Belize Cruise Port Profile

he western Caribbean cruise port of Belize City is an interesting travel destination on its own, but even more appealing is the wealth of archeological and eco-related attractions found nearby in other parts of the country.

Fortunately, folks who dock at Belize City with their own boat or while taking a cruise don’t have to worry about being stuck in the city when the surrounding countryside begs exploration.

One of the best things about Belize is that its small size facilitates visiting many of Belize's attractions, including sites that can be done as day trips from Belize City.

In fact, there are so many possibilities for day trips from Belize City that visitors might be hesitant to lift their anchors and head back out to sea. The following are four ideas for day trips from Belize City among a higher number of possibilities.


Ruins of the Mayan civilization are found throughout Belize with one major site only 30 miles north of Belize City. Known as “Altun Ha”, these are the closest and most accessible Mayan temple-pyramids to Belize City.

Nevertheless, most folks visit Altun Ha on a day tour because reaching the site with public transportation involves a two mile hike through hot and humid jungle.

Quick tours to Altun Ha are done by bus, but folks who want to make a day of it should go for one of the tours that begins with a three-hour boat ride up the Belize River followed by lunch on the riverbank and a bus ride to the ruins.

Those who fantasize about being Indiana Jones can also hire a local guide to lead them on a long, hot walk to the site via jungle trails.


he Belize River runs through Belize City and acts a conduit to the country’s north-central interior.

During colonial times, British lumber operations used this waterway to transport valuable mahogany from the rain forests of the interior.

Some centuries before the British showed up, the Mayans used the Belize River to link their cities with the Caribbean Sea.

At present times, it’s mostly used for more light-hearted purposes such as transportation to and from eco-lodges and for boat tours in search of Belizean wildlife.

A boat tour on the river makes for an excellent, exciting break from the hustle and bustle of Belize City. Tours are typically half day excursions although guides don’t complain when visitors to Belize City opt for a full day of adventure on the river.

Some of the more frequently encountered animals are stately herons, egrets, and storks, prehistoric looking crocodiles, iguanas, and Black Howler Monkeys that sit in the branches of riverside trees.


Adventurous visitors to Belize City won’t want to miss a tour that begins with an ATV ride along jungle trails, includes a bit of Mayan cave exploration and a short guided walk through the Belizean rain forest, and ends by floating through caves on an innertube.

It’s a lot for one day but hundreds of visitors to Belize City opt for this exciting tour.


lack Howler Monkeys in Belize (where they are known as “baboons”) have become endangered due to deforestation in their already small range.

Fortunately, there are conservation efforts to ensure the future of these unique primates, the most important of which is the Community Baboon Sanctuary.

A day trip to the visitor center for this site is an excellent way to learn about and see these rare monkeys up close and personal and is also a good way to meet the friendly folks of rural Belize.