Belize is a small Central American country bordering Mexico to the north and Guatemala to the west and south. It is known for its beautiful Caribbean coastline, numerous offshore islands, and world-class scuba diving and snorkeling opportunities at the Belize Barrier Reef.

Though English is the official language, Spanish, Creole, and various Mayan languages are also spoken. The country’s population is diverse, with a mix of indigenous Maya peoples, Creole, Garifuna, and Mestizos. The economy relies heavily on tourism, agriculture, and fishing.

Belize is also home to numerous nature reserves and national parks, including the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, and Blue Hole National Park. The country’s cuisine is influenced by its diverse ethnic groups and features dishes such as rice and beans, baleada, and fresh seafood. Overall, Belize offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural diversity, and outdoor adventure.

Belize is a wonderful country with wonderful people. In the Facebook cruise groups, I see a lot of cruisers, mainly old people or first time cruisers saying they’re scared of Belize or won’t leave the ship. That’s nonsense. Belize is fantastic and once you leave the port area, I think you’ll find the same thing.

Belize is a tender port, due to the reefs off-shore. This is one of the longest tender ports that I have been on, about a 20 minute tender ride. It’s not horrible though. 

Once you arrive at the Belize port, there’s not much inside the port area to see or do, but you can exit the port area into Belize City and shop.