Belize City, Belize cruises
Belize port guide
Neighbouring Guatemala and Mexico, Belize is nestled on the east coast of Central America and enjoys a beautiful shoreline kissed by the Caribbean Sea. Close to the capital, Belize City, you’ll find plenty to explore, but if you have the chance to venture inland, you’ll find lush jungles, ruins, and all sorts of authentic, cultural experiences to be a part of.
You’ll find a mix of its Maya background alongside reminders of a colonial history, with Spanish and British influences felt in a range of ways. Once known as British Honduras, today Belize remains an independent nation in the British Commonwealth.
Top landmarks and sights in Belize
In Belize, among the most popular sights are Maya ruins, colonial architecture, and plenty of natural wonders just begging to be photographed.
Colonial buildings
On a cruise to Belize you’ll dock in Belize City, which has played a vital role in the country’s colonial history. One landmark you could visit is St. John’s Cathedral, which was erected in 1812. This once acted as a kind of headquarters for the Church of England, in Central America, and is the oldest standing European building in Belize. There’s also the Government House, built in 1814. Once the residence of the governor of British Honduras, today the building has become the House of Culture Museum.
Altun Ha
If you would like to visit Maya ruins while in Belize, Altun Ha is probably the easiest to get to from Belize City cruise port. It’s around an hours’ drive away. The oldest parts of the complex date back to around 900 B.C. and it is believed to have been used as a place of worship, trade, and residence. Altun Ha is also the site at which Belize’s crown jewel was found – a jade carving of Maya sun god, ‘Kinich Ahau’.
Natural sites
From Belize City you can quickly access the country’s glittering Caribbean coastline, complete with its coral reef, and you’re only around an hour away from stunning wildlife-filled jungles and fascinating caves. The Nohoch Che’en Caves Branch Archaeological Reserve is a stunning labyrinth of caves and azure pools on which you can kayak, and the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected wetland home to monkeys, crocodiles, iguanas, and more.
Things to do in Belize
Depending on your preferences, and how far out you’d like to travel within Belize, your day here can be as action-packed or relaxed as you like. Here are a few ideas.
Visit Old Belize
Around 20-minutes’ drive from the cruise terminal, Old Belize presents a well-rounded way to spend time here. It’s the site of Kukumba Beach, with its lounge chairs, waterslide, and rope swing, but also a train tour, on which you’ll learn about the history and culture of Belize. You’ll also find a gift shop and food market here, where vendors sell their tasty and varied cuisine.
Explore the Museum of Belize
About a 10-minute walk from the cruise terminal, the Museum of Belize building is almost as interesting as its contents, having served as a prison during British colonialism in the mid-19th century, until closure in 1993. Today you’ll find exhibits showcasing art and historical artefacts, helping you to put all the pieces together when it comes to Belizean culture. It covers the Maya people, slavery, colonialism, nature, and art.
Go birdwatching
Belize is a haven for different species of birds, so if you enjoy birdwatching, you’ll not be disappointed. More than 500 species can be sighted, including the pretty and colourful indigo buntings, scarlet macaws, and keel-billed toucans. One of the best places to go birdwatching in Belize is the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, about one hours’ drive from the cruise port.
Eating and drinking near Belize
Farmers and food producers in Belize are rightly very proud of their wares, which include the most colourful and juicy fruit and vegetables you could want. This, combined with Central American and European influences, culminates in a fantastic melting pot of cuisine to try. For anyone wanting to sample local fare, a few things to look for are fry jacks, chimole, and rice and peas.
Fry jacks are a great on-the-go snack that’s often served as a side. They’re essentially deep-fried pockets of tortilla dough, sometimes stuffed with sweet or savoury fillings. Chimole, on the other hand, is a hearty soup of Maya descent. Made with chicken, potatoes, vegetables, and spices, this dish is instantly recognisable due to its black colour, which comes from a traditional Maya spice blend known as ‘black recado’.
As with many nations in this part of the world, Belizean cuisine is generally not shy of spice, and the favourite hot sauce here is Marie Sharp’s. You’ll find a few to choose from, used to top all kinds of dishes. To wash down your cuisine, and perhaps relieve your taste buds of the heat, you could choose a Belikin beer. Brewed locally in Ladyville, just outside of Belize City, refreshing Belikin beer is available as a stout, premium, or lager.
Shopping in Belize
For souvenir shopping in Belize, you don’t need to look much further than Fort Street Tourism Village at the cruise terminal. Pretty pastel buildings line the waterfront, chock full of trinkets, art, jewellery and more. There are 30+ establishments including restaurants and cafes, toilets, an internet café, and tourist information.
There’s also a Belizean Handicraft Market Place on North Park Street, which is a short walk from the cruise terminal too. Here you can pick up lovely gifts such as hand-made baskets, wooden carvings, art, and pottery.
Getting around: Belize transport
If you’ll be staying local to the cruise terminal, in Belize City, you’ll find that most of the main attractions are walkable. Should you prefer the use of a taxi, however, you’ll find many throughout the city – recognised by their green licence plates. In the event that you use a taxi, be sure to agree on a fee first as there are no meters. To leave Belize City, you’d be wise to book a Shore Experience to ensure you get back to port in time for your ship’s departure.
Belize port facilities
When you arrive in Belize, your Cunard Queen will be anchored slightly offshore, and you’ll be brought to dock via a tender vessel. You’ll arrive close to the Fort Street Tourism Village where you’ll find all the amenities you could need, including toilets, internet access, and tourist information.
Top tips for Belize
Currency
The currency used in Belize is the Belize Dollar, but the US Dollar is also widely accepted. Note that you’ll likely receive change in local currency, however. Cash can be purchased on your ship, or you’ll find ATMs in Belize City if you prefer. Card payments are accepted in most bigger establishments.
Tipping
Tipping is not mandatory in Belize, however it as appreciated. Should you experience good service and would like to leave a tip in a restaurant, café, or bar, about 10-15% of the total amount of the bill is appropriate.
Weather
There are two distinct periods when it comes to weather in Belize. The dry season is from December to May and the wet season is June to November. Temperatures rarely go below 20 degrees Celsius throughout the year. The coolest months are December to February, when you can expect highs of about 28 degrees Celsius during the day, and the hottest period is June to October when it can get to about 32 degrees Celsius.
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