Belize Cruise Excursions (Belize City): Reviews and Prices (2023) (2023)

FAQs

Do you need an excursion in Belize? ›

Belize is one of those ports where you will definitely need to book an excursion. Outside of a handful of shops at the port, there's really nothing to do and quite frankly, the city isn't safe to explore on your own. In order to truly experience how magnificent Belize is, you'll have to get out of the city.

Goff's Caye is a 1.5-acre island 30 minutes from the Belize City cruise port by boat. It is uninhabited, and the Belize Coastal Zone Management Authority manages this tiny, dynamically-shifting island, limiting visitors to 150 to 200 at a time.

Belize City's cruise port terminal is located at Belize's Tourism Village. The cruise ships anchor in the bay of Belize, because near the coast the water is shallow. Passengers are tendered to Belize City cruise port terminal via high-speed boats (approx 20 min ride).

How much to tip in Belize. Typically, tourists in Belize tip 10% on average and 20% for exceptional service. For example, if you spent $80 USD on a tour, I would tip $10 USD (or $20 BZD) to your guide. And if you have multiple guides taking you around, just tip the “main guide” and tell them to share it with the others ...

A week is a good amount of time to experience Belize's incredible culture and scenery. You can do some wildlife spotting plus visit cascading waterfalls and jade rivers that snake through tropical rainforests. Other highlights include trips to ancient Maya ruins that rival those in Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

You must have a U.S. passport valid for the length of your stay, proof of an onward or return ticket, and sufficient funds to cover the cost of the length of stay.

The Placencia Peninsula boasts the best beach in Belize, hands down. It is huge, extending for miles. Placencia, or “Pleasant Point,” is a long spit of sand extending finger-like into the calm, protected waters inside of the Belize Barrier Reef.

Getting To Ambergris Caye By Boat

501/223-2225), with the latter offering more daily departures between Belize City and Ambergris Caye, a 75-minute ride that costs US$14.50-20 one-way, or Caye Caulker, a 45-minute ride costing US$9.50-15. Both carry free Wi-Fi on the boat.

1. Ambergris Caye. Ambergris Caye is the top place to go for visitors to Belize, with the vibrant town of San Pedro the beating heart of this unique island. This colorful caye has hotels ranging from budget to luxe, and classic Caribbean activities like snorkeling and sailing.

Can you walk around Belize City? ›

Belize City is very walkable, as long as you are prepared to walk through some of the sketchier parts of the city. It is a relatively small city, and most things are within a mile and a half of each other.

And the spot where many expats relocate or retire to. Others are Placencia, Hopkins, Caye Caulker and San Ignacio. Ambergris Caye is also the place with the highest amount of visitors AND the most expensive spot, generally, in Belize. Can you live here for $1000US a month?

In Belize, all beachfront is public. This does not include beach furniture or toys, but you can swim at any of the beaches you find on the island.

Due to the shallow waters of Belize City's harbor, cruise ships visiting this port of call are forced to anchor a few miles away, rendering it necessary to be tendered to the port. Do not worry though as the tendering is done on speedy boats that have you at the port within 20 minutes.

Belize is known for its pristine jungles and rainforests

These moist, forested regions serve as the home of jaguars, tapirs, crocodiles, ocelots, more than 500 species of birds, and thousands of flowers.

It's always advisable to bring money in a variety of forms on a vacation: a mix of cash, credit cards, debit cards, and, occasionally, traveler's checks. The Belize dollar, abbreviated BZ$, is the official currency of Belize.

We recommend you bring a combination of US cash - a few $50's with the majority in small denominations such as $20's, $10's, $5's, and a few $1's. We also strongly recommend you separate your cash so you are not carrying it all in the same place. Tipping is customary in our industry.

Generally, anything you would tip in the USA will work in Belize especially since the US note is accepted countrywide. Although there are a couple of upscale jungle lodges that are all-inclusive and don't allow tipping since it's all covered in the package, most hotels & restaurants do not reject tips to staff.

The best time to visit Belize is during the dry season, which is between January and May. Although you can enjoy warm temperatures across the country, the type of weather you get will depend on the region. Expect clear, sunny days in the Cayo District and on the Cayes.

💰 Belize 1-Week Trip Cost: 2023 Travel Expense Breakdown. The only English-speaking country in Central America, Belize is an expensive country that can be visited with a budget of $60 to $200 a day. My 1-week trip to Belize cost a total of $1,923. Here, I share my Belize travel expenses, cost per day and budgeting tips ...

Is Costa Rica or Belize better? ›

Compared to Belize, Costa Rica is a much better destination for eco-tourism. Nearly 30% of the country's tropical rainforests, beautiful beaches, and mountain terrains are protected in national parks.

Belize can be an enjoyable place for tourists to visit.

While there are some dangers in the country, tourists can generally remain safe if they avoid bad neighborhoods and traveling at night.

How long does it take to clear the Customs/Immigration area? It can take between 30 minutes to an hour to clear the Customs/Immigration area. Here is a bit of useful information for those new to the airport: Once a passenger has landed in Belize, they will first clear through Immigration.

The most popular destination in Belize is Ambergris Caye, followed by Caye Caulker. Other popular cayes include Tobacco Caye, South Water Caye and Glover's Reef. On Belize's coast, Hopkins and Placencia are the most visited seaside destinations, both having beautiful beaches and unique cultural attractions.

Glover's Reef Atoll is part of the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a protected marine reserve. The atoll is most notable for its crystal-clear water, abundance of marine life and there are some amazing beaches to discover.

The Placencia Peninsula is hands down the most popular beach area in the country – it is more most people expect in a beach, wide and with warm pink powdery sand to run through your toes. The beach runs from the north at Maya Beach, then to Seine Bight and ends at Placencia Village.

$30.50 USD ONLY! Book your water taxi tickets from Belize City to San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye. The ferry ride takes about 1.5 hrs one way.

The beaches of Ambergris Caye are swimmable, though many prefer to jump into deeper water. At Sandy Point Resorts, all our resorts have piers with stairs into the water. This provides easy access to deeper water for swimming.

Golf Cart Rental Prices

Renting a 4 seater golf cart costs as low as $30USD for 24 hours and $185USD for a week of use, or a 6 seater golf cart cost $60USD for 24 hours and high as $950USD for 1 month.

Country Summary: Violent crime – such as sexual assault, home invasions, armed robberies, and murder – are common even during daylight hours and in tourist areas. A significant portion of violent crime is gang related.

Where to avoid in Belize City? ›

South Side of Belize City: The southern part of Belize City has a long history of being a dangerous neighborhood. It's best to avoid this area since gangs rule the streets. Western Border of Belize: The region is used by drug and people smugglers as a passageway, so be prepared for potentially dangerous encounters.

The ATM Cave is not as difficult as you would imagine. It does take some adventurous spirit, and there are some exhilarating, and scary, parts to the journey. However, children, older people, and not the most athletic people all went into the cave and made it out just fine.

You're right to worry if you're heading to many nations throughout Central America, and Belize is no exception. You can drink tap water in Belize City and San Ignacio so if either of these happens to be your destination, it's still wise to check with hotel or resort staff just to make sure.

Belizeans generally are incredibly kind and friendly. Greet folks with a "Good morning" before asking for directions, for a table in a restaurant, or when entering a store or museum, for example. It will set a positive tone and you'll be received much more warmly for having done so. Don't take pictures inside churches.

Belize is a Cash Society

Belize exchange rate: The exchange rate is two Belize dollars to one U.S. dollar, but there is no need to change your money to Belize dollars from U.S. dollars; U.S. dollars are accepted everywhere. You will always receive Belize dollars in change after paying in US dollars.

Crime. Belize has one of the highest per capita murder rates in the world. While the murder rate declined in 2022, the per capita rate remains high and incidents of other crime (armed robberies, burglaries, theft, rape and sexual assaults) increased.

More than 350 species of sharks can be found in the waters of Belize. Here are some highlights: Placencia (Southern Belize) – Black tip sharks, Bull sharks, Lemon sharks, Nurse sharks, Reef shark, Hammerheads (occasional), Whale Sharks: March, April, May, and June, at Gladden Spit Marine Reserve.

Morelet's crocodile, also known as the Belize crocodile, is a relatively medium-sized species found only in fresh waters of the Atlantic regions of Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala. Adult males average 3 metres (9.8 feet) in length. The snout is quite broad for a crocodile.

Best Deck for Seasickness and Access to Amenities

The best location to book your cabin will be in the center of the cruise ship and on the lower deck. The lower you go down, the less rocking you will experience during your trip. If you suffer from any motion sickness, this area is ideal for you.

What city do cruise ships go to in Belize? ›

Carnival Cruise Lines

We warmly welcome all Carnival Glory Cruise Ship Passengers to the Port of Belize City, Belize, Central America.

Belize is most well-known for its natural wonders, including the world-renowned Great Blue Hole for scuba diving, diverse wildlife, vast jungles, stunning beaches, small islands, and stunning coral reefs. However, the country also offers a rich culture and history, with ancient Maya ruins scattered throughout.

“Gud Maanin” or “Weh di go aan?” are two familiar Kriol greetings, sung here in a Belizean favorite by the late and well-respected King of Brukdown, Mr Wilfred Peters.

The best ways to get around Belize are by car, water taxi and plane. Taxis and rental cars are the most hassle-free mode of transportation around Belize City. Cabs and cars are also the easiest way to get to and from Belize City's Municipal Airport (TZA) just outside the city center or Philip S.W.

UNICEF and ECLAC estimates that 6 out of 10 children in Belize lack at least one of these basic needs: adequate nutrition, clean drinking water, proper sanitation, adequate housing, and access to education and information.

The Best Way to See Belize

The best way to see it all is to combine a Belize vacation package on land with a small ship cruise to Belize's barrier reef. You will truly experience the best of ruins, rainforest and reef when you explore Belize by land and sea.

Bikes are available for rent from several local shops, and they're a great way to explore the town at a leisurely pace. In conclusion, San Pedro, Belize is generally a walkable town. Most of the main attractions are located within walking distance of each other, and the main streets are well-paved and easy to walk on.

Most businesses in Belize accept credit cards, and credit cards are generally the safest way to make purchases while you're traveling. Only in Belize's smaller villages will you find businesses that only accept cash.

We recommend you bring a combination of US cash - a few $50's with the majority in small denominations such as $20's, $10's, $5's, and a few $1's. We also strongly recommend you separate your cash so you are not carrying it all in the same place. Tipping is customary in our industry.

What is the etiquette in Belize? ›

Belizeans generally are incredibly kind and friendly. Greet folks with a "Good morning" before asking for directions, for a table in a restaurant, or when entering a store or museum, for example. It will set a positive tone and you'll be received much more warmly for having done so. Don't take pictures inside churches.

Belize is known for its pristine jungles and rainforests

These moist, forested regions serve as the home of jaguars, tapirs, crocodiles, ocelots, more than 500 species of birds, and thousands of flowers.

Rice and beans is virtually a daily occurrence, usually with some kind of meat which could include: chicken, fish, conch, iguana, deer, peccary or gibnut. Food is always accompanied with fried ripe plantains. Other delicacies also include cow food soup and conch soup.

The best time to visit Belize is during the dry season, which is between January and May. Although you can enjoy warm temperatures across the country, the type of weather you get will depend on the region. Expect clear, sunny days in the Cayo District and on the Cayes.

Exercise a high degree of caution in Belize due to high levels of violent crime throughout the country.

Cruise Passenger Safety in belize city

Belize does have issues with crime. ALWAYS travel in groups, or go to places where there are large crowds of tourists when you are in Belize, and this includes when you visit places that appear to be well guarded (such as the Mayan ruins).