Belize City Port: Gateway To Adventure And Exploration

Belize City is a port in the country of Belize, located on the Caribbean Sea. The port is a popular stop for cruise ships, offering a range of attractions for tourists. The city itself is the country's largest urban centre, with a population of around 110,000 people. While the city may not be the most aesthetically appealing or safe for individual exploration, it boasts a number of interesting landmarks and experiences.

The Fort Street Tourism Village, where cruise passengers disembark, features shops, restaurants and tour operators. From here, tourists can embark on a range of excursions, including archaeological tours of Mayan ruins, river tubing in underground caves, snorkelling and scuba diving, and wildlife adventures in the lush tropical forests.

Belize City also offers culinary delights, including local specialties such as chicken stew, Bile Up, Hudut and conch fritters. The city's downtown hub is within walking distance of the cruise terminal, but it is recommended to stick to the busiest sections for safety reasons.

With its combination of cultural, historical and natural attractions, Belize City Port offers a diverse range of experiences for visitors.

Explore Mayan ruins

Belize is home to more than 600 Mayan sites, making it the perfect destination for exploring ancient ruins. Here's a guide to help you explore some of the most impressive Mayan ruins near Belize City Port:

Altun Ha

Located just 31 miles north of Belize City, Altun Ha is one of the most accessible and well-excavated Mayan archaeological sites in Belize. The site consists of two principal plazas surrounded by over a dozen Mayan temples, pyramids, and residential structures. The surrounding area is rich in wildlife, including armadillos, bats, squirrels, foxes, and white-tailed deer. Birdwatchers will be delighted by the over 200 species of birds that call this place home. Altun Ha was a major ceremonial and trade centre during the Classic Period, and the most significant find here is the Maya Jade Head, representing the Mayan Sun God. This 10-pound artefact is the largest carved jade item discovered in the region.

Xunantunich

Xunantunich, which means "Maiden of the Rock" or "Stone Woman" in Mayan, is located about 77.8 miles (125 km) from the cruise port. This site is estimated to be over 3,000 years old, with large structures built starting in the 7th century. To reach Xunantunich, you'll need to take a hand-cranked ferry across the Mopan River and then climb up to the limestone ridge. The site features six major plazas, more than 25 temples and palaces, and the impressive El Castillo pyramid, which offers a panoramic view of the surrounding area. Xunantunich is a popular destination due to its proximity to San Ignacio and the wealth of historical information it provides about Mayan civilisation.

Lamanai

Lamanai, which means "submerged crocodile" in Mayan, is one of the largest Mayan ceremonial centres in the region. Located about 78.1 miles (126 km) from the cruise port, Lamanai can be reached by boat or by road through San Felipe, Orange Walk. The site boasts over 719 mapped structures, including two 16th-century Christian churches and a 19th-century sugar mill. Lamanai's long occupation, spanning over two millennia, allows visitors to explore different periods of Mayan construction techniques. The surrounding nature reserve is also a haven for birdwatching and spotting crocodiles along the New River Lagoon.

Caracol

Tucked inside the Chiquibul Forest, Caracol is one of the most important Mayan ruins in Belize. Once a bustling city home to more than 140,000 people, Caracol now lies partially hidden by the jungle. The site covers around 25,000 acres and features impressive structures such as the Canna ("Sky Palace"), ball courts, astronomic observatories, reservoirs, and hieroglyphics. Caracol is a challenging site to reach, but the scenic drive through the Chiquibul Forest is worth the effort.

Cahal Pech

Cahal Pech, located in the Cayo District, offers a glimpse into Mayan life during the Preclassic period. This site features two ball courts and around 34 structures, including temples, residential buildings, and ball courts, all interconnected via a series of plazas. The hilltop location provides panoramic views of San Ignacio and the Belize River Valley. Cahal Pech is a great choice for those seeking a less crowded and more independent archaeological experience.

Visit the Belize Zoo

The Belize Zoo is a must-visit for anyone stopping off at the Belize City port. The zoo is located on 29 acres of tropical savanna and is home to over 150 animals, representing over 45 native species. The zoo is the oldest wildlife rescue and rehabilitation facility in Belize, with a focus on education and conservation. It's also the first nature destination in Belize that is accessible to visitors with physical disabilities.

The zoo is a great option for those who want to see Belize's wildlife up close without venturing into the jungle. You'll have the chance to see animals such as jaguars, ocelots, howler monkeys, keel-billed toucans (Belize's national bird), and tapirs (Belize's national animal). The zoo offers a unique experience called the "Lindo Link" where you can get up close and personal with a rescued jaguar named Lindo.

The Belize Zoo is committed to the conservation of Belize's wildlife and their habitats. The habitats designed for the animals reflect natural settings, providing an immersive educational experience for visitors. The zoo is a non-profit organization, and all the animals are rescued, confiscated from the illegal wildlife trade, or transferred from other rehab and zoological facilities.

The zoo offers a variety of tours, including private tours and a nocturnal tour, giving you a whole new perspective on the wildlife. The Tropical Education Center, located a mile up the road from the zoo, provides accommodations and meals for those who want to extend their stay.

The Belize Zoo is typically open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily, with last admissions at 4:00 p.m. However, due to COVID-19, the zoo is currently open on Saturdays and Sundays only from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with mandatory masks and physical distancing for all visitors.

To get to the zoo from the Belize City port, you can drive, take a bus, or book a tour. It's located 29 miles from Belize City on the George Price Highway, about a 30-minute drive from the international airport.

Snorkel and scuba dive

Belize is a snorkelling and scuba diving paradise. The country's waters are home to the second-largest barrier reef in the world, hundreds of islands, and an abundance of marine life. Here are some of the top spots for snorkelling and scuba diving in Belize City Port:

Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley

Located in northern Belize, Hol Chan and Shark Ray Alley are easily accessible and popular spots for both snorkelling and diving. At Hol Chan, divers and snorkellers can explore vibrant coral reefs and encounter a variety of marine life, including nurse sharks, rays, turtles, and even the occasional dolphin. Shark Ray Alley, as the name suggests, is known for its sharks and rays, offering an adrenaline-pumping experience.

Caye Caulker

Caye Caulker is a relaxed island known for its solid snorkelling and diving sites. It is a short boat ride from the mainland and offers sites like Coral Gardens and a manatee habitat. While swimming with manatees is not allowed, snorkelling stops like Goff's Caye and Shark Ray Village are included in the tour.

Turneffe Atoll

Turneffe is the largest of Belize's three major offshore atoll reefs and boasts diverse marine life. It is home to species such as the whitespotted toadfish, reef sharks, moray eels, turtles, dolphins, rays, and jewfish. Visibility ranges from 100-150 feet, making it an excellent spot for both snorkelling and macrophotography.

Lighthouse Reef Atoll

Lighthouse Reef is known for the Great Blue Hole, a famous dive site explored by Jacques Cousteau. This limestone sinkhole is not for beginners, as it descends to a depth of 135 feet. The atoll also offers other dive sites like Aquarium, Silver Caves, and Tres Cocos, as well as snorkelling spots like Eagle Ray Wall.

Glover's Reef Atoll

Glover's Reef, located in southern Belize, offers less crowded and more biologically diverse sites. Long Caye Wall, with its sheer drop of over 2,000 feet, is considered world-class snorkelling. Other notable spots include Octopus Alley and Pinnacles, with its unique coral towers.

Belize's snorkelling and scuba diving sites cater to all levels of experience, from beginners to advanced divers. The warm, clear waters and rich marine life make it an unforgettable underwater adventure.

Try local food and drink

Belize City has a wide variety of food and drink options, ranging from inexpensive local spots to upmarket restaurants. Here is a list of places to try local food and drinks in Belize City:

Wet Lizard

The Wet Lizard is a popular spot inside Tourism Village, known for its lively atmosphere and average bar food. It features a DJ and a $5-a-spin wheel where you can buy rum body shots, upside-down margaritas, or buckets of beer. It is usually open whenever cruise ships are running tenders.

Spoonaz

Spoonaz is a small coffee and sandwich shop located on the main road, just a five-minute walk from Tourism Village. It is known for its air conditioning, as well as its delicious sandwiches, meat pies, salads, parfaits, and pastries.

The Smoky Mermaid

The Smoky Mermaid is a seafood restaurant that serves fabulous lobster and fresh fish dishes. It also serves breakfast all day on Saturday. It is located on Cork Street and is open Monday to Saturday, from 8 am to 10 pm.

Nerie's

Nerie's has two locations in Belize City and offers Belizean fare at reasonable prices. You can try traditional dishes such as rice and beans, stewed pork, or a fish burger. It is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Cafe Michel'le

Cafe Michel'le is a popular local spot that serves tasty burritos, paninis, wraps, salads, and smoothies. It is a cash-only establishment, so it is a great place to spend any Belizean dollars you may have. It is located on the corner of Eyre and Hudson Streets and is open Monday to Friday, from 7 am to 6 pm, and Saturday, from 7 am to 1 pm.

Radisson Fort George Hotel

The Radisson Fort George Hotel has several elegant restaurants and grills, including St. George's, Stonegrill, Baymen's Tavern, and Le Petit Café. These restaurants are located within walking distance of the historical centre of Belize City.

Celebrity Restaurant & Bar

Celebrity Restaurant & Bar is a dressier restaurant that serves a large menu of U.S.-inspired seafood, steaks, pasta, and salads, along with Belizean comfort food. It is located on Marine Parade Harbor Front and has a guarded parking lot.

501

501 is one of the city's best vegan/vegetarian restaurants, located in a colonial waterfront building with views of the harbour. The menu includes dishes with whimsical names like "Not your mamma's waffles, unless she's vegan" (plantain waffles with scrambled tofu) and the "Open Face No Tuna" (curried chickpeas with a balsamic guava vinaigrette). It is located in the Fort George neighbourhood.

The Tavern

The Tavern is one of the city's most popular and agreeable restaurants, known for its dependable food and friendly service. It offers a range of hamburger sizes, from 6 oz. to enormous, which are considered the best in Belize. It also has steak and prime rib dishes. The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating, and there is a fenced and guarded parking lot.

Bird's Isle

Bird's Isle is a thatched-roof, open-air seaside bar and restaurant located on a small islet at the south end of Regent Street. It is a great place to enjoy tropical drinks and local seafood, such as fried snapper, at affordable prices. It is recommended to take a taxi after dark, as the neighbourhood can be sketchy.

Chon Saan Palace

Chon Saan Palace is located in the Commercial District and is considered the best Chinese restaurant in Belize City. It offers over 200 dishes, mostly Cantonese style, such as sweet-and-sour pork. They also have a live seafood tank with lobster and the catch of the day.

Sumathi Indian Restaurant

Sumathi Indian Restaurant serves tasty northern and southern Indian food, including tandoori chicken cooked in an authentic tandoori oven. There are also many vegetarian options, and portions are generous.

In addition to these restaurants, there are several other dining options in and around Belize City, including local dives serving "dollah chicken," Chinese joints, and lunch spots for Creole dishes. Belize City also has a variety of street food and local fruits to try, such as passion fruit, starfruit, jackfruit, and dragon fruit.

Go cave tubing

Belize is known for its cave tubing, an activity that involves hiking through the rainforest and then tubing through spectacular cave systems, which the ancient Mayans regarded as a sacred underworld.

Tour Companies

There are several companies that offer cave tubing tours, including:

• Cave-Tubing.com: This company offers a variety of packages, including a combination of cave tubing, an ATV jungle tour, and ziplining. They provide transportation and guarantee that you will get back to your ship on time.
• Butts Up Cave Tubing: This company offers a unique combination of cave tubing and ATVing in the Belize rainforest. They also provide free hotel pickup and private tours for overnight visitors.
• Belize Cave Tubing: This company offers a variety of packages, including cave tubing with lunch, and combinations with other activities such as ziplining and visits to Mayan ruins.

Practical Information

• Fitness level: Cave tubing is considered an active pursuit and is recommended for those who are physically fit. It involves a moderate amount of walking and hiking through the rainforest.
• What to wear: Wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for walking and getting wet. Water shoes or Crocs are recommended.
• Bug spray: Don't forget to bring bug spray to protect yourself from mosquitoes and other insects.
• Combination with other activities: Many companies offer combination packages that include cave tubing along with other activities such as ziplining, ATV rides, and visits to Mayan ruins. These packages can provide a full day of activities and a more comprehensive experience.
• Price: Prices for cave tubing tours vary, but they generally range from $50 to $155 per person. Some companies offer discounts or lower prices if you book directly with them instead of through a cruise line.
• Timing: Allow for a full day when booking a cave tubing tour, as it may take several hours to get to the site, enjoy the activity, and return to your starting point.
• Photography: Don't forget to bring a camera to capture the beautiful cave formations and your experience. However, make sure to have a waterproof case or bag to protect your equipment from getting wet.

Cave tubing in Belize offers a unique opportunity to explore the country's natural beauty and ancient history. With a variety of tour options available, you can choose the experience that best suits your interests and fitness level. Remember to book with a reputable company, follow safety guidelines, and enjoy your adventure!

Frequently asked questions