Are there any inexpensive tours/free things to do in Belize?

[MizzouMary]

Are there any inexpensive tours or beaches/shopping areas close to the cruise port in Belize? All of the tours I have seen under the Belize thread seem to be pretty expensive for a family of five. Any suggestions, other than staying on the ship?? How are the locals at this port? I have heard native Belizans are not too fond of cruisers. What are your thoughts on Belize?

 

Thanks for your help!

[Layditx]

Well, I wouldn't stay on the ship, if nothing else tender to the port and look around the shopping area. There is an area outside the buildings that the native people have set up booths to sell their wares. You might be able to take a tour once you get to port, there were several vendors that met the tender, maybe you could make a deal for a drive through the jungle or something. We really enjoyed our barrier reef snorkle, but it was $75.00p/p, not too much til you multiply it! I hope you have a good time no matter what you choose to do! Also, the people were VERY friendly to us, and we didn't spend a lot of $$$ with them.

[curiousx]

I really enjoyed just walking around Belize City. It is a classic unspoiled Caribbean city - raffish, a bit run down, lots of street life.

 

Exit the cruise boat area, turn left and walk into the centre of town to the swing bridge. The friendly tourist police, wearing khaki uniforms, will happily point the way and even walk with you if you ask. Buy a waternut (green coconut) from a vendor. Offer $1.00 US per nut - they will open them, and stick a straw in). There is some interesting colonial architecture, including a splendid church, in the old part of the town.

 

If you do not feel like going into the City then the National Handicrafts Centre is a short walk from the cruise boat area - it's a bit tucked away so, again, ask one of the tourist police to point you the way.

 

You will find some posters were nervous about walking around Belize City unescorted. It wasn't my experience but, as everywhere, follow your own instincts.

 

BTW, the Belize City zoo is not a bad place to spend half a day and not too costly - but you would need to use a taxi or public transport to get there. Agian the tourist policy can help you out.

[rjinkins]

We've been to Belize twice. The first time we took the City & the Sanctuary tour. Its OK. On the guided tour, you get to see the city, some of the country side and the zoo. The zoo was interesting, but not the best zoo I've ever been to. That our will cost you about $50 PP.

 

The second time we went we did the cave tubing tour. We went with Coral Breezes, http://www.coralbreezelimited.com , and had a great time. Our guide was Marvin Deras, who now has his own tour company, EcoTours of Belize, http://www.ecotoursbelize.com/ . Marvin is great. The ship's tour will run you about $90 -$95 PP depending on the ship. Marvin will take you for $60 PP. Marvin will take only small groups, max of 14 people. He will take you to an extra cave and you get a hot lunch instead of the bag lunch on the ship tour. I would recommend Marvin to anyone.

 

As far as walking around Belize, you will disembark the tender at the Tourism Village. It is a walled area with really nice shops. There is a pharmacy there with an American pharmacist if you need Rx filled. Outside the walls there are areas with local craftsmen, etc. They are pretty laid back and won't hound you excessively, like in some other ports. We never felt threatened at any time but, remember, you're in a 3rd world country. So, you sould watch how you dress and always keep an eye on your belongings.

 

There are really no beaches close by. Most of the snorkeling tours and scuba tours take fast boats to the cayes that surround the country. The tours are good, but would be costly for a family of five.

 

I hope this helps.