12 Unforgettable Adventures You Could Never Do on a Cruise Stopover

March 5, 2021
by Belize Hub +

It’s true, booking your vacation escape of a Cruise Ship can provide a lifetime opportunity for any traveler, but do cruise vacationers realize that they are missing out on a lot in stopovers? Let us analyze things for a second… With an explosive growth in Cruise Tourism over the years, Belize has seen a rapid increase in its Tourist arrivals, bringing welcomed revenue to the country. However, while millions of visitors arrive on shore annually, the majority of them do not get to experience the true essence of Belize and only scrape just the surface of this magnificent jewel because of the time restrictions on their stopover. Considering that a cruise is meant to be relaxing, many find it strangely hectic given such a short time on land.

Tourists are finding that a typical Caribbean cruise vacation does not give you enough time to know Belize at an intimate level. We take this opportunity to share with you the wonderful things/attractions/tours YOU are missing out on when on a cruise vacation.

Waterfall Cave Expedition – This exhilarating tour takes adventurers hundreds of feet under the limestone mountain ridge to explore six cave waterfalls. Spectacular crystal formations loom above and ancient Maya ceremonial centers are hidden inside chambers as you explore this mist shrouded Mayan kingdom. This amazing adventure is only available through Caves Branch Adventure Company.

The Black Hole Drop – As its name implies, you are fully harnessed and rappel into a 300foot sinkhole known as the Mother of all Caves, or Maya for the “Actun Loch Tunich” cave. This adventure takes guests uphill for a vigorous hike on the Maya Mountains to the entrance of this majestic natural sink hold. After you rappel into the basin, a picnic style lunch awaits. This is by far one of the most sensational adventures in Belize and only available through Caves Branch Adventure Company.

Caracol Maya Ruins – A trip to the Caracol ruins will run you about a day to and from the location in the Cayo District. Caracol is the largest Maya site in Belize covering about 75 square miles. At this site, you can learn about the ruins central core, including 3 plaza groups, the acropolis, the two ball courts, Caana, several smaller structures and much to learn at the visitor’s center.

Tikal Maya Ruins – This tour is another full day adventure which normally leaves inland Belize by 6am. This expedition is meant to showcase the amazing ability of the ancient Maya in their architecture, irrigation water systems and their grand plazas. It is one of the largest archaeological centers of the pre-Columbian Maya civilization and is located in the archaeological region of northern Guatemala.

The “REAL” Cave Tubing Experience – Since Ian Anderson introduced Cave Tubing to Belize tourism, this single activity has become Belize’s most requested tour! The original and full 7 mile “River of Caves” tube float is only available through the Caves Branch Adventure Company. Compared to other cruise companies that offer this tour, you will note the difference in the Caves Branch experience with the Guides attention to detail and safety as focal points.

Zipline without the Crowds – Avoid being pushed and rushed surrounded by large groups and experience how truly amazing this adventure is in a comfortable setting. Zip lining is as close as you can get to flying over the jungle. As you soar from tree to tree like Tarzan, experience a bird’s-eye view of the Belize jungle canopies, and scenery that cannot be seen from ground level.

Market Day in San Ignacio – The Market is open every day of the Week but for a social treat be sure to visit on a Saturday. On this day, a cultural mix of locals gather to sell their freshest produce, while others come to stack up on the fresh catch for the week. The ambiance is one of blissful, laid-back socializing between locals who seem to all know one another as a consequence of the tight-knit twin towns.

ATM Cave sans the Drama – This cave tour is one of the most popular Mayan burial sites in all of Belize. The ATM cave contains four skeletons, countless ceramics and stoneware artifacts left by the Maya. After some gentle jungle hiking and once inside the cave you will spend several hours swimming, climbing, and exploring through the various sacred sites in the upper chambers and passages of this cave museum.

Advertisment

Palapa Bar at Sunset – With an amazing view of the second largest Barrier Reef just half a kilometer away, the sunsets from this vantage point is immaculate. For many it is the best place to end your day! Drinks and food are available, making it a popular spot where friends meet friends.

Caye Caulker at Sunrise – Caye Caulker is a small Caribbean island off the coast of Belize. It’s divided by a narrow channel called the “Split”, where there’s a bar and a sandy beach. At this vantage point, the sunrise from the horizon provide a sense of tranquility and peace of mind. While on your vacation or getaway, set your alarm to awaken early at least one morning. For a breathtaking sunrise- we guarantee you will not miss the sleep!

And if you want a relaxing Caribbean vacation where you can lie on the beach, get pampered with a massage with sea breezes that caress you and then head out for some snorkeling action, a cruise vacation might NOT be the option for your family. So when you plan your getaway, switch it up to a jungle to reef all-inclusive vacation – it’s the smart choice for you, your family and your wallet.