Belize City: Tender Port Or Not?

Belize City is a tender port, meaning that cruise ships visiting the port are forced to anchor a few miles away, and passengers are tendered to the port via speedy boats that take about 20 minutes. The port has a tourist village with shops, restaurants, and tour operators, and excursions to various attractions in Belize City and beyond are offered from this village.

Tendering into the port from a cruise ship

Tendering into the port of Belize City from a cruise ship

Belize City is a tender port, which means that cruise ships anchor in the deeper water offshore, and smaller boats, called tenders, are used to ferry passengers to and from the shore.

Tendering is usually necessary when a ship is too big to dock at a certain port, or when the port is already occupied by another ship. The process is also used when a port has shallow or narrow waterways that would make navigation difficult or impossible for larger vessels.

Know what to expect

Tender boats are usually the lifeboats from the ship, but they can sometimes be operated by an external company. They are typically flat-bottomed for maximum stability during boarding and off-loading, and they often do double duty as lifeboats in case of an emergency. Tender rides are free, but on larger ships, you may need to report ahead of time to get a tender number, indicating the order in which you can disembark.

Timing

It is recommended to get one of the first tenders if possible, as things can get busy, especially if multiple ships are anchored at the same time. The ride to shore takes around 30-40 minutes, and there may be a wait of about 30 minutes to get a tender back to the ship. Keep in mind that tendering can take a significant amount of time, reducing the time available for exploration in port.

Mobility considerations

For passengers with limited mobility, tendering can present challenges due to the steps and gap between the ship and the tender boat. It is recommended to check with the cruise line regarding their policies for accommodating those with limited mobility during the tendering process.

Seasickness

For those prone to seasickness, it is suggested to sit at the front of the tender by the windows or on the top deck, where the breeze can help alleviate discomfort.

Excursions

If you plan to participate in an organised excursion, you will likely meet on the ship and tender off together. However, in some cases, you may be asked to meet on land, so ensure you allow extra time for this.

Photography

The tender ride offers a unique opportunity to take photos of your cruise ship from the ocean, providing a sense of its immense scale.

Weather considerations

It is important to note that tender ports are more likely to be skipped in cases of inclement weather. If the water is too choppy for safe boarding of the tender boats, the cruise line may decide to bypass that port of call.

Excursions and activities in Belize City

Belize City is a tender port, and all passengers disembark at cruise terminal docks in the city's Tourism Village. The village has a range of gift shops, restaurants, and tour operators.

Explore the City

Belize City’s downtown hub is compact and easy to navigate on foot. The city has a reputation for being unsafe, so it is advisable to stick to the busiest sections of downtown and obvious tourist districts.

Some notable places to visit include:

• St. John's Cathedral
• The Belize Museum
• The Belize Zoo
• The Community Baboon Sanctuary
• The Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary
• The Museum of Belize
• The Government House

Food and Drink

Belize City offers a variety of dining options, including:

• Spoonaz: A small coffee and sandwich shop located a five-minute walk from Tourism Village.
• The Smoky Mermaid: A seafood restaurant serving fabulous lobster and fresh fish dishes.
• Nerie's: A reasonably priced restaurant serving Belizean fare such as rice and beans, stewed pork, and fish burgers.
• Cafe Michel'le: A popular local spot serving burritos, paninis, wraps, salads, and smoothies.

Adventure Activities

Belize is known for its natural attractions, including the longest barrier reef in the hemisphere, ancient Maya sites, and lush tropical rainforests. Here are some recommended adventure activities:

• Cave tubing: Float through ancient underground cave systems, often combined with zip-lining.
• Kayaking: Explore the Caves Branch River and the Maya Mountains.
• Snorkeling: Explore the coral and marine life of the Belize Barrier Reef, including Shark Ray Alley.
• Mayan Ruins: Visit important Mayan sites such as Altun Ha, Xunantunich, and Lamanai.

The city's tourism village

Belize City's Tourism Village is the main shopping area of the city, with a variety of stores, shops, and restaurants. It is located less than 1 km from the downtown area of Belize City. The city's downtown area and the Marine Terminal are about five minutes away on foot, and there's always a line of taxis waiting adjacent to the Tourism Village.

The Tourism Village is intended for the many cruise ships that dock there. It is just outside the terminals and is full of small shops offering tour services, souvenirs, and food. The shops are open from 6:00 am to 5:00 pm. There are also plenty of shops outside the Tourism Village that offer cheaper options for souvenirs.

The Tourism Village is only busy when a cruise ship is docked. When a ship is not in port, the village is empty. However, there are still plenty of shops and restaurants to visit outside the village.

The village has a collection of gift shops, restaurants, and tour operators along the harbor. It is small and only good for an hour or so, not a destination in itself. However, it is a good place to start exploring Belize City, as it is easy to walk to the downtown hub from the village.

Getting around Belize City

Belize is a small country, so it's easy to get from one place to another within just a few hours. However, the city of Belize has a reputation for being unsafe for visitors, so it's recommended that you stick to the busiest sections of downtown and obvious tourist districts. Here are some ways to get around Belize City and the surrounding area:

By Foot

Belize City’s downtown hub is compact and easy to navigate on foot. From the Tourism Village, it's about 600 metres to the Swing Bridge. After crossing the Swing Bridge, you can walk along the main street, Albert Street, for about 400 metres to see shops, or head to St. John's Church, which is a couple of hundred metres further.

By Bus

Local bus services are a good-value way to get to most major towns and villages. The bus experience in Belize is less strict than in some countries—you can usually flag down a non-express bus anywhere along its route, and ask the driver to let you off at a convenient point. The longest bus ride is from Belize City to Punta Gorda, which takes seven hours and costs around $13.

By Boat

Boats, known locally as water taxis, are the primary means of transportation between the islands and the mainland. Regularly scheduled water taxis operate between Belize City, Caye Caulker, and San Pedro. The water taxi station in Belize City is about a 25-minute drive from the international airport.

By Taxi

Belize City has plenty of taxis, which are licensed and easily identifiable by their green number plates. There are no meters, so you'll need to establish the fare in advance, though within the towns, a $2.50 fixed rate should apply.

By Car

Renting a car can be a good way to visit harder-to-reach destinations. However, be aware that Belize's roads are not always well-marked, and rental cars are not always in the best condition.

Safety in Belize City

Belize is generally a safe country to visit, but there are some areas where extra precautions should be taken, and one such place is Belize City. The former capital has a high crime rate, and violent crime is common even during the day and in tourist areas. Most violent crime is gang-related, and the south side of Belize City is particularly dangerous. The local police may not have the resources or training to respond effectively to serious incidents. Therefore, it is recommended that travellers avoid this area.

To stay safe in Belize City, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and take appropriate precautions. Avoid walking or driving at night, and do not resist if someone tries to rob you. Be vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs, and do not wear expensive jewellery or watches. It is also advised to travel in groups, especially when going off the beaten track.

If you are a solo female traveller, take extra precautions when interacting with new male acquaintances in restaurants and bars, especially in Belize City. Drugs that can be used for date rape and other violent crimes have been added to food and drinks, and while most victims have been local women, it is not advisable to accept food or drinks from strangers.

Taxis are a safe way to get around at night, but make sure to use authorised taxis, which have green licence plates. If the driver takes an unexpected route, ask them why. If you feel uncomfortable with the driver, ask them to stop the cab so you can get out.

Belize is a great place to visit, but it's important to be cautious and aware of your surroundings, especially in Belize City. By taking some simple precautions, you can help ensure that your trip is safe and enjoyable.

Frequently asked questions