Table Of Content
Tipping is not expected in restaurants, cafes, or bars but it is appropriate to tip around 10%. Tour guides expect a tip of around 10%.Haggling is not expected in shops with fixed prices (like the ones selling liquor, tobacco, and perfumes). In fact, it is considered rude to haggle if you venture outside the cruise terminal. However, on duty-free shops selling jewelry and watches like Diamonds International haggling is a must. The Belize Tourism Board office is located in Belize City across the Swing Bridge on Regent Street, around 0.9 miles (1.4 km) southwest of the cruise port. The following car rentals can be booked online and are within walking distance of the cruise terminal.
Getting Around Port of Belize
English is the official language in Belize, making it convenient for English-speaking tourists to communicate with locals. Spanish is also widely spoken, providing a comfortable experience for Spanish-speaking visitors. Travel information and signs are often in English, aiding travelers in navigation and interaction. At the heart of the city's connection with tourists lies the Fort Street Tourism Village. It's more than just a landing point; it's where the journey into the local culture begins. Here, guests find colorful stalls, eager tour guides, and the occasional festive performance, making the transition from sea to land both lively and memorable.
Belize City basic info at a glance
In Belize City, the downtown market is a bustling hub of activity, offering a wide array of goods including fresh fruits, vegetables, and handmade crafts. One factor to keep in mind when planning your visit is that Belize is located in the Caribbean hurricane belt. The official hurricane season runs from June to November, with the highest risk in September and October. However, it’s worth noting that hurricanes are rare in Belize, and cruise lines closely monitor weather conditions to ensure the safety of passengers. The rainy season in Belize falls between June and November, with September and October being the wettest months.
Port Overview
Cruise passengers with disabilities or with walking difficulties may find it a bit challenging to wander around in on your own.
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Don’t forget to visit the Belize Zoo, where you can witness Belize’s native animal species up close. Alternatively look to Lamanai, offered by cruise lines including Carnival, a former city renowned for its long occupation spanning three millennia. Beyond the beaches, a Mayan adventure awaits at Altun Ha – an awe-inspiring complex of plazas, temples, tombs and pyramids that lies 31 miles north of Belize City. Holland America Line combines the site with a boat ride on Belize river, where you might spot crocodiles, iguanas and howler monkeys.
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The tour takes you into the rainforest outside of Belize City where you’ll float on a tube through a cave system featuring spectacular rock formations. Once you arrive at the dock, you’ll see a shopping village in front of you with four terminal areas featuring numerous bars and eateries, tour and car rental booths, and dozens of duty-free shops. For updated coronavirus (Covid-19) information and travel advice to Belize and the cruise port in Belize City visit the website of the U.S. The main Post Office in Belize City is located on 150 North Front Street, around 0.4 mile (600 meters) northwest of the Fort Street Tourism Village cruise terminal.
Belize is full of friendly locals, delicious food, and a history rooted in Mayan culture, with ten percent of the population still speaking the Mayan language. Just keep your wits about you while walking the city, and you’ll make some of the best memories of your cruise. Once you hail a taxi, you can negotiate a fare from anywhere near the touristy areas. You can also hop on a water taxi and ferries that run between the port and the cayes to get to some other attractions. If none of the above activities speak to your inner daredevil, try an excursion that tubes you into a cave and ziplines you over the jungle.
Belize's Natural Wonders
While this period sees more rainfall and increased humidity, it also offers unique advantages. The landscape is lush and vibrant, and the rainforests come alive with wildlife and cascading waterfalls. The port is also conveniently located near Belize City, where you can discover the local culture, visit museums and art galleries, or indulge in delicious Belizean cuisine.
Go kayaking or paddleboarding along the serene rivers and mangroves, or embark on a thrilling snorkeling or diving excursion to the Belize Barrier Reef. Swim among colorful coral formations, encounter diverse marine life, and even explore the world-renowned Great Blue Hole. Fly through the treetops on a series of cables and platforms, taking in the stunning views of the lush jungle below.
It includes a bit of Mayan cave exploration and a short guided walk through the Belize rainforest. The port lets out into Fort Street Tourism Village, just a five-minute walk from Marine Terminal, the central downtown district of Belize. You can also get to St. John’s Cathedral, Baron Bliss Lighthouse, and the Museum of Belize on foot, but you should probably take a taxi. If you prefer soaring through the air in a vehicle, opt for an airplane tour over the city and the famous Blue Hole, where the ocean seems to drop out and stretch on for an eternity. Book a tour to this national park to enjoy river rafting, incredible hiking trails and the chance to see the world's only jaguar conservation project (jaguar sightings not guaranteed). The cave system is part of the Belize National Park system, and you need to book a tour with licensed guides to access them.
Tourists can embark on guided boat tours which navigate through this natural wonder, providing a closer look at the diverse marine habitat. The excursions often include opportunities to witness colorful schools of fish, majestic coral formations, and the chance to catch glimpses of turtles, rays, and even sharks in their natural environment. A variety of bars and restaurants dot the port area, serving both local delicacies and international cuisine. These establishments cater to all taste buds, from refreshing cocktails at a waterfront bar to savory bites at cozy eateries.
The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Belize City. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link. Lamanai Archaeological Reserve lies 127 km/79 miles (a 2h 20-minute drive) northwest of Belize port and is the second-largest site in Belize that was once a major city of the Maya civilization. Mask Temple, Temple of the Jaguar and High Temple are the main ruins offering beautiful views of the New River. Exploring the local markets and shopping districts in Belize is a delightful way to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of the country and bring home unique souvenirs and treasures. From handcrafted goods and local artwork to traditional Belizean spices and Belizean chocolate, there’s something for everyone to discover.
Ambergris Caye, the largest of Belize's islands, is a hub for water sports and beach leisure, while Caye Caulker offers a more laid-back atmosphere with ample spots for swimming and sunbathing. The short water taxi rides between islands provide a scenic tour of the beautiful Caribbean Sea. Experience Belize's rich heritage with cultural and historical tours that delve into the nation's mosaic of cultures. So, grab your appetite and wallet, and get ready to discover the flavors and treasures that make Belize a unique destination. The Cruise Port of Belize operates as a tender port, meaning that cruise ships anchor offshore and passengers are ferried to the port using smaller boats. The tender ride provides a unique opportunity to see the coastal beauty of Belize.
Unless you earnestly wish to explore a couple of historic landmarks in Belize City on foot, almost all highlights and principal attractions in the cruise port require traveling between 15 and 80 miles. Therefore, the best way for cruise visitors to explore, discover, and enjoy Belize is with Shore Excursions. The only exceptions are Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker, which can be reached by water taxi. Belize’s wildlife and nature experiences are truly captivating, with a plethora of unique species and breathtaking ecosystems. From jaguar encounters to birdwatching and snorkeling with marine creatures, there’s no shortage of opportunities to marvel at the wonders of the natural world.
