Questions on Belize

[MagSeven1413]

We haven't done a WC cruise for 9 years and are planning one for October with a stop in Belize. I do have a few questions.

 

How far out does the cruise ship dock to be tendered into the port and how long of a tender ride is it?

 

Since my DW is claustrophobic, anything that has to do with caving is out. Are the ruins a recommended excursion?

 

Should we venture out of the TV at all into the city proper? There will be 6 of us traveling together so we won't be alone.

 

Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated.

[2112]

The tender ride is about 15 minutes or so. It may seem longer if you are the first ones onto the tender from the ship and have to wait for the tender to load which can take a while. All of the Mayan ruins make great excursions. My favorite is Lamanai, which has a great rivertrip, wildlife, and the ruins all in one.

[crewsweeper]

What 2112 said on tender time. You're 3-5 miles out. Usually the last tender leaves the TV an hour before the departure time on your itinerary.

 

Not all ships offer Lamani tours. It's a bit far and depending on how long your ship is in port, you may not have enough time to do it on your own through a private vendor. Xunantunich and Altun Ha are done through ship excursions. Xunan is an all day tour, no time for anything else. You can do Altun Ha through an private vendor in ample time.

 

You'll hear different opinions on venturing outside the TV. Leaving th eTV gates you will run into very aggressive vendors trying to get you to take their tours or horse carriage rides. Walk away a couple of blocks and you'll not be bothered at all. However, there isn't a lot to see or do. Belize City is a working city and not geared for tourists. Outside of seeing the oldest Anglican church in Central America and the cultural center in the old Governors house across the street from the church, you'll not find much to do within walking distance. But if you're interested in seeing how Belizeans live and work, you may enjoy the walk or hire a cab to show you around.

[Colorado Kat]

For a longer tour in Belize, I would do a ship's tour, so you have no problem getting back. You actually tender out quite a ways.

 

They give priority tendering to those doing ship tours.

[STARFISH*4]

specially since we tender...we do ship's tours...last year we did Altun Ha

which was really neat and last month did Lamani which was a good tour

the ruins are impressive and worth doing--our tour the boat picked us up right at the ship so we didnt have to tender into Belize and then we headed out toward the river...if tubin is out DEFINITELY DO the ruins!

personally i enjoyed the Altun Ha ones better, but if you are ADVENTEROUS and into climbing you can do that at Lamani!!!