Cruise Passengers' Belize City Gateway

Belize City is a popular cruise destination in Central America, attracting visitors with its Mayan heritage sites, eco-tourism, water sports, and friendly locals. The cruise port of Belize City is located in the country's largest urban centre, on the East coast of the country, bathed by the Caribbean Sea.

Cruise ships do not dock directly in Belize City port due to shallow waters. Instead, they 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 Tourism Village is the main shopping area of Belize City, with a variety of stores, shops, restaurants, and tour operators.

Attractions within walking distance of the cruise terminal

Belize City is not known for being particularly safe for tourists to explore on their own, but there are a few attractions within walking distance of the cruise terminal.

The cruise terminal itself, known as Fort Street Tourism Village, is a safe and appealing area with a good selection of shops, bars, and restaurants. The city's downtown area and the Marine Terminal are about five minutes away on foot, and there's always a line of taxis waiting adjacent to the Tourism Village.

The Museum of Belize is located 0.9 miles (1.7 km) from the cruise port, on the north bank of the river. The St John Cathedral is 1.8 km away on the south bank, across the Swing Bridge.

The Holy Redeemer Cathedral and Baron Bliss Lighthouse & Gravesite are also within walking distance of the cruise terminal.

How to get around Belize City

Belize City is the country's largest urban centre and is located on the East coast of Belize, which is bathed by the Caribbean Sea. The city is divided by the Haulover Creek, over which lies the only manually operated swing bridge in the world.

The best ways to get around Belize City are by taxi, shuttle, rental car, or water taxi.

Taxi

Taxis are an affordable and convenient way to get around Belize City. They are easy to flag down and can be found at bus stations, water taxi terminals, and downtown areas. Taxi fares typically range from BZ$10 to BZ$15 (approximately US$5 to US$7.50). However, regular taxis do not have a fixed meter rate or a consistent look, so be sure to agree on a price before getting into the taxi.

Shuttle

Shuttle services are another option for getting around Belize City. These can be booked in advance or flagged down on the street. They are typically more comfortable than taxis and can be a more affordable option for longer trips.

Rental Car

Renting a car is a good option if you want more flexibility to explore the city and its surroundings. Rental cars are easy to find near the city's two major airports, but you will need an international driving permit to drive in Belize. Keep in mind that some roads, especially those leading to the major Maya sites, may be in poor condition or challenging to navigate due to rainy weather.

Water Taxi

Water taxis are a unique and enjoyable way to get around Belize City and access nearby islands and attractions. They are the best mode of transportation to reach Belize's numerous cayes, such as Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker. Water taxis are affordable, with tickets costing between US$21 and US$31 for a one-way trip.

In addition to these options, there is also a local bus system in Belize. However, buses can be slow and crowded, and there is no standard bus system in Belize City.

Important Considerations

When travelling around Belize City, it is important to keep in mind that the city has a reputation for being unsafe for visitors. It is recommended to stick to the busiest sections of downtown and obvious tourist districts. Additionally, English is the official language in Belize, and US dollars are widely accepted, but you may receive change in Belize dollars, which are worthless outside the country.

The best beaches in Belize City

Belize City is the largest city in Belize and the place where most people arrive when visiting the country on vacation. However, those looking for long stretches of white sand beaches may be surprised to find that the city doesn't really have any. Most of the nation's coastline is covered in mangroves, and sandy spots are few and far between. Nevertheless, there are some beautiful beaches within reach of the city. Here are some of the best:

Placencia Peninsula

The Placencia Peninsula is the closest place to Belize City to find an ideal beach scene. This 17-mile-long peninsula is home to a small, unremarkable village, but tourists enjoy spending time here because of the availability of white sand and warm waters. There are some hotel accommodations for those who want to spend extra time in this area for swimming, snorkelling, and relaxing.

Caye Caulker

Caye Caulker is a tiny island just northwest of Belize City. It's a short boat ride away and offers a wide range of beach activities. The beaches here are not large or especially stunning compared to other Caribbean ports of call, but they are some of the best beaches close to the city. World-class snorkelling along the Belize Barrier Reef is among the most popular attractions. Sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, swimming, and relaxing are also popular activities.

Ambergris Caye

A little further north of Caye Caulker is Ambergris Caye, the largest of the Belize islands and among the main destinations for vacationers. The city of San Pedro on Ambergris Caye has several options for overnight luxury accommodations. The island is also home to several small beaches that are among the best in the region for lounging in the sun and swimming in the clear blue Caribbean waters. The island is a tourist hotspot for diving, snorkelling, and water sports.

Goff's Caye

Not far off the coast from Belize City is Goff's Caye, a small but sandy island with a lot to offer. Goff's Caye boasts clear blue and green water and perfect white-sand beaches. Offshore, the coral reefs are home to an abundance of colourful fish and plenty of sea turtles. While you can rent snorkelling or diving equipment on the island, it's cheaper to bring your own or rent them in Belize City.

Hopkins Village Beach

On the coast of Southern Belize, overlooking the waters of Commerce Bight, is Hopkins Village Beach. The beach is in the culturally interesting Garífuna village of Hopkins and boasts a five-mile stretch of white, sandy coastline. Along the beach, you can stroll along the sand and spot colourful local homes or stop under a palm tree for some shade. You can also watch local residents playing dominoes by the water or participate in a traditional drumming class. There is also plenty of tasty Garífuna cuisine available, including the delicious fish served in coconut stew, known as hudut.

The best food and drink in Belize City

Belize City is an excellent destination for foodies, with a variety of cuisines on offer, from local specialties to international fare. Here is a guide to some of the best food and drink the city has to offer:

Local Specialties

For those looking to immerse themselves in the local culture through food, there are plenty of options to choose from. A few local specialties to try include:

• Chicken Stew served with rice and beans and fried plantains
• Bile Up, a traditional dish made with eggs, fish, cassava, plantains, yams, and sweet potatoes, boiled in a tomato sauce
• Hudut, a flavourful fish soup cooked in coconut milk
• Conch fritters, a local favourite often found at seaside restaurants
• Fresh fruit like passion fruit, starfruit, jackfruit, dragon fruit, guava, papaya, mango, and pineapple

Restaurants in Belize City

Belize City has a diverse range of restaurants, catering to different tastes and budgets. Here are some top picks:

• Celebrity Restaurant is a popular choice, serving delicious Caribbean and seafood dishes.
• Midtown Restaurant & Bar is highly recommended for its seafood and international cuisine. Their garlic shrimp is a must-try.
• Vino Tinto Restaurant Bar & Grill offers an international and Asian fusion menu with dishes like lamb kabobs and tabbouleh salad.
• Sumathi Indian Restaurant is a great option for Indian cuisine, with dishes like vegetable korma.
• Chon Saan Palace serves tasty Chinese food, and their fried chicken is a local favourite.
• Club Calypso Seafood Restaurant offers Caribbean and seafood dishes in a casual setting.
• The Little Boar House is a great choice for barbecue lovers, serving up delicious grilled dishes.
• St. George's Restaurant is located near the Radisson and offers a variety of dishes, including beef stew.
• Marva's Restaurant is known for its affordable and tasty Caribbean and South American cuisine.
• Friendship Chinese Restaurant is another popular Chinese option, especially for their fried chicken.
• Admiral's Restaurant And Bar is a steakhouse that also offers seafood and fast food options.

Drinks in Belize City

In addition to the restaurants mentioned above, there are also several bars and lounges in Belize City worth checking out:

• Cork Street Whiskey Bar is a great spot for whiskey lovers.
• Sahara Grill serves delicious Lebanese food and drinks.
• Tutti Frutti is a must-visit for Italian expats, serving some of the best gelato between New York and Buenos Aires.
• Wet Lizard is a well-known bar in the Fort Street Tourist Village, offering a range of drinks and food.
• Better Belize It Bar is another popular spot in the Fort Street Tourist Village.

Whether you're looking for local specialties or international fare, Belize City has something for everyone. Be sure to explore the city and enjoy the unique culinary experiences it has to offer!

The best shopping in Belize City

Belize City is known for its colonial-style wooden and brick buildings, but the downtown area also has some seedy neighbourhoods. The city is also not particularly safe for tourists to explore on their own. However, there are some interesting landmarks, such as the Museum of Belize, St John Cathedral, Holy Redeemer Cathedral, and the Baron Bliss Lighthouse & Gravesite, which are all within walking distance of the cruise terminal.

Diamonds International

This shop is highly recommended by tourists and offers a wide range of souvenirs, from hats and caps to t-shirts and jewellery.

Duty-free shops (liquor, tobacco, and perfume)

Belize's duty-free shops offer a great opportunity to purchase liquor, tobacco, and perfume at discounted prices.

Moho Chocolate Factory and Gift Shop

Moho Chocolate is a quaint spot in the "safe area" of downtown Belize City. They offer a variety of unique chocolate flavours, including lime, passion fruit, banana, coffee, and chilli.

The Jungle Gift Shop

The Jungle Gift Shop is located in the Fort Street Tourism Village and offers a wide range of souvenirs, including unique magnets for only $2.

Belizean Handicraft Market Place

This market is located off the beaten path and features pleasant craftspeople who sell a variety of items made from local woods, such as bowls, carvings, and animal figures.

Kaj Expressions Belize City

Kaj Expressions offers a variety of handmade jewellery and is known for its excellent customer service and positive energy.

Caribbean Spice Belize

Caribbean Spice Belize has two locations, one in Belize City and one in San Ignacio. They offer a wide range of spices and blends, perfect for foodies and those looking to cook local dishes.

Art Angels N Juweels

Art Angels N Juweels is a speciality gift shop and art gallery that offers a unique shopping experience.

San Pedro Artisans Market

For handcrafted souvenirs, the San Pedro Artisans Market is the place to go. Here, you can find wooden sculptures, shell art, hand-woven hammocks, and more.

Belize Chocolate Company

The Belize Chocolate Company offers bean-to-bar chocolate made with organic cacao beans from small family farms in southern Belize. They also serve milkshakes and Chocochinos to go.

While exploring Belize City, it is important to keep in mind that most attractions are located outside the city. Therefore, if you plan to explore independently, make sure to allow enough time to return to the Tourism Village for the last tender departure to your ship.

Frequently asked questions