Belize Cruise Port Guide

A popular destination for cruises in Central America, Belize is a beautiful country to explore. From lush tropical rainforests, to rich coral reefs and white sand beaches, there is so much diversity within this small country.

Belize City Cruise Port

The Belize cruise port itself is very small. Ships dock offshore and guests are tendered in, so factor in about 30 minutes for the entire boarding and transportation process. If you are doing an excursion through the cruise, they will factor this time into your arrival time, and you will be one of the first off the boat!

There is little to do at this port, so I would not count on making a day out of exploring just the port. With some shopping and a couple restaurants, you can explore everything in this port under an hour. Therefore, this is definitely a port I suggest booking an excursion in. With little to do in the immediate area, and safety being a common concern, I suggest easing on the side of caution and booking a tour through the cruise.

Swim with Rays and Sharks

One of the most popular excursions, and also the most exhilarating, take on the adventure of swimming with sharks and rays!

These excursions are all guided by local tour companies. They will take you out on a boat and show you the magical world of Shark Alley. This area is historically a place that fishermen frequent. Overtime, the sharks and rays have assimilated to the area, associating the sound of boats with the opportunity for food.

This gives visitors the perfect opportunity to snorkel with these harmless and wonderful creatures in their natural environment. The nurse sharks and southern stingrays glide through the water with such beauty. And their friendliness is quite evident when you see them interact with the guides, whom they see every day!

While this experience can require a bit of courage and bravery, I assure you it is worth it!

Cave Tubing

Explore the unique landscape within the jungle of Belize by going cave tubing! Belize is full of rich cave systems that hold deep meaning to the Mayans while also being an incredible showcase of geology.

These caves primarily consist of limestone and were formed over millions of years as water flowed through the tunnels, eroding the stone into the cave system that exists today. Buildup of calcium carbonate has formed beautiful stalagmites and stalactites all throughout the caves, making for an up close experience of this rare geologic feature.

While the caves are fascinating in and of themselves, they hold rich mayan archeology and cultural significance. These caves were believed to bring them closer to the underworld, known by the mayans as Xibalba. The caves are a sacred space, formerly being used for religious ceremonies, sacrifices, and burials. Leaving many artifacts behind, these caves live and breathe mayan culture and history. While tubing through the caves you are likely to come across pottery, jewelry, and the remains of individuals.

This is an incredible experience if you are looking for a mix of adventure and culture.

Jungle Adventure

Much of Belize is composed of dense rainforests full of rich flora and fauna. The jungle is Belize at it’s core, and exploring it gives a deeper understanding of the country.

The best way to explore the jungle is through an ATV tour. Zipping through the trails in the dense forest allows you to feel fully immersed. And covering so much ground, you can really gain appreciation for the vastness of the rainforest.

Another activity that is popular in the jungle is ziplining. Souring through the trees and getting a birdseye view of the jungle gives you a unique perspective alongside the rush of adrenaline.

Caye Caulker

A quaint coastal escape off the coast of Belize City, Caye Caulker is the perfect getaway for anyone looking to move at a slower pace for the day. The beautiful white sand surrounded by the turquoise waters and lush greenery make for a relaxing atmosphere in this colorful town.

The local people are some of the kindest I have come across in my travels, so definitely take the time to get to know them. And with a bounty of fresh barbecue and plenty of bars, your hunger is sure to be satisfied.

Caye Caulker is a great destination if you are looking to relax, enjoy the slow village life, and have some drinks by the water.

Snorkel the Meso-American Reef

The Meso-American Reef is the second largest barrier reef in the world! The reef spans the coast of many central american countries, one of which being Belize. With the proximity to shore, this reef offers visitors an incredible opportunity to snorkel in this underwater paradise.

The rich coral gardens surrounded by a bounty of marine life is quite the scene. I highly recommend booking a snorkel tour, as they will provide all of the gear you need and local expertise on the area. Instead of trying to navigate the vast ocean on your own, allow a guide to bring you to the best snorkel spots. A tour is the best way to ensure your safety while also learning about the marine life from local experts.

Mayan Ruins

Belize exists on the land that once was home to the Mayan Empire. While the empire has fallen, much of the culture and architecture. Belize is an amazing location to explore the ruins of this incredible empire. While there are many ruins throughout the country to explore, the most popular to visit from Belize City is Altun Ha.

This ancient city is known to have been a significant ceremonial site for the Mayan People. The city also acted as an essential trading link between the two coasts of the Mayan Empire.

With the proximity to Belize City, Altun Ha is the perfect destination to admire ancient architecture and learn more about the Mayan culture.