Caribbean · Belize
Belize City Travel Guide
Belize City is the gateway to the world's second-largest barrier reef, ancient Mayan ruins, and cave tubing through jungle caves. The city itself is rough, but the excursion options are among the best in the Caribbean.
How Do You Get to the Adventures?
Ships tender to the Tourism Village. For cave tubing and ruins, use local tour operators at the dock or ship excursions. Reef snorkelling trips depart from the village dock.
What Can You Do in 6 Hours?
Cave tubing — Float through ancient Mayan caves on inner tubes. Stalactites, cathedral chambers. 1 hour from city.
Barrier Reef snorkelling — Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley. Nurse sharks, stingrays, sea turtles.
Altun Ha Mayan ruins — Compact but impressive Mayan site 45 min from the city.
Belize Zoo — Native animals in natural habitats. Jaguars, tapirs, toucans. 45 min from city.
Where Should You Eat?
Rice and beans: Belize's staple — red beans in coconut milk with rice and stewed protein.
Fry jacks: Fried dough pockets for breakfast with beans and cheese.
Is Belize Worth Exploring Independently?
Local tour operators at the dock offer the same trips as the ship at lower prices. Belize City itself is best explored briefly.
Useful Local Phrases
English is the official language
Belizean Creole widely spoken
(n/a)
Arait
All right / hello (Creole)
(ah-RITE)
Local Tips
- •The real experiences are outside the city. Book excursions or negotiate a taxi for the day.
- •Cave tubing through jungle caves is one of the most unique excursions in the Caribbean.
- •Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley snorkelling is extraordinary.
- •Belize Dollar pegged 2:1 to USD. US dollars accepted everywhere.