Take some time to learn more about Belize when you dock in Belize City. Become immersed in its history and culture when you take a sightseeing excursion and see the highlights of the city.
Once your tender boat arrives ashore from your ship, you'll meet your guide and comfortable transportation outside your Belize cruise ship port. This compact excursion will give you a nice combo overview of the major highlights and sights.
Once the capital of Belize, Belize City is still considered the commercial capital. In 1961, the city was nearly destroyed by Hurricane Hattie, and the capital was moved inland to Belmopan. Belize City is still the largest city and was built from the mahogany trade when the British ruled. Not large by most countries' standards, the city is home to about eighty thousand people and covers about 5 square miles. It's the main port of arrival for most of the country's visitors. You'll be driving the main streets and will have an opportunity to see the rich diversity of cultures of the city.
There will be several stops to get a closer look and some photos of important landmarks. The Belize sign monument is situated in front of the ocean and spells Belize in large boldly colored letters. See the Baron Bliss Lighthouse, built as a memorial and grave for one of Belize's greatest benefactors. Memorial Park honors those who fought and died in WWI and WWII. It also commemorates the Battle of St. George's Caye, where the Spaniards made their last attempt to take the country.
The Central Bank and Museum are government-run, advances monetary stability, is responsible for the issue of money, and supply the guidelines for the banking community. It also houses the most important Mayan jade relics. They used bricks that were used as ballast on ships arriving in the country, when the mahogany trade was booming, to build the bank. BTL (Belize Telemedia Limited) Park is the sight where Charles Limburg landed the Spirit of St, Louis. It's now a great place to relax, sample delicious Belizean cuisine and learn some of the history of the country.
You'll also get to see the Marion Jones Sports Complex, a stadium used mostly for football matches, track and field, and cycling. It holds 7,500 spectators and is named after a former Belizean track athlete. St. John's Cathedral was also built from bricks used as ship's ballast and is the central cathedral of the Anglican Diocese of Belize. The Supreme Court handles civil and criminal proceedings and any appeals arising from decisions of an inferior court. See Belize's unique Swing Bridge which is the only functioning manually operated swing bridge in the world. It's a great place to people-watch and see the boat activity at the mouth of the river. Finish your Belize day by sampling some of the country's famous rums (like the award-winning name brand) and wines at the One Barrel Rum Factory.
At the end of your sightseeing excursion, you'll be returned to your Belize cruise terminal. The exact order and sights seen will be determined by traffic and time allotment. Some sights are stops, some are a scenic drive-by.
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