Mayan Ruins, Jungle Adventures & Caribbean Culture

• Country: Belize
• Port Type: Tender port (ships anchor offshore)
• Port Area: Fort Street Tourism Village
• Currency: Belize Dollar (USD widely accepted)
• Language: English (official language)
• Known For: Mayan ruins, cave tubing, jungle adventures, snorkeling, wildlife
• Walkability: Limited outside the port area

Cruise ships anchor offshore and guests are tendered to Fort Street Tourism Village.

• Secure, gated tourism village
• Shops, bars, and restaurants
• Restrooms
• Excursion meeting points
• Taxi stand and tour operators

⚠️ Important: Belize City itself is not ideal for independent sightseeing. Most guests should plan an excursion.

Belize City is best experienced through organized excursions that take you outside the city.

• Altun Ha – Closest and most popular; ideal half-day tour
• Lamanai – Boat ride through jungle waterways + ruins
• Xunantunich – Massive pyramid; longer excursion

✔️ Best for history lovers
✔️ Guided tours strongly recommended

One of the most popular excursions in Belize.

• Floating through limestone caves
• Short jungle hike to the caves
• Helmet, headlamp, and tube provided

✔️ Family-friendly
✔️ Relaxing yet adventurous
✔️ Often combined with ziplining

Options include:

• Jungle ziplining
• Zipline + cave tubing combo tours
• Nature walks and waterfall stops

✔️ Great for teens and active travelers
✔️ Excellent way to maximize port time

Popular choices:

• Belize Zoo (native animals only)
• Baboon (Howler Monkey) Sanctuary
• Bird and nature reserves

✔️ Shaded, educational, and family-friendly
✔️ Excellent alternative to high-adrenaline tours

Belize is home to the second-largest barrier reef in the world.

• Barrier reef snorkeling
• Shark Ray Alley (seasonal)
• Caye Caulker or Ambergris Caye (longer excursions)

✔️ Crystal-clear water and diverse marine life

Expect:

• Mangrove waterways
• Crocodiles and birdlife
• Calm, scenic boat rides

✔️ Relaxing and nature-focused

Inside Fort Street Tourism Village:

• Belizean crafts
• Wood carvings
• Jewelry
• Hot sauces and spices
• Rum and local snacks

Prices are fixed and hassle-free.

If included with your tour, try:

• Rice and beans with chicken
• Stewed meats
• Fry jacks
• Fresh fruit
• Local hot sauces

Belizean cuisine blends Caribbean, Latin, and Mayan influences.

• Excursions: Strongly recommended
• Taxis: Available for short transfers
• Independent exploration: Not recommended beyond port area
• Tender timing: Allow extra time returning to ship

• Warm and humid year-round
• Lightweight, breathable clothing
• Closed-toe shoes for caves and jungle tours
• Water shoes for cave tubing
• Sunscreen and bug spray
• Small backpack recommended

• Belize City is an excursion-focused port
• Cave tubing is consistently the top-rated experience
• Book tours early — popular options sell out
• Bring cash for small purchases and tips
• Allow buffer time for tendering back to the ship
• Combo tours (zipline + tubing) offer the best value

• Families: Cave tubing, Belize Zoo
• Adventure seekers: Zipline + cave tubing
• History lovers: Altun Ha or Lamanai
• Water lovers: Snorkeling excursions
• Relaxed travelers: River cruise or wildlife sanctuary