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With your tour guides divulging detailed information about the landmarks you pass by and the history and culture of Belize on your way to Bak-a-Bush Airboat outpost. Where you will get on an airboat that will take you through the waterway leading to Almond hill lagoon. A Mayan adventure awaits you at the many Mayan ruin sites available in Belize. Expect to find ruins in forests, villages, and towns like Caracol, Lamanai and Cerros. Sites such as Altun Ha, Lamanai and Xunantunich are just some of the most popular.
Cruise Port Of Belize Guide, Things To Do, Shore Excursions
Then, cruise passengers use a tender boat to reach the Fort Street Tourism Village in Belize City cruise port. Since 1991 when the first cruise ship dropped anchor in Belize’s waters, the industry has proven to be immensely beneficial to the country’s tourism. Though cruise passengers might not have as much time to witness the gems that are embedded within the small country, every experience is as fulfilling as can be. From caving and tubing to climbing Maya sites, cruise-based tours have visitors coming back for more again and again.
West and South Caribbean Ports
Here, one finds a lush landscape perfect for a variety of outdoor activities. The district is home to expansive jungles, rolling rivers, and ancient attractions such as Mayan ruins. Adventure seekers can delve into cave tubing adventures or go horseback riding through the rainforest, discovering the area's unique flora and fauna.
Local Cuisine and Shopping
During this excursion, you’ll feel like you’re part of an Indiana Jones adventure. Located just 45 minutes from the cruise port, the Belize Zoo is a must-visit destination for animal lovers. Whether you take a shore excursion or hop on a taxi or bus, you’ll be in for a treat. These excursions usually combine the sail with a snorkel over a reef or near a sandy beach. One of the most popular snorkeling and scuba diving locations is Hol Chan Marine Reserve which lies just off the coast of the islands of Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye. The protected reserve covers more than 18 square kilometers of coral reefs, seagrass beds and mangrove forests, and is also popular for fishing.
Gifts, souvenirs, best shops and shopping
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However, this is also the busiest time, with larger crowds and higher hotel rates. Overall, the Cruise Port of Belize provides a convenient and exciting platform for cruise ship passengers to explore the beauty and culture of Belize. With its prime location and numerous amenities, it sets the stage for an unforgettable adventure in this tropical paradise. Once you arrive at the port, you have several options for how to spend your time. You can either explore Belize City on your own, participate in a shore excursion organized by your cruise line, or book tours with local operators. The Cruise Port of Belize, officially known as the Fort Street Tourism Village, is the main gateway for cruise ship passengers visiting Belize.
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Top Western Caribbean Ports
Use a heavy mosquito repellant if you’re heading to the jungle or lowland urban areas. Upon exiting the port security gates, turn right on Fort St, and after a couple of minutes’ walk you’ll reach the Belize Welcome Sign and an iconic red and white Baron Bliss lighthouse. The country only became independent of the United Kingdom in 1981, when it was known as British Honduras. The local population typically tends to be friendly, polite, and speak English very well. Cruise passengers with disabilities or with walking difficulties may find it a bit challenging to wander around in on your own. The tour purchasing rate for disembarked passengers is 60 percent, which compares favorably with the Caribbean average of 35 percent.
The Great Blue Hole
Some of the major cruise lines that visit this port include Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise lines, Princess and Celebrity Cruises. Due to the shallow waters of Belize City’s harbor, cruise ships visiting this port of call are forced to anchor a few miles away, rendering it necessary to be tendered to the port. The Belize Cruise Port Guide offers cruise ship travelers a fantastic destination. With its clean and well-maintained port, visitors can easily access gift shops, restaurants, and tour operators in Fort Street Tourism Village.
Belize boasts a rich Mayan heritage and there are plenty of archaeological sites scattered around the country. The most famous one is the Altun Ha Temple featuring temple pyramids out of which the Temple of the Masonry Altars is the largest one (16 meters/52 ft high). Altun Ha covers an area of 8 square km and lies 53 km/33 miles (a 1-hour drive) northwest of the Belize cruise terminal. Cruise passengers looking for souvenirs from Belize and local gifts will find the best shops at the Fort Street Tourism Village.
The tender ride takes about minutes and passengers are transferred to the Fort Street Tourism Village dock, located within a short walk from Belize City – the former capital of Belize. Coral Port will make the experience much smoother as cruise ships will actually be able to dock rather than tender. The location of the new port will be four miles away from Belize City on Stake Bank Island and offer natural deep water access. But even more appealing is the wealth of archaeological and ecotourism attractions found nearby in other parts of the country. They include cave tubing along an underground river, one of the best and most unique shore excursions in the Caribbean. Then, passengers arrive at the cruise terminal docks in Belize’s Tourism Village.
Once this exhilarating trip is over, you will have lunch and head on to the Ziplines, (if you choose to, of course). You will soar high over the forest canopy, having a bird’s eye view of the region. And best of all, you don’t have to worry about safety or the technical details of hooking or unhooking yourself. All in all, a tour to any of these ruins will leave you with a lasting memory and having learned something about world history. Do not worry though as the tendering is done on speedy boats that have you at the port within 20 minutes.
If you're up for a short walk, you can exit Tourism Village and head to the Holy Redeemer Cathedral or Baron Bliss Lighthouse & Gravesite, which are both within walking distance. While many cayes are tiny and uninhabited, some like Ambergris Caye are sufficiently large to have built resorts that attract divers from around the world. By following these tips and suggestions, you can maximize your enjoyment and make the most of your time exploring the Belize Cruise Port. Remember to stay flexible, embrace the adventure, and create lasting memories in this tropical paradise. Explore the San Ignacio Farmers Market, where vendors sell fresh produce, spices, and local delicacies.
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.
Here, visitors can sample traditional food, shop for duty-free gifts, and find inexpensive shore excursions in the small gated area. If you are looking to get to know Belize’s native wildlife, there are plenty of options to choose from. The Belize Zoo, located 48 km/30 miles (a 50-minute drive) southwest of the cruise port, houses native, orphaned and rehabilitated animals in their natural habitat.
