Belize Port: Free Fun Activities

Belize City Cruise Port is a growing attraction among cruise-goers, with over 200 ships visiting yearly. The port offers a tourist village with shops, restaurants, and tour operators. While there are not many attractions within walking distance of the port, there are plenty of options for free activities and excursions. Here's an introduction to some of the best free things to do when visiting Belize Cruise Port:

- Explore the Tourist Village: The port itself offers a variety of shops, including diamond internationals and Del Sol, as well as restaurants and bars for those who want to experience Belizean culture without venturing too far.

- Visit the Baron Bliss Lighthouse: A short walk from the port will take you to the Baron Bliss Lighthouse, a popular tourist attraction.

- Tour St. George's Fort: Head further into Belize City to St. George's Fort, where you can explore historical sites like the St. John Cathedral, the oldest Anglican church in Central America, built in the 18th century.

- Museum of Belize: Formerly Her Majesty's Prison, the Museum of Belize offers insights into the history of the Mayans through artifacts and drawings.

- The Belize Zoo: Wildlife enthusiasts can visit the Belize Zoo, home to over 150 animal species native to Belize, including the elusive jaguar.

- Mayan Ruins: Belize boasts the highest concentration of Mayan sites in Central America, with popular sites like Altun Ha, Xunantunich, and Lamanai offering a glimpse into ancient Mayan culture.

- Beach Activities: While the port itself doesn't offer beach access, a short boat ride will take you to nearby Cayes, where you can enjoy water sports such as kayaking, snorkelling, and paddleboarding.

Explore Mayan ruins and riverboat safari

One of the most popular attractions in Belize is the ancient Mayan ruins of Lamanai, which means "submerged crocodile" in Mayan. Lamanai is one of the largest Mayan sites in Belize, with over 800 structures located deep in the Tropical Forest. The site includes a ball court and about 12 major buildings, including the Temple of the Mask, the Jaguar Temple, and the High Temple.

To get to Lamanai, you will need to take a boat ride along the New River. The river cruise offers an opportunity to spot exotic flora and fauna, including various bird species, crocodiles, monkeys, and iguanas. The boat ride is often described as thrilling and adventurous.

Once you arrive at Lamanai, you will have the opportunity to explore the ruins and learn about the ancient Mayan civilisation. The site is partially excavated, with well-maintained gravel pathways leading to the different structures. You will be able to climb some of the temples, offering stunning views of the surrounding area.

The Lamanai Mayan Ruins exploration usually lasts around 1.5 to 2 hours. After the exploration, a traditional Belizean lunch is typically included in the tour. The lunch consists of local dishes such as rice and beans cooked in coconut milk, chicken stew, fried plantains, and coleslaw.

The entire excursion, including transportation, the boat ride, and the ruins exploration, takes around 7 to 8 hours. It is important to note that this excursion may not be suitable for individuals with mobility issues, as it involves walking on uneven and rocky surfaces.

Overall, the Lamanai Mayan Ruins and Riverboat Safari is a highly-rated excursion that combines history, culture, and adventure. It offers a unique opportunity to explore ancient Mayan ruins while also enjoying the beautiful natural surroundings of Belize.

Visit the Museum of Belize

The Museum of Belize is a great attraction to visit for free in Belize City, located within walking distance of the cruise port. The museum is housed in a heritage-style building, formerly a prison, with an impressive outward grandness and a lawn in front. It is open from Tuesday to Saturday, from 9 am to 4:30 pm, with a small entry fee of around $7.

The museum covers a range of themes, including history, art, and ecology. Visitors can learn about the colonial history of Belize, with a focus on slavery, piracy, and the Mayan culture. There are also exhibits on modern art, Mayan archaeology, and native birds and insects. The museum is spread across two floors, with excellent air conditioning and clean restrooms. The total time needed to explore is around 1-2 hours.

The Museum of Belize is located in a safe section of the downtown tourist area, with street parking available for those with vehicles. It is also within walking distance of other landmarks, such as the Baron Bliss Lighthouse and the 'Belize' sign, which are great photo spots.

Snorkel with stingrays and sharks

Belize is home to the second-largest barrier reef in the world, making it a great place to snorkel with stingrays and sharks. Here is some information on how to do this for free from the cruise port.

The best place to snorkel with stingrays and sharks is Shark Ray Alley, which is part of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. To get there, you will need to take a boat tour. These can be booked through your cruise operator or independently.

At Shark Ray Alley, you will be able to snorkel with harmless stingrays and nurse sharks. The water is only waist-deep, so you can stand in it if you don't want to snorkel. The rays and sharks are used to humans and are not aggressive. With the supervision of your guide, you may even be able to touch one.

Practical Information

• It is important to stick to the rules provided by your tour guides.
• You will not be able to feed the fish yourself.
• Do not snorkel alone in the Hol Chan cut, as there are currents present.
• Always stay close to your snorkel instructor and within your limits.
• The minimum age to snorkel is four years old.
• It is advised that you bring your own infant life jackets.
• Guests should be comfortable in the water and have basic swimming skills.
• You must be able to get in and out of the boat by yourself.
• This excursion is not suitable for guests with limited mobility.
• The excursion may be cancelled due to safety reasons if there is heavy rain.
• You can bring your own snorkelling equipment if you prefer.
• It is not necessary to take your passport, unless specified by your cruise line.
• You will need to arrive early to get off the ship and catch the tender to the cruise port.

Try local food and drink

Belize City's Fort Street Tourism Village cruise terminal has a range of restaurants, grills, and bars where you can sample delicious local food and drinks. The Wet Lizard is one of the most famous, but there are many others.

Local specialties include Chicken Stew served with rice and beans and fried plantains, Bile Up (a mix of eggs, fish, cassava, plantains, yams, and sweet potatoes boiled in a tomato sauce), Hudut (a fish soup cooked in coconut milk), and conch fritters.

Belize's tropical forests are fertile, so fresh fruit is a must: try passion fruit, starfruit, jackfruit, dragon fruit, guava, papaya, mango, and pineapple.

Belize also has some signature drinks like Belikin Beer, One Barrel Rum (mixed with cranberry juice to make Cranbarrel), Caribbean Coconut, and Caribbean Gold Rum.

If you want to venture outside the cruise terminal, there are a few places within walking distance in the historical center of Belize City, such as the Smoky Mermaid and the elegant restaurants and grills of the Radisson Fort George Hotel (St. George's, Stonegrill, Baymen's Tavern, and Le Petit Café).

See wildlife at the Belize Zoo

The Belize Zoo is a non-profit wildlife rescue and rehabilitation facility located roughly halfway between Belmopan and Belize City. It was founded in 1983 by Sharon Matola, who was caring for a handful of wild animals that had been used in a natural history documentary. When filming was completed, she decided to start a zoo.

The zoo is home to over 150 animals, representing over 45 native species, including tapirs, jaguars, spider monkeys, keel-billed toucans, and scarlet macaws. The habitats designed for the animals reflect their natural settings, providing an immersive educational experience for visitors. The zoo also offers a nocturnal tour, giving visitors a whole new perspective as the forest comes alive around them.

The zoo is located 29 miles from Belize City on the George Price Highway and is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. It is the first nature destination in Belize that is accessible to persons with physical disabilities.

Frequently asked questions