Belize Cruise Port: Open For Business Or Closed Doors?

Belize's cruise ports are open and welcoming tourists. The country's cruise industry has proven beneficial to its tourism sector, with cruise-based tours offering activities like caving, tubing, and climbing Maya sites. Belize City, the country's largest urban centre, is a popular cruise ship destination, attracting tourists with its Mayan heritage sites, eco-tourism, water sports, and friendly people. The city's cruise port terminal is located at the Tourism Village, and passengers are transferred via high-speed boats due to shallow waters near the coast. The village features shops, restaurants, and entertainment. Belize's other cruise port, Harvest Caye Cruise Port, caters exclusively to Norwegian Cruise Line passengers, offering mainland excursions and island activities.

Belize cruise port safety protocols

The cruise port of Belize City is located in the country of Belize, in Central America, and is a popular destination for tourists interested in Mayan archaeological sites, natural wonders, and wildlife parks. While the port offers a range of attractions, it is important for visitors to be aware of certain safety protocols and guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Transportation

Belize City's cruise port terminal is located at Belize's Tourism Village, where cruise ships anchor in the bay due to shallow waters near the coast. Passengers are transferred to the terminal via high-speed boats, a ride that typically takes around 20 minutes. The tender operation is generally safe, and the cruise terminal is located within a short distance of the historic centre of Belize City.

For transportation within Belize City, it is recommended to use licensed taxis, which can be identified by their green number plates. These taxis do not use meters, so it is important to establish the fare in advance. Alternatively, water taxis are available for transportation between the city and the cruise port, and local domestic flights can also facilitate connections to other parts of the country.

Personal Safety

Belize City has a reputation for being unsafe for visitors, so it is advisable to stick to busy sections of downtown and obvious tourist districts. It is recommended that cruise passengers stay in groups and carry travel documents (such as a passport or ship card) at all times. The local population is generally friendly and polite, and English is widely spoken, making communication relatively easy.

Health and Emergencies

Belize offers a range of healthcare options in the event of medical emergencies. There are three private hospitals in Belize City, located within a few miles of the cruise terminal, that provide 24/7 health services. Additionally, there are pharmacies located within the Fort Street Tourism Village cruise terminal and in the city centre.

Currency and Shopping

The official currency of Belize is the Belize Dollar, but US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas. However, it is important to note that change may be given in local currency, which is worthless outside of Belize. ATMs are available in the Fort Street Tourism Village cruise terminal and in Belize City, but it is recommended to look for those with the Plus or Cirrus logos. Credit and debit cards are also widely accepted in most shops and restaurants within the terminal.

Cruise excursions and activities

Belize is a growing cruise destination, with over 200 ships visiting this small Caribbean country every year. The country is known for its unique ecosystems, including the second-largest barrier reef in the world, rainforest jungles, and important Mayan archaeological sites. The country is also culturally diverse, with influences from Kriols, Garifunas, Mayans, and Spanish people.

Fort Street Tourism Village Cruise Port

Belize’s original cruise port is a tender port, approximately a 15-20-minute ship-to-shore ride. The village has an open-air mini-mall feel, with several courtyards, snack bars, and local stores offering duty-free shopping. There are also restaurants serving authentic Caribbean and international cuisine, and live local entertainment is often featured. From here, you can take a half-day cultural tour of Belize City, exploring its colonial history on foot, by air-conditioned van, open-air trolley train, or horse-drawn carriage. Some points of interest include the Fort Point Pedestrian Walk, the Belize House of Culture, and the Old Belize Museum and Cucumber Beach.

Harvest Caye Cruise Port

This newly opened docking port in southern Stann Creek District currently caters only to Norwegian Cruise Line passengers. Passengers can take a tender for mainland excursions or enjoy the island's amenities, including a large pool, beach, zip-lining, water sports, an enclosed nature area with birds and butterflies, bars, and eateries.

Beach Excursions

Belize City itself is not known for its beaches, but there are a couple of options nearby. Caye Caulker, a 45-minute ferry ride from the Marine Terminal, offers a laid-back atmosphere, great snorkelling, and is just 10 minutes from Belize's famous barrier reef. For those seeking sunbathing, Ambergris Caye, Belize's largest island, boasts some of the country's prettiest beaches and best snorkelling and diving spots, including Shark Ray Alley.

Diving and Snorkelling

Belize is renowned for its underwater sightseeing, with astounding sites along its barrier reef. Some of the best dive sites are located off Ambergris Caye, and cruise ships and charter operators offer day trips that include transportation. Popular snorkelling areas include Shark Ray Alley, where you can get up close and personal with nurse sharks and stingrays, and Hol Chan Marine Reserve.

Mayan Sites

Belize has the highest concentration of Mayan sites in Central America, and these make for popular excursions. Altun Ha, a heavily excavated site that was once a major trading and ceremonial centre, is a convenient day trip from Belize City. Xunantunich, located near the Guatemalan border, can be reached by crossing the Mopan River on a hand-cranked ferry. This site features six major plazas ringed by over 25 temples and palaces, including the impressive Il Castillo.

The Belize Zoo

For wildlife enthusiasts, the Belize Zoo, located about an hour from Belize City, is home to over 170 animals, representing more than 45 native species. Highlights include jaguars, ocelots, coatis, howler monkeys, and kinkajous.

Community Baboon Sanctuary

Located a bit further out from Belize City, the Community Baboon Sanctuary is a haven for monkey lovers. The sanctuary is part of a larger "community" of villages, with the Baboon Sanctuary visitor centre located in Bermudian Landing. Here, you can find a substantial population of black howler monkeys, known as "baboon" in the local Creole dialect, as well as parrots, hummingbirds, turtles, and more. Guided nature walks are available for a small fee.

Local transportation options

The Fort Street Tourism Village is the main shopping area in Belize City, with a range of stores, shops, and restaurants. The downtown area and Marine Terminal are about five minutes away on foot, and taxis are also readily available.

Taxis

All taxis in Belize are licensed and easily identifiable by their green number plates. They do not have meters, so you will need to negotiate the fare in advance. A fixed rate of US$2.50 should apply within towns, and hourly rates are negotiable, but you can expect to pay around $35 per hour.

Water Taxis

Water taxis are a convenient transportation option for those wanting to visit the islands of Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye. They depart from a terminal located less than a 10-minute walk from the Tourism Village, close to Terminal 4 and the Jungle Gift Shop. It takes about 1.5 hours one way to reach the resort town of San Pedro on Ambergris Caye, while a trip to Caye Caulker takes 45 minutes one way. Departures are not frequent, so check the water taxi timetables beforehand.

Ferries

Ferries are available from the Marine Terminal to outlying cayes, including the larger resort cayes such as Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye.

Car Rental

Rent-a-car offices are available, but local roads are in poor condition, and drivers should be wary. Hertz-Safari (#1, Goldson Lane; 501-223-5395) is your best choice in town.

Local cuisine and drinks

Belizean cuisine is a reflection of the country's diverse population and rich history. The food in Belize is influenced by the early Maya settlement, the pirate past, British settlers, vibrant African influences, the attempted Spanish conquest, Mennonite farming communities, and more.

Traditional Dishes

Belize's national dish is rice and beans, cooked in coconut milk and served with a choice of meat, salad, and ripe fried or baked plantain. Another staple is the tamale, a Maya speciality consisting of corn dough with various fillings, wrapped in a corn husk and steam-cooked.

Other traditional dishes include:

• Bile Up (boiled eggs, fish or pig tail, cassava, plantains, yams, sweet potatoes, and tomato sauce)
• Hudut (fish soup cooked in coconut milk)
• Cochinita Pibil (slow-roasted pork marinated in citrus juice and annatto seed, wrapped in plantain leaves)
• Ceviche (seafood marinated in lime juice with onions, garlic, and habanero peppers)
• Salbutes and Garnaches (appetisers made with tortillas, beans, cheese, shredded onion, and cabbage)
• Sere, Fufu, and Cassava Bread (dishes with Garifuna origins)

Drinks

Belize has a variety of local drinks, including:

• Local wines made from cashew, craboo, blackberry, and other fruits
• Belikin Beer, a German-style pilsner
• Rum, often mixed with cranberry juice to make Cranbarrel
• Caribbean Coconut and Caribbean Gold Rum

Where to Eat and Drink in Belize

The Fort Street Tourism Village in Belize City is a popular spot for tourists, with a range of restaurants, bars, and shops. Outside the tourist areas, San Pedro, Caye Caulker, and Placencia are known for their exceptional food, especially lobster dishes.

For a taste of local life, head to the markets and street vendors, where you can find fresh fruit and traditional dishes like panades (fried meat pies) and garnaches (fried tortillas with beans, cheese, and onion sauce).

Belize offers a unique blend of flavours and culinary traditions, making it a delightful destination for food and drink enthusiasts.

Shopping and souvenirs

Belize City is known for its vibrant markets and street vendors, offering a wide variety of local crafts, souvenirs, and handmade items. The city is also home to several shopping malls, offering a variety of international brands and products.

The Belizean Arts and Crafts Centre is a great place to find souvenirs near the Belize City cruise port. It offers a wide variety of handmade items, including jewellery, clothing, and art. The store also has a selection of locally made crafts, such as wood carvings and pottery. Prices are reasonable and the staff are friendly and helpful.

The Tourist Village Flea Market is another great option for souvenirs. Here, you can find all kinds of locally created goods under vendor tents and lining table after table. Expect to find handmade jewellery, woven items like blankets and bags, and carved wood. Be prepared to bargain, as vendors will put the pressure on as you browse.

The Image Factory is another great option for souvenirs, offering a wide variety of handmade items, including jewellery, clothing, and art. The store also has a selection of locally made crafts, and prices are reasonable.

The National Handicrafts Sales Centre is located right in Belize City at 2 South Park St. Here, you can find local artwork, handmade jewellery, pottery, coffee, chocolate, and mahogany bowls, among other crafts.

The Fort Street Tourism Village is the city's main shopping area, with dozens of shops selling jewellery, local arts and crafts, souvenirs, tobacco, perfumes, clothing, and more. Top-rated brands include Jungle Gift Shop, Diamonds International, Tanzanite International, Harley Davidson, and Moho Chocolate Factory and Cafe.

The official currency in Belize is the Belize dollar (BZD). 1 USD equals 1.99 BZD. Credit cards and US dollars are accepted in the majority of shops and restaurants, but be sure to receive your change in US currency. ATMs are available in the Tourism Village and Belize City.

Frequently asked questions