BELIZE
Belize is the latest buzz word in Caribbean Cruise tourism. This
multicultural, ecotourism and linguistic bridge between the Caribbean
and Central America is now a permanent fixture on the Caribbean
travel map. In 2004, thirty cruise ships will make 401 stops in Belize.
LANGUAGE AND CURRENCY
English is the official language of Belize. The currency is the Belize
Dollar, but all shops accept U.S. dollars so it's unnecessary to
exchange money. Most merchants also accept credit cards.
THE DOCK
Belize is a tender port, which means that all ships dock in Belize City
harbor and passengers are brought ashore via high-speed tenders.
Allow at least 20 minutes for the trip. The tenders dock at the Belize
Tourist Village.
BELIZE CITY
A ten-minute taxi drive through the crowded streets of Belize City will
show most people all they want to see. Signs posted along the fence
of the gated Belize Tourist Village warn visitors not to walk outside the
gates without an escort for safety reasons.
SHOPPING
The Belize Tourist Village offers several craft and tourist shops,
restaurants and a pharmacy selling cheap prescription drugs.
SAFETY TIPS
Renting a car is not recommended due to the poor condition of the
roads. If you do rent a car, be prepared to come across many
roadblocks staffed with armed guards. Also know that Belize City can
be dangerous after dark for pedestrians.
BELIZE SHORE EXCURSIONS
BELIZE DIVING
Belize is known for offering some of the best diving in the Caribbean.
The country boasts the longest reef system in the western
hemisphere and the second longest in the world.
BELIZE MAYAN RUINS
Most cruise lines offer shore excursions to see the Mayan ruins of
Altun Ha and Xunantunich. The Xunantunich Maya site is composed of
six major plazas, surrounded by more than 25 temples and palaces.
The largest temple, El Castillo has been excavated and partially
restored.
BELIZE CAVE TUBING
This popular activity in Belize involves floating down pitch-black
limestone caves on an inner tube with only headlamps for light. Some
people consider cave tubing the highlight of their cruise while others
admit being less enthused. Before you book this excursion, be aware
that the water can be very deep in places and occasionally groups do
get split up inside the caves.
BELIZE ZOO
The Belize Zoo was started in 1983 to provide a home for rainforest
animals used in various documentary films. Today, the Belize Zoo
covers 29 acres and features over 125 animals native to Belize,
including jaguars, toucans, and free-roaming monkeys. This is a
great excursion for small children.
SHARK/RAY ALLEY
The Hol Chan marine reserve and shark ray alley lies approximately
four miles south of San Pedro's Ambergris Caye. For several years
fishermen cleaned their catch in this area, and now it is a popular spot
for Southern Stingrays and Nurse Sharks to gather. Most cruise ships
offer shore excursions to snorkel in the relatively shallow water (8-feet)
with the harmless sharks and stingrays.
SHORE EXCURSION COMPANIES:
Belize Shore Tours, Ltd.-www.cbelize.com
ADDITIONAL WESTERN CARIBBEAN PORT REVIEWS
Cozumel Port Review
Grand Cayman Port Review
Roatan Port Review
Belize is the latest buzz word in Caribbean Cruise tourism. This
multicultural, ecotourism and linguistic bridge between the Caribbean
and Central America is now a permanent fixture on the Caribbean
travel map. In 2004, thirty cruise ships will make 401 stops in Belize.
LANGUAGE AND CURRENCY
English is the official language of Belize. The currency is the Belize
Dollar, but all shops accept U.S. dollars so it's unnecessary to
exchange money. Most merchants also accept credit cards.
THE DOCK
Belize is a tender port, which means that all ships dock in Belize City
harbor and passengers are brought ashore via high-speed tenders.
Allow at least 20 minutes for the trip. The tenders dock at the Belize
Tourist Village.
BELIZE CITY
A ten-minute taxi drive through the crowded streets of Belize City will
show most people all they want to see. Signs posted along the fence
of the gated Belize Tourist Village warn visitors not to walk outside the
gates without an escort for safety reasons.
SHOPPING
The Belize Tourist Village offers several craft and tourist shops,
restaurants and a pharmacy selling cheap prescription drugs.
SAFETY TIPS
Renting a car is not recommended due to the poor condition of the
roads. If you do rent a car, be prepared to come across many
roadblocks staffed with armed guards. Also know that Belize City can
be dangerous after dark for pedestrians.
BELIZE SHORE EXCURSIONS
BELIZE DIVING
Belize is known for offering some of the best diving in the Caribbean.
The country boasts the longest reef system in the western
hemisphere and the second longest in the world.
BELIZE MAYAN RUINS
Most cruise lines offer shore excursions to see the Mayan ruins of
Altun Ha and Xunantunich. The Xunantunich Maya site is composed of
six major plazas, surrounded by more than 25 temples and palaces.
The largest temple, El Castillo has been excavated and partially
restored.
BELIZE CAVE TUBING
This popular activity in Belize involves floating down pitch-black
limestone caves on an inner tube with only headlamps for light. Some
people consider cave tubing the highlight of their cruise while others
admit being less enthused. Before you book this excursion, be aware
that the water can be very deep in places and occasionally groups do
get split up inside the caves.
BELIZE ZOO
The Belize Zoo was started in 1983 to provide a home for rainforest
animals used in various documentary films. Today, the Belize Zoo
covers 29 acres and features over 125 animals native to Belize,
including jaguars, toucans, and free-roaming monkeys. This is a
great excursion for small children.
SHARK/RAY ALLEY
The Hol Chan marine reserve and shark ray alley lies approximately
four miles south of San Pedro's Ambergris Caye. For several years
fishermen cleaned their catch in this area, and now it is a popular spot
for Southern Stingrays and Nurse Sharks to gather. Most cruise ships
offer shore excursions to snorkel in the relatively shallow water (8-feet)
with the harmless sharks and stingrays.
SHORE EXCURSION COMPANIES:
Belize Shore Tours, Ltd.-www.cbelize.com
ADDITIONAL WESTERN CARIBBEAN PORT REVIEWS
Cozumel Port Review
Grand Cayman Port Review
Roatan Port Review
CRUISE-INFORMATION.COM
BELIZE
BELIZE
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