Belize Cruise Port Guide: Tendering, Amenties and More

Belize City is the largest city in Belize and the main entry point for cruise passengers looking to explore this small but picturesque Central American country.

Belize Cruise Port is a relatively small tender port, but it still welcomes hundreds of thousands of passengers to the country each year.

This guide will explain everything you need to know about the port and why it is becoming one of the most desirable destinations for Caribbean cruise itineraries.

Belize Cruise Port Location and Address

The Belize Cruise Port is located in Belize’s former capital, Belize City. Although Belmopan is now the country’s capital, Belize City is still the nation’s most populous city, so it is home to a wide range of exciting amenities that appeal to visiting tourists.

Plus, the city is near some of Central America’s most popular attractions, like the Xunantunich Mayan ruins, the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, and the Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center. 

Belize City is roughly 70 miles southeast of the Mexican border and 45 miles northeast of Belmopan. It is directly on the waters of the Caribbean Sea, with other popular continental cruise ports, like Mexico’s Cozumel Cruise Port and Cancun Cruise Port, to its north. This strategic and convenient location partially explains why it is growing in popularity as a port of call on Western Caribbean cruise itineraries. 

Within Belize City, Belize Cruise Port sits at the city’s most eastern point. Once cruise passengers arrive at one of the several tender boat docks, they are greeted by the Belize Fort Street Tourism Village, which features a collection of souvenir shops, restaurants, excursion operator kiosks, and other amenities that are helpful for visiting tourists.

The Belize City Cruise Port and the Fort Street Tourism Village just outside of it are located just a short distance from the city’s historic center, which also happens to be one of the safest neighborhoods.

Belize Cruise Port Address

The cruise terminal, as well as the Belize Tourism Village, are located at the following address: 

Belize Cruise Port, Fort George Jetty, 8 Fort Street, Belize City, Belize

Belize Cruise Port and Terminal

As mentioned, Belize Cruise Port is a tender port, meaning cruise ships do not dock directly at the port. Instead, cruise ships anchor approximately 2 miles from the mainland, and passengers are tendered from the ship to the smaller tendering docks on the edge of the Fort Street Tourism Village with smaller boats.

These smaller tender boats take an average of 15 minutes to travel from the ship to the cruise port. 

There are four docking points for tender boats to bring cruise passengers ashore. Since the port has no dedicated cruise ship berths, it is a relatively small port. This is due to the simple fact that the waters along Belize City’s coast are far too shallow for large vessels.   

The tender boat docks converge at a single pier so passengers can quickly walk to the Fort Street Tourism Village and the small terminal building.

Belize Cruise Port Amenities and Facilities

Although it is much smaller than many of the major cruise ports in the Caribbean, Belize Cruise Port and the Tourism Village still offer many of the services and amenities visiting passengers need for a smooth and enjoyable visit.

Complimentary Wi-Fi and Smart App

While the Wi-Fi is somewhat spotty, it is free to use. In fact, the Belize Tourism Board offers a complimentary BTB Cruise App, which makes it easy to connect to the Wi-Fi while you are in the Tourism Village.

It also makes it easy to view cruise ship information, tender boat departure times, and taxi contact information. The app also provides a GPS-enabled map and allows visiting passengers to set reminder alarms for when they should return to the port. 

Shopping

The Tourism Village, located right at the edge of the tendering pier, is also home to the city’s main shopping area. Over 30 gift shops and vendor stands offer handmade souvenirs, including hot sauces, locally distilled rum, and more.

There is also a duty-free shop, which carries alcohol, perfume, sunglasses, and other designer goods, as well as an international jewelry store. 

Restaurants

The colorful Front Street Tourism Village is also home to a variety of bars and restaurants, including the MOHO Chocolate Shop and Snack Bar, which offers ice cream, locally made chocolates, and much more.

The four dedicated local cuisine restaurants allow visitors to sample the flavors of Belize without having to travel into Belize City itself. There are also three permanent bars, including one sports bar that shows local and international sporting events. 

Restrooms and Accessibility

Along with numerous shaded seating areas for passengers to wait for their tender boats, the Tourism Village has plenty of clean and modern restrooms. Although it is a fairly small and basic cruise port, all of the facilities, including the restrooms, were designed to be wheelchair accessible, ensuring all visitors can enjoy the experience.

Security Office

There is a security office located at the foot of the Tourism Village, where you will arrive from your tender boat. Here, you will find a tourism information kiosk and a customs and security office. If you want a unique memory of your visit to Belize, you can even ask for a passport stamp, which is free for visiting cruise passengers. 

ATMs and Currency Exchange Services

The Tourism Village is home to several ATMs, which carry the local currency, the Belize Dollar, as well as US dollars, which are accepted throughout the cruise port and beyond. 

Tour Operator Stands

Right along the main boardwalk of the Tourism Village, you can find offices and kiosks for local tourism operators. If you have pre-booked a shore excursion, you can meet at these points, or you can book an exciting excursion right in the port.

With excursion offerings including trips to the Mayan ruins, jungle tours, caverns and caves exploration adventures, snorkeling trips, and much more, it can be one of the most exciting ways to visit Belize. 

Cruise Lines That Visit Belize

Even though it is only a tender port, numerous major cruise lines include a visit to the Belize Cruise Port along their Caribbean itineraries. These cruise lines include the following: 

• Carnival Cruise Line
• Royal Caribbean International
• Celebrity Cruises
• Princess Cruises
• MSC Cruises 

It is also worth noting that Norwegian Cruise Line operates a separate, private cruise port called the Harvest Caye Cruise Port, located roughly 115 miles south of Belize City.

This $50 million cruise port and island adventure park is exclusively owned by Norwegian Cruise Line, so you will only visit if you are traveling on one of their cruise ships; otherwise, you will almost certainly pass through Belize Cruise Port in Belize City during your stop in the country. 

Parking Belize Cruise Port

If you plan to drive to Belize Cruise Port from the airport or somewhere else in Belize City, you can find parking options near the port. With that said, passenger parking is limited, as most visitors tend to take taxis or shuttle buses to the port, especially if they are flying into the country. If you are looking for parking near the tender ports or the Front Street Tourism Village, you have the following options available to you: 

Official Cruise Port Parking Lot

Unfortunately, there is no dedicated overnight parking lot that services the cruise terminal, but there is a drop-off and pickup point, as well as a one-hour parking lot located directly at the north end of the Front Street Tourism Village. The one-hour parking lot is free, but you will be told to move your vehicle if you stay for too long. 

If you have decided to rent a vehicle and require long-term parking, you will be much better off going with one of the private lots or paying to use one of the garages at the nearby hotels. 

Private Parking Lots

The closest parking lot is the BCU Parking Lot, located at 184 North Front Street, 0.4 miles from the Belize Cruise Port. Rates must be paid in cash, with the Belize Dollar (BZD) being the preferred currency. You have the option to pay in US Dollars (USD), but the rates are offered at a 1:1 ratio, so it is much more affordable to use the local currency.

Parking rates 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 overnight, 24-hour parking.

When available, the Fort George Hotel & Spa, which is just 200 feet away from the port, allows long-term parking for non-guests. That said, paying guests always have priority to the parking facilities, so it is best to book ahead of time if you plan on parking, but don’t plan on staying in the hotel itself. Parking rates at the hotel vary depending on the season and demand, so you should ask ahead of time.

Traveling From Nearby Airports

For those planning to fly into Belize City, Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport (BZE), is the main airport for international travelers arriving into the country.

Not only does it service more international flights than any other airport in Belize, it is only located 10.6 miles northwest of the Belize Cruise Port in the nearby town of Ladyville. 

Although Sir Barry Bowen Municipal Airport is much closer to the port than Philip S.W. Goldson Airport, it only serves local flights, so very few cruise ship passengers will actually fly in or out of this smaller city airport.

Traveling to and From Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport (BZE)

Since the airport is less than 11 miles from the port, travel time tends to be between 25 and 35 minutes, although this can increase if you arrive during rush hour.

Belize City may only have a permanent population of just over 67,000 residents, but it is a major employment center for the country, so traffic into and out of the city can be fairly substantial in the mornings and late afternoons. If your flight arrives at this time, give yourself some extra travel time. 

Directions from the Airport

• Follow International Airport Road until you see the turnoff for the Northern Highway (Philip Goldson Hwy)
• Take Northern Highway for 6.2 miles, then take the exit for North Front Street
• Follow N Front Street for 1.1 miles
• At the roundabout, take the second exit onto Fort Street
• Continue and look for signs for Belize Cruise Terminal 2 

Airport Travel Options

If you are planning to fly into or out of Belize City, you have the following travel options available to you. 

Taxis are by far the most popular mode of transportation to and from the airport and throughout Belize City itself. Since relatively few people own their own vehicles in Belize, most rely on taxis for everyday life, so they are readily available and relatively cheap. 

For transportation to or from the airport, expect to pay between 15 and 30 USD, depending on the time of day and the season when you are in Belize.

Unfortunately, there are no mandated flat rates, so it is a good idea to inquire about costs before you get into a cab. There is a taxi pickup zone outside the arrival terminal at the airport and at the Tourism Village, so you do not have to worry about booking one ahead of time. 

Renting a vehicle is another popular option, especially for those planning to see some of the sights Belize offers before they board their cruise ship. To make things easier, several international car rental companies operate out of the airport, including Alamo Rent-A-Car, Enterprise, and Thrifty Car Rentals.

While rates depend on the time of year and the type of vehicle, a typical rental car will run about 45 USD per day. Remember that parking at the cruise port is limited, so you will want to plan ahead.

How to Get to Belize Cruise Port

Whether you are coming from the airport, a hotel in Belize City, or even one of the nearby towns, getting to and from Belize Cruise Port is fairly straightforward. The following are the most popular options for transportation within the city and to the cruise port itself: 

Taxis

As mentioned, private taxis are the most common and convenient form of transportation within Belize City. They offer the easiest way to get to and from the cruise port and other tourist attractions in and around Belize City.

They are readily available at the cruise port and throughout the city, especially near the major attractions, like the Museum of Belize and House of Culture. 

While fares vary depending on how far you want to travel, most destinations within the city will cost between 10 and 30 USD for a one-way trip.

The city does not enforce flat rates, so it is always a good idea to ask about costs ahead of time. You should also make sure you only take a registered cab rather than a taxi that does not have any markings. 

Car Rentals

Whether you’re traveling from the airport or you want to have the freedom to explore the city and surrounding area with your own vehicle, car rentals can be a practical solution.

Parking can be an issue in the city, but most attractions have free parking lots. If you plan to stay in Belize City overnight, most hotels also provide guests with complimentary parking. 

Car rental rates vary, but you should anticipate daily rental rates of around 40 USD if you rent within Belize City itself. Keep in mind that some of the more remote tourist attractions involve driving on unpaved roads, so renting a vehicle with four-wheel drive is advisable. 

Public Buses

In Belize City, public buses offer more affordable transportation than taxis, however, they tend to be very packed, hot, and quite slow. The slow speed is partially due to the significant number of stops. They are also not the safest form of transportation.

It can be a way to save money and experience more of the local culture but don’t be surprised if some of your fellow travelers carry live chickens and other sights that might appear odd to tourists. One-way travel costs less than 1 USD, but make sure you are careful and always keep your bags within eyesight.

Water Taxis

Water taxis are another affordable way to travel, especially if you plan to visit popular island destinations like Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker.

The San Pedro Express Water Taxi Company is one of two water taxi companies operating out of the harbor, and we would always recommend buying a round-trip ticket for roughly 15 USD to save nearly 10 USD. 

Private Shuttles

Another easy and comfortable way to get around Belize City and the surrounding areas is to book a private shuttle or transfer. You can usually arrange your itinerary ahead of time so a driver will pick you up and then proceed to take you to the specific attractions you and your group would like to see. Some can even take you as far as San Pedro. 

Belize Paradise Shuttles and MC Shuttles & Tours are amongst the most affordable options, and you can arrange to have a bus or van pick you up directly at the airport or the cruise port.

Again, rates will depend on where you are traveling to and how complicated your itinerary will be, but you can inquire about costs over email. Expect to pay closer to 120 USD, but these rates can be much higher if you go far beyond the city’s borders. 

Beaches Near Belize Cruise Port

Even though Belize is far more famous for its scuba diving and snorkeling, this small country is also home to some truly stunning beaches. Unfortunately, none of the beaches within Belize City are really worth visiting, but if you want to spend some time unwinding on the sand before you have to head back to your cruise ship, there are several island beaches that are easy to visit. 

Beaches on Caye Caulker

Caye Caulker is a reasonably small limestone island located roughly 21 miles away from Belize Cruise Port. Despite its small size, this island is lined with white sand beaches that lead to crystal-clear Caribbean waters.

The beaches have a relaxed atmosphere, making them perfect for relaxing and swimming. The surrounding reef system is also teeming with marine life, including sea turtles, nurse sharks, manta rays, and tropical fish, so it is a popular diving location. 

Plus, the island is home to plenty of beachside bars and restaurants, so it is well worth the scenic water taxi ride from Belize City, which only takes about 30 minutes. 

Beaches on Ambergris Caye

At roughly 35 miles from the Belize Cruise Port, getting to Ambergris Caye will take a little more time, but it is still accessible via water taxi. It also happens to be the largest island off the coast of mainland Belize, and its beaches are some of the best you’ll find anywhere in the country.

With that signature powdery white sand that you find along the best Caribbean beaches, as well as palm trees and stunning turquoise waters, it’s the ideal destination for rest and relaxation. A water taxi from Belize City will take about an hour and a half, so make sure you give yourself plenty of travel time. 

The island is also home to an incredible array of marine and rainforest wildlife, including howler monkeys, iguanas, toucans, and much more. 

Dining Near Belize Cruise Port

Whether you want to stick to the Tourist Village or don’t mind wandering into Belize City for a bite to eat, visiting Belize Cruise Port is an amazing opportunity to sample some truly memorable cuisine. 

Here are just a few of the options near the cruise port that we recommend: 

The Treehouse Restaurant Belize

Located just 0.2 miles from the terminal, you can walk to the Treehouse Restaurant Belize in 5 minutes. The restaurant is located in the lobby of the Fort George Hotel and Spa, but it is open to the general public.

Enjoy an incredible island atmosphere, made even more memorable by the huge skylights and open-air design. The menu boasts a wide range of local flavors and international dishes, and every item on the menu is made with the freshest local ingredients.

The Celebrity Restaurant & Bar

Celebrity Restaurant & Bar Belize serves a unique mix of local, Mexican, and Turkish dishes. It is an excellent option for those with more adventurous palates and those with more basic tastes.

They also have a full breakfast menu for early risers. Given that the restaurant is just 0.4 miles north of the cruise port, you can easily walk along Marine Parade Boulevard and find your way there in less than 10 minutes. 

Ms. Patty’s Belizean Food

You can’t miss a visit to Ms. Patty’s Belizean Food for an authentic taste of the local cuisine. It’s just 0.3 miles northeast of the cruise port on Eyre Street, so it’s very easy to find. 

When you arrive, you’ll quickly notice that everything on the menu is cooked in-house, and this small, family-owned restaurant is one of the best places in the country to try local dishes, like fried lobster, red beans, and rice, fried plantains, Belizean-style grilled chicken, and more.

Keep in mind this is a very casual roadside restaurant, so you will most likely eat your meal on one of the picnic tables, but the food is incredibly popular with locals and tourists alike. Plus, you might even get to meet the famous Ms. Patty herself! 

Dining at the Tourism Village

As mentioned, there are plenty of dining options at or near the Fort Street Tourism Village. Some highlights include Martha’s Café, which serves locally grown coffee, and The Wet Lizard, which has a menu filled with delicious fried seafood and sides. Since the Tourism Village is just steps away from the tender dock, it’s one of the most convenient locations to grab a casual meal or cold drink. 

Shopping is fairly limited in Belize City, especially compared to some of the more well-established shopping hubs found elsewhere in the Caribbean, but the Fort Street Tourism Village more than makes up for the lack of stores in the city itself.

As mentioned, the Tourism Village is home to a duty-free shop where cruise passengers can purchase souvenirs and duty-free goods like liquor, designer goods, and jewelry. The entire tourism complex is also littered with local vendor stands and kiosks where you can buy locally-made items. 

The Baron Bliss Lighthouse Market is another option. As the name implies, it is located near the famous Baron Bliss Lighthouse, roughly a quarter of a mile from the port. Like the tourism village, it offers a variety of handmade goods, including paintings, carvings, and more. Just make sure that you bring cash, as very few vendors will accept credit cards. 

The Best Time to Visit Belize

Belize City might be a year-round tourist destination, but the cruise season typically runs from early November to late April.

This period also aligns with Belize’s dry season, where visitors can expect temperatures to range between 75° and 85° F. Thanks to the pleasant temperatures, reduced humidity, and limited rainfall, this is generally considered the best time to visit Belize.

Read Also: What Are the Worst Months to Cruise the Caribbean?

Anticipate crowds if you plan on visiting Belize City during the peak of the cruise season, usually between late December and February. 

If you travel there outside of the typical cruise season, you should expect a significant amount of rain, especially during late summer, when Belize can experience the effects of hurricanes and tropical storms.