Belize City Cruise Port Guide
Photos: Studentbz (CC BY-SA 3.0) · via Wikimedia Commons; Kevin Russo, William Estrada, Müne Neumann, gamal ali, David Rueda · via Google Maps
- Country:
- Belize
- Region:
- Panama Canal & Central America
- Coordinates:
- 17.4986° N, 88.1886° W
About Belize City
Belize City, the largest city in Belize, serves as the country's principal port and financial hub. Once the capital of British Honduras, it remains a significant cultural and commercial centre. The city sits at the mouth of the Haulover Creek, a distributary of the Belize River, which empties into the Caribbean Sea eight kilometres away on the coast.
Most attractions are within easy reach of the cruise port. Battlefield Park lies just 0.5 km away, whilst The Swing Bridge, a historic tourist attraction, is 0.4 km from the waterfront. The Welcome to Belize Sign and Baron Bliss Lighthouse are both approximately 1.1 km distant, along with St John Anglican Cathedral and Government House, which offer insight into the city's colonial past.
Things to See and Do
Visitors can discover The Belize Sign Monument (2.9 km away), which has received strong visitor reviews. The city's historical character reflects its transformation following Hurricane Hattie in October 1961, after which the capital relocated to Belmopan in 1970. Today, Belize City combines its heritage with modern appeal as a gateway to Panama Canal & Central America cruises. Nearby ports include Cartagena, Colón and Puerto Limón.
Belize City is the largest city in Belize. It was once the capital of the former British Honduras. According to the 2022 census, Belize City has a population of 63,999 people. It is at the mouth of the Haulover Creek, which is a distributary of the Belize River. The Belize River empties into the Caribbean Sea eight kilometres from Belize City on the Philip Goldson Highway on the coast of the Caribbean. The city is the country's principal port and its financial and industrial hub. The city was almost entirely destroyed in October 1961 when Hurricane Hattie swept ashore. It was the capital of British Honduras until the government was moved to the new capital of Belmopan in 1970.
Read more on Wikipedia (text CC BY-SA)
Things to do in Belize City on a port day
Top-rated sights within reach of the cruise terminal. Ratings, hours and reviews from Google — check opening times before you go.
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Photo: Travis Reitz · via Google Maps Tourist attraction
The Belize Sign Monument
4.5 (637) 2.9 km from port
Photographs are popular at these colorful letters spelling “Belize” against an ocean backdrop.
Near: A & M's Imports (128 m) · Buttonwood Bay Medical Center (267 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
Opening hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
- 5 · “Went here for like 3 minutes once you get the pic with the sign there are some cool turtle and…” — Logan Cheesebrough
- 5 · “Did the city tour on an air conditioned bus. Learner a lot about Belize & the tour guide was extremely…” — The Liz
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Photo: Cevat Erkan · via Google Maps Tourist attraction
Baron Bliss Lighthouse
4.3 (497) 1.1 km from port
Built in 1885, this famous tapered red & white concrete lighthouse stands 15 m. tall.
Near: Don Ceviche (9 m) · San Cas Park (33 m)
- Good for children
Opening hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
- 5 · “The Baron Bliss Lighthouse is a famous 15-meter (49-foot) red-and-white concrete monument located at Fort George Point in Belize City…” — Doug Ho
- 5 · “Astonishing Sunrise views along with relaxing breeze and a view of the cruise ships” — king keemo501
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Photo: Matt Mahoney · via Google Maps Park and Garden
Battlefield Park
4.2 (424) 0.5 km from port
Near: TROPICANA STORE (32 m) · Brodies (45 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Dogs allowed
Opening hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
- 5 · “Lots of history at this location it's also a pleasant place to visit” — France Vasco
- 5 · “Belize is a City with multiple public spaces, where citizens and foreigners may enjoy the best of the country: the…” — Wagner Castro
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Photo: Wendy D · via Google Maps Church
St John Anglican Cathedral service
4.5 (311) 1.1 km from port
This historic Anglican cathedral built from 1812 to 1820 is home to the country's oldest cemetery.
Near: Anglican Cathedral College (47 m) · Government House (51 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Toilets
Opening hours
- Monday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Friday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Saturday: Closed
- Sunday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- 5 · “During a tour of Belize City, stopped by the church. The oldest in Belize and certainly majestic.” — Alan Boehm
- 5 · “This a beautiful and very historical church built over 200 years ago, it's one over the only churches outside on…” — David Watson-Weyrick
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Historical landmark
Welcome to Belize Sign
4.4 (116) 1.0 km from port
Near: Créme de la Créme 2 (Raul Pelayo) (17 m) · San Cas Park (31 m)
- Good for children
Opening hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
- 5 · “Nice spot just off the docks to take some pictures!” — Jhames
- 5 · ““Proof that you were in Belize” indeed.” — Ansaar Ahmad
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Tourist attraction
The Swing Bridge
4.0 (109) 0.4 km from port
Near: Belize City (45 m) · Wellworth Supermarket (72 m)
Opening hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
- 5 · “A piece of history near being dismembered from sight.” — Ansaar Ahmad
- 5 · “The train tour we were on took us across the bridge. Pretty to see the canal and all the people.” — McKenzie
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Historical place
Government House
4.2 (99) 1.1 km from port
Built in 1812, this stately former governors' home now serves as a historical museum with exhibits.
Near: St John Anglican Cathedral service (48 m) · Anglican Cathedral College (63 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
Opening hours
- Monday: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Tuesday: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Wednesday: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Thursday: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Friday: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Saturday: Closed
- Sunday: Closed
- 5 · “Tread into where dignitaries gave commands, and on soil where slaves we’re once made subservient. A place of wealthy history…” — Ansaar Ahmad
- 5 · “Beautiful grounds with colonial history that currently house beautiful art. The person there was also very helpful there, walked through…” — Aris Spyropoulos
Map of Belize City and nearby attractions
Cruises calling at Belize City
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