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Belize City: when your ship stops here

A Maya city an hour away, the zoo of Belize's own animals, and the old town by the tender pier; the far ruins are for another trip.

Facts checked Nov 2, 2026, each with its source. No prices on this page.

Belize City sits at the mouth of Haulover Creek, a branch of the Belize River, on the Caribbean coast. It was the capital until the government moved to Belmopan in 1970, after Hurricane Hattie all but destroyed the city in October 1961. There is no cruise pier here: ships anchor off shore and tenders carry you to the Fort Street Tourism Village, about 15 minutes ship to shore. The first cruise ship anchored in Belize in 1991.

Sources: Wikipedia: Belize City; Belize Tourism Board: Cruise in Belize

Top 3 things to do

  1. 1. Altun Ha, the Maya city

    A Maya city about 50 km (31 miles) north of Belize City, with 13 plazas. Its biggest pyramid, the Temple of the Masonry Altars, is 16 m (52 feet) high. The carved jade head found here, 14.9 cm tall and 4.42 kg, is kept at the Central Bank of Belize, not at the site.

    Tip: This is the Maya site that fits a tender day. The tourism board itself calls it a popular cruise stop.

    Sources: Wikipedia: Altun Ha; Travel Belize (the tourism board): Altun Ha

  2. 2. The Belize Zoo

    Founded in 1983 by Sharon Matola and on its present 12 hectare (29 acre) site since 1991, about 47 km (29 miles) west of the city on the Western Highway. It keeps more than 150 animals of 43 native species in the forest they come from.

    Tip: Open Monday to Saturday 8:30 to 5, last admission 4; Sundays and holidays 8:30 to 4:30, last admission 3:30. Hours change, check before you go.

    Sources: Wikipedia: Belize Zoo; The Belize Zoo (official site: hours)

  3. 3. The old town by the pier

    Fort George, the colonial quarter around the tender pier, holds Memorial Park, the Baron Bliss Lighthouse and the Museum of Belize. A short walk inland is the Swing Bridge over Haulover Creek, the only working hand operated swing bridge in the world, and St. John's Cathedral, built from 1812 to 1820, the oldest Anglican church in Central America.

    Tip: The Tourism Village is like an open air mini mall with courtyards and local stores. Book a tour only with a licensed operator in or near it.

    Sources: Wikipedia: Belize City; Belize Tourism Board: Cruise in Belize

What to skip

  • Xunantunich on a tender day

    The great Maya site with the 40 m (130 foot) El Castillo pyramid is about 110 km (70 miles) west of Belize City, 1 km from the Guatemala border. With a tender at each end of the day it does not fit a short call.

    Source: Wikipedia: Xunantunich

Before you go ashore

You do not have to book a tour: you are free to go ashore on your own. Royal Caribbean sets the all aboard time about 30 minutes before the ship sails, posts it near the gangway, and says the ship does not wait for guests touring on their own.

Source: Royal Caribbean FAQ: Do I need to book a shore excursion?

Back-to-backs that stop in Belize City

Back-to-back cruises from these home ports have a stop in Belize City, from the Royal Caribbean sailings we track:

Sources

Read on Nov 2, 2026. Opening days, hours and rules change: check with the place itself before you go. legtolegcruises.com is independent and not affiliated with or endorsed by Royal Caribbean International or any place named here.

Find back-to-backs that stop in Belize City

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