Belize City, Belize Port Guide
Exploring Belize: Beaches, Best Things to Do, and More
Belize City is a prominent cruise port in the Caribbean, offering visitors a mix of historical landmarks, local cuisine, and easy access to natural attractions. This port is a popular stop for many cruise itineraries, providing a rich cultural experience and various activities.
Belize City has a population of approximately 61,000 residents, and the city was the original capital of Belize until the government moved to Belmopan after Hurricane Hattie in 1961. In Belize, the legal drinking age is 18, and civilians are prohibited from wearing camouflage... so leave the camo back at home (or at least back on the ship).
About the Belize City Cruise Port
The Belize City Cruise Port, known as Fort Street Tourism Village, is a common stop for several American cruise lines, including Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian Cruise Line on their western Caribbean itineraries. This terminal features multiple docking points for tender boats, as cruise ships anchor approximately two miles offshore due to shallow coastal waters. I personally dislike tender ports, as the tendering process can be tedious and eats into your time at that particular port of call.
Upon arrival, passengers enter a well-maintained area offering everything you might expect at a cruise port, including gift shops, restaurants, and tour operator kiosks. It's pretty well maintained and clean, with some Insta-worthy photo ops.
A new development called Port Coral is underway, which will provide a much better experience for cruisers, as plans for this new terminal include resort-like amenities such as beaches, pools, retail shops, and dining options. Once completed, Port Coral will serve as an additional terminal, further expanding Belize City's capacity to accommodate cruise tourism. Unfortunately, the project has been mired in some drama, and its open date remains uncertain.
Harvest Caye is a private island in southern Belize, owned and operated by Norwegian Cruise Line, so it serves as a port of call exclusively for NCL and its affiliated brands, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Not only is Harvest Caye gorgeous and provides an exclusive beach day experience, but it's also more convenient. The island features a dedicated cruise ship pier, allowing passengers to disembark directly onto the island without the annoying tendering process.
From Belize City Cruise Port to the City Center
The Belize City Cruise Port is just 1 mile from the city center, making exploring easy. You can walk to the city center in about 20 minutes. Taxis are available at the port with set rates, typically costing around 10 USD to the city center. While Uber is unavailable in Belize City, shuttle services provided by the cruise lines and public buses, costing about $1 USD per ride, are also convenient options.
Related: Watch all my Belize video content
Beaches at and Near the Belize City Cruise Port
Belize City Cruise Port does not have direct beach access, but some beach options are close to the cruise terminal area.
Cucumber (or "Kukumba") Beach is one of the most popular beach options in Belize for cruisers, in part because of its close proximity to the cruise terminal area (approximately 5 miles). It offers calm waters and sandy shores, ideal for a relaxing day by the sea without having to go too far. It’s about a 15-minute taxi ride, costing around $15 USD. Visitors to Cucumber Beach, however, have mixed opinions. Some appreciate the friendly staff, enjoyable water activities, and seafood at the on-site restaurant, while others criticize it as a "manmade water hole" with limited amenities.
An upside to this beach, though, is that it's part of Old Belize, which offers more for cruisers than just a beach day. Other things to do nearby include exhibits that showcase the country's history and culture, restaurants, and more.
Goff’s Caye offers a more picturesque beach day for cruisers but requires extra effort to reach. Located about 12 miles from the port, this small island is known for its coral reefs, clear waters, and excellent snorkeling. A 30-minute boat ride will get you there, with tours typically costing around $45 USD per person. While it's often preferred over Cucumber Beach for its beauty (and authenticity) it can become crowded, especially when multiple ships are in port.
Things to do at the Belize City Cruise Port
The Belize City Cruise Port offers a variety of activities for those who choose to stay within the port area. The port has lots of standard cruise port shops where you can find local crafts, souvenirs, and duty-free items. Restaurants and bars offer local cuisine and beverages. For history enthusiasts, the port has informative displays about Belize’s past. Additionally, tour operators within the port provide on-the-spot excursions to explore nearby attractions if you prefer to go out on your own with an independent excursion rather than one organized by the cruise line.
Related: Learn the pros and cons of independent vs. cruise line excursions
Top Things to do in Belize City
Exploring Belize City offers a range of activities and sights. Whether you book guided excursions directly with your cruise line or venture out independently, always consider the risks associated with independent excursions. Find more details here.
Belize Zoo
The Belize Zoo is located about 29 miles from the port, a 45-minute drive. Known for wildlife conservation and rehabilitation, it showcases native animals in natural habitats. Admission is 15 USD for adults and5 USD for children. Visitors can explore the zoo on guided tours or independently, learning about the diverse wildlife of Belize. Viator link
Altun Ha Mayan Ruins
Approximately 31 miles from the port, Altun Ha is a significant archaeological site that once served as a major trading and ceremonial center for the ancient Maya civilization. This ancient city offers a glimpse into the past with its well-preserved temples and plazas, including the Temple of the Masonry Altars, where the famous Jade Head of the Sun God, Kinich Ahau was discovered.
A visit to Altun Ha typically includes a guided tour, costing around $30 USD per person, although private tours are more expensive, as they include transfer service, lunch, and other perks. where visitors can climb the structures for panoramic views of the surrounding jungle. The trip from the port takes about an hour by bus or taxi, making it a convenient excursion for cruise passengers.
Museum of Belize
Located less than two miles from the cruise port, the Museum of Belize is housed in a former colonial prison and offers fascinating exhibits on the country’s history and culture. The museum is an easy 20-minute walk from the port, making it an accessible and enriching experience. Admission is $5 USD, making this one an affordable attraction for budget-conscious cruisers.
St. John’s Cathedral
St. John’s Cathedral, the oldest Anglican church in Central America, is just one mile from the port, so it's easily accessible, even on foot for many cruisers. Built in the early 1800s, it features historical architecture and beautiful stained glass windows. A visit to the cathedral can be easily combined with a stroll through the city center. There is no admission fee, making it a cost-effective and culturally rich experience.
Belize Barrier Reef
A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Belize Barrier Reef is about 20 miles from the port. Snorkeling and diving tours, like this one, are popular ways to explore this natural wonder, with prices starting at $64 USD for a half-day tour. The reef is the second-largest coral reef system in the world, stretching over 190 miles along Belize’s coastline, offering diverse marine life, vibrant coral formations, and world-renowned snorkeling and diving sites like the Great Blue Hole and Hol Chan Marine Reserve.
Airboat Mangrove Tour
Many of the cruise lines offer Belize Airboat Mangrove Tours as a formal excursion, or you can save money and book independently. This airboat adventure tour offers a scenic and cultural experience in Belize, starting with a 40-minute drive through Belize City, where a guide shares insights into the country’s history.
At Almond Hill Lagoon, guests board an airboat for a ride through shallow marshes and mangrove forests, home to water lilies, wading birds, and crocodiles. After the ride, visitors enjoy live Garifuna drumming, singing, dancing, and tasting local rum and fruit wine.
I personally did this excursion, and while I found it somewhat enjoyable and enjoyed the cultural aspects of it, it's marketed as a "thrilling" and an "adventure" excursion, and that is not the case. This activity is very slow-paced and sometimes borderline boring. The airboat moves slowly through the marshes, and it's more of a birdwatching tour than some exciting speedboat ride.
Language and Currency
The official language of Belize is English, although 50% of the population speaks Spanish, either as a first or second language, due to Belize's proximity to Spanish-speaking countries like Mexico and Guatemala.
Most vendors in the cruise terminal accept US currency and cards, although I always recommend a travel-specific credit card instead of a debit card. Although US dollars are widely accepted, like at many Caribbean ports of call, it's important to note that not all merchants will accept US currency if the bills are overly worn, contain marks, or are in any way torn or damaged. Vendors that accept US currency may also provide change back in the form of the local currency, which is the Belize Dollar (BZD).
Belize City Cruise Port Ship Schedule
The Belize City, Belize cruise ship schedule can be found on Cruisemapper.
Climate and What to Wear
Belize City experiences a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. Average temperatures range from the mid-70s to mid-80s Fahrenheit (24-29°C). The rainy season lasts from June to November, with the heaviest rains typically occurring in September and October.
Light, breathable clothing is recommended for comfort in the humid climate. Additionally, bringing a light rain jacket or umbrella is wise during the rainy season. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring the city and nearby attractions.
Time Zone
Keeping track of time zones can get complicated when cruising, especially for itineraries with multiple time zone changes on one sailing. Your captain will make announcements during the cruise to update you on these changes, but it’s good to be aware of these differences ahead of time when planning your stop at the port, especially for excursions.
Most cruise lines operate on “ship time” set to the time of their departing port, so it’s generally good practice to keep your phone or watch set to ship time. As for the port, Belize operates on Central Standard Time (CST) year-round, without daylight saving time, meaning it may differ from your ship’s time depending on the season and your itinerary. Keeping track of time is crucial to ensure you stay aligned with ship time and don’t miss your departure.
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