2 million Mayans and is known as the epicentre of the ancient Mayan world. The ancient Mayan civilisation supported itself for well over 2,000 years with vast agricultural farmlands and trading centres. The Mayans built sacred temples, pyramids, palaces, and other impressive structures, all without the use of iron or the wheel.

Belize has more than 600 Mayan ruins, with some of the most impressive and well-preserved sites in the world. The largest of these is Caracol, located deep in the jungle near the Guatemalan border. Other notable sites include Xunantunich, Altun Ha, La Milpa, and Lamanai.

Xunantunich is one of the most accessible ancient Mayan sites in Belize. Once a major ceremonial centre, it overlooks the Mopan River and is composed of six major plazas, surrounded by more than 25 temples and palaces. Altun Ha is another easily accessible site, located about 30 miles from Belize City. It was once a coastal trade centre, and it is here that the Jade Head representing the Sun God, Kinich Ahua, was found. La Milpa is the third-largest site in Belize, with more than 24 courtyards and over 85 structures. Lamanai is located on the New River Lagoon and is one of Belize's largest ceremonial centres, with one of the longest occupation spans.

Belize is often referred to as the "Heart of the Maya" and is now the only English-speaking country in the Mayan world. The country is deeply immersed in Mayan traditions, with the spirit of Mundo Maya felt in every corner.

Belize City's downtown area has a reputation for being unsafe for tourists

Belize City is the country's largest urban centre, with a population of around 110,000. The city has a few interesting landmarks and is just around the corner from the cruise terminal, but it is not particularly appealing or safe to explore on your own. The downtown hub is compact and easy to navigate on foot, but it has a reputation for being unsafe for tourists.

The city's commercial centre is located along Albert Street, where you can find banks and shops. The city is divided in two by the swing bridge at Haulover Creek's mouth, which is manually operated and opened two times a day. The Museum of Belize, located close to the US Embassy, is the city's newest attraction. Here, you can explore Belizean history and the Maya legacy. The city also has two interesting landmarks on distinct sides of the river: the Museum of Belize and St John Cathedral. However, these landmarks are not within close proximity to the cruise terminal.

Belize City has a high crime rate, with gang activity and violent crime being common. The south side of Belize City, in particular, should be avoided at all times. Crimes in tourist areas include burglary, pickpocketing, and hotel room theft. While crimes against visitors are taken seriously, the police force is typically understaffed and poorly equipped, limiting their ability to respond.

To stay safe, it is recommended to stick to the busiest sections of downtown and obvious tourist districts. Additionally, it is advised to avoid isolated areas, be aware of your surroundings, and keep your valuables secure and out of reach.

Belize City's cruise port terminal is located at Belize's Tourism Village

The Tourism Village has a collection of gift shops, restaurants, and tour operators along the harbour. It is small and can be covered in about an hour. The village has dozens of shops, including standard cruise venues like Diamonds International and Del Sol, as well as stores selling handmade Belizean crafts and foodstuffs. There are also bars and restaurants, including the Wet Lizard, which is a popular spot for drinks and food. The Click & Sip Internet Cafe is also located inside the Belize Tourism Village.

The city's downtown area and the Marine Terminal are about five minutes away on foot from the Tourism Village, and there are always taxis waiting adjacent to the village. The Holy Redeemer Cathedral and Baron Bliss Lighthouse & Gravesite are also within walking distance.

Belize City is primarily a jumping-off point for tours and excursions to its many natural and historical attractions. The city itself has a reputation for being unsafe for visitors, and tourists are advised to stick to the busiest sections of downtown and obvious tourist districts.

Belize City offers a range of dining options, including local cuisine and seafood

Belize City offers a plethora of dining options, ranging from local cuisine to seafood delights. The city's commercial centre, located along Albert Street, boasts various shops and banks. For an authentic taste of Belizean cuisine, visitors can indulge in homemade dishes offered at street corners and sidewalks. The city's newest attraction, the Museum of Belize, houses a former prison and provides insights into Belize's history and the Maya legacy.

The city is divided by the manually operated swing bridge at Haulover Creek's mouth, a unique feature that opens twice daily. The Marine Terminal building, where visitors can hire taxi boats and ferries, also houses two museums: the Coastal Zone Museum and the Marine Museum. The city's downtown hub is easily navigable on foot, but it's recommended to stick to busy sections due to safety concerns.

Belize City's cruise port terminal, located at Belize's Tourism Village, offers a range of restaurants, grills, and bars. The Wet Lizard, within walking distance from the cruise terminal, is a popular choice for dining and drinks. The Fort Street Tourist Village also has a variety of restaurants, including:

• Better Belize It Bar
• Wet Lizard
• Click & Sip
• Bearded Clam

For those seeking local cuisine, there are several options within walking distance from the cruise terminal, such as the Smoky Mermaid and the elegant restaurants and grills of the Radisson Fort George Hotel (St. George's, Stonegrill, Baymen's Tavern, and Le Petit Café).

Belize City offers a diverse culinary experience, with options to suit different budgets and preferences. Whether you're looking for local delicacies, seafood, or international fare, Belize City has something for everyone.

Frequently asked questions