Belize Port: Adventure And Relaxation

Belize is a tropical paradise that promises both onshore and offshore adventures. The cruise port of Belize City offers a range of world-class attractions, including the Mayan archaeological sites of Xunantunich, Altun Ha, and Lamanai, as well as abundant wildlife experiences in the ocean and lush tropical forests. While the area around the cruise terminal doesn't offer much, the city itself boasts intriguing landmarks and cultural experiences. From snorkelling and scuba diving to exploring ancient ruins and sampling local cuisine, here's an introduction to the wonders that await in Belize.

Explore Belize City

Belize City is the country's largest urban centre and is located on the east coast of Belize, bathed by the Caribbean Sea. The cruise port of Belize City is a stunning destination for those interested in Mayan archaeological sites, breathtaking scenery, magnificent natural wonders, wildlife parks, zoos, or bird watching.

The cruise port itself is a safe and clean area, known as the Fort Street Tourism Village, which is within walking distance of Belize City. However, it is recommended that visitors stick to tourist-friendly areas and avoid exploring the city on their own, as it is not considered particularly safe.

There are several attractions within walking distance of the cruise port, including:

• The Museum of Belize, which was once Her Majesty's Prison until 2002 and now offers insights into the history of the Mayans.
• St. John's Cathedral, the oldest Anglican church in Central America, built in the 18th century.
• The Baron Bliss Lighthouse.

Other attractions in Belize City include:

• The Community Baboon Sanctuary, located 27.2 miles (43.8 km) away in Bermuda Landing Village.
• The Little Guana Caye Bird Sanctuary, 41 miles (66 km) away by ferry.
• Manatee Watching, 23 miles (37 km) away, accessible by a 45-minute water taxi ride.

For those interested in Mayan ruins, there are several sites within a reasonable distance of the cruise port, including:

• Altun Ha Mayan Temple, 32.9 miles (53 km) away.
• Xunantunich Mayan Ruins, 77.8 miles (125 km) away.
• Lamanai Mayan Ruins, 78.1 miles (126 km) away.

Belize City also offers a range of outdoor activities, such as cave tubing, cave kayaking, horseback riding, riverboat and airboat tours, hiking, trekking, biking, and buggy and jeep tours. Ziplining is another popular activity, with several locations offering this experience, including the Crystal Caves in the Blue Hole National Park.

For those interested in local cuisine and culture, there are several restaurants, bars, and shops within the Fort Street Tourism Village. Outside the cruise terminal, there are also restaurants like the Smoky Mermaid and the elegant dining options at the Radisson Fort George Hotel.

Belize City is a unique destination that combines tropical paradise, exploration, and thrill-seeking adventures, making it an appealing choice for Carnival cruise guests.

Mayan archaeological sites

Belize is home to several Mayan archaeological sites, which are among the most popular attractions for visitors arriving by cruise ship. Here is some information on four of them:

Altun Ha

Altun Ha is one of the Maya sites located nearest to the port. The ancient Mayan city is made up of two plazas and 13 structures, including the Temple of the Sun God, where the jade head of the Maya sun god “Kinich Ahua” was found. The jade head is one of Belize’s national treasures. The Altun Ha Museum on site provides a wealth of information on Maya lifestyle, temple architecture, rituals, and pottery. The site is also notable for its smooth, manicured grass and paths, making it a great option for families with young children. Altun Ha is about an hour's drive from the cruise terminal.

Lamanai

Lamanai is one of the largest Mayan sites in Belize, with over 800 structures deep in the Tropical Forest. The site was occupied as early as 1500 BC and features a small onsite museum with artefacts spanning over 2000 years of Mayan history. Getting to Lamanai involves a comfortable one-hour drive from the Port of Belize City to the Orange Walk District of Belize, followed by a boat ride up the New River. The boat tour offers the opportunity to spot wildlife, including tropical birds and freshwater crocodiles. The Lamanai Mayan Ruins exploration typically lasts about two hours.

Xunantunich

Xunantunich is home to the tallest Maya ruins in the Belize City port, offering panoramic views of the highlands of Western Belize and Guatemala from the top of El Castillo. The site can be reached via a hand-cranked ferry ride from the western community villages. The travel time from the pier is approximately two hours.

Cahal Pech

Cahal Pech is another Mayan archaeological site in Belize. Not much information is provided about this site, but it is mentioned as an alternative option for those unable to visit the Xunantunich ruins due to weather conditions.

River tubing in underground caves

Belize is known for its cave tubing, which involves floating above underground rivers inside caves in specially designed inflatable tubes or tyre inner tubes. The activity is often combined with ziplining through the rainforest canopy.

River tubing in Belize involves floating through underground caves in inner tubes. The caves were used by the ancient Maya, and the rivers inside are known as karst structures. There are gaps above the caves that can be passed through to enter vertically.

The Nohoch Che'en Caves Branch archaeological site near Jaguar Paw is a popular destination for river tubing. The Caves Branch Stream flows through the cave system in the Cayo District, which is one of Belize's more attractive national parks. The caves feature incredible vistas of stalactites and stalagmites, some shaped like human and animal figures.

A river tubing tour takes around four hours. The trip from Belize City to the cave tubing areas of Cayo near Belmopan takes about two hours, followed by a 30-minute hike through the rainforest to the site. The actual river tubing takes around 45 minutes.

Tour companies provide all the necessary equipment, including tubes with headrests and connecting links so that groups can tube together. They also provide refreshments, snacks, and cover park fees.

Carnival Cruise Line's Cave Tubing and Ziplining Excursion

Carnival Cruise Line offers an exclusive Crystal Cave Tubing and Ziplining excursion. The excursion includes a short hike through the rainforest, followed by ziplining through the rainforest canopy and cave tubing through ancient ceremonial caves. The activity concludes with an authentic Belizean lunch.

Snorkelling and scuba diving

Belize is a snorkelling and scuba diving paradise. With the second-largest barrier reef in the world, the country offers an array of underwater attractions for both beginners and experienced divers. The warm, clear waters are rich with marine life, including stingrays, sharks, turtles, and an abundance of coral.

One of the most famous dive sites is the Great Blue Hole, a huge marine sinkhole with an ambitious wall drop. This site was popularised by underwater explorer Jacques Cousteau, who named it one of the best dives in the world. Other popular spots include Ambergris Caye, Turneffe Atoll, and Hol Chan Marine Reserve, which is home to the popular snorkelling site, Shark Ray Alley.

For those on a budget, snorkelling and diving excursions can be found along the beaches of Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker. These typically cost around $35 USD and include snorkel gear, although there is an additional $10 BZ park tax for foreigners.

If you're planning to scuba dive in Belize, it's important to note that the water temperature varies between the cooler months of November to July (around 78°F) and the warmer months of August to October (around 82-84°F). The dry season, which runs from November to April, is typically the best time to visit Belize.

So, whether you're a beginner or an experienced diver, Belize offers a range of underwater adventures to explore and discover.

Culinary tour of Belize

Belize is a foodie's paradise, offering a unique blend of cultural influences and fresh local ingredients. Here is a guide to help you navigate the culinary delights of Belize during your Carnival cruise stop.

Local Specialties

Belizean cuisine is a fusion of Mayan, Creole, Garifuna, and Spanish influences, resulting in a vibrant and flavourful food scene. Start your day with a traditional breakfast of "Bile Up", a hearty mix of eggs, fish, cassava, plantains, yams, and sweet potatoes boiled in a rich tomato sauce. For a true taste of Belize, sample the Hudut, a delicious coconut milk-based fish soup, or the Chicken Stew served with rice and beans, a staple in the region. Don't forget to try the conch fritters and fried maize or tortillas, often enjoyed as snacks or side dishes.

Fruits and Drinks

Belize boasts an abundance of fresh tropical fruits, including passion fruit, starfruit, jackfruit, dragon fruit, guava, papaya, mango, and juicy pineapples. Wash down these tasty treats with a refreshing glass of fresh fruit juice or indulge in one of the country's signature drinks. Belikin Beer is a local favourite, and for rum lovers, One Barrel Rum is a must-try, often mixed with cranberry juice to create a "Cranbarrel". If you're feeling adventurous, sample the Caribbean Coconut or Caribbean Gold Rum for a true taste of the Caribbean.

Street Food and Fine Dining

Take a stroll through downtown San Pedro to discover the vibrant street food scene. From savoury snacks to sweet treats, you'll find a variety of options to tantalize your taste buds. For a more comprehensive culinary journey, consider joining a food tour, such as the one offered by Taste Belize, led by the knowledgeable Lyra Spang. These tours provide an immersive experience, allowing you to explore the dynamic food scene of Placencia Village, from street food to craft cocktails, seaweed smoothies, and fine seafood dishes.

Chocolate and Coffee Delights

Belize is also known for its chocolate trails, offering visitors the opportunity to explore the origins of chocolate and indulge in some tasty treats along the way. Join a chocolate-making tour to learn the process from bean to bar, and don't miss the opportunity to visit the Moho Chocolate Factory and Gift Shop near the cruise terminal. If coffee is more your style, meet Placencia's Coffee Guru, Rick, who will guide you through the origins and art of brewing the perfect cup of coffee.

Dining at the Cruise Terminal

If you prefer to stay closer to the cruise terminal, the Fort Street Tourism Village offers a variety of dining options, including the famous Wet Lizard, as well as bars and grills serving both local and international cuisine.

So, whether you're exploring the streets of San Pedro, joining a guided food tour, or indulging in chocolate and coffee delights, your culinary journey through Belize is sure to be a memorable one.

Frequently asked questions