Port of Belize

Belize City, Belize

Your port day at a glance

Walk to town?: Ask us
Distance to town: 30 mi / 48.3 km
Currency: Belize Dollar / BZD

On this page

Getting to town
Your day in port
Best time to visit
Shore experiences
Food, drink and shopping
What to wear
Advisor notes

Getting to town

Distance to town: 30 mi / 48.3 km.

Your day in port

For a typical 8–10 hour call, allocate most of the day to a single major excursion—reef snorkeling/diving, Maya ruins, or cave tubing—and save 30–60 minutes at the end for browsing the Tourism Village. Build in extra buffer time for tender queues both ashore and back to the ship.

Best time to visit

Belize City is best visited during the dry season from December to May, when rain is less frequent and humidity is more manageable for shore excursions. Shoulder months (November and early June) can also be pleasant with fewer crowds, but carry a higher chance of showers.

Hurricane season in the western Caribbean runs from June through November, with the highest storm risk typically August–October.
Wet season (June–November) brings higher humidity, frequent showers, and potential flooding on inland jungle and ruin excursions.
Midday heat and humidity can be intense year-round; plan active tours early in the day and stay hydrated.

Shore experiences

Guided cave tubing on gentle sections of the river with age-appropriate routes and life jackets provided.
Belize Zoo or similar wildlife sanctuary visits (often paired with a cave or ruin tour) to see native animals in naturalistic habitats.
Shorter half-day trip to Altun Ha Maya ruins, which involves moderate walking and offers broad lawns and climbable structures (subject to current safety rules).
Reef snorkeling tours with shallow sites suitable for older children and teens who are comfortable in the water.

Food, drink and shopping

Local food and drink

Rice and beans with stewed chicken, a Belizean staple often served with plantains.
Fresh ceviche made with conch, shrimp, or fish, commonly offered in port-area restaurants.
Fry jacks (fried dough pockets) and other local breakfast or snack items available at small eateries.
Belikin beer, the national beer, plus local rums and rum punch served in bars at the Tourism Village.
Seafood platters featuring lobster (in season), snapper, and other Caribbean fish at waterfront venues.

Shopping

Look for local handicrafts such as wood carvings, handmade jewelry, and Belizean art at stalls in and around Fort Street Tourism Village.
Duty-free shops in the Tourism Village sell liquor, tobacco, perfume, and jewelry; compare prices with onboard deals before purchasing.
Small packets of locally produced hot sauces, spices, and Belizian-made chocolate make easy-to-pack souvenirs.
Bargaining is common at independent craft stalls but not in fixed-price duty-free stores.

What to wear

Light, breathable clothing, a hat, and sturdy walking or water shoes are recommended due to heat, humidity, and uneven terrain on excursions. Modest, quick-dry outfits work best for cave tubing and jungle or ruin tours; bring a light rain jacket or poncho in wet season.

Advisor notes

Remind clients that Belize is a tender port, so early meeting times and extra buffer for tender lines are crucial—especially for independent tours. Strongly encourage ship-sponsored or vetted excursions for inland ruins, cave tubing, and jungle activities, as distances, road conditions, and safety considerations make DIY touring less practical here.

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