Are you planning a cruise vacation to Belize? Navigating Belize City’s port in Fort Street Tourism Village can be tricky for first-time travelers. This article offers an all-inclusive Belize Cruise Port Guide, ensuring your day at the port is enjoyable and hassle-free.
There are many things to do and see here, and Belize City makes a great choice to stop on your cruise vacation. The culture is unique, influenced by the Caribbean and Spanish cultures. It is also home to the world’s second-largest barrier reef.
About the Port
The Belize City cruise port is a gateway to the country’s lively tourist village. This activity center features many gift shops where you can pick up unique souvenirs for your loved ones back home.
Alongside these retail spots, restaurants offer a taste of local cuisine that will excite food lovers searching for authentic experiences.
Tour operators are available within this section of Belize, ready to take you away on adventures around ancient ruins such as Altun Ha and Xunantunich. If underwater exploration is what you are looking for, snorkeling and diving trips from this location regularly to visit the famous Belize Barrier Reef.
The new Belize cruise port provides an updated experience for all incoming passengers since completing its makeover with new amenities and services.
Cruise Terminal Information
Located in Belize’s bustling Tourism Village, the cruise terminal is an energetic location for passengers. It is more than just a docking point for cruise ships; it’s got gift shops, restaurants, and tour operators, making it an adventure of its own.
Within the terminal area, you have transportation options that include taxis and shuttles. These transport services make it convenient to explore the city of Belize and its scenic outskirts.
The cruise terminal provides passengers with easy access to remarkable ecotourism experiences and historic archaeological sites. It makes adventurous excursions simple to do, too!
How to Get Around
Navigating Belize City from the cruise port, Tourism Village is simple. 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.
For an all-inclusive experience near Belize City, consider an excursion through your cruise line that includes transportation if it is available. You’ll find cruise excursions offering outdoor activities such as zip-lining and cave tubing, popular pastimes in this region.
On Harvest Caye, Norwegian Cruise Line provides island transport for its passengers, making it easy to explore without hassle.
Due to limited services and timetables, tourists rarely use public transportation.
Things to Do
There are plenty of exciting things for cruise ship passengers to do in Belize. Explore the stunning islands and barrier reefs surrounding the cruise port for a day filled with snorkeling and diving adventures.
Explore the rich Mayan civilization by visiting ancient archeological sites like Altun Ha and Xunantunich, located near the port. For those seeking outdoor adventure, take a boat tour or try kayaking through the crystal-clear waters of Belize.
Beach Pass Information
There are three beautiful beaches near the Belize cruise port that you can enjoy during your visit. One of the top choices is Caye Caulker, which offers pristine beaches and calm waters. It’s perfect for swimming and sunbathing under the warm Caribbean sun.
Another option is Ambergris Caye, known for its beautiful white sand beaches and abundant marine life. You can relax on the shore or take a snorkeling adventure to explore the colorful coral reefs.
Lastly, Goff’s Caye is a secluded island with stunning beaches surrounded by clear blue waters – it’s like paradise!
Local Cuisine & Best Places to Eat
When visiting Belize, you cannot miss out on trying the delicious local cuisine. The food in Belize is a blend of Caribbean flavors and local ingredients, creating a unique culinary experience.
Seafood dishes are particularly popular, with fresh catches like conch fritters used in many traditional recipes. One must-try dish is ceviche, a light and refreshing seafood appetizer marinated in citrus juices.
Another staple of Belizean cuisine is rice and beans, often served as a side dish to complement main meals. If you’re looking for the best places to eat, I recommend checking out Iguana Reef Beach Bar for tasty seafood offerings, Martha’s Cafe for authentic local gastronomy, or Ms. Patty’s for their mouthwatering Caribbean cuisine.
Shopping Opportunities
The Belize cruise port offers many shopping opportunities for cruise ship travelers. The Fort Street Tourism Village is a popular destination with many shops selling jewelry, local arts, and crafts.
You can find unique souvenir shops to buy gifts for your loved ones. Additionally, the port features well-known tourist shopping sites like Diamond Internationals and Del Sol.
Whether you’re looking for fine jewelry or clothing that changes color in the sun, these stores have something for everyone. Enjoy walking through the nearby retail stores and duty-free shops where you can find arts and crafts, jewelry, liquor, china, and crystal.
Local Currency
The local currency in Belize is the Belize Dollar (BZ$). The exchange rate is 1 USD = 2 BZ$, which can change depending on when you go.
It is recommended to have some cash on hand, especially small bills and change, when visiting Belize City. US dollars are widely accepted in many places throughout the country.
If you need to withdraw cash while in Belize, ATMs are available in Belize City and other tourist areas where you can withdraw local currency using your debit or credit card.
If you prefer to exchange your foreign currency for Belize Dollars, currency exchange services are near the cruise port area.
Safety Tips
Ensure a safe and worry-free visit to Belize Cruise Port with these essential safety tips. Firstly, it’s important to exercise a high degree of caution during your time in Belize City, as the city has safety concerns.
Keep an eye on travel advisories and updates to stay informed about potential risks or incidents.
Avoid venturing into Southside Belize City, particularly areas south of the Haulover Creek River, as they have an increased risk of gang and drug-related violence. Avoid non-essential travel to this part of the city for your safety.
When exploring Belize Cruise Port, take standard travel precautions, such as keeping your valuables securely on the ship and aware of your surroundings. Always lock your cabin when leaving and store valuable items in the ship’s safe deposit box.
Do not venture alone into unfamiliar areas after dark. Stick to well-lit and populated areas where other tourists or locals are present.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Belize cruise port is during the dry season, from November to April. It is when you can expect optimal weather conditions with clear skies and warm temperatures.
March coincides with spring break, resulting in increased tourist arrivals. During this time, you can enjoy a lively atmosphere with plenty of activities and events in and around the port.
December to April is considered the high season, so there might be more crowds during these months. If you prefer a quieter experience with fewer tourists, consider visiting outside during this peak travel season.
June to November marks the wet and rainy season in Belize.
Popular Cruise Lines that visit Belize Cruise Port Guide
Major cruise lines such as Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Princess, and Celebrity Cruises make Belize City a port of call on their Western Caribbean cruise lines.
Cruises have pluses and minuses, depending on what you are looking for in a cruise and the amenities they provide. To consider which would fit your needs, here is a list of the cruises in Belize.
FAQs
Find answers to questions to discover all you need to know before going on your Belize cruise vacation.
Is Belize good for a cruise?
Belize is an excellent destination for a cruise. With its attractions and natural wonders, you’ll have an unforgettable experience. Explore the world-class snorkeling and diving opportunities at the Mesoamerican Reef and the famous Blue Hole. Discover ancient Mayan ruins and explore Belize’s rich history.
What is the cruise port like in Belize?
The port is a tender port, meaning that ships anchor off the coast and use water taxis or tender boats to transfer cruise passengers ashore. It allows for a seamless experience as you begin your adventure exploring beautiful Belize.
Then, passengers arrive at the cruise terminal docks in Belize’s Tourism Village. Located in Belize City, the port features gift shops where you can find unique souvenirs and local crafts. Restaurants offer delicious cuisine for you to enjoy during your visit.
Booking Information
To book your next cruise to Belize, you’ll need to visit the official website of your chosen cruise line. They will have all the information you need about their schedules and availability. You can find a list here.
If you’re looking for more detailed information about the Belize City cruise port, including terminal facilities and port regulations, visit the official website of the Port Authority of Belize.
You can review entry and exit requirements for traveling to Belize and any additional resources provided on the official tourism websites.
Conclusion & Call to Action
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.
Whether you want to immerse yourself in Mayan culture, indulge in local cuisine, or explore islands and reefs, Belize City has something for everyone. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience – start planning your Belize cruise vacation today!
