Cruise Ships Dock In Belize: A Tropical Escape

Belize is a popular cruise destination, known for its clear waters and rich history, including ancient Mayan ruins. It is also a great place for water and jungle activities, such as diving and snorkelling in the Belize Barrier Reef, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cruise ships that are currently scheduled to visit Belize City include Royal Caribbean International's Enchantment of the Seas and Grandeur of the Seas, Carnival Cruise Lines' Carnival Dream, Carnival Liberty, and Carnival Paradise, and Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Breakaway.

Cruise ships anchor outside Belize City Harbour

The Fort Street Tourism Village has all the basic services and amenities, with shops, restaurants, bars, and an internet cafe. There are also pharmacies and ATMs, though it is advised that visitors only withdraw local currency from ATMs within the village or in Belize City, as those outside these areas may not be legitimate. The village is within walking distance of some of the city's landmarks, such as the Museum of Belize and St John's Cathedral, though it is not recommended that visitors explore the city on their own, especially after dark.

Belize City is a great jumping-off point for tours and excursions to the country's many natural and historical attractions, including Mayan ruins, the Belize Zoo, and the Little Guana Caye Bird Sanctuary. The city itself has a few interesting landmarks, including the Baron Bliss Lighthouse and the Holy Redeemer Cathedral. The local population is typically friendly and speaks English very well.

Belize is the second-smallest country in Central America

Belize is a small but fascinating country on the northeastern coast of Central America. It is the second-smallest country in the region, with an area of 22,970 square kilometres (8,867 square miles) and a population of 397,483 as of 2022. It is bordered by Mexico to the north, Guatemala to the west and south, and the Caribbean Sea to the east, with a water boundary shared with Honduras to the southeast. Belize has a diverse society, with many different cultures and languages coexisting. English is the official language, but Belizean Creole, Spanish, Mayan languages, German dialects, and Garifuna are also widely spoken.

Belize has a rich history and was once inhabited by the Maya civilisation, which spread to the area around 1500 BC and flourished until about 1200. European contact began in the early 16th century when Christopher Columbus sailed along the Gulf of Honduras. The country became a British colony in 1840 and gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1981.

Belize boasts a diverse landscape, from flat, swampy coastal plains in the north to the low mountain range of the Maya Mountains in the south. The country is known for its natural beauty, with lush rainforests, diverse marine life, and ancient Mayan ruins. The Belize Barrier Reef, the second-largest reef in the world, is a popular destination for scuba diving and snorkelling. The Blue Hole, a spectacular underwater sinkhole, is another famous attraction.

Belize's small size and convenient location, with all major airlines flying to the country, make it an ideal destination for vacationers. The country offers a unique blend of Caribbean and Central American cultures, with a variety of cuisines, music, and festivals that reflect its diverse population.

Belize's economy is primarily based on agriculture, agro-based industry, and merchandising, with tourism and construction also playing significant roles. The country faces some social and economic challenges, including poverty and social injustice, but it is rich in natural resources and cultural heritage.

The Belize Barrier Reef is a popular diving spot

The reef is made up of a series of coral reefs that stretch from 300 metres (980 ft) offshore in the north to 40 kilometres (25 mi) in the south within Belize's borders. It is part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, which extends from Cancún on the northeastern tip of the Yucatán Peninsula down to Honduras.

The Belize Barrier Reef offers diverse scuba diving opportunities, including walls, pinnacles, and reef flats located throughout a vast area of the sea. One of the most popular diving spots within the reef is the Great Blue Hole, a 407-foot deep underwater sinkhole located inside the Lighthouse Reef. The Blue Hole was made famous by Jacques Cousteau in 1970, who described it as one of the world's best diving sites.

In addition to its barrier reef, the Belize Barrier Reef also boasts three distinct Caribbean atolls: Turneffe Atoll, Glover's Reef, and Lighthouse Reef. These atolls provide additional scuba diving opportunities and are known for their remote location and abundant marine wildlife.

The reef is also an important habitat for a variety of plant and animal species. It is home to 70 hard coral species, 36 soft coral species, and hundreds of invertebrate species. However, despite protective measures, the reef remains under threat from oceanic pollution, uncontrolled tourism, shipping, and fishing.

The Belize Barrier Reef is a popular destination for cruise ships, and many cruises offer shore excursions and diving opportunities at the reef. It is known for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant colours, making it a sought-after destination for recreational activities such as diving, snorkelling, sailing, and fishing.

The country is home to the world's only jaguar preserve

Belize is home to the world's only jaguar preserve, the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary is located in southern Belize and covers an area of about 150 square miles of tropical forest. It was declared a Forest Preserve in 1984 and a Jaguar Preserve in 1986, following years of work and advocacy by individuals and organisations. The preserve is home to a diverse array of flora and fauna, including jaguars, jaguarundis, peccaries, howler monkeys, toucans, and numerous bird species.

The Cockscomb Basin is ringed on three sides by the Maya Mountains and the towering Victoria's Peak, providing a stunning backdrop to the Basin's 128,000 acres of protected land. The Basin is known for its dense tropical rainforest, well-maintained trails, and diverse wildlife. While jaguars are nocturnal and elusive, visitors may be able to spot fresh tracks or even catch a glimpse of these stealthy carnivores.

The establishment of the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary was driven by the need to protect the endangered jaguar and other native species in Belize. The sanctuary is managed by the Belize Audubon Society and offers the best facilities of any national reserve in the country. Visitors can explore a variety of trails, ranging from self-guided walks to more demanding paths leading to swimming areas, waterfalls, and pine forests. The River Overlook and Warrie Trails are particularly popular for wildlife spotting.

The Cockscomb Basin Jaguar Preserve is a popular destination for tours and excursions. Visitors can choose from a range of hikes, including trips to waterfalls and swimming holes. Local tour guides provide valuable insights into the numerous plants, birds, and animals that call the rainforest home. While jaguar sightings are rare, the preserve offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in a pristine rainforest environment and appreciate the beauty and diversity of Belize's natural wonders.

Belize City is known for its colonial charm

Belize City, the largest city in Belize, is known for its colonial charm. Founded as Belize Town in 1638 by English lumber harvesters, it was once the capital of British Honduras (now Belize). The city has a rich history and cultural significance, serving as the country's principal port, financial hub, and industrial centre.

Belize City exudes colonial charm through its wooden and brick buildings, reflecting its past as a British colony. The city's layout and architecture showcase its colonial heritage, with notable landmarks such as St. John's Cathedral, the only Anglican cathedral outside England where the crowning of kings took place. The cathedral, constructed between 1812 and 1820, features orange bricks that were once used as ballast on British ships.

The city's colonial past is also evident in areas like Fort George, considered the most colonial area, featuring Memorial Park, the Baron Bliss Grave and Lighthouse, and the Museum of Belize. Belize City's cultural events, such as Garifuna Settlement Day, Belize City Carnival, and Baron Bliss Day, also contribute to its colonial charm.

In addition to its colonial allure, Belize City is known for its natural beauty. The city is situated at the mouth of the Haulover Creek, a distributary of the Belize River, which empties into the Caribbean Sea. The surrounding landscape includes lush rainforests, diverse marine life, and the Belize Barrier Reef, the second-largest reef system in the world.

Belize City's charm extends beyond its colonial past and natural wonders. It is a bustling centre of activity, with a vibrant street life and a diverse range of cultural influences reflected in its cuisine and cultural events. The city's resilience in the face of hurricanes and other challenges adds to its character and the spirit of its people.

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