Belize Port: Adventure And Relaxation

Belize City is a great port of call for cruise-goers looking to explore Mayan history and natural wonders. The port itself is a hub for excursions, with shops, restaurants and tour operators. While the city has some interesting landmarks, it's not the safest place to explore alone. However, there are plenty of attractions within walking distance, such as the Museum of Belize and St John's Cathedral.

Belize is known for its stunning natural attractions, including the longest barrier reef in the hemisphere, home to the Great Blue Hole, and hundreds of ancient Maya sites. The country also boasts lush tropical rainforests with an array of wildlife, making it a paradise for divers, snorkelers and nature enthusiasts.

For those seeking adventure, there's cave tubing, river tubing in underground caves, ziplining, ATV tours and airboat tours. Foodies can indulge in local delicacies like rice and beans, stewed pork and seafood, while shoppers can browse for handmade goods and local crafts.

Explore Mayan ruins

Belize is home to more Mayan ruins than anywhere else, with over 600 sites to explore. Here is an overview of some of the most impressive Mayan ruins in the country:

Caracol

Located in the Chiquibul Forest Reserve, Caracol is the largest known Mayan centre in Belize. This impressive city was once home to more than 140,000 people and covered an area larger than modern-day Belize City. The site features majestic temples, including the tallest man-made structure in Belize, the Caana pyramid, also known as the "Sky Palace", which rises 140 feet above the ground. Caracol is still an active archaeological site, with ongoing excavations revealing new treasures and secrets.

Xunantunich

Xunantunich is one of the most visited Mayan sites in Belize. Located near the village of San Jose Succotz, it can be reached by taking a hand-cranked ferry across the Mopan River. The site features impressive structures such as the El Castillo pyramid, which is the second-tallest temple in Belize. Xunantunich also boasts six major plazas, more than 25 temples and palaces, and a new museum. The site has been extensively excavated and is easily accessible to visitors.

Altun Ha

Altun Ha is a well-preserved Mayan site located just 31 miles north of Belize City. It is one of the easiest Mayan ruins to visit and is known for its two large plazas surrounded by pyramids and mounds. The site has revealed valuable artefacts, including the Maya Jade Head, which represents the Mayan Sun God and is the largest jade object discovered in the Mayan civilisation. Altun Ha is also home to a diverse range of wildlife, including armadillos, bats, and white-tailed deer.

Lamanai

Lamanai is one of the largest and most impressive Mayan sites in Belize, located in northern Belize. This site was inhabited for over 3,000 years and was one of the few Mayan cities still occupied when the Spanish arrived during the conquistador period. Lamanai features beautifully preserved ceremonial buildings, including the High Temple, the Jaguar Temple, and the Mask Temple. The site also has remnants of two 16th-century Spanish churches and an old sugar mill.

Cahal Pech

Cahal Pech is located in the Cayo District and is known for its impressive hilltop ruins. This site offers a glimpse into the complex residential architecture of the Mayans, with two ball courts and around 34 structures interconnected via a series of plazas. Cahal Pech also provides panoramic views of San Ignacio and the Belize River Valley.

El Pilar

El Pilar, located in the Cayo District, is one of the largest Mayan cities ever discovered, spanning over 100 acres. The site is still in the early stages of excavation, but it is believed to be three times the size of Xunantunich. El Pilar features more than 25 plazas, temples, palaces, a ball court, and water reservoirs. This site provides a glimpse into the everyday lives of the ancient Mayans, showcasing common homes and gardens alongside the more spectacular architecture.

Snorkel and scuba dive

Belize is a snorkelling and scuba diving paradise. With hundreds of cayes, atolls, and a 185-mile barrier reef, it is a top choice for scuba and snorkelling enthusiasts. The Mesoamerican Reef is the second-largest reef system on the planet and offers a stunning opportunity to snorkel or scuba dive. The Belize Barrier Reef is the longest unbroken barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere and the second largest in the world.

The Blue Hole is probably Belize's most famous dive site. It is the largest ocean sinkhole in the world and was made famous by Jacques Cousteau in the 1970s. It is the only blue hole that can be seen from outer space. The Blue Hole is located at the centre of Lighthouse Reef, the farthest offshore atoll. It is not for novices, as it is known more for its geological formations than for fish-spotting. Veterans can descend to 135 feet, and it is recommended to go with a reputable company with attentive dive masters.

Belize is also known for its world-class snorkelling. Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley, located in northern Belize, are the country's most popular snorkelling spots. At a depth of only 30 meters, these sites offer a vibrant underwater world with nurse sharks, rays, turtles, and occasionally dolphins. Night dives reveal a different world of glowing bioluminescence and parrotfish sleeping in mucus cocoons.

Caye Caulker, a short boat ride from the popular Ambergris Caye, offers solid snorkelling and diving sites like Coral Gardens. A manatee habitat is also located nearby, and although swimming with these gentle mammals is not allowed, snorkelling stops like Goff's Caye and Shark Ray Village are included in the trip.

Turneffe is the largest of Belize's three major offshore atoll reefs and is known for its 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 a great spot for macrophotography.

Glover's Reef Atoll, located in southern Belize, offers less crowded and more biologically diverse sites. Long Caye Wall, with a sheer drop of over 2,000 feet, is considered world-class snorkelling. For a rare experience, visit Gladden Spit between March and June to dive with whale sharks, the largest species of fish.

With its stunning underwater world, Belize offers something for every level of snorkeller and scuba diver, from beginners to experienced explorers.

Visit the Belize Zoo

The Belize Zoo is a must-see for anyone visiting Belize. Set in 12 hectares (29 acres) of tropical savanna, the zoo is home to more than 170 animals, representing over 45 species, all native to Belize. The zoo was founded in 1983 by Sharon Matola, who started a makeshift zoo to care for 17 animals that were left over from a documentary film shoot. Today, the zoo has become a world-renowned wildlife education centre, with over 68,000 visitors annually.

The Belize Zoo is unique in that it only houses native animals, and no animal has ever been taken from the wild. The zoo residents include rescued animals, those that were injured and brought in for rehabilitation, as well as animals that were born at the zoo or sent from other zoological facilities. The habitats designed for the animals reflect their natural settings, providing an immersive educational experience for visitors.

The zoo is home to a variety of mammals, including Belize's national animal, the Baird's tapir, as well as five wildcat species: jaguar, puma, ocelot, margay, and jaguarundi. Other mammals on display include white-tailed deer, red brocket deer, collared peccaries, and black howler monkeys.

The Belize Zoo also features several species of parrots, owls, and raptors, as well as a wetland aviary. Bird enthusiasts will be delighted to see scarlet macaws, red-lored amazons, keel-billed toucans, and jabiru, among others.

In addition to the daytime tour, visitors can also arrange night tours to observe the activity of crepuscular and nocturnal animals, such as tapirs, jaguars, margays, and howler monkeys.

The Belize Zoo is located 29 miles (48 km) from the cruise port of Belize City, making it a convenient destination for cruise passengers looking for a fun and educational experience. The zoo is typically open from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, with last admissions at 4:00 pm.

Try local food and drink

Belize's food scene is a mix of Latin American and Caribbean influences, with Creole flavours dominating the menus of local restaurants. Here's what you should try when visiting Belize Port:

Creole Specialities

Creole cuisine is centred around rice and beans, with the two usually cooked together in coconut oil and served alongside stewed chicken, beef, or fried fish. This hearty dish is commonly found in smaller restaurants and is often accompanied by a bottle of hot sauce. If you're looking for a taste of authentic Belizean cuisine, this is it!

Another Creole staple is the "boil-up", a soup that combines fish, hard-boiled eggs, yams, plantains, and sweet potatoes, sometimes with added pork or beef.

For dessert, sample some coconut pie or bread pudding, both of which are often prepared with coconut oil, adding a rich texture and delicate flavour.

Seafood Delights

Belize's Caribbean coast and northern islands provide fresh, local seafood all year round. Red snapper, grouper, barracuda, and lobster are just some of the delights you'll find on offer. Keep in mind that some fish served in Belize are endangered, so it's best to avoid those to support sustainable fishing practices.

If you're looking for a unique dining experience, try ceviche, a dish made from raw, fresh fish marinated in citrus juices and typically served with chillies and cilantro. It's a popular choice throughout Central and South America, and Belize's coastal location ensures an abundance of fresh seafood for this dish.

Street Food and Snacks

If you're looking for a quick bite, head to one of the many hole-in-the-wall places for panades, salbutes, garnaches, and tacos. These takeaway items are cheap, filling, and delicious. Salbutes and granaches, in particular, are widely available and resemble open-faced tacos made with a fried tortilla topped with vegetables, cheese, and hot sauce or peppers.

For a more substantial snack, try panades, meat pies that demonstrate the British culinary influence in Belize. These pies contain either beef or fish, and sometimes beans, all wrapped in a fried corn tortilla.

Drinks

Belize has a variety of drinks to offer, from soft drinks and fresh fruit juices to more unique options like seaweed shakes. Made from dried seaweed, evaporated and condensed milk, cinnamon, and nutmeg, blended with ice, this cooling concoction can also be spiked with a shot of rum or brandy.

When it comes to alcohol, Belize has a few local favourites. The national cocktail, the "panty ripper", is a sweet and smooth mix of coconut rum and pineapple juice. For beer lovers, Belikin lager, stout, and premium are widely available, along with Lighthouse Lager for those who prefer a lighter option.

If you're in the mood for wine, you may want to branch out from grapes. In some small towns in the Belize River Valley, you can find wines made from local ingredients like blackberries, rice, and cashews. Cashew wine, in particular, is a speciality of the village of Crooked Tree, which even hosts a Cashew Festival.

So, whether you're dining in a casual spot by the beach or exploring the street food scene, Belize has a variety of delicious food and drink options to offer!

Go cave tubing

Cave tubing is an activity unique to Belize. It involves floating above underground rivers inside caves, using specially designed inflatable tubes or tire inner tubes.

The Caves Branch River in Belize is a popular destination for cave tubing. The river flows through a series of caves known as the Nohoch Che'en Caves Branch Archaeological Reserve, located about 43 miles (69.8 km) from the cruise terminal. The reserve is managed by the National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) and is easily accessible from Belize City.

The cave tubing experience typically includes a guided hike through the rainforest to the cave site, followed by a tube ride down the river and through the cave systems. The entire activity can be completed in approximately four hours, including transportation and a 30-minute hike to the site. The actual cave tubing usually lasts around 45 minutes.

Local tour companies provide all the necessary equipment, including tubes with headrests and connecting links, life vests, helmets with headlamps, and refreshments. They also ensure that cruise ship passengers are met and returned to the port on time.

The cave systems in Belize were once used by the ancient Maya, who considered them sacred. As you float through the caves, you'll encounter incredible stalactite and stalagmite formations, some of which resemble human and animal figures. The lack of light within the caves adds to the sense of adventure.

Keep in mind that cave tubing can be physically demanding, and it's recommended only for those who are fit and active. It's also advisable to book with reputable tour companies, as they have experienced guides who can enhance your experience and ensure your safety.

Cave tubing is an unforgettable adventure that combines the thrill of exploration with the serenity of floating through ancient caves. It's a must-do activity when visiting Belize.

Frequently asked questions