Cruise Ships Docking At Belize Port

Belize is a popular cruise destination, with over 200 ships visiting yearly. The cruise port is located in Belize City, the country's largest city. However, cruise ships cannot dock at the port due to shallow waters, so passengers are tendered ashore via high-speed boats. The tender ride takes approximately 20 minutes.

The port terminal is located in Belize's Tourism Village, which features gift shops, restaurants, and tour operators. From here, passengers can explore Belize City, visit Mayan ruins, or enjoy water sports and eco-tours.

Cruise ships anchor in the bay as the water near the coast is shallow

Belize is a growing attraction among cruise-goers, with over 200 ships now visiting this small Caribbean country yearly. The cruise port of Belize City is located in the country's largest urban centre.

Cruise ships do not dock in Belize City port because the Caribbean Sea waters are too shallow. Instead, cruise ships anchor around 2 miles from the coast and passengers are transferred to the Fort Street Tourism Village via large boats operated by local authorities. The tender operation typically takes around 20 minutes.

The shallow waters of Belize City’s harbour mean that cruise ships visiting this port are forced to anchor a few miles away. However, the tendering is done on speedy boats that have you at the port within 20 minutes.

The port ushers you into the tourist village, which is created to offer a tourist ambiance to cruisers. It features common tourist shopping sites, restaurants, and bars that offer a true Belizean experience. All excursions start from this place.

The new "Stake Bank Cruise Ship Docking Facility" has a land area of 25 acres and docking capacity for four liners simultaneously. The new terminal complex also includes a 60-slip yacht marina, an 80-room supporting facility, a shopping complex, and a dedicated beach.

Passengers are tendered to the port via high-speed boats

Cruise ships do not dock at the port in Belize City. This is due to the shallow waters of the Caribbean Sea near the port. As a result, cruise ships anchor around 2 miles from the coast of Belize and passengers are tendered to the port via high-speed boats. These boats are operated by local authorities and the journey typically takes around 20 minutes. Each of the tender boats is equipped with 3 powerful engines to make the journey.

The tender boats dock at the Fort Street Tourism Village, which is located right by Belize City downtown. The village has a collection of gift shops, restaurants, and tour operators along the harbor. It is also a safe area, just a stone's throw away from the historic center of Belize City.

While the village has plenty to offer, there is not much to see or do within walking distance of the port. Belize City, the country's largest urban center, is just around the corner from the cruise terminal but it is not particularly appealing or safe to explore on your own. The city has a reputation for being unsafe for visitors and it is recommended to stick to the busiest sections of downtown and obvious tourist districts.

If you are looking to explore Belize City and the surrounding areas, it is best to opt for shore excursions. These excursions can take you to various attractions, including Mayan archeological sites, wildlife parks, and scenic sights. A popular way to get around is by water taxi, which can be hired at the Marine Terminal.

The port is located in Belize's Tourism Village

The port of Belize City is located in Belize's Tourism Village. It is a tender port, meaning that cruise ships anchor in the bay and passengers are brought ashore via smaller boats. The tender ride takes around 20 minutes.

The Tourism Village is a purpose-built tourist hub, with shops, restaurants, and tour operators. It is also where you will find taxis and water taxis, which can take you to the city centre or to other destinations in Belize. The village is also within walking distance of some of Belize City's attractions, such as the Museum of Belize and St. George's Fort.

Belize City itself is not considered particularly safe for tourists, so it is recommended to stick to the busiest parts of the downtown and tourist areas. The city's commercial centre is located along Albert Street, where you can find banks and shops.

Belize City is a popular cruise destination due to its proximity to Mayan heritage sites, eco-tourism opportunities, water sports, and its sub-tropical climate.

The village features shops, restaurants and tour operators

The cruise port terminal in Belize City is located at Belize's Tourism Village, also known as Fort Street Tourism Village. Here, passengers will find a collection of shops, restaurants and tour operators.

The village is a small, tourist-oriented area with a range of shops, including gift shops, diamond stores and local craft shops. There are also plenty of restaurants and bars offering a true taste of Belizean cuisine and culture.

The village is the starting point for all excursions, and tour operators offer a range of activities, including:

• Mayan ruin tours
• River tubing in underground caves
• ATV tours through the jungle
• Airboat tours of the wetlands
• Snorkelling and scuba diving
• Fishing trips
• Culinary and shopping tours

Excursions include Mayan ruins, cave tubing and snorkelling

Belize is a stunning cruise destination, offering a range of excursions for those who enjoy exploring ancient Mayan ruins, thrilling adventures in nature, and underwater exploration.

Mayan Ruins

One of the most popular excursions in Belize is exploring the ancient Mayan ruins of Lamanai. Lamanai is one of the largest Mayan sites in Belize, located on the Belize New River. The site boasts over 800 structures deep in the Tropical Forest, including monuments and temples. The Lamanai Mayan Center holds precious artefacts spanning over 2000 years of Mayan history. The boat ride to Lamanai is a highlight of the excursion, offering the opportunity to spot wildlife such as spider monkeys, toucans, and freshwater crocodiles.

Other Mayan ruins that can be visited on shore excursions include Altun Ha and Xunantunich.

Cave Tubing

Cave tubing is another popular activity in Belize, and it is the most popular shore excursion in the country. This activity involves hiking through the rainforest and then tubing down the Caves Branch River, exploring the sacred underworld of the ancient Mayas. The Nohoch Che'en Caves Branch Archaeological Reserve is a popular location for cave tubing, offering a safe and reliable experience with well-trained guides.

Snorkelling

Belize is also a great destination for snorkelling, with the Mesoamerican Reef providing a stunning underwater world to explore. The Belize barrier reef is home to a diverse array of marine life and is a great location for snorkelling excursions. Goff's Caye, in particular, offers a guided snorkelling experience with all equipment included.

With its ancient ruins, lush rainforest, and diverse marine life, Belize offers a range of exciting excursions that are sure to create unforgettable memories.

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