Belize City: A Day Of Adventure

Belize City is the perfect place to start your trip to Belize. It is the country's largest city and former capital, and it is home to the only international airport. While the city itself may not be the highlight of your trip, there are plenty of things to do nearby. Here is a list of attractions and activities to do in and around Belize City in one day:

- Explore the city's history: Take a historic tour of Belize City and learn about its culture, economics, and architecture. Visit landmarks such as the St. John's Cathedral, the Government House, and the Museum of Belize.

- Visit the Belize Zoo: See an array of native wildlife, including large cats, primates, reptiles, and birds, all in one location.

- Tube and zip-line in the rainforest: Go on a tubing expedition and zip-line through the rainforest for an adrenaline-filled experience.

- Discover Mayan ruins: Explore archaeological sites such as Altun Ha, Xunantunich, and Lamanai, and learn about the rich history of the Maya civilisation.

- Snorkel at Hol Chan and Shark Ray Alley: For a unique underwater experience, snorkel at Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley, where you can spot sea turtles, nurse sharks, stingrays, and colourful fish.

- Relax at Old Belize: Escape the city and head to Old Belize, a popular marina with a man-made beach, zip line, waterfall, and restaurant.

- Picnic at Goff's Caye: Enjoy a day of fresh seafood and snorkelling at Goff's Caye, a popular spot for picnics and marine wildlife viewing.

- Shop at the Belize Tourism Village: As the port of entry for cruise ships, the Tourism Village offers a convenient place to pick up souvenirs and local beer.

Explore the Belize Zoo

The Belize Zoo is a non-profit wildlife rescue and rehabilitation facility, founded in 1983 by Sharon Matola. It is home to over 150 animals, including native wildlife such as tapirs, jaguars, spider monkeys, keel-billed toucans, and scarlet macaws. The zoo is unique in that it only houses animals that are native to Belize and were rescued, orphaned, rehabilitated, or donated. The zoo is also accessible to visitors with physical disabilities.

The zoo is located on 29 acres of land, in a forest oasis within the tropical savanna, roughly halfway between Belmopan and Belize City. It is open daily from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, with last admissions at 4:00 pm.

One of the star attractions is "Lindo," a rescued jaguar and one of the zoo's "jaguar ambassadors." Visitors can get up close and personal with Lindo through an experience called the "Lindo Link." The zoo also offers a nocturnal tour, providing a unique perspective of the zoo as the forest comes alive at night.

For those looking to stay close to the zoo, the Tropical Education Center/Zoo Lodge is located a mile up the road and provides accommodations and meals. The center is set on 84 acres of tropical savanna and serves as a lodge, learning center, and training facility.

The Belize Zoo is an excellent choice for those looking to learn about and connect with Belize's unique natural heritage and wildlife. It offers a fun and educational experience for the whole family.

Visit the Museum of Belize

Belize City has a lot to offer, and if you're spending a day there, a visit to the Museum of Belize is a great option. Here's a detailed itinerary for your day:

The Museum of Belize is a great place to start your day. It's located in the historic Queen Elizabeth's Prison and is the perfect spot to learn about Belize's history and culture. The museum is just a short walk from the Radisson, making it easily accessible. The entry fee is very reasonable, at $7 USD, and it offers a glimpse into the country's past.

The museum has two levels to explore. On the main floor, you'll find exhibits on Belize's history, with a focus on slavery and the building's former use as an old jail. You'll also see colonial artefacts, an art gallery, and bird taxidermy displays. The second floor houses a temporary exhibit that rotates, so you might see anything from art to Mayan archaeology to ecology.

Explore the Rest of Belize City

After spending an hour or two at the Museum of Belize, you can continue your exploration of the city. Head towards Haulover Creek, the main waterway that divides the city. As you make your way to the coast, you'll reach the Swing Bridge, which marks the historic centre of Belize City.

From the Swing Bridge, you have two directions to choose from. Northeast takes you to the Museum of Belize, the Fort Street Tourism Village, the BTL Memorial Park, and the Baron Bliss Lighthouse. If you head south, you'll find St. John's Anglican Cathedral, the oldest Anglican church outside of England where a king was crowned, and the Government House, a colonial building that once hosted foreign dignitaries.

Sample Local Cuisine

Belize City also offers a variety of dining options. You can grab lunch at a local restaurant or market, sampling traditional Belizean cuisine.

Other Attractions

If you have more time in Belize City, there are plenty of other attractions to visit. The Belize Zoo, Altun Ha Maya temple, and the Belize Tourism Village are all worth a visit. For nature lovers, the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary is a great option, located just 30 miles from the city.

Stay Safe

It's important to note that while the areas frequented by tourists are generally safe, Belize City does have a reputation for crime and gang violence. Staying with a guide or in well-patrolled areas is recommended.

Tour St. John's Cathedral

St. John's Cathedral is a must-visit destination in Belize City, especially for those interested in history and architecture. Here is a guide to help you plan your tour of this remarkable place of worship.

History and Architecture

St. John's Cathedral, located in the heart of Belize City, is one of the few remaining physical reminders of the city's long period as a British colony. It was built in 1812 as the headquarters of the Church of England in Central America. The cathedral is constructed from enormous ballast stones brought over from Europe, along with sapodilla and mahogany wood. This combination of materials has resulted in a well-preserved structure that has endured the test of time.

St. John's Cathedral holds a unique distinction as the only Anglican church outside of England where kings have been crowned. During the 1800s, four kings of the Miskito tribe were crowned in lavish ceremonies, matching the pomp and circumstance of European coronations.

What to See

When visiting St. John's Cathedral, you will be immersed in a rich colonial-era atmosphere. Here are some key features to look out for:

• Colonial-era tombstones: The cathedral's grounds are a testament to the past, with tombstones bearing the names of English colonists who settled in Belize City.
• Hardwood interior architecture: The interior of the cathedral showcases the beauty of local hardwoods, such as mahogany.
• Antique pipe organ: This antique instrument adds to the cathedral's musical and historical allure.
• Lavish accouterments: St. John's Cathedral is adorned with intricate details and decorations, reflecting the importance of the site.
• Stained glass: The stained glass windows add a touch of colour and artistry to the space.

Practical Information

St. John's Cathedral is located at the intersection of Albert and Regent Streets, just a few hundred feet west of the Government House. It is open daily from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm, and there is no entrance fee. While there are no guided tours, you can explore the cathedral on your own, allowing 30 to 60 minutes to take in all the details.

Discover the Government House

The Government House, also known as the House of Culture, is one of the most beautiful and important colonial buildings in Belize City. Located on Regent Street, it was erected in 1812 or 1814 when Belize was under British rule. It was built to house the colonial government of British Honduras and later became the residence of the Governor-General, the monarch's representative in Belize.

The building is an impressive example of colonial architecture, combining Caribbean vernacular with English urban design. It features polished silver, mahogany finishes, antique musical instruments, and period art and furniture. The grounds are just as fascinating, with cannons flanking the front doors and Baron Bliss' restored wooden vessel, the 'Sea King', on display.

Today, the Government House serves as a creative community centre and historical museum. It hosts various events, including art exhibitions, music festivals, concerts, and open-air theatre. It is also a popular venue for weddings and other social functions.

When visiting, you can admire the colonial-era artefacts, such as silverware, period furniture, and art pieces. You can also learn about Belize's history through the exhibits of archival records, colonial glassware, and furniture.

The Government House is typically included in Belize City tours, and it is within walking distance from the McFadzean and Z-line bus stations. It is also located near other attractions, such as St. John's Cathedral, the oldest Anglican church in Central America.

Please note that the House of Culture may be closed to the public due to ongoing renovations, so be sure to check the schedule before planning your visit.

Tube and zip-line in the rainforest

Belize is known as Mother Nature's best-kept secret, and its pristine forests and natural wonders are a must-see for any traveller. If you're looking for an adrenaline-pumping adventure, then tubing and zip-lining in the rainforest is the perfect activity for you.

Your day will start with a short hike into the heart of the Belizean wilderness, where you'll be equipped with a safety harness, helmet, and gloves. Then, you'll soar through the treetops on zip lines, taking in breathtaking views of the lush rainforest and local wildlife. Keep in mind that there are weight and height restrictions for zip-lining, so check with the tour operator before booking.

After you've conquered the skies, it's time to explore the mysteries of the underworld. You'll hike for about 30 minutes to reach the entrance of an impressive cave system. Here, you'll don a headlamp and hop onto an inner tube to float along calm currents, surrounded by stunning limestone formations. This is a great opportunity to learn about Belize's culture and history from your local guide.

Some tours also include a visit to the Nohoch Che'en Archaeological Reserve, where you can discover more about the ancient Mayans. You'll get to see sacrificial rituals and explore how the Mayans believed deities and ancestors inhabited these sacred caves.

The tubing and zip-lining adventure is usually combined with other activities, such as a trip to the Altun Ha Mayan Ruins, a visit to the Belize Zoo, or a tour of the colonial architecture in Belize City. It's important to note that the price of lunch is typically not included in the tour cost.

This exhilarating experience is a fantastic way to discover Belize's natural beauty and cultural heritage. So, get ready to create unforgettable memories and book your tubing and zip-lining adventure in the rainforest today!

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