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 Belize cruise 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 don’t recommend tourists venture outside of by themselves.

At Belize Cruise Port, you’ll find the typical cruise port shopping destinations. Diamonds International, Del-Sol,  and Piranha Joe, within Tourism Village. Look for the souvenir shops offering hand-made goods such as mahogany or rosewood carvings, or baskets. Note: don’t buy items that are made from sea turtle shells, Triton’s 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 (2 South Park Street near Tourism Village) – artwork and crafts

There are a few restaurants located within Tourism Village such as the Bearded Clam, or the Grill at the far end of the village or the Wet Lizard. Try Belikin, the local beer.

If you want to try some local cuisine outside of the port gates:

The Smoky Mermaid -(The Great House, 13 Cork St) great seafood with a Caribbean twist. Everything on their lunch menu is under $10 USD.

Bird’s Isle – just a short walk from the port, this restaurant gets great reviews for its authentic Belizean cuisine at great prices and with wonderful ocean views

Terry’s Caribbean Grill – Caye Caulker, on the beach by The Split – where the locals eat! Great grilled seafood and Caribbean cuisine

Visit Ambergris Caye

Ambergris Caye is the largest and most popular destination in Belize and is a great jumping-off point for some fabulous snorkeling on the famed Belize Barrier Reef.

San Pedro is the main town on Ambergris Caye and is easily walkable (only 3 streets wide), or golf cart or bicycle rentals are readily available. Enjoy the laid-back island feel at one of the many great restaurants or enjoy some shopping.

Another option for Ambergris Caye is to get a day pass to one of the many first-class resorts. You’ll have access to the beach, pools, restaurants and other resort amenities all for one great price. Check out the options with ResortPass!

Getting there by plane: The municipal airport is a 10 minute taxi ride from the port in Belize City and the flight to San Pedro on Ambergris Caye is only 20 minutes. Check Tropic Air for pricing.

Getting there by ferry: There are two ferry companies – Caribbean Sprinter and San Pedro Express that go between Belize City and San Pedro and the ferry docks are a short 2 minute walk from the pier. It’s considerably cheaper to take the ferry instead of flying, but the ferry ride is about a hour and a half.

See all Belize Shore Excursions