Belize Cruise Ship Adventure Guide

Belize is a small country in Central America, with a unique combination of ecosystems, from the world's second-largest barrier reef to rainforest jungles, and some of the most important Mayan archaeological sites. It is also a blend of Caribbean and Spanish cultures, with the diverse influences of Kriols, Garifunas, Mayans and Spanish people.

Belize City is the country's largest urban centre, and its cruise port is a growing attraction, with over 200 ships visiting each year. The port offers a tourist village with shopping, restaurants and bars, and all excursions start from here.

Belize has the highest concentration of Mayan sites in Central America, and these include the Lamanai and Xunantunich ruins. The country also offers river tubing in underground caves, ziplining, ATV tours, and horseback riding through the jungle. For those who enjoy snorkelling and scuba diving, the Mesoamerican Reef is the second-largest in the world and a stunning place to explore.

The Belize Zoo, the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, and the Community Baboon Sanctuary offer the chance to see wildlife native to Belize, including howler monkeys, crocodiles, and birds.

The official language in Belize is English, and the currency is the Belize dollar, though US dollars are widely accepted.

Explore Belize City

Belize City is the country's largest urban centre and is located on the eastern coast of Belize, bathed by the Caribbean Sea. The cruise port is a growing attraction, with over 200 ships visiting yearly. The port itself ushers you into the tourist village, which is designed to offer a touristy atmosphere, with shops, restaurants and bars. From here, you can walk to attractions such as the Baron Bliss Lighthouse and the Museum of Belize, which used to be a prison and offers an insight into the history of the Mayans.

A short distance from the port, you'll find St George's Fort, which features historical sites such as St John's Cathedral, the oldest Anglican church in Central America.

Belize City is also a great starting point for excursions to the many Mayan ruins in the area, including Altun Ha, Lamanai and Xunantunich.

The city is known for its local cuisine, including regional specialties like chicken stew served with rice and beans, and fried plantains. You can also sample local drinks like Belikin Beer and Caribbean Coconut.

Belize City is not known for its beaches, but if you're looking to relax on the sand, Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye are both within a 1-hour boat ride from the port.

Shore Excursions

Most attractions are located between 33 and 78 miles from the cruise terminal, and the city itself is not considered particularly safe to explore on your own. However, there are plenty of shore excursions on offer, including:

• Mayan ruins and archaeological sites
• Wildlife adventures in the ocean and tropical forest
• Snorkelling and scuba diving at the Great Blue Hole
• Horseback riding
• Airboat tours
• Museum and city tours

Visit Mayan ruins

Belize is home to several Mayan ruins, including Lamanai, Altun Ha, and Xunantunich. Here is some information about visiting these ruins while on a cruise ship:

Lamanai Mayan Ruins

Lamanai is one of the largest Mayan sites in Belize, with over 800 structures located deep in the Tropical Forest. The site was occupied as early as 1500 BC and holds precious artefacts spanning over 2000 years of Mayan history.

To get to Lamanai, you will first take a comfortable, air-conditioned van for about an hour to the Orange Walk District of Belize. You will then board a boat for a spectacular upriver ride through miles of virgin river fauna, majestic trees, colourful orchids, and wildlife such as spider monkeys. The boat ride will take you to the Lamanai Welcome Centre, where you will begin your exploration of the ruins.

The Lamanai Mayan Ruins exploration will take approximately 2 hours. You will be guided to the Ball Court, the Jaguar Temple, and the Lag Temple, where you can climb to the top for unforgettable views of the New River Lagoon and the vast Lamanai Archeology Reserve.

The Lamanai Excursion is not wheelchair accessible, and there is quite a bit of walking on uneven, rocky surfaces. The Main Temple is now accessed by a side staircase, with no rope climbing required.

Xunantunich Mayan Ruins

Xunantunich is another impressive Mayan ruin site in Belize. It is considered one of the most complete Mayan ruin complexes ever discovered and offers an immersive experience of ancient Mayan culture. The site includes ceremonial temples, a partially excavated ball court, and massive palaces.

The Xunantunich Mayan Ruins excursion includes a countryside tour through western community villages and a short hand-cranked ferry ride to the gateway of the ruins. After exploring the ruins, you will enjoy a traditional Belizean lunch and shopping in a nearby local town before heading back to the port.

Please note that climbing may not be allowed on rainy days, and in the event of unpredictable weather conditions, the tour may be modified to explore another great Mayan site, such as Cahal Pech.

Altun Ha Mayan Ruins

Altun Ha is another popular Mayan ruin site in Belize. It is located 32.9 miles (53 km) from the cruise port. You can book excursions to this site, which typically include transportation and a guided tour of the ruins.

Booking Excursions

When booking excursions to Mayan ruins in Belize, it is recommended to book through reputable local tour operators or visit early in the morning to avoid the crowds. Excursions typically range in price from $65 to $115 for adults and $55 to $89.99 for children, depending on the site and the cruise line.

Snorkel the Belize Barrier Reef

Belize is home to the world's second-largest barrier reef, which stretches from Bacalar Chico to the Bay of Honduras. The Belize Barrier Reef is a spectacular snorkelling destination, renowned for its vibrant corals and rich marine biodiversity. Here is a comprehensive guide to snorkelling the Belize Barrier Reef:

Where to Snorkel in Belize

Belize boasts an extensive network of marine parks, offering a plethora of snorkelling spots. The premier destinations for snorkelling include the Southwater Caye Marine Reserve, Glover's Reef Atoll, and Lighthouse Reef Atoll. These areas provide divers with the opportunity to explore a diverse range of underwater ecosystems and vibrant marine life.

When to Snorkel in Belize

Belize welcomes snorkelers all year round. However, the dry season, from November to May, is generally considered the optimal time to visit and explore the Belize Barrier Reef. During this period, visibility tends to be better, and you can avoid the rainy season, which can bring stronger winds and reduced underwater visibility.

What to Wear for Snorkelling in Belize

To ensure a comfortable and safe snorkelling experience in Belize, it is recommended to wear a lightweight wetsuit or a spandex/lycra dive suit. This will help you maintain your body temperature, especially during longer snorkelling sessions. Alternatively, you can opt for polypropylene or capilene long underwear, which provides both warmth and protection from sunburn. Wearing a wetsuit or long underwear also reduces the need for excessive sunscreen application, as sunscreen residues can be harmful to corals and contribute to bleaching.

Snorkelling with Marine Life in Belize

Belize is a haven for an array of unique underwater creatures. Here are some of the fascinating species you may encounter during your snorkelling adventure:

• Manatees: These gentle giants, also known as sea cows, can grow up to 15 feet in length, with females typically larger than males. They can weigh up to 3000 pounds, though they are often around 10 feet long and weigh about 1500 pounds. The Village of Gale's Point near Dangriga and the Swallow Caye Marine Reserve, accessible from Caye Caulker or Ambergris Caye, offer excellent opportunities to spot these magnificent creatures.
• Rays: Keep an eye out for the southern stingray, the spotted eagle ray, and manta rays as you explore the clear turquoise waters.
• Sea Turtles: Belize is home to three species of sea turtles: the green turtle, the hawksbill, and the loggerhead turtle. They are drawn to the region due to the ideal feeding and nesting conditions. Snorkelling in Belize provides a once-in-a-lifetime chance to observe these fascinating reptiles in their natural habitat.
• Whale Sharks: During the spring months, whale sharks gather in Belize, particularly near Placencia in the southern region. Their gentle nature and calm demeanour make them a popular attraction for snorkelers.

The Best Snorkelling Spots in Belize

• Mexico Rocks & Tres Cocos: Located between the Belize Barrier Reef and Ambergris Caye, this spot offers easy access from the town of San Pedro. Tres Cocos is known for its impressive brain corals and elkhorn coral formations. It caters to both beginner and experienced snorkelers, with waters as shallow as four feet. Here, you can expect to encounter a diverse range of marine life, including conch, banded shrimps, arrow crabs, flounders, stingrays, and various species of fish.
• Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley: Easily accessible from San Pedro, this reserve offers the chance to get up close with southern stingrays and nurse sharks. The shallow waters, white sands, and clear visibility make it ideal for snorkelers of all levels.
• Southwest Caye - Glover's Reef Atoll: Glover's Reef Atoll, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasts remarkably clear waters and a sheltered, shallow lagoon with over 700 patch reefs to explore. The interaction between the open waters and the sheltered lagoon has fostered an incredibly diverse and vibrant marine ecosystem.
• Tobacco Caye - South Water Caye Marine Reserve: Just a 30-minute water taxi ride from Dangriga, Tobacco Caye offers world-class snorkelling right off its beach. This 5-acre, palm-fringed island provides easy access to the Belize Barrier Reef and a variety of marine life.
• Billy Hawk Caye - South Water Caye Marine Reserve: This tiny caye, located within the Blue Ground Range, offers excellent reef snorkelling and paddling among mangroves and palm-fringed islets. It sees few visitors, making it an uncrowded and tranquil snorkelling spot.
• Carrie Bow Caye - South Water Caye Marine Reserve: Home to the Smithsonian Carrie Bow Cay Field Station, this caye features incredible snorkelling with a wide variety of hard and soft corals, as well as colourful tropical fish.
• Half Moon Caye - Lighthouse Reef Atoll: Lighthouse Reef Atoll is the farthest offshore atoll and is ideal for both beginner and experienced snorkelers due to its abundance of shallow waters. It is also home to the famous Blue Hole, a perfectly circular sinkhole that attracts snorkelers and divers from around the world.

Try local food and drink

Belize's food and drink scene is brimming with exotic flavours, from freshly caught seafood to chocolate-infused wines. Here is a guide to the local food and drink of Belize.

Breakfast

Eggs are a common breakfast option in Belize. To eat them Mayan-style, order them scrambled with diced tomatoes. Beans are also a breakfast staple, served with johnny cakes (hot, biscuit-like rolls) or fry-jacks (deep-fried dough puffs).

Lunch

Rice and beans are the national staples of Belize, often cooked together in coconut milk and mild spices, and served with grilled fish or meat. Alternatively, the beans may be cooked separately in a spiced stew and served on top of the rice.

Dinner

Chicken is the most common meat in Belize, often served in tasty stews or folded into burritos. However, seafood is the star attraction, with grouper, red snapper, shrimp and conch best enjoyed grilled on a beach barbecue.

Specialities

Belize's Afro-Creole Garifuna people have their own recipes, with cassava and plantain key to their cooking. Their most traditional dish is hudut, a fish coconut stew with mashed ripe and green plantains. This can be found in restaurants in Dangriga and surrounding villages. In the south, it is more common to find Mayan staples such as caldo (a spicy stew of meat and root vegetables) and cochinita pibil (slow-roasted pork flavoured with a local spice called recado).

Something Sweet

Belize has long been a cacao-growing nation, and several local producers use organic Toledo cacao to make mouthwatering chocolate. Visit the Ixcacao farm in Toledo for a tour of the plantation and a chance to see how cacao seeds become bars of deliciousness. There is also an onsite restaurant that serves a range of chocolate-infused dishes and even chocolate wine.

Drinks

Nothing complements a day on a Caribbean beach like a cold tropical juice. Shacks and cafes will pulp whatever is in season into a refreshing drink. Favourites include watermelon, papaya, mango and lime.

Something Stronger

Belikin is the local beer of Belize, found everywhere and perhaps best enjoyed after a long jungle hike or while watching the sun set. Rum is also popular, and the country's oldest distillery, Travellers Liquors in Belize City, has been producing rich, dark, fruity rum since the 1950s. Take a tour of the distillery to see the bottling factory and taste the various tipples.

Something Hot

Marie Sharp's pepper sauce is a Belizean condiment found on tables everywhere, from taco-serving snack shacks to refined family restaurants. The farmer-turned-condiment-queen began making sauces from her own habanero chillies in the 1980s, and her brand is now the go-to for spicing up Belizean meals.

Go cave tubing

Belize is known for its lush rainforests and stunning cave systems, so it's no surprise that cave tubing is a popular activity for visitors arriving by cruise ship. Here's everything you need to know about going cave tubing in Belize.

Cave tubing involves floating along underground rivers in an inflatable tube. Belize is a great place to try this activity, as the country's Mayan Hills are home to several stunning cave systems that have been carved out by erosion over millennia. The experience can be relatively relaxed, or more adventurous, depending on the cave and river conditions. Some caves feature elevation changes and rapids, adding an extra thrill to the experience.

Where to Go Cave Tubing in Belize

There are several great spots for cave tubing in Belize. Nohoch Che'en, located near the capital Belmopan, is one of the most popular cave systems for this activity. St. Herman's Cave, situated in the Blue Hole National Park, is another top choice. These caves are easily accessible and offer a combination of tubing, climbing, and swimming opportunities.

How to Prepare for Cave Tubing

Cave tubing in Belize often involves a short hike to reach the caves, so it's important to wear comfortable walking shoes and bring bug spray. You'll also want to bring a change of clothes, as you're likely to get wet during the activity. Water shoes, a waterproof camera, and a dry bag are also recommended.

Tour Options

Booking a cave tubing tour with a local operator is the best way to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tours typically include transportation, certified guides, and any necessary equipment. Some tours combine cave tubing with other activities, such as zip-lining, climbing, or visits to nearby Mayan ruins and archaeological sites.

Booking Recommendations

It is recommended to book cave tubing tours directly with local tour operators rather than through your cruise line, as this can offer a more affordable and flexible experience. Booking in advance is also suggested, especially if you want to visit during the dry season (December to April) when the underground rivers are not too high.

So, if you're looking for an unforgettable adventure in Belize, consider going cave tubing! It's a unique way to explore the country's stunning cave systems and get your adrenaline pumping.

Frequently asked questions