Overview of Belize

Belize, formerly British Honduras, was a British territory until halfway through the 20th century, which accounts for the British influence in the culture of the Belizians. Belize is known primarily for its incredible Barrier Reef and is an extremely popular destination for scuba divers and snorkelers alike. Between Mexico and Guatemala, Belize also offers Mayan ruins, rivers, and caves to explore, and a huge variety of exotic plants and animals to discover in the lush jungle landscape.

What language is spoken at this cruise port? Do they speak English?

Belize is the only Central American country with English as its official language. Some people speak Kriol (Creole) and Spanish as well, but English is widely understood across the country. English is the only language used in Belizean schools. Note that most people have a thick, Caribbean-influenced accent, however.

What is the national currency in Belize?

The Belize Dollar is the official currency in this country.

Do they accept US Dollars around the port?

US Dollars are widely accepted everywhere in the country. However, you need to remember to request US dollars in change when making a purchase.

Where can I get or exchange money?

The current exchange rate of the Belize Dollar as of January 2011 is BZD$1.95 to USD$1.00. However, there really is no need to exchange money in Belize, as the US Dollar is widely accepted.

• Banks closest to Port: Cruise ships dock just outside Belize City, and a tender is used to transport passengers to Tourism Village, your first stop when arriving in Belize. Belize Bank has several branches in Belize City, but note that banking hours in Belize are shorter than in the US – they generally close at 2 pm as well as for lunch.

  There are several banks within 1 mile of the Tourism Village (a href="http://goo.gl/maps/q82S" target="_blank">see map) and easily reached with a short taxi ride.

• ATMs closest to Port: ATMs are readily available in Belize City and most accept foreign ATM cards such as Visa, MasterCard, Plus, Cirrus. Be aware, however, that the cash from an ATM will be in Belize Dollars.

How do I get around Belize City?

Walking

Since most of the attractions in Belize City are close together, a walking tour is a good (and inexpensive!) way to see the sights. Be wary when walking after dark, however, and use the same caution that you would in any unfamiliar area.

Water Taxis

Several companies operate water taxis from Belize City. The Belize Marine Terminal, located just half a mile away from the Tourism Village (see map), at the foot of the Swing Bridge in the downtown area, is the best place to start your journey. You can choose to go on a river cruise to observe the howler monkeys, birds, and crocodiles, as well as, visit the Belize Barrier Reef – they offer both scheduled trips and custom trips, especially tailored to your interests.

Taxis

As in most Caribbean and Central American countries, taxis in Belize are not metered, so it is important to agree on the fare before getting into the cab. Official taxis have green plates, and many are quite old and not in the best condition. Belizeans drive aggressively, so be prepared!

Buses

Bus transportation in Belize is very affordable, but can be quite uncomfortable – the buses are basically old school buses, and most roads in Belize are unpaved and extremely bumpy. You might share your ride with all manner of objects and animals – people tend to bring a variety of personal items on the bus with them (banana trees, chickens, goats, etc.) And since the buses are not in the best of repair, they often break down en route.

Rental Car

Several car rental companies have offices in Belize (Budget, Thrifty, Hertz, etc.). On some of the Cayes (such as Ambergris Caye), golf carts are available for rent – there are no car rentals.

Road conditions are in fairly poor condition and many are not paved. Driving is on the right-hand side as it is in the US, but be aware that your own car insurance will probably not cover a rental car in Belize, so it is important to check with your insurance agent before signing up for a rental car.

Scooter rental

Scooters are not generally available in Belize.

How can I stay in touch with home? (Ex. Email, phone, etc.)

Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL), the local phone company which has a monopoly on phone service in the country, blocks all VOIP service, including Skype. Public phones are generally available, but accept only prepaid phone cards as payment rather than coins. ATT and MCI calling and pre-paid phone cards can be purchased at Wal-Mart and can be used from pay phones. You will need to dial 115 (international operator) and ask for the ATT or MCI operator to be connected to the appropriate service, then follow the directions on your card for placing the call.

Where are the Internet cafes?

• The Click & Sip is located inside the Tourism Village is the closest option for Internet access.
• Rico’s Cyber Café, located walking distance southeast of the Tourism Village (see map), offers Internet service for $3.85 per half hour.

What are the cell phone rates?

Verizon is $1.99/minute and AT&T is between $1.69 and $1.99/minute. Contact your cell phone provider for international roaming rates.

What are the best attractions and must-sees in Belize? How long will it take me to get there and to explore?

Attractions

• Mayan temples:
• Altun Ha, located 27 miles northwest of the Tourism Village (see map), is a Mayan ruin over 2000 years old. The original construction is thought to have been taken place during the classic era of the Mayas (200 to 900 AD).
• Xunantunich, located 77 miles southwest of the Tourism Village (see map), is the second largest Mayan ruin in Belize. Famous for its carvings and the ghost, Stone Woman, from which it gets its name.
• Lamanai, which mean "submerged crocodile" in Yucatec Maya, is located to the west of Altun Ha. Not easily accessed, Lumanai will take a day trip to be reached and it will involve more than one mode of transportation (car and boat.)
• Hidden Valley Falls, also known as 1,000 foot Falls (even though the falls is actually over 1500 ft), is located about 90 miles southwest of the Tourism Village. This natural wonder can be found within the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve.
• Community Baboon Sanctuary is a natural preserve created to protect 1000 Black Howler Monkeys. The sanctuary is located 35 miles northwest of Belize City.
• The Great Blue Hole, named by Jacques-Yves Cousteau as one of the 10 best dive sites in the world, is a large underwater sinkhole in the middle of Lighthouse Reef (about 43 miles of the coast of Belize.) A real geographic anomaly, the Great Blue Hole is almost a 1,000 feet across and 400 feet deep. If you are a scuba diver, it is truly a can’t miss if you are visiting Belize.

Beaches

Although Belize is primarily known for its offshore reef and superb diving and snorkeling, there are several nice beaches as well. They do not, however, offer the pristine white sand or the size of beaches on most Caribbean islands. Mangrove forests in the country grow right down to the water line in most areas, creating very narrow beach areas.

The best beaches are found on the various cayes offshore – the best being Ambergris Caye, just off the coast of Belize City and a 70-minute water taxi ride from the cruise ship dock. There are a variety of restaurants and bars on the Caye (pronounced key) as well as water sports, golf cart rentals and bicycles for exploring, or the opportunity to spend a few hours in a hammock strung between two palm trees, sipping a frosty cocktail.

Shopping

Belize does not offer the high-end malls and luxury goods shopping as on most Caribbean islands, so finding a good market may be difficult.

• Commercial Center, located near the central Swing Bridge is the best shopping in Belize City itself. Here you will find an interesting mix of shops, which don’t all fit the tourist; however you should be able to find some nice souvenirs in the shops that do cater to the tourist.
• Ambergris Caye, which is a 70 minute water taxi ride from the port (see map), is home to probably the best shopping Belize has to offer. Here you will find many shops where visitors can find art, jewelry, precious stones and many other excellent gifts and souvenirs. San Pedro, on Ambergris Caye, is where most of the best shops are located

Golf

Caye Chapel is a $15 water taxi or short $70 plane ride from Belize City. Caye Chapel is a par 72, 18-hole, a USGA rated course that offers many magnificent holes and a great challenge to golfers, with its many water hazards and trade winds found on this tiny island. The greens fees of $150, includes unlimited golf, cart rental, club rental and full use of the resort’s amenities (swimming pool, fitness center, beach and facilities.) You can also bring along a non-golfer that for $50 will be able to enjoy the resort’s amenities while you carve up the course. Contact Caye Chapel for reservations by email or phone (800)901-8938.

Scuba

Belize has two incredible draws for divers: The Great Blue Hole and the Belize Barrier Reef. The Belize Barrier Reef, at 186 miles in length, is about 1/10 the size of the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, but still the second biggest barrier reef in the world. It offers an extraordinary opportunity to see a variety of marine life, from whale sharks to manatees to manta and eagle rays to every imaginable color of tropical fish. Although you can snorkel directly off the beach in some places, you will not see nearly the abundance of marine life that you will see further out on the reef itself.

Below is a list of local dive companies that can take you to these dive destinations:

• Sea Sports Belize
• Huracan Diving
• Hugh Parkey's Belize Dive Connection

Check out this video of a dive off of Belize.

Tours

• The Belize Zoo is widely considered one of the best small zoos in the world. The Belize Zoo houses many varieties of mammals, reptiles and birds, all endemic of the region.
• The Cave Tubing Tour is among the most popular tour in Belize. This tour will take you on a 30 minute hike through the Belize rainforest to caves where an underwater river flows. On your inner tube you will float leisurely through the caves for about 45 minutes to an hour. The total time of this tour, including the transportation to and from the location, is approximately 4 hours.

Check out this video of a cave tubing tour.

What are the best eats in Belize? Where are the best places to try them?

Tamarind Sweets, both sugared and sour versions of this native fruit candy are very popular with both children and adults and are available in the marketplace areas, in the food stalls.

What are the must-drinks in Belize? Where are the best places to try them?

• Atole de Maiz is a drink handed down through the centuries from the days of the Mayans. It is a combination of corn, cinnamon sticks, sugar, condensed milk and water, and is served hot.
• Rum Punch (light & dark rum, grenadine, apple juice, orange liquer, sweet & sour mix, and cream of coconut). This drink is available at most bars and restaurants in the resort areas – be careful, as it is deceptively potent.
• Belikin beer is the domestic beer of Belize. Available in lager, premium and stout, Belkin is a little different than the local beers at most ports.

Which are the best souvenirs to buy in Belize? Where can I get them?

Under $25:

Belizean spices available at the flea market on Front Street. When you disembark in Belize City, you first encounter a number of shops enclosed by a fence – go outside those gates, and find for more unique (and inexpensive!) souvenirs. Also, the Belize Audubon Society on Front Street has an excellent selection of books on Belizian wildlife and animals (a portion of the proceeds benefits the protection of those birds and animals.)

$25-$75

A hand-carved Toucan makes a great souvenir from Belize as the Toucan is the official bird of Belize and Belize is famous for its native hardwoods and slates.

Over $75

Hand-carved wood furniture can be much more than a souvenir; it could be that rocking chair that is missing in your home.

What is the weather like in Belize?

Current Temperature

Average Monthly Temperatures and Rainfall