What To Do In Belize On A Cruise: The Best Shore Excursions
Abby PriceAre you wondering about what to do in Belize on a cruise?
You’ve come to the perfect place! With my expertise in cruise travel, I can help guide you on the most enjoyable activities to make your short stop in Belize truly unforgettable.
Belize is known for its turquoise blue waters, lush green forests, Mayan ruins, and endless adventures. Choosing from numerous activities can become increasingly challenging.
That’s precisely why I crafted this guide to assist you in experiencing the absolute best during your limited time in Belize.
Keep reading below as I explore the top attractions you should explore while on your cruise in the country.
Top Shore Excursions In Belize
Uncover a range of excursions awaiting you in Belize. Whether you desire a leisurely day by the Cayes’ shores or an adrenaline-pumping adventure, such as ziplining through the jungle, there’s something for everyone to appreciate.
Explore my favorite recommendations below for an unforgettable cruise experience in Belize.
Visit The Museum Of Belize
If you have a passion for history and a desire to learn more about Belize, a visit to the Museum of Belize is highly recommended.
Brimming with art, historical exhibits, and Mayan artifacts, this museum offers an ideal venue to better understand the culture and heritage of the country.
Spend Time At Kukumba Beach
An enjoyable beach within a short walk from the Belize cruise port, is Kukumba Beach. This is a fantastic place for those seeking fun activities in the vicinity.
This is an especially great choice for cruise passengers with children, as Kukumba Beach boasts an 80-foot waterslide for visitors to experience and enjoy.
Explore The Belize Zoo
For a fantastic experience and the chance to witness a diverse array of over a hundred animals, make your way to the Belize Zoo.
This excursion is particularly wonderful for those on a family cruise to Belize, especially if you have young children.
It offers a great outing for kids and adults, providing a wonderful setting to marvel at a variety of captivating animals.
Check Out The Mayan Ruins
Head to the Altun Ha Mayan Ruin for a memorable excursion uncovering Belize’s intriguing past.
I recommend going on a tour to visit the ancient ruins so that a local expert can guide you and teach you all about Belize’s rich history.
➡️ Book your ancient ruins tour here to learn more about Belize’s Mayan roots!
Look At St. John’s Cathedral
One of the top attractions in Belize is St. John’s Cathedral, known for being the oldest Anglican church in North America. This is a great historical landmark to visit and is a beautiful building to see while in the area.
Taste The Local Chocolate
Belize is famous for producing some of the most scrumptious chocolate in the world. The tradition of chocolate making in Belize dates back to the ancient Mayan era.
Today, the country continues to produce some of the most delectable chocolate. Don’t miss the opportunity to savor this delicious treat while visiting the country.
See Howler Monkeys
A unique experience to embark on while visiting Belize City is to take a small road trip to the Community Baboon Sanctuary where you can see countless howler monkeys roam.
This is the perfect place to visit to see these beautiful animals wander around their habitat and support their conservation efforts.
Go On A City Tour Of Belize City
Exploring a new city becomes more engaging with the guidance of a local expert. In Belize City, choosing to embark on a city tour is a great opportunity to learn more about the city’s history, culture, and heritage.
Beyond visiting popular attractions and discovering hidden gems, your well-informed local guide is able to share valuable insights to help you learn more about this unique city and country.
➡️ Check rates and availability for a city tour here!
Try Snorkeling Or Scuba Diving
Belize is famous for its exceptional snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities. The country also boasts the second largest barrier reef filled with vibrant plants, corals, diverse fish species, and marine life.
The country is also home to the Great Blue Hole, a Caribbean sinkhole renowned for its outstanding scuba diving experiences.
Whether you prefer staying near the surface for snorkeling or venturing deeper into the ocean for scuba diving, take the time to appreciate life beneath the sea.
Make Your Way To One Of The Cayes
Belize is known for its spectacular Cayes, including Caye Caulker, Ambergris Caye, Goff’s Caye, and Rendezvous Caye. Each of these islands boast gorgeous views, white sandy beaches, and serene warm waters. A trip to the Cayes is the perfect setting for seaside relaxation and rejuvenation.
Enjoy Cave Tubing
Cave tubing, as the name suggests, involves floating on an inflatable tube while navigating through caves. This delightful adventure offers the chance to immerse yourself in the rainforest and the captivating beauty of natural cave formations.
This excursion is a unique experience that’s not found in many other destinations so take advantage of this cool excursion. Your private tour guide will be there to lead you, sharing insights about the fascinating sights you encounter along this exciting journey.
➡️ Check rates and availability for the cave tubing tour here!
Embark On A Ziplining Adventure
If you crave an adrenaline rush on your Belize cruise, don’t miss the chance to zip through the jungle. This exhilarating adventure promises lasting memories and provides an excellent opportunity to connect with nature.
For a spectacular day trip, consider booking the cave tubing and ziplining tour departing from Belize City. It’s a fantastic way to cross off two thrilling experiences from your bucket list, guaranteeing an exciting day.
➡️ Book the cave tubing and ziplining tour here!
Swim With Sharks
An unforgettable and exhilarating activity to consider during your visit to Belize is swimming with nurse sharks. This thrilling opportunity allows you to swim alongside the second-largest barrier reef and witness sharks up close.
➡️ Check out this tour experience for a memorable time spent swimming with sharks!
Grab A Photo With The Belize Sign Monument
Positioned right by the Caribbean Sea, the lively Belize sign offers a perfect backdrop for capturing a photo and preserving the memories of your time in Belize.
Don’t pass up the chance to snap a picture in front of the sign, creating a lasting reminder of your Belizean adventure.
Visit The Fort Street Tourism Village
Conveniently located near the cruise terminal, make sure not to overlook The Fort Street Tourism Village, a bustling area featuring bars, restaurants, and souvenir shops.
Perfect for cruise passengers looking to stay close to the ship, it’s an excellent destination for shopping for mementos of your time in the country or finding gifts for your family and friends back home.
See The Baron Bliss Lighthouse
Make your way to the Baron Bliss Lighthouse to take a photo with the famous white and red lighthouse near the coast. This is a great place to snag a picture and an excellent area to take in the stunning views of the Caribbean sea.
Check Out The Swing Bridge
The Swing Bridge is situated in downtown Belize and connects the north and south sides of Belize City. This is one of Belize City’s most popular tourist attractions and a phenomenal place to visit if you want great views of sailboats, the Belize River, and pelicans.
Go Horseback Riding
Another excellent Belize excursion is to go horseback riding. This is a fun way to take in the views of the country and spend some time in nature.
Try The Local Cuisine
If you’re a foodie looking for the best Belize cruise excursions, consider embarking on a food tour. This is a great way to taste local dishes and learn from an expert guide in the area.
➡️ Check rates and availability for this Belize food tour!
Walk Around Albert Street
Albert Street is the main street in Belize City, bustling with restaurants, shops, historic buildings, and grocery stores. This is a great place to visit if you are looking to pop into many different places and support local businesses.
Visit Belize’s National Parks
Whether you only have time to visit one of Belize’s national parks or you have ample time to visit multiple, take advantage of your time in the country by exploring its natural beauty within its national parks.
Some notable parks include the St. Herman’s Blue Hole National Park, Mayflower Bocawina National Park, and the Laughing Bird Caye National Park.
Each of these national parks provide picturesque views of Belize and are a great way to spend time outdoors.
Appreciate The Marine Life At Hol Chan Marine Reserve
For those intrigued by marine life or desiring a sea adventure, consider heading to the Hold Chan Marine Reserve.
Situated off the coast of Belize, this reserve encompasses coral reefs teeming with sharks, stingrays, diverse fish species, and various aquatic animals.
The vibrant blue waters are ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving, making it a fantastic excursion for those looking to immerse themselves in the wonders of marine life.
Go Birding At The Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary
For those passionate about birdwatching, The Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary stands out as the ultimate destination.
As a protected area in Belize, it draws in thousands of birds, making it a fantastic retreat for bird enthusiasts and an ideal setting for photographers who love to capture the beauty of birds in their natural habitat.
Walk Around Memorial Park
Memorial Park, located along the seafront in Belize City, was established to pay homage to those who served in World War I. It’s a beautiful space to stroll around, enjoy the surroundings, and express gratitude for those who served in the war.
Enjoy A Drink At The Wet Lizard
Positioned right near the cruise port in Belize City, The Wet Lizard is a fantastic spot for drinks. Its close proximity to the cruise ships makes it a convenient choice for those who want to stay near their ship while enjoying some refreshing drinks by the water.
What To Pack For A Cruise To Belize
A cruise to Belize will be full of sunshine, water activities, and relaxation. Discover the must-pack travel essentials for your cruise to Belize listed below.
🩱 Swimsuit for women and for men: To enjoy the warm Caribbean sea
😎 Sunglasses: So you can spend plenty of time in the Belizean sun
🌞 Sunscreen: To prevent you from getting sunburnt
🌻 Flip flops: For walking around the shores
👒 Hat: To shield your forehead and eyes from the sun
🐚 Beach bag: To conveniently store your belongings at the beach
🌅 Shorts: Essential for wearing during the day while exploring the country
⛱️ T-shirts: To go along with your shorts during your Belizean excursions
Places To Stay Near The Belize City Cruise Port
There are several different accommodation options to choose from in Belize City.
Below I have pinpointed the best places to stay near the cruise port to help make your decision easier, whether you’re staying in Belize before or after your cruise journey.
The Radisson Fort George Hotel and Marina is one of the best places to stay in Belize City. This hotel is known for its outstanding views of the Caribbean waters, its close proximity to the Baron Bliss Lighthouse and San Cas Park, and its friendly staff.
Another awesome option is the Golden Bay Belize Hotel. This hotel is close to the sea, a quick walk to the Museum of Belize, and is known for its great location and beautiful property.
The Best Western Plus Belize Biltmore Plaza is another excellent choice for hotels in Belize City. This hotel is known for its tasty breakfast, wonderful service, and fantastic fitness facility.
Belize Quick Facts
- English is the official language spoken in the country but many speak Belizean Creole as well.
- The east coast of Belize is known for its beautiful shoreline whereas the west side is known for its lush jungle.
- The biggest barrier reef in the Northern hemisphere is located in Belize.
- Rice and beans are the most popular foods served in Belize.
- Belize is often known for its Great Blue Hole, a giant sinkhole off the coast.
- The Belize Dollar is the currency of Belize.
- Belize has over 400 islands, otherwise known as Cayes.
Best Time To Visit Belize
The best time to visit Belize is between the months of December through May. These months mark Belize’s dry season whereas, June through November is considered Belize’s hurricane season and the country is known for its plentiful rain during this time.
Cruise Lines That Visit Belize
- There are a handful of different cruise lines that visit Belize including:
- Royal Caribbean Cruises
- Carnival Cruise Line
- Celebrity Cruises
- MSC Cruises
- Norwegian Cruise Line
- Princess Cruises
What To Do In Belize On A Cruise: FAQs
Is Belize a good place to visit on a cruise?
Belize is a great place to visit on a cruise. With its breathtaking Caribbean waters, warm climate, myriad of shore excursions, and stunning views, Belize stands out as an exceptional destination for a cruise.
What is there to do on Carnival in Belize?
There are many things to you can do on a Carnival cruise in Belize including shore excursions like cave tubing, snorkeling, taking a boat tour to a nearby Caye, exploring the Mayan ruins in the country, relaxing by the shore, and many others.
Can you get off cruise ship in Belize?
You can get off a cruise ship in Belize. This is an excellent place for a cruise stop due to its many cayes, water sports, jungle tours, wildlife sanctuaries, and breathtaking views.
Final Thoughts On What To Do In Belize On A Cruise
Nestled in Central America, Belize is famous for its cayes,, Mayan ruins, water adventures, and picturesque views. It offers an ideal stop for cruise ship passengers looking to explore a small country along the Caribbean.
Don’t forget to explore some of the top excursions in the region for an extra delightful experience on your Belize cruise adventure.
