Beyond Belize's Port: Discovering The Country's Hidden Gems

Belize is a small country in Central America, bordering Guatemala, Mexico, and the Caribbean Sea. The Port of Belize, located in Belize City, is the country's largest and premier port facility. It handles containers, breakbulk, tankers, ro-ro cargo, and cruise ships in the anchorage. The port is also a popular destination for cruise ship tourists, attracted by the city's Mayan heritage sites, eco-tourism opportunities, water sports, and sub-tropical climate.

Outside the port area of Belize, there are several other ports through which boats enter the country. These include the Port of Big Creek, a deep-water sea port in southern Belize used primarily for banana exports, and the Commerce Bight Port, about 1.5 miles south of Dangriga, which is used for citrus exports but is currently non-operational.

Belize City itself, while not particularly appealing or safe for individual exploration, offers a range of attractions, including the Museum of Belize, the Baron Bliss Memorial, the Fort George Lighthouse, and the swing bridge at Haulover Creek's mouth. The city is also known for its delicious local cuisine, with street vendors offering homemade dishes and fresh fruit from the region's fertile tropical forests.

The Belize City cruise port terminal is located at Belize's Tourism Village

The Tourism Village is the main shopping area in Belize City, with a variety of shops, restaurants, and tour operators. The downtown area and the Marine Terminal are a short walk away, and taxis are readily available. However, it is recommended to stick to the busiest parts of downtown and tourist districts, as the city has a reputation for being unsafe for visitors.

Belize City offers a range of attractions, including Mayan archaeological sites, eco-tourism, water sports, and cultural landmarks. The city is also known for its friendly and English-speaking local population. The Belize Dollar is the official currency, but US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas.

For those interested in exploring beyond the cruise port, there are various shore excursions available, such as bus tours to archaeological sites like Altun Ha and Xunantunich. The Belize Zoo, Community Baboon Sanctuary, and the Little Guana Caye Bird Sanctuary are also popular destinations.

The cruise port terminal itself provides all the basic services and amenities, including shops, restaurants, and an internet cafe. It is a safe and well-maintained area, but it is advised to explore the city as part of organised tours or excursions.

The cruise ships anchor in the bay of Belize because the water is shallow near the coast

Belize is a country in Central America, located on the East Coast and bathed by the Caribbean Sea. It borders Guatemala, Mexico, and the Caribbean Sea. Belize City is the country's largest urban centre and is home to the largest port in the country. The port of Belize City is a popular destination for cruise ships, known for its world-class attractions and natural wonders.

Belize City offers a range of attractions for cruise passengers, including Mayan archeological sites, scenic sights, natural wonders, wildlife parks, and water sports. The Mesoamerican Reef, the second-largest reef in the world, is a popular spot for snorkelling, scuba diving, and fishing. Belize also offers thrilling outdoor activities such as cave tubing, cave kayaking, horseback riding, and ziplining.

The Fort Street Tourism Village itself has a collection of gift shops, restaurants, and tour operators. However, the city of Belize City is known for being unsafe, and cruise passengers are advised to stick to busy sections and tourist districts when exploring the city.

The Government House in Belize City is one of Belize's most important political and historical landmarks

Belize City's port is the largest in the country and is where the majority of Belize's commercial imports and exports are processed. Cruise ships anchor just offshore, and local tenders ferry passengers to and from the city. The port is also a destination in itself, with a collection of gift shops, restaurants, and tour operators along the harbour.

The building is significant as it was the venue for celebrations after the slaves were emancipated in 1834, and it was here that the Union Jack was lowered and the Belize flag was raised for the first time on September 21, 1981, marking the birth of independent Belize. The building features exhibits of colonial glassware, silverware, musical instruments, furniture, and art pieces. The grounds also hold historical artifacts, such as the restored wooden vessel "Sea King" (Baron Bliss' yacht) and cannons that stand at the front door. The mansion can be booked for private events and is a popular wedding venue.

The Government House is within walking distance of other notable landmarks in Belize City, including the Museum of Belize, the Liberty Hall, the Baron Bliss Lighthouse, and St. John's Anglican Cathedral.

The city's commercial centre is along Albert Street, where you can find banks and shops

Belize City is the country's largest urban centre and is located on the East coast of Belize, bathed by the Caribbean Sea. The city's commercial centre is located along Albert Street, which is considered one of the main commercial thoroughfares in Belize City. Albert Street experiences non-stop vehicular and foot traffic throughout the day and is home to countless businesses, including banks and shops.

The street is lined with shops, grocery stores, and small restaurants, and is known for its bustling and authentic atmosphere. However, it is recommended to avoid the area after dark as it may become unsafe. Albert Street is within walking distance of the cruise port and can be accessed by crossing the swinging bridge.

The shops along Albert Street offer a diverse range of products, from clothing and lawn mowers to car tyres. It is a reflection of the local culture and economy, with a mix of businesses catering to both locals and tourists.

In addition to Albert Street, the Tourism Village in Belize City is also a popular shopping area, with a variety of stores, shops, and restaurants. This area is conveniently located within walking distance of the cruise port.

The city is divided in two by the swing bridge at Haulover Creek's mouth

Belize City is divided into two parts by the Swing Bridge at Haulover Creek's mouth. The bridge, constructed in 1922 and installed in 1923, is the only functioning manually operated bridge in the world. It connects the north and south sides of Belize City, which are bounded by Haulover Creek. The north side is considered the safest and most prosperous area, home to good hotels, casinos, and the Museum of Belize. The south side, in contrast, is less prosperous and is home to the historic St. John's Cathedral and the House of Culture.

The Haulover Creek is a coastal stream that runs through the centre of Belize City and discharges into the Caribbean Sea. It is an inlet of the Belize River and is known for being the dividing line between the northern and southern areas of the city. The creek has been used by fishing boats to access the city and the Caribbean Sea, and it is now also used for water taxis to nearby islands such as San Pedro and Ambergris Caye.

The Swing Bridge is a popular tourist destination and historical landmark. It is the oldest swing bridge in Central America and one of the few manually operated swing bridges still in use. The bridge was constructed in Liverpool, England, and brought to Belize City by a US company. It was built to allow sailing fishing boats with tall masts to pass through and provide supplies and services to the city. The construction of the Swing Bridge replaced several wooden bridges that had been built by locals during the mid-19th century.

The city of Belize has a rich history, dating back to the 1600s when it originated as a logging camp and export centre for mahogany. Over time, it has been inhabited by a diverse range of cultural groups, including Paleo Indians, Maya, British, and Scottish pirates. Today, Belize City is the country's largest urban centre and a major hub for tourism, with a population of around 110,000 people. However, it is also known for its crumbling infrastructure and safety concerns, particularly in the downtown area.

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