Best Things to Do In Belize City

If you’re looking for a port that combines history, beautiful beaches, and an abundance of land and water adventures - look no further than Belize City. Situated on the Northeastern coast of Central America, the country of Belize is bordered by Mexico to the northwest, Guatemala to the west, and the Caribbean Sea to the east. 

The Mayan civilization spread into the area of Belize between 1500 B.C. - A.D. 300 and flourished until about 1200. Today many of the Mayan ruins still stand and are an easy day trip to make from Belize City. As the country’s chief seaport, Belize City is home to some of the world’s most spectacular beaches and water-focused activities. The Belize Barrier Reef, a UNESCO Heritage Site, is a fantastic snorkeling spot, home to colorful fish and coral formations, and the Great Blue Hole - one of the top scuba diving locations in the world. 

Belize City is a common stop on many Western Caribbean itineraries. There’s so much to do in this port so it's recommended to plan ahead before you visit. We’ve pulled our top member tips and recommended excursions to check out for this ‘UnBelizable’ destination.   

1. Something For Everyone

Altun-Ha Mayan Ruins Day: On this four-hour excursion, you will set out on a guided bus tour to the Altun-Ha Mayan Ruins. The Altun-Ha (Mayan for stone water) area was first populated in 1000 B.C. and the city was expanded in A.D. 700. Many high-status items were recovered at the site. A highlight seen on the tour is the richly furnished tomb of one of Altun-Ha's rulers. It contains the nine-pound jadeite sculpture which represents Kinich Ahau, the Mayan sun god. 

City Sightseeing & Highlights Tour: This 5-hour small-group guided tour will bring you to all the highlights of Belize City. On this journey, you will visit historical sites such as Memorial Park, Baron Bliss Lighthouse, St. John's Cathedral, and the Belize Supreme Court building. You will learn all about the rich history of the former British Colonial capital. 

Member Tip: Was such an unBelizable port! We did a tour to the Altun-Ha ruins. I'm absolutely fascinated by Myan ruins that I can't wait to go back. Definitely take this opportunity to go see any of the Myan ruins offered at this port. - blair5508

2. Activities for Couples

Belize Jungle Jeep & Rum Factory and Museum Tour: Climb aboard for a romantic, adventurous Jeep tour through the rainforest and mangrove forests on this thrilling excursion in Belize City. Your tour will include five hours of fun exploring Belize's vast ecosystems, including the rainforest and cave system filled with ancient Maya pottery. While touring, you will enjoy a traditional Belizean lunch and visit the country’s only rum factory. 

Turtle Snorkel & Beach Break Tour: Spend a romantic day in the beautiful Caribbean waters as you leave Belize City for some of the world’s best snorkeling. After two 90-minute adventures at the area’s most famed snorkeling stops, your group will enjoy a traditional Belizean lunch on Caye Caulker Island. 

3. Fun for Families

Tour the Ruins of Xunantunich: Hoping to add some real-life history lessons to your family’s cruise? Belize City is the perfect place to make that happen. This tour starts with a short 90-minute journey from Belize to the Mopan River to visit the ancient archeological site of Xunantunich. Located on a natural limestone ridge, this site was the first Mayan ruin opened to the public. Your group will wind through six plazas and dozens of temples as your knowledgeable guide shares interesting facts about the history of the region.

Belize Zoo & Jeep Adventure: This family-friendly Belize excursion travels to the Belize Zoo. This non-profit, non-governmental zoo spans 29 acres and is home to more than 170 native animals. During this informative Belize excursion, you will receive an introduction to the magnificent animals found in the region. Next, you will board a Jeep and travel out to the foothills of the Maya mountains. Keep your eyes peeled for the Jabiru Stork, Yellow-headed Parrots, and the Keel-billed Toucan, the national bird of Belize. You might also get to see bats, jaguars, ocelots, and pumas!

4. Adventures for Thrill Seekers 

Cave Tubing: For the adventure-loving traveler, tubing through Belize's unique underground cave system is a must-do activity in Belize City. This small-group tour from Shore Excursions Group makes it even more enjoyable. After donning a miner’s lamp, you will set sail for a 2-hour float along with a gentle current through the cave system. You will see the intricate crystalline formations line the cave and the majestic rise and fall of stalagmites and stalactites. Note, guests must be a minimum age of 8 years old and 48" in height. Guests must be in good shape and able to walk over loose gravel for approximately 30 minutes and wade across the river which has a rock bottom.

Barrier Reef Snorkel: Venture just off the coast of Belize and explore the barrier reef and island of Caye Caulker on this thrilling snorkeling excursion. Your tour includes a half-day tour of the Belize Barrier Reef, where you'll come across a diverse collection of sea creatures including stingrays, fish, and eels. 

Jungle Zip Line Expedition: Does soaring through the Mayan mountains sound like an activity that’s up your alley? On this jungle zip line you will traverse a lush canopy while learning about the ecosystem of the region. There are a total of six zip lines, with the highest platform at 120 feet and the longest Zip at 600 feet.

Member Tip: Zip lining was really fun. My wife and I are 64 and 62, had never zip lined before, but we thoroughly enjoyed it. - Geomonahan

5. Best for Beach Bums

Shark Ray Alley & Caye Caulker Beach Break: Calling all water lovers - here is your chance to snorkel at one of the most popular dive sites in the Caribbean! This tour starts at Hol Chan (Mayan for Little Channel), Belize's oldest marine reserve. Hol Chan is filled with three miles of spectacular coral formations, serene mangroves, and colorful marine life. You will enjoy a beautiful, scenic boat ride out to the reef to snorkel among large schools of groupers, barracudas, and snappers. After the snorkel, you will continue to Caye Caulker Island for beach relaxation, a local Belizean lunch, and a tarpon feeding.

Kukuma Beach & City Adventure: Take time to relax on the beach and explore the historical sites of Belize City on this exciting tour. You will visit Kukumba Beach--a small strip of paradise on the coast of Belize City in the Old Belize district. Kukumba Beach was once a mid-20th-century cucumber exporting site, which is how the beach got its name. Here, you'll find a picturesque white sandy beach and a 90-foot water slide!

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