Belize Metropolis is the most important metropolis in Belize and the principle entry level for cruise passengers trying to discover this small however picturesque Central American nation.
Belize Cruise Port is a comparatively small tender port, however it nonetheless welcomes a whole lot of 1000’s of passengers to the nation every year.
This information will clarify all the things you’ll want to know in regards to the port and why it’s changing into one of the crucial 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 remains to be the nation’s most populous metropolis, so it’s dwelling to a variety of thrilling facilities that attraction to visiting vacationers.
Plus, the 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 Schooling 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 standard 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 recognition as a port of name on Western Caribbean cruise itineraries.
Inside Belize Metropolis, Belize Cruise Port sits on the metropolis’s most japanese 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 contains a assortment of memento outlets, eating places, tour operator kiosks, and different facilities which are 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 the 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, which means cruise ships don’t dock straight on the port. As a substitute, 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. For the reason that 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 giant 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 provide lots of the companies and facilities visiting passengers want for a easy and gratifying go to.
Complimentary Wi-Fi and Sensible App
Whereas the Wi-Fi is considerably spotty, it’s free to make use of. In reality, the Belize Tourism Board affords a complimentary BTB Cruise App, which makes it simple to hook up with the Wi-Fi while you’re 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.
Procuring
The Tourism Village, positioned proper on the fringe of the tendering pier, can also be dwelling to the town’s foremost buying space. Over 30 present outlets and vendor stands provide handmade souvenirs, together with scorching sauces, regionally 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 world jewellery retailer.
Eating places
The colourful Entrance Avenue Tourism Village can also be dwelling to a wide range of bars and eating places, together with the MOHO Chocolate Store and Snack Bar, which affords ice cream, regionally made sweets, and rather more.
The 4 devoted native delicacies eating places enable 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 reveals 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, have been designed to be wheelchair accessible, guaranteeing 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 will see a tourism info kiosk and a customs and safety workplace. If you need 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 Alternate Providers
The Tourism Village is dwelling 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 principle boardwalk of the Tourism Village, you will discover places of work and kiosks for native tourism operators. You probably have pre-booked a shore tour, you may meet at these factors, or you may e-book 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 crucial thrilling methods to go to Belize.
Cruise Strains That Go to Belize
Regardless that it is just a young port, quite a few main cruise traces embody a go to to the Belize Cruise Port alongside their Caribbean itineraries. These cruise traces embody the next:
Carnival Cruise Line
Royal Caribbean Worldwide
Celeb Cruises
Princess Cruises
MSC Cruises
Additionally it is value noting that Norwegian Cruise Line operates a separate, non-public cruise port known as the Harvest Caye Cruise Port, positioned roughly 115 miles south of Belize Metropolis.
This $50 million cruise port and island journey park is solely 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 nearly actually cross by means of Belize Cruise Port in Belize Metropolis throughout your cease within the nation.
Parking Belize Cruise Port
In case you plan to drive to Belize Cruise Port from the airport or some place else in Belize Metropolis, you will discover parking choices close to the port. With that stated, passenger parking is proscribed, as most guests are likely 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 got the next choices out there to you:
Official Cruise Port Parking Lot
Sadly, there isn’t a devoted in a single day car parking zone that companies the cruise terminal, however there’s a drop-off and pickup level, in addition to a one-hour car parking zone positioned straight on the north finish of the Entrance Avenue Tourism Village. The one-hour car parking zone is free, however you’ll be instructed to maneuver your automobile should you keep for too lengthy.
You probably have determined to hire a automobile and require long-term parking, you’ll be significantly better off going with one of many non-public tons or paying to make use of one of many garages on the close by resorts.
Non-public Parking Heaps
The closest car 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 will 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 ft away from the port, permits long-term parking for non-guests. That stated, paying friends all the time have precedence to the parking amenities, so it’s best to e-book forward of time should you plan on parking, however don’t plan on staying within the resort itself. Parking charges on the resort differ relying on the season and demand, so it is 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 principle airport for worldwide vacationers arriving into the nation.
Not solely does it service extra worldwide flights than another airport in Belize, it is just 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 really fly in or out of this smaller metropolis airport.
Touring to and From Philip S.W. Goldson Worldwide Airport (BZE)
For the reason that airport is lower than 11 miles from the port, journey time tends to be between 25 and 35 minutes, though this will 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 the town may be pretty substantial within the mornings and late afternoons. In case your flight arrives at the moment, give your self some further journey time.
Instructions from the Airport
Comply with Worldwide Airport Street 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 got the next journey choices out there to you.
Taxis are by far the most well-liked mode of transportation to and from the airport and all through Belize Metropolis itself. Since comparatively few folks personal their very own autos 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, count on to pay between 15 and 30 USD, relying on the time of day and the season when you’re in Belize.
Sadly, there aren’t 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 would not have to fret about reserving one forward of time.
Renting a automobile is one other standard possibility, particularly for these planning to see a few of the sights Belize affords earlier than they board their cruise ship. To make issues simpler, a number of worldwide automobile rental firms function out of the airport, together with Alamo Lease-A-Automobile, Enterprise, and Thrifty Automobile Leases.
Whereas charges rely on the time of yr and the kind of automobile, a typical rental automobile will run about 45 USD per day. Do not forget that parking on the cruise port is proscribed, so it would be best to plan forward.
Easy methods to Get to Belize Cruise Port
Whether or not you’re coming from the airport, a resort 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 most well-liked 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 best option 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 the town, particularly close to the most important points of interest, just like the Museum of Belize and Home of Tradition.
Whereas fares differ relying on how far you wish to journey, most locations throughout the metropolis will price between 10 and 30 USD for a one-way journey.
The town doesn’t implement flat charges, so it’s all the time a good suggestion to ask about prices forward of time. You also needs to be sure you solely take a registered cab slightly than a taxi that doesn’t have any markings.
Automobile Leases
Whether or not you’re touring from the airport otherwise you wish to have the liberty to discover the town and surrounding space with your individual automobile, automobile leases generally is a sensible answer.
Parking may be a difficulty within the metropolis, however most points of interest have free parking tons. In case you plan to remain in Belize Metropolis in a single day, most resorts additionally present friends with complimentary parking.
Automobile rental charges differ, however it is best to anticipate every day rental charges of round 40 USD should you hire inside Belize Metropolis itself. Remember that a few of 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 provide extra reasonably priced transportation than taxis, nonetheless, they are usually very packed, scorching, and fairly gradual. The gradual velocity is partially as a result of vital variety of stops. They’re additionally not the most secure type of transportation.
It may be a means to economize and expertise extra of the native tradition however don’t be stunned if a few of your fellow vacationers carry reside chickens and different sights which may seem odd to vacationers. One-way journey prices lower than 1 USD, however be sure you are cautious and all the time preserve your luggage inside eyesight.
Water Taxis
Water taxis are one other reasonably priced option to journey, particularly should you plan to go to standard island locations like Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker.
The San Pedro Categorical Water Taxi Firm is certainly one of two water taxi firms working out of the harbor, and we’d all the time suggest shopping for a round-trip ticket for roughly 15 USD to save lots of almost 10 USD.
Non-public Shuttles
One other simple and comfy option to get round Belize Metropolis and the encircling areas is to e-book a non-public shuttle or switch. You’ll be able to often prepare your itinerary forward of time so a driver will decide you up after which proceed to take you to the particular points of interest you and your group wish to see. Some may even take you so far as San Pedro.
Belize Paradise Shuttles and MC Shuttles & Excursions are amongst probably the most reasonably priced choices, and you may prepare to have a bus or van decide you up straight on the airport or the cruise port.
Once more, charges will rely on the place you’re touring to and the way sophisticated your itinerary shall be, however you may inquire about prices over e-mail. Anticipate to pay nearer to 120 USD, however these charges may be a lot larger should you go far past the town’s borders.
Seashores Close to Belize Cruise Port
Regardless that Belize is much extra well-known for its scuba diving and snorkeling, this small nation can also be dwelling to some actually gorgeous seashores. Sadly, not one of the seashores inside Belize Metropolis are actually value visiting, however if you wish to spend a while unwinding on the sand earlier than you need to head again to your cruise ship, there are a number of island seashores which are 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 measurement, 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 stress-free 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 standard diving location.
Plus, the island is dwelling to loads of beachside bars and eating places, so it’s effectively well worth the scenic water taxi journey 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 a little bit extra time, however it’s nonetheless accessible through water taxi. It additionally occurs to be the most important island off the coast of mainland Belize, and its seashores are a few of the finest 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 timber and gorgeous 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 you give your self loads of journey time.
The island can also be dwelling 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 wish to follow 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 actually memorable delicacies.
Listed here are only a few of the choices close to the cruise port that we suggest:
The Treehouse Restaurant Belize
Situated 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 people.
Get pleasure from an unbelievable island environment, made much more memorable by the massive 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 substances.
The Celeb Restaurant & Bar
Celeb Restaurant & Bar Belize serves a novel mixture of native, Mexican, and Turkish dishes. It is a wonderful possibility for these with extra adventurous palates and people with extra primary tastes.
Additionally 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 means there in lower than 10 minutes.
Ms. Patty’s Belizean Meals
You’ll be able to’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 seek out.
Whenever you arrive, you’ll shortly discover that all the things on the menu is cooked in-house, and this small, family-owned restaurant is likely one of the finest locations within the nation to attempt native dishes, like fried lobster, pink beans, and rice, fried plantains, Belizean-style grilled hen, and extra.
Bear in mind this can be a very informal roadside restaurant, so you’ll most certainly eat your meal on one of many picnic tables, however the meals is extremely standard with locals and vacationers alike. Plus, you may even get to satisfy 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 embody Martha’s Café, which serves regionally grown espresso, and The Moist Lizard, which has a menu stuffed with scrumptious fried seafood and sides. For the reason that Tourism Village is simply steps away from the tender dock, it’s one of the crucial handy places to seize an informal meal or chilly drink.
Procuring is pretty restricted in Belize Metropolis, particularly in comparison with a few of the extra well-established buying 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 dwelling to a duty-free store the place cruise passengers can buy souvenirs and duty-free items like liquor, designer items, and jewellery. Your entire tourism complicated can also be affected by native vendor stands and kiosks the place you should purchase locally-made gadgets.
The Baron Bliss Lighthouse Market is another choice. Because the identify 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 affords a wide range of handmade items, together with work, carvings, and extra. Simply just be sure you carry money, as only a few distributors will settle for bank cards.
The Finest Time to Go to Belize
Belize Metropolis is likely to 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 count on temperatures to vary between 75° and 85° F. Due to the nice temperatures, decreased 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 in the course of the peak of the cruise season, often between late December and February.
In case you journey there outdoors of the standard cruise season, it is best to count on a major quantity of rain, particularly throughout late summer season, when Belize can expertise the consequences of hurricanes and tropical storms.
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