Belize's Best Beach: Carnival Cruise's Secret

Belize is a small country in Central America, located between Guatemala and Mexico and bordered by the Caribbean Sea. It is known for its unique ecosystems, including the second-largest barrier reef in the world, rainforest jungles, and Mayan archaeological sites.

The Belize City cruise port is a popular destination for Carnival Cruise Line, with over 200 ships visiting yearly. The port offers a range of attractions, including the Mayan ruins of Xunantunich, Altun Ha, and Lamanai, as well as wildlife adventures in the ocean and tropical forest.

While there are no beaches immediately accessible from the port, cruise passengers can take a boat out to nearby Cayes, such as Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye, to enjoy beach activities and water sports. These islands offer pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and opportunities for snorkelling, diving, and paddleboarding.

Belize truly offers something for everyone, from archaeological wonders and ecological diversity to thrilling adventures and relaxing beach days.

Mayan Ruins

Belize is home to several Mayan ruins, which are some of the most important Mayan archaeological sites in the world. Here is some information on four of them:

Altun Ha

The Altun Ha Mayan Ruins are a beautiful example of Mayan architectural accomplishments from over 2000 years ago. Founded around 900 BC, Altun Ha is one of the most famous Mayan centres and was a critical trading post for the Mayan civilisation. The site includes several temples and manicured grounds, making it a great family-oriented activity. It is located close to the Belize City Port, just a short one-hour drive from the Cruise Ship Terminal.

Xunantunich

The Xunantunich Ruins are a wonderful example of the Classic Mayan period. The site was abandoned around 900 AD, presumably due to a large earthquake. Located on a natural limestone ridge, Xunantunich was the first Mayan ruin opened to the public. The site includes numerous temples and six plazas. The second-highest structure in Belize, El Castillo, stands at 130 feet tall and offers panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and Guatemala's Peten District.

Lamanai

Lamanai is one of the largest Mayan ceremonial sites ever discovered. It features intricate stone architecture overlooking the magnificent New River Lagoon. To get to the site, you must take a bus and then a short riverboat cruise through the rainforest.

Caracol, Cerros, and Other Sites

Belize has the most discovered Mayan ruins, with sites in forests, villages, and towns. Other popular ruin sites include Caracol, Cerros, and Xunantunich.

Snorkelling

Belize is a snorkelling paradise, with crystal clear waters, the world's second-largest barrier reef, and an abundance of marine life. Here are some top spots for snorkelling near the Carnival Cruise port in Belize:

Goff's Caye

Goff's Caye is a small, pristine natural island with white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. It is the perfect spot for snorkelling, with an abundance of marine life just off the beach. You can expect to see a variety of coral and vividly coloured fish, and even lobsters. The island is also a great place to relax, with reasonably priced food and drinks available.

Shark Ray Alley

Shark Ray Alley, located near Caye Caulker, is a popular snorkelling site known for its friendly nurse sharks and stingrays. These curious creatures will swim up close but won't let you touch them. It's a shallow snorkelling site just a few minutes off the beach, making it easily accessible.

Hol Chan Marine Reserve

The Hol Chan Marine Reserve is another excellent spot for snorkelling. It is divided into four sections based on underwater wildlife and terrain: the Cut, the Sea Grass Beds, the Mangroves, and Shark Ray Alley. You can expect to see a variety of fish, corals, sea turtles, and even the protected West Indian manatee. Keep an eye out in the open water, and you might spot blacktip or nurse sharks, spotted eagle rays, or even dolphins.

Rendezvous Caye

For a more in-depth snorkelling experience, take a short boat ride to the private island of Rendezvous Caye. Here, you'll have plenty of time to explore the largest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere and discover an endless variety of coral and colourful fish. The island also offers a relaxing beach where you can enjoy a refreshing drink and take in the incredible surroundings.

Sergeant's Cay

Sergeant's Cay is the smallest island with a population of one! It offers snorkelling over the second-largest barrier reef in the world, where you can see parrotfish grazing on coral, angelfish chasing each other, and schools of rainbow-hued fish swimming through the forest of swaying sea fans. The water is warm and clear, providing excellent visibility.

Mexico Rocks

Mexico Rocks is a shallow snorkelling site with an average depth of 12 to 15 feet, making it easy to see the underwater world. The coral formations here are massive and provide shelter for various marine life, including spiny lobsters, eels, anemones, and shrimp. You may also spot sea turtles, as they are attracted to the abundant food sources in the area.

With its clear waters, healthy reef systems, and abundance of marine life, Belize is a snorkeller's dream. These spots offer a range of experiences, from shallow reefs to deeper waters, and are sure to provide unforgettable memories of the underwater world.

Belize City

The city itself is divided into two areas: the North side, which is considered the safest and most prosperous area, and the South side, which includes some tourist attractions such as the historic St. John's Cathedral and the House of Culture. The city is home to the country's largest sea port and airport, as well as the Belize Tourism Village, where most cruise ships dock.

The city also offers a range of outdoor activities, such as cave tubing, cave kayaking, horseback riding, riverboat and airboat tours, hiking, trekking, and ziplining. There are also wildlife sanctuaries and zoos nearby, as well as opportunities for watersports and relaxation on secluded beaches.

The city also has a vibrant social scene, with trendy boutiques, restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. However, it is important to note that street hawkers can be bothersome and that there are areas of the city that are not safe for tourists to explore alone.

Barrier Reef

The Belize Barrier Reef is a 300-kilometre-long section of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, which is the second-largest coral reef system in the world. It is located roughly 300 metres offshore in the north and 40 kilometres in the south within Belize's country limits. The reef is a series of coral reefs that run parallel to Belize's coastline.

The Belize Barrier Reef is a popular tourist destination, attracting almost half of the country's 260,000 visitors. It is also vital to Belize's fishing industry. The reef is home to a diverse range of plants and animals, including 70 hard coral species, 36 soft coral species, and hundreds of invertebrate species.

The Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System, which includes seven marine reserves, 450 cayes, and three atolls, protects a large portion of the reef. In 1996, the reserve system was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO due to its vulnerability and ecological importance.

The reef offers abundant opportunities for recreational activities such as diving, snorkelling, sailing, and fishing. It is also a crucial natural defence for the coastline, protecting it from wave action, tropical storms, and hurricanes.

• Dive or take a scenic flight tour of the Great Blue Hole: The Great Blue Hole is a popular attraction located within the Lighthouse Reef, which is the most easterly diving area in Belize.
• Snorkel at the Hol Chan Marine Reserve: At Hol Chan, you can observe a diverse array of fish, as well as nurse sharks, sea turtles, and manta rays.
• Explore and camp at Half Moon Caye: Half Moon Caye is a pristine, crescent-shaped island and natural monument that can be enjoyed both above and below the water.
• Visit South Water Caye Marine Reserve: This is Belize's second-largest marine reserve and offers excellent diving opportunities.
• Swim with Whale Sharks at the Gladden Spit and Silk Cayes: This is a unique opportunity to get up close with these gentle giants of the sea.
• Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker: These are the largest cayes in Belize and popular hubs for scuba diving and snorkelling. They are also conveniently located near attractions such as Hol Chan Marine Reserve and the Great Blue Hole.
• Turneffe Atoll and Glover's Reef: These remote locations offer a chance to escape the crowds and swim with exotic marine wildlife just offshore.

Island Getaway

Belize is a small country in Central America, nestled between Guatemala and Mexico, with the Caribbean Sea bordering its eastern side. It is a unique blend of ecosystems, cultures, and attractions, making it a sought-after destination for Carnival Cruise passengers.

One of the highly recommended excursions in Belize is the "Starfish Private Island Getaway." This family-friendly trip takes you to a secluded island, where you can swim, soak up the sun, and enjoy the local music and sights at your own pace. A Belizean buffet lunch and a full bar enhance the experience, allowing you to relax and unwind in this Caribbean paradise.

If you're seeking a beach experience, Goff's Caye Island is a great option. Sun Kissed Goff's Caye Beach offers a guided snorkeling adventure in the Belize barrier reef, followed by beach time on the island. The tour includes snorkeling gear, and you can explore the underwater world and admire the diverse marine life that Belize has to offer.

For those who want to combine history and beach time, the "Sharks, Rays, Barrier Reef Snorkel, and Island Escape" excursion is ideal. You'll get to snorkel at the Barrier Reef, encountering nurse sharks, stingrays, and vibrant coral formations. Afterward, you'll get to relax on the sandy bottom of the shallow blue waters as these gentle creatures swim around you.

Belize truly offers something for everyone, from its picturesque oceanfront and jungle terrain to its rich history and archaeological sites. Whether you're seeking relaxation or adventure, you'll find it in this tropical paradise.

Frequently asked questions