Exploring Belize: Top Cruise Port Activities

Belize is a cruise destination that offers a unique combination of tropical paradise, exploration, and adventure. From its location on the western border of the Caribbean, it boasts picturesque oceanfront views, jungle terrain, and exotic wildlife. Here are some of the top things to do and places to visit during your time in Belize:

- Lamanai Mayan Ruins and River Boat Safari: Take a trip back in time as you explore the Lamanai Mayan Ruins and enjoy a riverboat cruise through the rainforest, encountering exotic wildlife along the way.

- Xunantunich Mayan Ruins: Immerse yourself in the ancient Mayan culture at the Xunantunich Ruins, one of the most complete Mayan ruin complexes ever discovered.

- Exclusive Crystal Cave Tubing and Zipline: Get your adrenaline pumping with this thrilling excursion that includes spelunking, cave tubing, and ziplining through the lush rainforest canopy.

- Barrier Reef Snorkeling: Discover the wonders of the Barrier Reef, the largest in the hemisphere, as you snorkel among coral formations and diverse marine life.

- Airboat Adventure and Belize City Tour: Combine local culture and thrilling water activities with a meandering bus tour of Belize City and an exhilarating airboat ride across Almond Hill Lagoon.

- Altun Ha Mayan Temple: Explore the Altun Ha Mayan Temple, located about 33 miles from the cruise terminal, and learn about the rich history of this archaeological site.

- The Belize Sign Monument: Visit this relatively new landmark in Belize City, which has become one of the city's top attractions.

- St. John's Cathedral: Step inside the oldest Anglican Church in Central America and admire its architecture and historical significance.

- Mesoamerican Reef: Snorkel or dive at the Mesoamerican Reef, the second-largest reef in the world, and discover a diverse range of fish, corals, and sea life.

- Cave Tubing: Unique to Belize, cave tubing is a must-do activity. Explore mysterious tunnels and crystallized caverns used by the Mayans hundreds of years ago.

- Belize City Downtown: Stroll through the compact downtown hub of Belize City, but exercise caution as the city has a reputation for being unsafe for visitors.

Mayan Ruins

Belize is home to a multitude of ancient Maya sites, both excavated and jungle-covered. The Mayan Ruins in Belize are a must-see for anyone interested in history and ancient cultures. Here is some information about the Mayan Ruins in Belize:

Altun Ha Mayan Ruins

The Altun Ha Mayan Ruins are a beautiful example of Mayan architectural accomplishments from over 2000 years ago. Altun Ha is one of the most famous Mayan centres, founded around 900 BC, and was a critical trading post for the Mayan civilisation. The site offers beautifully reconstructed temples that are easily climbable, making it a perfect excursion for families with young children. It is located close to the Belize City Port, just a short one-hour drive from the Cruise Ship Terminal.

Xunantunich Mayan Ruins

The Xunantunich Ruins are another impressive example of the Classic Mayan period. The site features numerous temples and plazas and was the first Mayan ruin opened to the public. According to legend, the site is named after a ghost of a woman who appears in front of the El Castillo pyramid and disappears into a stone wall. El Castillo is the second-highest structure in Belize, offering panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and Guatemala's Peten District.

Lamanai Mayan Ruins

The Lamanai Mayan Ruins are accessible via a river boat safari through the rainforest. This excursion provides an opportunity to explore one of the largest Mayan ceremonial sites ever discovered, featuring intricate stone architecture overlooking the New River Lagoon.

These Mayan Ruin sites offer a fascinating glimpse into the history and culture of the ancient Mayan civilisation and are definitely worth considering during your visit to Belize.

Snorkelling

Belize is home to the longest barrier reef in the western hemisphere, making it an ideal location for snorkelling. Here are some of the top snorkelling spots and experiences in Belize for cruise-goers:

Shark Ray Alley and Hol Chan Marine Reserve

This snorkelling excursion takes you to two incredible sites in Belize: Shark Ray Alley and Hol Chan Marine Reserve. Here, you can snorkel alongside nurse sharks and stingrays in their native habitat and explore the colourful marine life and coral formations of the Hol Chan reef. This excursion typically includes all the necessary snorkelling gear, an English-speaking guide, and refreshments.

Coral Gardens and Shark Ray Alley

This snorkelling adventure takes place at the Coral Gardens, part of the Belize barrier reef, and Shark Ray Alley. You'll have the opportunity to snorkel among tropical fish and other marine life in these diverse ecosystems. The excursion typically includes a boat ride, snorkelling equipment, and an English-speaking guide.

Goff's Caye Beach and Snorkelling

Goff's Caye is a private island located right on the reef, offering a unique snorkelling and beach experience. The excursion includes round-trip transportation from the cruise tender pier, access to the island, a certified snorkelling guide, snorkelling gear, and refreshments. You'll have the chance to explore the reef and enjoy the pristine beach.

Turtle Snorkel and Caye Caulker Island Beach Excursion

This excursion combines snorkelling with sea turtles and a beach break on Caye Caulker Island. You'll have the opportunity to snorkel at two sites: Chapo's Turtle Garden Reef and Hol Chan Turtle Grass site. The trip includes a professional bilingual guide, snorkelling gear, refreshments, and beach time.

Barrier Reef Snorkel

This excursion takes you to the island of Caye Caulker and the Belize Barrier Reef for an underwater adventure. You'll have the chance to explore the reef and snorkel among the vibrant marine life that calls it home. The trip includes refreshments and snorkelling equipment.

Belize offers a range of snorkelling opportunities for cruise passengers, from exploring vibrant coral reefs to swimming with nurse sharks and stingrays. These excursions typically include transportation, snorkelling gear, and experienced guides, ensuring a safe and memorable experience.

Cave Tubing

The activity begins with a hike through the towering Cohune Palms and the Belizean rainforest. The hike lasts around 20 to 30 minutes and is not considered strenuous. The paths are well-maintained and smooth, and there are no time constraints. The guides are very accommodating and will assist you with your tube if needed. The minimum age to participate is 5 years old, and the minimum height is 40 inches.

Once you reach the cave entrance, you can take a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear blue waters. You will then be given a tube with a backrest and handles to provide added comfort and safety. Your guide will navigate you through the cave systems, pointing out the many natural crystallized formations, an indoor waterfall, and the filtered sunlight shining through the cave opening.

After exploring the underworld, you will continue to drift downstream, taking in the sights and sounds of Belize's untouched tropical rainforest. The entire tubing experience lasts around 20 minutes.

After the jungle adventure, you will be taken back to the Belize City cruise ship port, with a stop for lunch along the way. The local Belizean lunch typically consists of chicken, rice and beans, coleslaw, and rum punch.

The entire cave tubing excursion, including transportation, lasts around 4 to 5 hours. It is an unforgettable experience that should not be missed when visiting Belize.

Wildlife Tours

Belize is a nature lover's paradise, with its lush tropical rainforests, ancient Mayan ruins, and diverse wildlife. Here are some must-do wildlife tours when visiting Belize Cruise Port:

Belize Zoo and Jungle Tours

The Belize Zoo is a must-visit destination for wildlife enthusiasts. It is home to over 170 animals, representing more than 45 species native to Belize, including jaguars, ocelots, coatis, howler monkeys, and kinkajous. After exploring the zoo, you can venture into the nearby rainforest on a jungle trek, where you'll discover ancient Mayan ruins and diverse wildlife.

Cave Tubing and Wildlife Adventures

For a unique wildlife experience, combine cave tubing with a nature walk and zip-lining through the rainforest canopy. This excursion offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to explore Belize's underground cave system and get up close with the local wildlife. Keep an eye out for howler monkeys, spider monkeys, and crocodiles!

Altun Ha Mayan Ruins and Wildlife of the Belize Zoo

Take a journey back in time to explore the ancient Mayan city of Altun Ha, nestled within a lush rainforest. Discover the remarkable Temple of the Sun God and the Temple of the Masonry Altars. After immersing yourself in history, head to the Belize Zoo to see a wide variety of native wildlife, including Chiqui the Jaguar cub and Fuego the Tapir.

Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary

Located a bit further from Belize City, the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary is a nature lover's paradise. With over 16,000 acres of lagoons, creeks, forests, and pine savannas, you can spot dozens of bird species and other wildlife such as howler monkeys and crocodiles.

Community Baboon Sanctuary

If you're a monkey enthusiast, don't miss the Community Baboon Sanctuary. Located in the village of Bermudian Landing, this sanctuary is home to a significant population of black howler monkeys, known as "baboon" in the local Creole dialect. You'll also find parrots, hummingbirds, turtles, and more. Guided nature walks are available, offering a fun and educational experience for all ages.

Water Taxis

The water taxi experience is generally positive, with helpful crew members and a smooth luggage retrieval process. It is recommended that you book your water taxi ahead of time, especially if you are combining it with a land taxi. You can purchase tickets online, but you will still need to go to the window to pick up a physical ticket to board. There are two lines, one for Caye Caulker and one for San Pedro, even though the ferry goes to both places. The ferry goes to Caye Caulker first and then on to San Pedro. The round trip fare is very reasonable, especially compared to taking a flight out to the cayes.

Overall, the water taxi is a great option for getting around Belize, offering beautiful rides and efficient transportation to your destination.

Frequently asked questions