Belize's Pier: A Gateway To Adventure

Belize is a small country in Central America, bordering Mexico and Guatemala, with the Caribbean Sea to its east. It is a popular cruise destination, with over 200 ships visiting yearly, and is known for its unique ecosystems, including the second-largest barrier reef in the world, rainforest jungles, and Mayan archaeological sites.

The Belize cruise port is located in Belize City, the country's largest urban centre. The port itself is called Tourism Village and is quite small, with souvenir shops, restaurants, and bars. The city itself has a few interesting landmarks, but it is not particularly safe for tourists to explore on their own.

However, there are plenty of attractions within a short distance of the port, including:

- Mayan ruins at Xunantunich, Altun Ha, and Lamanai

- The Belize Zoo

- Little Guana Caye Bird Sanctuary

- Community Baboon Sanctuary

- The Great Blue Hole

- Goff's Caye, a secluded island with a stunning beach

- Snorkelling and scuba diving spots along the Belize Barrier Reef

Explore Mayan archaeological sites

Belize is known for being the centre of the ancient Maya world. The Maya Empire evolved around 350 BC in the lowlands of Belize and northern Guatemala and reached its peak from 250 AD to 900 AD. Today, the ancient Maya civilisation can be rediscovered by visiting one of the many Mayan ancient ruins. Here are some of the best Mayan archaeological sites to explore in Belize:

Caracol

Located in western Belize, Caracol is the historically most important Mayan archaeological site. It is situated within the Chiquibul Forest Reserve, near the border with Guatemala. Caracol was the centre of one of the largest Maya kingdoms and contains the remains of thousands of structures. The site includes "Canaa" (Sky Place), the largest pyramid or man-made structure in Belize at 140 feet tall.

Lamanai

Lamanai is located on the New River in the Orange Walk District. It is known for being the longest continually occupied site in Mesoamerica. The initial settlement of Lamanai occurred during the Early Preclassic period and it was continuously occupied up to and through the colonisation of the area. There are three Mayan temples in the Lamanai archaeological reserve: Mask Temple, High Temple and Temple of the Jaguar, along with ball courts. The site can be accessed by road or by taking a river trip down the New River.

Cerros

Cerros is located on Corozal Bay in northern Belize. It is one of the earliest Maya sites, reaching its peak during the Late Preclassic period. The site includes five temples, plazas, a large canal system and beautiful panoramic views from the top of the temples.

Xunantunich

Xunantunich is located in western Belize, across the river from the village of San Jose Succotz. It can be reached by ferry and provides impressive views of the entire river valley. The site includes six major plazas, more than 25 temples and palaces, and a museum. The highest ruin is 133 feet tall, making it the second tallest temple in Belize.

Altun Ha

Altun Ha is located 31 miles north of Belize City on the Old Northern Highway. The area is rich in wildlife, including armadillos, bats, squirrels, agouti, paca, foxes, raccoons, coati, tyra, tapir and the white-tailed deer. There are also two hundred species of birds and large crocodiles that inhabit the Maya-made water reservoir. Altun Ha was a major ceremonial and trade centre during the Classic Period and the most significant find at the site is the Maya Jade Head, which represents the Mayan Sun God.

Snorkel or scuba dive in the Belize Barrier Reef

Belize is a snorkelling and scuba diving paradise. The Belize Barrier Reef is the second-largest reef in the world and is home to hundreds of small islands (cayes) and an abundance of marine life. The reef is 185 miles long and is the ultimate destination for a tropical snorkelling adventure.

The Mesoamerican Reef is the second-largest reef on the planet and a stunning place for cruise passengers to snorkel, scuba dive, or fish. You may also have guided encounters with sharks, rays, and sea turtles.

The best snorkelling and diving spots in Belize include:

• Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley: This is perhaps Belize's most popular dive and snorkel spot. While it can get crowded, it is only 30 meters deep and offers vibrant fish, nurse sharks, rays, turtles, and the occasional dolphin.
• Caye Caulker: This is the relaxed cousin to tourist-prone Ambergris. Solid snorkelling and dive sites like Coral Gardens are a short boat ride away.
• Turneffe: The largest of Belize's three major offshore atoll reefs. It is home to varied features such as shallow reefs, wrecks, and diverse sea life, including reef sharks, morays, turtles, dolphins, rays, and jewfish.
• Lighthouse Reef Atoll: This atoll is home to dozens of Belize's best dive sites, including the famed Great Blue Hole, a perfectly circular limestone sinkhole measuring 400 feet.
• Glover's Reef Atoll: Belize's southern reefs are less frequented, so crowds are fewer and biology is more diverse, especially coral growths. Long Caye Wall was reputedly Jacques Cousteau's favourite dive site in Belize.
• Gladden Spit: Visit between March and June to dive with whale sharks, the largest species of fish.

When planning a snorkelling or scuba diving trip to Belize, it is recommended to wear a lightweight wetsuit or a spandex/lycra dive suit to stay warm and protect yourself from sunburn.

Belize truly offers a unique combination of precious ecosystems, from its impressive barrier reef to rainforest jungles and important Mayan archaeological sites.

Take a boat tour through the Belize River

Belize is a small country with a unique combination of ecosystems, from the second-largest barrier reef in the world to rainforest jungles and Mayan archaeological sites. The country is also a mix of Caribbean and Spanish cultures, with the diverse traditions of Kriols, Garifunas, Mayans, and Spanish people.

The Belize River is a great place to take a boat tour, with the opportunity to spot wildlife such as toucans, howler monkeys, and spider monkeys, as well as colourful orchids and majestic trees. Here is a suggested itinerary for a boat tour on the Belize River:

Getting to the River

The tour begins at the Port of Belize City, where you will be transported in a comfortable, air-conditioned van for an hour north to the Orange Walk District of Belize. The drive will take you across rivers and vast expanses of land, providing a true Belizean country tour.

The Boat Ride

At the Tower Hill Bridge, you will board your boat for a spectacular boat ride upriver. The boat tour is by far one of the highlights of the excursion, as you travel through miles of virgin river fauna. You will have the chance to spot wildlife, with over 100 varieties of tropical birds and the occasional freshwater crocodile floating near the river's edge.

The Lamanai Mayan Ruins

Your boat will eventually dock at the Lamanai Welcome Centre, where you can visit the onsite museum, which contains Mayan artefacts discovered during the site excavation. Well-kept paths through the rainforest will lead you to the monuments and temples, including the Jaguar Temple and the Lag Temple, which you can climb for unforgettable views of the New River Lagoon and the vast Lamanai Archeology Reserve.

Lunch

During your Lamanai Mayan Ruins exploration, you will have the chance to relax and enjoy a wonderful Belizean lunch, which is included in your tour.

Try local cuisine

Belize is a melting pot of cultures, and its cuisine reflects this. With influences from the Caribbean, Central America, China, Lebanon, India, Mestizo, Garifuna, and Mayan traditions, there is a lot to discover and enjoy. Here is a guide to help you navigate and savour the local cuisine:

Rice and Beans:

The quintessential Belizean dish, rice and beans is a staple in the local diet. It is cooked in coconut milk with a choice of meat, such as beef, chicken, pork, lobster, shrimp, or game meat. The meat is cooked with recado, a spice made from annatto seed, and garlic. When ordering, remember that rice and beans can be dry, so it is recommended to ladle meat gravy onto your dish to add some moisture. This dish is often served with potato or garden salad, ripe fried or baked plantain, and a sauce made from habanero, onion, and lime juice.

Tamales:

A traditional Belizean food, tamales are squares of cornmeal stuffed with chicken, pork, game meat, or beans, along with green peas, onion, and tomato chunks. They are wrapped in smoked plantain leaves and steamed over an open fire. Ms. Bertha's Tamales, a shack along the Hummingbird Highway, is a must-visit for this dish.

Creole Chicken Stew and Other Creole Dishes:

Sample the delicious Creole chicken stew in Belize City, or try other Creole dishes at Bird's Isle Restaurant, just five minutes from the downtown area. The restaurant offers an open dining room with breezy views of the dock and a lively atmosphere, especially during happy hour and karaoke night.

Mestizo Traditions:

In San Pedro, you will find strong Mestizo influences. El Fogon, owned by a local woman known as Miss Suzanna, serves delicious traditional Mestizo food cooked in an outdoor oven. Try their salbutes, a taco-like dish with a unique soft and crunchy texture, or indulge in their coconut rice.

Mayan Fish and Caldo:

In San Pedro, you can taste Mayan fish, and in Punta Gorda, you'll find Mayan caldo. These dishes showcase the rich Mayan cultural influence in Belizean cuisine.

Garifuna Hudut:

Hopkins is the place to go for Garifuna dining. Sample the hudut, a snapper simmered in a seasoned coconut stew, served with mashed plantain. You can also enjoy Friday evening Garifuna drumming sessions in the open-air thatched restaurant.

International and Fusion Cuisine:

Belize also offers a variety of international and fusion cuisine options. For instance, the Maya Beach Hotel and Bistro serves French-inspired Belizean fare, while the Montagna Ristorante at Francis Ford Coppola's luxe getaway in Mountain Pine Ridge offers Italian dishes, including family recipes from Italy's Basilicata region.

Local Drinks:

To accompany your meals, try the local drinks. Belikin beer is synonymous with Belize and is a great choice to wash down a meal. Alternatively, sample the cashew and craboo wines produced by Melvin Skeen at the Bel Mer Winery, just outside Belize City. These wines are traditionally served chilled, sometimes with cracked ice.

Desserts:

For a sweet ending to your meal, indulge in a traditional Belizean rum cake, also known as fruit cake. It is baked with preserved fruits and then generously doused with dark rum. It is a must-have during the holidays, especially Christmas. Another favourite dessert is cassava pudding, and you can also find ice cream made from craboo (nance or nance), a fruit that grows abundantly in the countryside.

With so many delicious options, your taste buds are in for a treat as you explore the local cuisine of Belize!

Visit Ambergris Caye

Ambergris Caye is the largest island in Belize and is a great place to visit if you're looking for a mix of activities and relaxation. It's easily accessible by water taxi, ferry, or plane from Belize City, and it's known for its laid-back island vibe and beautiful beaches. Here are some things to do and see during your visit:

• San Pedro is the main town on Ambergris Caye and is very walkable, with only three streets. You can also rent golf carts or bicycles to get around. The town has a great selection of restaurants and shops, so you can enjoy a meal or do some shopping during your visit.
• If you're looking for a more luxurious experience, consider getting a day pass to one of the first-class resorts on the island. This will give you access to amenities like pools, private beaches, and restaurants.
• Ambergris Caye is a great place for snorkelling and scuba diving. The island is part of the Belize Barrier Reef, which is the second-largest coral reef in the world. You can explore the reef and see a variety of marine life, including nurse sharks and southern stingrays.
• For a unique dining experience, try the local seafood delicacy, "hudut" (fish soup cooked in coconut milk). You can also find typical Caribbean dishes like rice and beans, fried plantains, and chicken stew.
• Fishing is a popular activity in Ambergris Caye, with the opportunity to catch species like tarpon, snook, and bonefish. You can fish from the shore or take a fishing charter to explore the diverse fisheries that the island has to offer.
• If you're looking for some adventure, consider an ATV tour through the jungle or a horseback riding excursion to discover the local flora and fauna.
• For a relaxing day at the beach, head to one of the resorts or the public beaches on Ambergris Caye. Enjoy the warm, turquoise waters and take part in water sports like kayaking, paddle boarding, and diving.
• To learn about the history and culture of the area, visit the Museum of Belize, which used to be Her Majesty's Prison until 2002. Here, you can explore the intriguing history of the Mayans and see artefacts and drawings from their daily lives.

Ambergris Caye has something for everyone, whether you're looking for adventure, relaxation, or cultural experiences. With its beautiful natural surroundings and diverse activities, it's a great destination to include on your trip to Belize.

Frequently asked questions