What to See and Do in Belize on a Cruise Ship

AvatarByDale Richard Cruise/Cruising

What to Do in Belize from a Cruise Ship

Belize is a small country on the Caribbean coast of Central America, and it’s a popular destination for cruise ships. With its stunning scenery, rich culture, and diverse wildlife, Belize has something to offer everyone. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation or an adventurous jungle trek, you’re sure to find it in Belize.

In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best things to do in Belize from a cruise ship. We’ll cover everything from exploring the ancient Mayan ruins of Caracol to swimming with the dolphins in the Belize Barrier Reef. So if you’re planning a cruise to Belize, be sure to read on for some inspiration!

Activity Description Cost
Snorkeling at the Great Blue Hole Explore the world’s largest natural swimming hole, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. $100-$150
Visiting the Mayan ruins of Xunantunich See ancient temples and palaces built by the Maya civilization. $50-$75
Taking a jungle hike Explore the lush rainforests of Belize. $25-$50
Scuba diving at the Belize Barrier Reef See colorful coral reefs and marine life. $150-$200
Visiting the Caye Caulker Caye Relax on a beautiful island with white-sand beaches and clear blue water. $50-$75

Belize is a small country located on the Caribbean coast of Central America. It is known for its beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, and ancient Mayan ruins. If you’re planning a cruise to Belize, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to explore all that the country has to offer.

This guide will help you plan your shore excursions in Belize, and will also provide suggestions for things to do in Belize City, the country’s capital.

Shore Excursions

There are a wide variety of shore excursions available in Belize, so you’re sure to find something that interests you. Some of the most popular excursions include:

  • Jungle River Tubing: This excursion takes you on a relaxing float down the Caves Branch River, past towering limestone cliffs and lush rainforest. You’ll have the chance to swim in the river, see howler monkeys and other wildlife, and explore ancient Mayan ruins.
  • Belize Zoo: The Belize Zoo is home to over 100 species of animals, including jaguars, tapirs, and scarlet macaws. You can take a guided tour of the zoo, or explore it on your own.
  • Caye Caulker: Caye Caulker is a small island located just off the coast of Belize. It’s known for its beautiful beaches, laid-back atmosphere, and friendly people. You can spend your day swimming, snorkeling, fishing, or just relaxing on the beach.
  • Tikal National Park: Tikal National Park is home to the ruins of the ancient Mayan city of Tikal. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the largest Mayan cities ever discovered, and it’s filled with temples, palaces, and pyramids.

Things to Consider When Choosing an Excursion

When choosing an excursion, there are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Your interests: What are you interested in seeing and doing? Do you want to learn about Mayan history, explore the rainforest, or just relax on the beach?
  • Your budget: How much are you willing to spend on an excursion?
  • Your time constraints: How much time do you have?
  • Your fitness level: Some excursions are more physically demanding than others.

Tips for Booking an Excursion

When booking an excursion, there are a few things you can do to make sure you have a positive experience:

  • Do your research: Read reviews of different excursions before you book one. This will help you get an idea of what to expect.
  • Compare prices: Not all excursions are created equal. Be sure to compare prices from different companies before you book.
  • Book in advance: Popular excursions can sell out quickly, so it’s a good idea to book yours in advance.

How to Get to and From Your Excursion

Most cruise ships dock in Belize City, which is located about 45 minutes from the airport. If you’re taking a shore excursion that departs from Belize City, you can either take a taxi or a shuttle bus. If you’re taking an excursion that departs from a different location, you may need to arrange for transportation yourself.

Belize is a beautiful country with a lot to offer visitors. With its stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and ancient Mayan ruins, there’s something for everyone in Belize. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation or an action-packed adventure, you’re sure to find it in Belize.

3. Day Trips from Belize City

Belize City is the largest city in Belize and a popular port of call for cruise ships. There are many day trip options available from Belize City, including:

  • Mayan ruins: The ancient Maya civilization flourished in Belize for over 2,000 years. There are many Mayan ruins to visit in Belize, including the famous ruins of Caracol, Altun Ha, and Xunantunich.
  • Caves: Belize is home to some of the most beautiful caves in the world. Many of these caves are open to tourists, and offer a unique opportunity to explore a natural wonder.
  • Beaches: Belize has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The clear water and white sand make for a perfect day of swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling.
  • Nature preserves: Belize is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including jaguars, monkeys, and birds. There are many nature preserves in Belize where you can see these animals in their natural habitat.

4. Things to Do in the Belize Barrier Reef

The Belize Barrier Reef is the second largest barrier reef in the world. It is home to a wide variety of marine life, including fish, coral, and turtles. There are many things to do in the Belize Barrier Reef, including:

  • Snorkeling: The Belize Barrier Reef is one of the best places in the world to snorkel. The clear water and abundant marine life make for a unforgettable experience.
  • Diving: The Belize Barrier Reef is also a great place to dive. There are many dive sites to choose from, each with its own unique features.
  • Fishing: The Belize Barrier Reef is home to a variety of fish, including tarpon, snapper, and grouper. There are many fishing charters available in Belize City and other coastal towns.
  • Sailing: The Belize Barrier Reef is a beautiful place to sail. There are many sailing tours available in Belize City and other coastal towns.
  • Boat tours: There are many boat tours available in Belize City and other coastal towns. These tours offer a unique opportunity to see the Belize Barrier Reef from a different perspective.

Belize is a beautiful country with a lot to offer visitors. Whether you are looking for ancient ruins, stunning beaches, or a chance to explore the world’s second largest barrier reef, Belize has something for everyone.

What are the best things to do in Belize from a cruise ship?

  • Visit the Great Blue Hole: The Great Blue Hole is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Belize. This natural sinkhole is over 1,000 feet deep and is home to a variety of marine life, including sharks, rays, and dolphins.
  • Explore the Mayan ruins of Xunantunich: Xunantunich is a Mayan city that was once one of the largest in Belize. The ruins are located high on a hill overlooking the Mopan River and offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
  • Go snorkeling or diving at the Belize Barrier Reef: The Belize Barrier Reef is the second-largest barrier reef in the world and is home to a vast array of marine life. You can snorkel or dive among coral reefs, shipwrecks, and even swim with sharks and rays.
  • Visit the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary: The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is the only jaguar preserve in the world. This protected area is home to a variety of wildlife, including jaguars, tapirs, ocelots, and monkeys.
  • Take a jungle hike: Belize is home to some of the most beautiful rainforests in the world. You can take a guided hike through the jungle and see waterfalls, caves, and wildlife.

How long do I need to stay in Belize to see all the major sights?

It depends on how much you want to see and do. If you only have a few days, you can focus on the highlights, such as visiting the Great Blue Hole, exploring the Mayan ruins of Xunantunich, and going snorkeling or diving at the Belize Barrier Reef. If you have more time, you can also visit the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, take a jungle hike, and visit some of the other smaller towns and villages in Belize.

What is the best time of year to visit Belize?

The best time to visit Belize is from November to April, when the weather is warm and sunny with little rain. The water is also calm and clear during this time, making it ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and diving.

**What is the cost of a cruise to Belize?

The cost of a cruise to Belize will vary depending on the length of the cruise, the type of ship, and the time of year. A typical 7-day cruise to Belize will start at around $500 per person.

**What are the best cruise lines that go to Belize?

A number of cruise lines offer cruises to Belize, including Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Princess Cruises. Each line offers a variety of different itineraries, so you can choose the one that best suits your interests and budget.

**What are the best ports of call in Belize?

There are a number of different ports of call in Belize, each with its own unique attractions. The most popular ports of call include Belize City, San Pedro, and Caye Caulker.

**What are the transportation options in Belize?

The most popular way to get around Belize is by boat. There are a number of different ferry companies that operate between the different ports of call. You can also rent a car or take a taxi.

**What are the safety concerns in Belize?

Belize is a generally safe country to visit, but there are some safety concerns that you should be aware of. Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night, and don’t leave valuables unattended. You should also avoid walking alone in secluded areas.

Belize is a beautiful country with a lot to offer visitors. Whether you’re looking for stunning beaches, ancient ruins, or exciting adventures, you’re sure to find it in Belize. And if you’re visiting on a cruise ship, you’ll have the opportunity to experience all that Belize has to offer without having to leave the ship.

Here are a few of the things you can do in Belize from a cruise ship:

  • Visit the Belize Barrier Reef. The Belize Barrier Reef is the second-largest barrier reef in the world, and it’s home to a stunning array of marine life. You can go snorkeling or diving to see the reef’s colorful fish, coral reefs, and other marine creatures.
  • Explore the Mayan ruins. Belize is home to a number of Mayan ruins, including the ancient city of Caracol. You can take a guided tour of the ruins to learn about the Mayan culture and see some of their impressive architecture.
  • Go hiking or biking. Belize has a number of hiking and biking trails that offer stunning views of the country’s natural beauty. You can hike through rainforests, past waterfalls, and to the top of mountains.
  • Go fishing. Belize is a great place to go fishing. You can fish for a variety of species, including tarpon, snapper, and grouper.
  • Go swimming. Belize has some of the clearest water in the world, and it’s perfect for swimming. You can swim in the ocean, in freshwater lakes, or in natural swimming holes.

These are just a few of the things you can do in Belize from a cruise ship. With its stunning natural beauty, rich culture, and exciting activities, Belize is the perfect destination for a cruise vacation.

Author Profile

Dale Richard
Dale Richard
Dale, in his mid-thirties, embodies the spirit of adventure and the love for the great outdoors. With a background in environmental science and a heart that beats for exploring the unexplored, Dale has hiked through the lush trails of the Appalachian Mountains, camped under the starlit skies of the Mojave Desert, and kayaked through the serene waters of the Great Lakes.

His adventures are not just about conquering new terrains but also about embracing the ethos of sustainable and responsible travel. Dale’s experiences, from navigating through dense forests to scaling remote peaks, bring a rich tapestry of stories, insights, and practical tips to our blog.