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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 AT BELIZE TOURIST VILLAGE
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 HIGHLIGHTS
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.
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.
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
Grand Cayman
Roatan
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 AT BELIZE TOURIST VILLAGE
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 HIGHLIGHTS
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.
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.
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
Grand Cayman
Roatan