Belize Metropolis is the biggest metropolis in Belize and the primary entry level for cruise passengers seeking to discover this small however picturesque Central American nation.
Belize Cruise Port is a comparatively small tender port, however it nonetheless welcomes lots of of hundreds of passengers to the nation annually.
This information will clarify all the pieces it is advisable know concerning the port and why it’s turning into one of the fascinating locations for Caribbean cruise itineraries.
Belize Cruise Port Location and Tackle
The Belize Cruise Port is positioned in Belize’s former capital, Belize Metropolis. Though Belmopan is now the nation’s capital, Belize Metropolis continues to be the nation’s most populous metropolis, so it’s residence to a variety of thrilling facilities that attraction to visiting vacationers.
Plus, town is close to a few of Central America’s hottest points of interest, just like the Xunantunich Mayan ruins, the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, and the Belize Zoo and Tropical Training Heart.
Belize Metropolis is roughly 70 miles southeast of the Mexican border and 45 miles northeast of Belmopan. It’s straight on the waters of the Caribbean Sea, with different widespread continental cruise ports, like Mexico’s Cozumel Cruise Port and Cancun Cruise Port, to its north. This strategic and handy location partially explains why it’s rising in reputation as a port of name on Western Caribbean cruise itineraries.
Inside Belize Metropolis, Belize Cruise Port sits on the metropolis’s most jap level. As soon as cruise passengers arrive at one of many a number of tender boat docks, they’re greeted by the Belize Fort Avenue Tourism Village, which encompasses a assortment of memento outlets, eating places, tour operator kiosks, and different facilities which can be useful for visiting vacationers.
The Belize Metropolis Cruise Port and the Fort Avenue Tourism Village simply outdoors of it are positioned only a brief distance from town’s historic middle, which additionally occurs to be one of many most secure neighborhoods.
Belize Cruise Port Tackle
The cruise terminal, in addition to the Belize Tourism Village, are positioned on the following tackle:
Belize Cruise Port, Fort George Jetty, 8 Fort Avenue, Belize Metropolis, Belize
Belize Cruise Port and Terminal
As talked about, Belize Cruise Port is a young port, that means cruise ships don’t dock straight on the port. As an alternative, cruise ships anchor roughly 2 miles from the mainland, and passengers are tendered from the ship to the smaller tendering docks on the sting of the Fort Avenue Tourism Village with smaller boats.
These smaller tender boats take an common of quarter-hour to journey from the ship to the cruise port.
There are 4 docking factors for tender boats to carry cruise passengers ashore. Because the port has no devoted cruise ship berths, it’s a comparatively small port. That is as a result of easy indisputable fact that the waters alongside Belize Metropolis’s coast are far too shallow for big vessels.
The tender boat docks converge at a single pier so passengers can shortly stroll to the Fort Avenue Tourism Village and the small terminal constructing.
Belize Cruise Port Facilities and Amenities
Though it’s a lot smaller than lots of the main cruise ports within the Caribbean, Belize Cruise Port and the Tourism Village nonetheless supply lots of the companies and facilities visiting passengers want for a clean and pleasant go to.
Complimentary Wi-Fi and Good App
Whereas the Wi-Fi is considerably spotty, it’s free to make use of. Actually, the Belize Tourism Board provides a complimentary BTB Cruise App, which makes it simple to hook up with the Wi-Fi if you are within the Tourism Village.
It additionally makes it simple to view cruise ship info, tender boat departure occasions, and taxi contact info. The app additionally offers a GPS-enabled map and permits visiting passengers to set reminder alarms for when they need to return to the port.
Purchasing
The Tourism Village, positioned proper on the fringe of the tendering pier, can also be residence to town’s foremost procuring space. Over 30 reward outlets and vendor stands supply handmade souvenirs, together with scorching sauces, domestically distilled rum, and extra.
There’s additionally a duty-free store, which carries alcohol, fragrance, sun shades, and different designer items, in addition to a global jewellery retailer.
Eating places
The colourful Entrance Avenue Tourism Village can also be residence to a wide range of bars and eating places, together with the MOHO Chocolate Store and Snack Bar, which provides ice cream, domestically made goodies, and rather more.
The 4 devoted native delicacies eating places permit guests to pattern the flavors of Belize with out having to journey into Belize Metropolis itself. There are additionally three everlasting bars, together with one sports activities bar that exhibits native and worldwide sporting occasions.
Restrooms and Accessibility
Together with quite a few shaded seating areas for passengers to attend for his or her tender boats, the Tourism Village has loads of clear and fashionable restrooms. Though it’s a pretty small and primary cruise port, the entire amenities, together with the restrooms, had been designed to be wheelchair accessible, making certain all guests can benefit from the expertise.
Safety Workplace
There’s a safety workplace positioned on the foot of the Tourism Village, the place you’ll arrive out of your tender boat. Right here, you’ll find a tourism info kiosk and a customs and safety workplace. If you would like a novel reminiscence of your go to to Belize, you may even ask for a passport stamp, which is free for visiting cruise passengers.
ATMs and Forex Change Providers
The Tourism Village is residence to a number of ATMs, which carry the native foreign money, the Belize Greenback, in addition to US {dollars}, that are accepted all through the cruise port and past.
Tour Operator Stands
Proper alongside the primary boardwalk of the Tourism Village, you could find places of work and kiosks for native tourism operators. When you have pre-booked a shore tour, you may meet at these factors, or you may ebook an thrilling tour proper within the port.
With tour choices together with journeys to the Mayan ruins, jungle excursions, caverns and caves exploration adventures, snorkeling journeys, and rather more, it may be one of the thrilling methods to go to Belize.
Cruise Strains That Go to Belize
Despite the fact that it’s only a young port, quite a few main cruise traces embrace a go to to the Belize Cruise Port alongside their Caribbean itineraries. These cruise traces embrace the next:
- Carnival Cruise Line
- Royal Caribbean Worldwide
- Movie star Cruises
- Princess Cruises
- MSC Cruises
Additionally it is price noting that Norwegian Cruise Line operates a separate, non-public cruise port referred to as the Harvest Caye Cruise Port, positioned roughly 115 miles south of Belize Metropolis.
This $50 million cruise port and island journey park is completely owned by Norwegian Cruise Line, so you’ll solely go to in case you are touring on certainly one of their cruise ships; in any other case, you’ll virtually definitely move by way of Belize Cruise Port in Belize Metropolis throughout your cease within the nation.
Parking Belize Cruise Port
For those who plan to drive to Belize Cruise Port from the airport or some place else in Belize Metropolis, you could find parking choices close to the port. With that stated, passenger parking is proscribed, as most guests are inclined to take taxis or shuttle buses to the port, particularly if they’re flying into the nation. In case you are in search of parking close to the tender ports or the Entrance Avenue Tourism Village, you’ve gotten the next choices out there to you:
Official Cruise Port Parking Lot
Sadly, there isn’t a devoted in a single day parking zone that companies the cruise terminal, however there’s a drop-off and pickup level, in addition to a one-hour parking zone positioned straight on the north finish of the Entrance Avenue Tourism Village. The one-hour parking zone is free, however you may be instructed to maneuver your automobile should you keep for too lengthy.
When you have determined to hire a automobile and require long-term parking, you may be a lot better off going with one of many non-public tons or paying to make use of one of many garages on the close by accommodations.
Non-public Parking Heaps
The closest parking zone is the BCU Parking Lot, positioned at 184 North Entrance Avenue, 0.4 miles from the Belize Cruise Port. Charges should be paid in money, with the Belize Greenback (BZD) being the popular foreign money. You might have the choice to pay in US {Dollars} (USD), however the charges are supplied at a 1:1 ratio, so it’s rather more reasonably priced to make use of the native foreign money.
Parking charges are BZD 3 for 1 hour, 5 for BZD half a day, 10 BZD for a full day (7 a.m. to 10 p.m.), and 25 BZD for full in a single day, 24-hour parking.
When out there, the Fort George Lodge & Spa, which is simply 200 toes away from the port, permits long-term parking for non-guests. That stated, paying friends at all times have precedence to the parking amenities, so it’s best to ebook forward of time should you plan on parking, however don’t plan on staying within the lodge itself. Parking charges on the lodge fluctuate relying on the season and demand, so it’s best to ask forward of time.
Touring From Close by Airports
For these planning to fly into Belize Metropolis, Philip S.W. Goldson Worldwide Airport (BZE), is the primary airport for worldwide vacationers arriving into the nation.
Not solely does it service extra worldwide flights than every other airport in Belize, it’s only positioned 10.6 miles northwest of the Belize Cruise Port within the close by city of Ladyville.
Though Sir Barry Bowen Municipal Airport is far nearer to the port than Philip S.W. Goldson Airport, it solely serves native flights, so only a few cruise ship passengers will truly fly in or out of this smaller metropolis airport.
Touring to and From Philip S.W. Goldson Worldwide Airport (BZE)
Because the airport is lower than 11 miles from the port, journey time tends to be between 25 and 35 minutes, though this could enhance should you arrive throughout rush hour.
Belize Metropolis might solely have a everlasting inhabitants of simply over 67,000 residents, however it’s a main employment middle for the nation, so site visitors into and out of town will be pretty substantial within the mornings and late afternoons. In case your flight arrives presently, give your self some further journey time.
Instructions from the Airport
- Comply with Worldwide Airport Highway till you see the turnoff for the Northern Freeway (Philip Goldson Hwy)
- Take Northern Freeway for six.2 miles, then take the exit for North Entrance Avenue
- Comply with N Entrance Avenue for 1.1 miles
- On the roundabout, take the second exit onto Fort Avenue
- Proceed and search for indicators for Belize Cruise Terminal 2
Airport Journey Choices
In case you are planning to fly into or out of Belize Metropolis, you’ve gotten the next journey choices out there to you.
Taxis are by far the preferred mode of transportation to and from the airport and all through Belize Metropolis itself. Since comparatively few folks personal their very own automobiles in Belize, most depend on taxis for on a regular basis life, so they’re available and comparatively low cost.
For transportation to or from the airport, anticipate to pay between 15 and 30 USD, relying on the time of day and the season when you’re in Belize.
Sadly, there are not any mandated flat charges, so it’s a good suggestion to inquire about prices earlier than you get right into a cab. There’s a taxi pickup zone outdoors the arrival terminal on the airport and on the Tourism Village, so that you don’t have to fret about reserving one forward of time.
Renting a automobile is one other widespread choice, particularly for these planning to see among the sights Belize provides earlier than they board their cruise ship. To make issues simpler, a number of worldwide automotive rental firms function out of the airport, together with Alamo Hire-A-Automotive, Enterprise, and Thrifty Automotive Leases.
Whereas charges rely upon the time of yr and the kind of automobile, a typical rental automotive will run about 45 USD per day. Do not forget that parking on the cruise port is proscribed, so you’ll want to plan forward.
Get to Belize Cruise Port
Whether or not you’re coming from the airport, a lodge in Belize Metropolis, and even one of many close by cities, attending to and from Belize Cruise Port is pretty easy. The next are the preferred choices for transportation throughout the metropolis and to the cruise port itself:
Taxis
As talked about, non-public taxis are the most typical and handy type of transportation inside Belize Metropolis. They provide the simplest strategy to get to and from the cruise port and different vacationer points of interest in and round Belize Metropolis.
They’re available on the cruise port and all through town, particularly close to the key points of interest, just like the Museum of Belize and Home of Tradition.
Whereas fares fluctuate relying on how far you need to journey, most locations throughout the metropolis will value between 10 and 30 USD for a one-way journey.
The town doesn’t implement flat charges, so it’s at all times a good suggestion to ask about prices forward of time. You must also be sure to solely take a registered cab relatively than a taxi that doesn’t have any markings.
Automotive Leases
Whether or not you’re touring from the airport otherwise you need to have the liberty to discover town and surrounding space with your individual automobile, automotive leases could be a sensible resolution.
Parking will be a difficulty within the metropolis, however most points of interest have free parking tons. For those who plan to remain in Belize Metropolis in a single day, most accommodations additionally present friends with complimentary parking.
Automotive rental charges fluctuate, however it’s best to anticipate every day rental charges of round 40 USD should you hire inside Belize Metropolis itself. Remember that among the extra distant vacationer points of interest contain driving on unpaved roads, so renting a automobile with four-wheel drive is advisable.
Public Buses
In Belize Metropolis, public buses supply extra reasonably priced transportation than taxis, nonetheless, they are usually very packed, scorching, and fairly sluggish. The sluggish velocity is partially as a result of important variety of stops. They’re additionally not the most secure type of transportation.
It may be a approach to economize and expertise extra of the native tradition however don’t be stunned if a few of your fellow vacationers carry dwell chickens and different sights that may seem odd to vacationers. One-way journey prices lower than 1 USD, however be sure to are cautious and at all times preserve your baggage inside eyesight.
Water Taxis
Water taxis are one other reasonably priced strategy to journey, particularly should you plan to go to widespread island locations like Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker.
The San Pedro Specific Water Taxi Firm is certainly one of two water taxi firms working out of the harbor, and we’d at all times advocate shopping for a round-trip ticket for roughly 15 USD to save lots of almost 10 USD.
Non-public Shuttles
One other simple and cozy strategy to get round Belize Metropolis and the encompassing areas is to ebook a personal shuttle or switch. You may often prepare your itinerary forward of time so a driver will choose you up after which proceed to take you to the precise points of interest you and your group want to see. Some may even take you so far as San Pedro.
Belize Paradise Shuttles and MC Shuttles & Excursions are amongst essentially the most reasonably priced choices, and you may prepare to have a bus or van choose you up straight on the airport or the cruise port.
Once more, charges will rely upon the place you’re touring to and the way sophisticated your itinerary can be, however you may inquire about prices over electronic mail. Count on to pay nearer to 120 USD, however these charges will be a lot increased should you go far past town’s borders.
Seashores Close to Belize Cruise Port
Despite the fact that Belize is much extra well-known for its scuba diving and snorkeling, this small nation can also be residence to some really beautiful seashores. Sadly, not one of the seashores inside Belize Metropolis are actually price visiting, however if you wish to spend a while unwinding on the sand earlier than it’s important to head again to your cruise ship, there are a number of island seashores which can be simple to go to.
Seashores on Caye Caulker
Caye Caulker is a fairly small limestone island positioned roughly 21 miles away from Belize Cruise Port. Regardless of its small dimension, this island is lined with white sand seashores that result in crystal-clear Caribbean waters.
The seashores have a relaxed environment, making them excellent for enjoyable and swimming. The encircling reef system can also be teeming with marine life, together with sea turtles, nurse sharks, manta rays, and tropical fish, so it’s a widespread diving location.
Plus, the island is residence to loads of beachside bars and eating places, so it’s nicely definitely worth the scenic water taxi experience from Belize Metropolis, which solely takes about half-hour.
Seashores on Ambergris Caye
At roughly 35 miles from the Belize Cruise Port, attending to Ambergris Caye will take somewhat extra time, however it’s nonetheless accessible through water taxi. It additionally occurs to be the biggest island off the coast of mainland Belize, and its seashores are among the greatest you’ll discover wherever within the nation.
With that signature powdery white sand that you simply discover alongside one of the best Caribbean seashores, in addition to palm bushes and beautiful turquoise waters, it’s the best vacation spot for relaxation and rest. A water taxi from Belize Metropolis will take about an hour and a half, so be sure to give your self loads of journey time.
The island can also be residence to an unbelievable array of marine and rainforest wildlife, together with howler monkeys, iguanas, toucans, and rather more.
Eating Close to Belize Cruise Port
Whether or not you need to stick with the Vacationer Village or don’t thoughts wandering into Belize Metropolis for a chunk to eat, visiting Belize Cruise Port is a tremendous alternative to pattern some really memorable delicacies.
Listed here are just some of the choices close to the cruise port that we advocate:
The Treehouse Restaurant Belize
Positioned simply 0.2 miles from the terminal, you may stroll to the Treehouse Restaurant Belize in 5 minutes. The restaurant is positioned within the foyer of the Fort George Lodge and Spa, however it’s open to most of the people.
Get pleasure from an unbelievable island environment, made much more memorable by the large skylights and open-air design. The menu boasts a variety of native flavors and worldwide dishes, and each merchandise on the menu is made with the freshest native elements.
The Movie star Restaurant & Bar
Movie star Restaurant & Bar Belize serves a novel mixture of native, Mexican, and Turkish dishes. It is a superb choice for these with extra adventurous palates and people with extra primary tastes.
In addition they have a full breakfast menu for early risers. Provided that the restaurant is simply 0.4 miles north of the cruise port, you may simply stroll alongside Marine Parade Boulevard and discover your approach there in lower than 10 minutes.
Ms. Patty’s Belizean Meals
You may’t miss a go to to Ms. Patty’s Belizean Meals for an genuine style of the native delicacies. It’s simply 0.3 miles northeast of the cruise port on Eyre Avenue, so it’s very simple to search out.
While you arrive, you’ll shortly discover that all the pieces on the menu is cooked in-house, and this small, family-owned restaurant is among the greatest locations within the nation to attempt native dishes, like fried lobster, purple beans, and rice, fried plantains, Belizean-style grilled rooster, and extra.
Have in mind this can be a very informal roadside restaurant, so you’ll most probably eat your meal on one of many picnic tables, however the meals is extremely widespread with locals and vacationers alike. Plus, you would possibly even get to fulfill the well-known Ms. Patty herself!
Eating on the Tourism Village
As talked about, there are many eating choices at or close to the Fort Avenue Tourism Village. Some highlights embrace Martha’s Café, which serves domestically grown espresso, and The Moist Lizard, which has a menu stuffed with scrumptious fried seafood and sides. Because the Tourism Village is simply steps away from the tender dock, it’s one of the handy places to seize an informal meal or chilly drink.
Purchasing is pretty restricted in Belize Metropolis, particularly in comparison with among the extra well-established procuring hubs discovered elsewhere within the Caribbean, however the Fort Avenue Tourism Village greater than makes up for the dearth of shops within the metropolis itself.
As talked about, the Tourism Village is residence to a duty-free store the place cruise passengers should purchase souvenirs and duty-free items like liquor, designer items, and jewellery. The whole tourism complicated can also be affected by native vendor stands and kiosks the place you should purchase locally-made objects.
The Baron Bliss Lighthouse Market is another choice. Because the title implies, it’s positioned close to the well-known Baron Bliss Lighthouse, roughly 1 / 4 of a mile from the port. Just like the tourism village, it provides a wide range of handmade items, together with work, carvings, and extra. Simply just remember to carry money, as only a few distributors will settle for bank cards.
The Greatest Time to Go to Belize
Belize Metropolis may be a year-round vacationer vacation spot, however the cruise season usually runs from early November to late April.
This era additionally aligns with Belize’s dry season, the place guests can anticipate temperatures to vary between 75° and 85° F. Because of the nice temperatures, lowered humidity, and restricted rainfall, that is usually thought-about one of the best time to go to Belize.
Learn Additionally: What Are the Worst Months to Cruise the Caribbean?
Anticipate crowds should you plan on visiting Belize Metropolis throughout the peak of the cruise season, often between late December and February.
For those who journey there outdoors of the standard cruise season, it’s best to anticipate a big quantity of rain, particularly throughout late summer season, when Belize can expertise the results of hurricanes and tropical storms.
