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Long a strong advocate of environmental protection, the government has set aside approximately 20 percent of its land as nature reserves. Exploring the local markets allows you to engage with the friendly Belizean people, learn about their traditions, and support local businesses and artisans. Whether you’re searching for a special gift or simply want to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Belize, the shopping and local markets provide a rewarding and enriching experience. With its vast array of wildlife and diverse ecosystems, Belize provides endless opportunities to connect with nature and appreciate the natural wonders of this beautiful country. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply seeking tranquility, Belize will leave you in awe of its rich biodiversity.
About Cruising to Belize City
Starfish Island is small and boasts a beautiful sandy beach where you can swim and snorkel. 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. However, Silversea is the only luxury cruise line calling at Belize City and offering 10 cruise excursions.
How To Get To Belize City from the Belize Cruise Port
For the adrenaline junkies, Belize offers opportunities for thrilling activities like cave rappelling and waterfall rappelling. Strap on a harness and descend into the depths of mystical caves or cascade down waterfalls, surrounded by the striking beauty of Belize’s natural landscapes. Most cruise lines offer an escorted tour of the city but it’s perfectly possible for intrepid travellers to visit the aforementioned landmarks independently during daylight. Passengers disembark at the docks in Belize’s Tourism Village that’s dotted with duty free jewellery stores, restaurants and bars. It’s perfectly possible to spend an hour or so in the village (the starting point for most cruise ship excursions) but it’s not a destination in itself. Whether you’re looking to buy traditional crafts or local spices, Belize has something for every kind of shopper.
Cultural and Culinary Experiences
If you’re craving a little retail therapy, you should take the water taxi to Ambergris Caye, just a short ride from the port. They have more variety for shopping than the tourism village, and you can hit the beach while you’re there. Belize's marine reserves are critical to the conservation of its marine ecosystems, including the Mesoamerican Reef and numerous islands and cayes that are part of the Belize Barrier Reef.
Take a tour of a sugarcane plantation and learn about the process of making Belizean rum, a popular local beverage. For an unforgettable wildlife encounter, head to Shark Ray Alley near Ambergris Caye. Snorkel or dive with friendly nurse sharks and gentle southern stingrays in their natural habitat.
From spices to handicrafts, you’ll have plenty of options to bring home a piece of Belizean paradise. Popular souvenirs include locally produced items such as Belizean chocolate, rum, and hot sauces. For something more lasting, consider handmade crafts, jewelry, or Mayan-inspired artifacts. Caye Caulker is famous for its sea-inspired keepsakes like coral jewelry and shell decorations. Belizean cuisine is a mouthwatering mix of Caribbean and Central American influences.
When opting for taxi services, it’s advisable to agree on the fare upfront before embarking on your journey. Water taxis are the most convenient option for reaching islands like Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye. This picturesque lighthouse is more than just a photo opportunity; it’s a tribute to one of Belize’s greatest benefactors, Baron Bliss. Situated near Fort Street Tourism Village in Belize City, it offers panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea and is a great spot for some quiet reflection.
Local Culture and Lifestyle
There is another cruise port reserved exclusively for Norwegian Cruise Line passengers – Harvest Caye cruise port, located around 185 km (115 mi) south of Belize City. This port is situated on Harvest Caye, a private island that features a variety of facilities such as pools, shops, bars, restaurants, ziplines, and water activities. It is surrounded by beautiful nature and turquoise crystal clear waters of the Caribbean Sea, and if passengers want to go to the mainland, they can use take tender boats or join shore excursions.
CCL's Carnival Legend ship to homeport in Galveston TX in 2025
Embarking on a Mayan ruins excursion is a journey of discovery and exploration that should not be missed during your visit to Belize. Several important Mayan sites on the mainland, such as Altun Ha and Xunantunich, make for excellent day trips and are included on shore excursions by most cruise ships. As a matter of fact, Belize has the highest concentration of Mayan sites of all the countries in Central America.
The food in Belize is a blend of Caribbean flavors and local ingredients, creating a unique culinary experience. Licensed taxis with green license plates wait at the village gates to take you to your destination or tourist attraction. These taxis have a fixed rate system instead of meters, so agreeing on a fare before going on your journey is best. The new Belize cruise port provides an updated experience for all incoming passengers since completing its makeover with new amenities and services. There are many things to do and see here, and Belize City makes a great choice to stop on your cruise vacation. Cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line offer a variety of itineraries to Belize, each with its own unique offerings and amenities.
Discover the top activities and excursions, immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in this hidden gem of Central America. Altun Ha is just ~ 10 km / 6 mi from the coast and covers an area of ~65 km2 / 25 mi2. The restaurants you’ll find in the port area include the Wet Lizard, Baymen’s Tavern, Martha’s Cafe, and a few more bars and grills. Bird’s Isle Restaurant, located a 5-minute drive from the port, features amazing food and great sea views. He entire island is protected as Half Moon Caye Natural Monument and can be visited on a day trip, however, a one-way boat trip takes about 2-3 hours, so it’s not convenient for cruise passengers.
Carnival’s port in Belize offers shore excursions like snorkeling, scuba diving, and trips to Mayan ruins. For those who opt for the all-inclusive packages, some of these excursions are conveniently included, allowing you to make the most out of your Belizean adventure without worrying about additional costs. From the stunning barrier reef for scuba diving to intriguing Mayan ruins, Belize is a treasure trove for cruise passengers. Whether you’re into cave tubing in lush jungles or shopping at the bustling Fort Street Tourism Village, Belize City Cruise Port provides a little something for everyone. Alright, let’s plunge into exploring the key attractions that position Belize as an essential stop on your cruise journey. Understanding the port arrival process in Belize City's Fort Street Tourism Village is crucial for a hassle-free day.
Here's What the New Cruise Port in Belize Will Look Like - Cruise Hive
Here's What the New Cruise Port in Belize Will Look Like.
Posted: Thu, 18 Jun 2020 07:00:00 GMT [source]
If you do not wish to venture outside the cruise terminal, there is a good number of restaurants, grills, and bars at the Fort Street Tourism Village where you can taste great food and drinks from Belize. Generally speaking, eating and drinking in Belize City cruise terminal is relatively affordable. Like most countries in the Caribbean, Belize also has some signature drinks like Belikin Beer, One Barrel Rum, used to mix with cranberry juice to get Cranbarrel, Caribbean Coconut, and Caribbean Gold Rum. This said, if you do not have such a legitimate concern, keep in mind that the tender boats dock at the Fort Street Tourism Village, which is right by Belize City downtown. However, two of the most interesting landmarks in Belize City are on distinct sides of the river and not so close to the exit gates of the cruise terminal.
As for the beaches, Caye Caulker island and Starfish island offer great swimming and snorkeling experiences, as well as facilities such as restaurants, bars, and gift shops. It is possible to visit them either with a cruise ship shore excursion or by boat (you can purchase the tours/tickets at the Tourist Village). If you are passionate about nature, underwater activities, and Mayan ruins, Belize is the place you will always want to return to.
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