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Cruise Port Advisor

Belize City, Belize Cruise Port Guide

Complete guide to Belize City cruise port โ€” gateway to the Great Blue Hole, Belize Barrier Reef, Mayan ruins at Lamanai, cave tubing, and zip-lining in the jungle.

Belize City is located in the country of Belize โ€” the second smallest country in Central America, bordering Mexico and Guatemala and mainly covered in dense forests. While some quaint colonial architecture remains, Belize City has many unsafe neighborhoods, so the port is typically used as a hub for excursions outside of the city.

There are over 150 miles of islands (cayes) and reefs off the coast of Belize making it a diver's paradise. The larger islands of Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker are the main resort areas. Belize also has many Mayan ruins, making for exceptional excursions.

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Know Before You Go

Belize is a tender port โ€” ships anchor offshore and tender to the Fort Street Tourism Village facility. The ATM Cave remains one of the most extraordinary archaeological sites accessible to regular tourists but requires advance booking and physical fitness (swimming, wading). Check current conditions as it occasionally closes for conservation. The Belize Dollar is officially pegged 2:1 to the USD (2 BZD = 1 USD).
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Hot Tip

If you can only do one thing in Belize, make it cave tubing at Nohoch Che'en Caves Branch Archaeological Reserve โ€” floating through an illuminated Mayan cave system on a tube is genuinely magical and unlike anything else in the Caribbean.

Belize City, Belize โ€“ Quick Facts

๐Ÿ’ฑ
CurrencyBelizean Dollar, but the US Dollar is widely accepted, just make sure you get American back in change. ATMs are available at the port. 
๐ŸŒ
LanguageEnglish
๐Ÿ“ถ
WiFi & PhoneWidely available throughout Tourism Village 
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Where You DockFort Street Tourism Village, Belize City, Belize (tender port)
BELIZE CITY WEATHER

Where You Dock in Belize City, Belize

Pier locations and what's available at each terminal.

Tourism Village Belize

Ships anchor off the coast of Belize and tender their passengers into the port โ€” about a 20-minute, often choppy, ride.

The Belize cruise port itself, called "Tourism Village," is quite small, with souvenir shops, Diamonds International, and restaurants offering cheap drinks and Caribbean specialties.

๐Ÿ”’ Safety: There is a high guarded fence around Tourism Village. Tourists are strongly advised not to venture outside of it alone.

Getting Around Belize City, Belize

Transportation options once you're ashore.

๐Ÿš• Taxis

Easy to find at Tourism Village. Look for the green licence plates โ€” these are the licensed taxis. Always agree on a fare before getting in as they are not metered.

โ›ด๏ธ Water Taxis

Depart from the Marine Terminal and travel to islands such as Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye. It takes about 1.5 hours to reach San Pedro on Ambergris Caye and 45 minutes to Caye Caulker. Make sure you leave enough time to catch a tender back to your ship.

โœˆ๏ธ Flights

Tropic Air and Maya Island Air offer flights from Belize City to Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker. The flight to Caye Caulker takes less than 10 minutes and only 20 minutes to Ambergris Caye โ€” around $75 per person one way. The planes are very small (5 people) but the views are amazing.

Things To Do in Belize City, Belize

Make the most of your time ashore.

๐ŸŽฏ Belize's top attractions are outside the city โ€” the country's rainforests, caves, reefs, and islands are among the most spectacular in the Caribbean:

๐Ÿ๏ธ Visit Ambergris Caye

Ambergris Caye is the largest and most popular destination in Belize โ€” a great jumping-off point for snorkeling on the famed Belize Barrier Reef. San Pedro is the main town and is easily walkable (only 3 streets wide), with golf cart and bicycle rentals readily available. Enjoy the laid-back island feel at great restaurants or pick up some shopping.

Another option is a day pass to one of the many first-class resorts โ€” beach, pools, restaurants, and other resort amenities all for one price. Check out the options with ResortPass.

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

Getting there by ferry: Caribbean Sprinter and San Pedro Express both go between Belize City and San Pedro. The ferry docks are a 2-minute walk from the pier. Considerably cheaper than flying but about 1.5 hours each way.

See all Belize Shore Excursions โ†’

Beaches & Outdoors in Belize City, Belize

The best beaches, parks, and outdoor experiences for cruise passengers.

๐Ÿ–๏ธ Belize City itself doesn't have good beaches โ€” but some of the Caribbean's best are a short water taxi or flight away:

Caye Caulker

A laid-back island with a relaxed vibe, excellent snorkeling, and beautiful clear water. 45 minutes by water taxi from the Marine Terminal. The Split โ€” a channel cutting through the island โ€” is the most popular swimming spot.

San Pedro, Ambergris Caye

The largest island in Belize and a world-class beach destination. About 1.5 hours by water taxi or 20 minutes by plane. Excellent beaches, snorkeling on the Belize Barrier Reef, and a great selection of restaurants and shops.

Belize Barrier Reef

The second largest barrier reef in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site โ€” one of the best snorkeling and diving destinations on the planet. Accessible via excursion boats directly from Tourism Village or from the cayes.

Shopping in Belize City, Belize

Where to shop and what to look for.

๐Ÿ›๏ธ At Belize Cruise Port you'll find the typical cruise port shopping destinations โ€” Diamonds International, Del-Sol, and Piranha Joe within Tourism Village. Look for souvenir shops offering hand-made goods such as mahogany or rosewood carvings and baskets.

โš ๏ธ Important: Do not buy items made from sea turtle shells, Triton's trumpet shells, or black coral โ€” these are protected species and it is illegal to bring them into most countries.

Moho Chocolate & Cafe

Stop here for 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.

National Handicrafts Sales Center

Located at 2 South Park Street near Tourism Village. A great spot for authentic local artwork and crafts.

Pharmacy Express

The go-to spot for inexpensive over-the-counter medication.

Dining in Belize City, Belize

Where to eat and drink ashore.

๐Ÿฝ๏ธ There are a few restaurants located within Tourism Village such as the Bearded Clam, the Grill at the far end of the village, and the Wet Lizard. Try Belikin โ€” the local beer. For local cuisine outside the port gates:

The Smoky Mermaid

The Great House, 13 Cork Street

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. Gets great reviews for authentic Belizean cuisine at great prices and with wonderful ocean views.

Terry's Caribbean Grill

Caye Caulker โ€” on the beach by The Split

Where the locals eat. Great grilled seafood and Caribbean cuisine in a casual, relaxed setting.

Top Tours & Shore Excursions

Book before you board for best availability and pricing.

Altun-Ha & Belize City Overview

โฑ 4 hours ยท Moderate activity

As you take the 45 drive through the Belize countryside, your guide will tell you all about the mysterious Mayans. Tour ...

Book This Tour โ†’

Belize Cave Tubing

โฑ 5 hours (2 hours activity duration) ยท Moderate activity

After you arrive at the Caves Branch River, youโ€™ll grab your tube and take a 45 minute jungle hike to the underground ca...

Book This Tour โ†’

Goff Caye Beach Break with Snorkeling

โฑ 4.5 hours ยท Moderate activity

Board a powerboat to the unspoiled island of Goff Caye, which sits atop one of the best reefs in the Caribbean, perfect ...

Book This Tour โ†’

Belize City, Belize โ€“ FAQ

Common questions from cruise passengers.

What is Belize known for?

Belize is known for the Belize Barrier Reef โ€” the largest in the Northern Hemisphere and a UNESCO World Heritage Site โ€” cave tubing in ancient Mayan caves, jungle adventures, and diverse wildlife including jaguars and howler monkeys.

Is Belize City safe for cruise passengers?

Belize City has higher crime rates than most Caribbean ports. The Fort Street Tourism Village is a secure, enclosed area. Most cruise lines recommend booking organized tours rather than exploring independently.

Is Belize a tender port?

Yes โ€” Belize City is a tender port. Ships anchor offshore and passengers are tendered to the Fort Street Tourism Village, which takes about 15-20 minutes.

What language is spoken in Belize?

English is the official language โ€” making Belize unique among Central American countries. However, Kriol (Belizean Creole), Spanish, and Garifuna are also widely spoken.

Cruise Passenger Tips & Photos

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