What’s Within Walking Distance And Nearby
As mentioned at the beginning of this port review, Belize City is not particularly appealing to explore on your own. In reality, many cruise travelers feel intimidated when walking around the city. This said, if you do not have such a legitimate concern, keep in mind that the tender boats dock at the Fort Street Tourism Village, which is right by Belize City downtown. However, two of the most interesting landmarks in Belize City are on distinct sides of the river and not so close to the exit gates of the cruise terminal.
Distance from cruise port: south bank, across the Swing Bridge.
And Here Is Why You Should Cruise To Belize
This small country, in fact, the second smallest in Central America, features a surprisingly unique combination of precious ecosystems. Starting from the second largest barrier reef in the world, to rainforest jungles, not forgetting some of the most important Mayan archeological sites.
To add to this, the country is uniquely half Caribbean and half Spanish. Bringing the diverse cultures of Kriols, Garifunas, Mayans and the Spanish people together in one place. Resulting in a beautiful culture that will have you enjoy the food, music, and practices of this diverse country even the more.
Get all your Belize souvenirs from Amazon so you can focus on enjoying the cruise destination.
Located between Guatemala and Mexico and bordered to the eastern side by the Caribbean Sea. This country has it all and its no wonder, it has become such a popular destination on western Caribbean cruise itineraries.
While enjoying everything this majestic nation has to offer, wont be possible in a day. Here is a guide on what to do on your port day at Belize to help you choose the best activity and plan effectively.
Eating Sample The Local Cuisine
If you truly want to eat like many of the locals do in Belize, be sure to order a plate of rice and beans. This dish is cooked in coconut milk and is simple yet savory. Conch fritters are another popular mainstay in Belize, and are available at large restaurants as well as small food stands. Finally, curry chicken is a very well known part of the local cuisine of Belize and is sure to please the palate of even the most finicky eater.
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Safety Health Matters And Emergencies
- Safety and US Travel Advisory
- Pharmacies
- Hospital
- U.S. Embassy
For comprehensive and updated information about traveling to Belize see the U.S. Department of State website page updated advisory.
There is a pharmacy conveniently located in the Fort Street Tourism Village cruise terminal. In Belize City, you will also find two pharmacies less than 1/2 mile from the port: Popular Pharmacy, on 150 North Front Street and Family Health Pharmacy, on Queen Street.
There are three private hospitals in Belize City, around 2 miles from the cruise terminal providing, open 24/7 and with well rated health services: Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital , Belize Medical Associates , and Belize Healthcare Partners
There is a U.S. Embassy in Belize on Floral Park Road, Belmopan, around 45.1 miles from Belize City. Emergency services are provided during normal duty hours – Monday to Friday 8:00 AM â 5:00 PM. Phone from Belize 822-4011. After-hours emergency number: 610-5030.U.S. Embassy
Where Is Belize And The Cruise Port
Although Belmopan is the country’s capital, Belize City is the largest city with a population of around 110,000. Belize City is located in the eponymous district, on the East coast of the country bathed by the Caribbean Sea. The cruise port is 191.67 nautical miles south of Cozumel cruise port, 118.25 nautical miles northwest of Roatan and 407.21 nautical miles west of Grand Cayman.
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Snorkeling And Scuba Diving
Go scuba diving at any one of the many diving spots located on the 185-mile-long barrier reef in Belize. The reef is the 2nd largest in the world and produces at least 3 of the worlds best diving atolls. Lets not even mention the wonder that is the blue hole. Its hundreds of feet deep and has an ambitious wall drop.
Whichever cruise line you are on, you are sure to see this excursion on their offering which mostly starts from$165. A normal dive excursion will have you transferred from your ship to one of the outer cayes of Belize. This 30 minutes ride along the barrier reef will take you to any of the two largest cayes in Belize. The cayes are ambergris and caulker caye.
From there, diving gear will be provided. And you will get back on the boat and head out to either the spectacular Turneffe Atoll or Hol Chan marine reserve which hosts the popular snorkeling site, Shark Ray Alley. Here you get to interact with harmless nurse sharks and southern stingrays. You will have 1hour dive intervals at two different locations with lunch served in between.
Take a look at this travel snorkel gear from Amazon for your cruise vacation.
Once you wrap up the excursion, you will be taken back to the shores of the Caye to enjoy a few last minutes in the place before being whisked back to the port.
Where Do Cruise Ships Dock In Belize City
Due to the shallow waters of Belize Citys. If you do not see your ship listed here please choose the excursion that you are interested in on the Excursions page.
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River Tubing In Underground Caves Anyone
Are you an adrenaline junkie? Then this is your excursion. A river tubing experience through underground dark caves combined with ziplining awaits you in this amazing excursion.
Youll need good water shoes to do these kinds of excursions, .
On this excursion, you will take a scenic 1hour tour of rural Belize to a place called Jaguar Paw. Once at the place, safety and induction formalities will be done before you are allowed to the fun. Mind you, you will have to trek from the base of jaguar paw to get to the excursions start point. So, wear comfortable walking shoes, and bring bug spray with you.
And finally, once you arrive at the caves, you will have your tubes roped together and a guide will take you through the river across 3 caves. Where you will learn interesting things about how the caves were used by the Mayans.
Oh! And did I remember to tell you, that some of the caves will be pitch black? Dont worry though you will be given headlights for the trip and there is no known danger that has ever been reported in them. Have fun floating around and exploring caves viewing their formations on this trip.
Tip: Carry good water shoes, bug spray and a good waterproof camera for the best experience at this place.
Shopping In Belize City Belize
Youll find the typical cruise port shopping destinations, Diamonds International, Del-Sol, Pirhana Joe, within Tourism Village. Look for the souvenir shops offering hand-made goods such as mahogany or rosewood carvings, or baskets. Note: dont buy items that are made from sea turtle shells, Tritons trumpet shells or black coral.
Moho Chocolate & Cafe stop here for some wonderful local chocolate, made in small batches. They also offer specialty hot beverages and a couple of small tables. Watch them roast the cacao beans on their front porch.
Pharmacy Express the hot-spot for inexpensive over-the-counter medication
National Handicrafts Sales Center artwork and crafts
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Top 10 Things To Do In Belize Cruise Port
Guests traveling on Western Caribbean cruises are now more likely than ever to find themselves stopping in the country of Belize. It is here that tropical environments blend with historical riches to make for a fascinating and beautiful retreat. There are many things to do in Belize from laid back family activities to high adrenaline jungle adventures. We have put together a list of the ten best to consider for ship passengers lucky enough to have a day at the pier here, and most of them are tours that are easily booked at the Belize cruise port or through a cruise line itself.
1. Check out Cucumber Beach: Visitors of all ages will enjoy Cucumber Beach, a man made beach accessible via booked excursions from the Belize cruise port. For a nominal daily entry fee, guests can enjoy the warm pool water, take a ride on the water slide and of course, enjoy some delicious food. There is also a rope swing found here for those adventurous enough to give it a whirl. Of course a gift shop is also on site for those who spend too much time lounging and swimming to have an opportunity to pick up souvenirs in town. Although Belize is home to some of the best beach vacations in the world, Cucumber beach combines the tropical atmosphere and warm waters off the coast with the food, drink and shopping that are not to be missed while ported here.
Where Do The Cruise Ships Dock And What All Is There To Do And Where Is That In Relation To Belize City
The cruise ships lay anchor off shore. People are brought into the cruise ship terminal which is in front of where San Pedro express water taxi docks. The terminal has restricted access to only cruise ship passengers. It is full of drink spots and duty free stores who can really only sell to cruise ship passengers.
If you show your passport you can get in, but you are not allowed duty free stuff just food and drink. Fairly expensive food and drink but its interesting.
Norwegian Cruise Lines has their own pier offshore on Harvest Caye south of Placencia as well.
Are cruise ship passengers allowed to leave the area to walk to the Belize sign there on the water?
Yes you see lots of cruiser peeps walking around and taking in land tours. They have horse drawn carriages. The sign is a few hundred yards east and an easy walk.
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Where Cruise Ships Dock In Cozumel
Cruise ships dock in Cozumel in one of 3 piers-terminals. The Punta Langosta Pier is located at the southern end of San Miguel, the major town on the Island, at walking distance to the best shops, restaurants, and a few landmarks like the Benito Juarez Park or the Cozumel Island Museum.
Around 3 miles south of San Miguel, are the other two cruise terminals – the International Cruise Terminal aka as TMM and Puerta Maya cruise terminal – just a few hundred years apart.
Main Street – Cozumel
Regardless of the Terminal where your cruise ship will dock, the cruise traveler should know that all of them have excellent amenities, offer all services you may need including endless duty-free shopping and well-known bars-grill-restaurants such as Señor Frogs, Starbucks or Pancho’s Backyard.
Sightseeing In Belize City Cruise Port
cruise visitors that enjoy sightseeing will find a couple of interesting services touring Belize City with stops in the most notable landmarks such as the Museum of Belize, the Liberty Hall, the Baron Bliss Lighthouse, or the St. John’s Anglican Cathedral. These sightseeing services can be booked as a shore excursion.
- Calypso Train Tour
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Gifts Souvenirs Best Shops And Shopping
cruise passengers looking for souvenirs from Belize and local gifts will find the best shops at the Fort Street Tourism Village. In fact, there isn’t much of interest to buy outside the gated cruise terminal compound unless you travel to San Pedro where there is a larger and more diverse number of shops in Ambergris Caye.
Cruise Lines Travelling To Belize
As of 2019, the cruise lines that have made port in Belize City are Carnival, Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Holland America, Princess, Regent Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Silversea, Oceania, AIDA Cruises, Seabourn, Costa, Marella, Phoenix, Costa, and more. There are about 333 cruise calls to Belize every year.
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Top Food And Drink Spots Near The Belize City Cruise Port
Belizes multi-ethnic culture is front and center in its diverse cuisine, which includes an array of Caribbean, Mexican, Spanish, African, and Mayan influences. Savor fresh seafood specialties, like conch fritters and grilled lobster, one of the countrys leading exports. Youll also find almost every dish in Belize is served with their signature rice and red beans. Make sure to try other dishes including stewed chicken, wrapped tamales, and Chimole soup.
Put On Your Archeological Hat And Go Explore
A Mayan adventure awaits you at the many Mayan ruin sites available in Belize. In fact, did you know Belize has the most discovered Mayan ruins? Expect to find ruins in forests, villages, and towns like Caracol, Lamanai and Cerros. Sites such as Altun Ha, Lamanai and Xunantunich are just some of the most popular. There are many more Mayan sites that can be visited when you dont have time limits. Put on your archeology hat and go on an adventure of discovery to these mysterious sites of ancient civilizations.
Both cruises and local tour operators offer tours to these sites. Your excursion to places such as Altun Ha starts with a bus ride through the town. With charming local tour guides giving you the history of the place along the way. Other excursions to ruin sites such as Lamanai, will have you take a bus ride and a boat ride to get to the site.
Climb the pyramids at the sites and have a view of the forests, rivers, and lagoons that surround the place. Take plenty of photos and learn how ancient Mayans were mathematicians, agriculturalists and also notorious men of war.
All in all, a tour to any of these ruins will leave you with a lasting memory and having learned something about world history.
Insider Tip: Book through reputable local tour operators or visit early enough to get the place all to yourself and your group, before crowds get there.
This excursion will cost you anywhere from $85 an adult or $65 a kid depending on your cruise line.
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Where You Dock In Belize City Belize
Ships anchor off the coast of Belize and tender their passengers into the port, about a 20 minute, often choppy, ride. The port itself, called Tourism Village is quite small, with souvenir shops and Diamonds International and restaurants offering cheap drinks and Caribbean specialties. There is a high guarded fence around Tourism Village which they dont recommend tourists venture outside of by themselves.
Can I Walk To Any Places Of Interest
Passengers disembark at the docks in Belizes Tourism Village thats dotted with duty free jewellery stores, restaurants and bars. Its perfectly possible to spend an hour or so in the village but its not a destination in itself.
A much better idea is to walk to the Museum of Belize for an excellent overview of the tiny Central American nation, St Johns Cathedral and The Swing Bridge.
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Things To Know When You Cruise To Belize
If you’re going to cruise to Belize then you’ll want to know everything to do at the cruise destination in Central America in the Western Caribbean. Follow these Belize tips for your next vacation at sea.
Excited about your cruise to Belize? Well, you should be. Belize cruise port is a growing attraction among cruise-goers with over 200 ships now visiting this small Caribbean country yearly. With more than twice its population visiting the port, its evident that Belize is truly a special place.
What Days Do Cruise Ships Dock In Belize
I have heard to schedule cave tubing on a day that the cruise ships are not at port in Belize. Can anyone suggest what days would be the best to set up a cave tubing excursion so that it is not too crowded?
cruise ship schedules.
You can always go later in the day, and miss all the cruisers. Be sure and use Fryjack, he’s the best.
perfect! Thanks for the link!
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What Is There To Do In Belize Port
You can try the authentic local food that is sold around the cafes, bars, and restaurants that line the port. The Tourist Village right out of the port has a good number of restaurants, grills, and bars, with The Wet Lizard taking the lead.
Several tours are also available that will take you directly from the port, that take you to many interesting landmarks such as the Museum of Belize, Liberty Hall, and the Baron Lighthouse.
You can take private transport like a rental car and enjoy the center of Belize City, and experience Belizean culture for yourself.