A walk outside the port, NEVER Again!

[Lorij91]

This is Lori-J's DH. We had quite an experience in Belize and I thought I should pass this information along.

 

She and I were on a cruise in mid January on the Norwegian Star that sailed into Belize as its 2nd stop. As we had seen Lamanai before, and had no interest in cave-tubing or flaking out at a beach, we decided to walk through the port shops and generally relax for a few.

 

After seeing what we could in the port, (on a whim), we decided to take a walk though the areas outside of the guarded gate that were closest to the port itself. I asked the gate-guard where the most interesting places were and he advised us to go to the left out of the gate. Almost immediately we had a deluge of hawkers asking us to take this tour, hire this taxi, buy this trinket etc. Most, it seems, will abide by your simply saying "no thank you". Some, however; became very persistent and had to be told to "get out of our faces and leave us alone".

 

But, that was not what really turned us off about Belize, it was the condition of the streets and the area in general that became worse as we walked more.

 

Some background, if I may? I am a retired military NCO who has visited his share of third world countries around the world so I was prepared for the potential of some stomach-churning sights. But, within 2 blocks after leaving the port area we crossed over two open ditches that stank of raw sewage, passed by piles of garbage that were too many to count and then the ultimate turnoff... we encountered rats running across the road and through parking lots in broad daylight. (I could only imagine what the night-time would have brought out of their lairs!).

 

We turned back then. We won't do it again, of that I can assure you! The next cruise into Belize will be a stay-onboard day.

 

(On my soapbox)...It seems to me that whoever is getting rich off of the touristos visiting with the almost daily cruise ships visiting, (and the international scuba junkets), that they should get off their fat...wallets and put some money BACK into the infrastructure and upkeep of the town closest to the port facility. No doubt it is terribly difficult to eke out a living in this area of the world, and I certainly tip my hat to any who are trying to better their lives... but the citizens AND the politicos are not helping themselves any by presenting this image of filth and negligence close to the port they so desperately need to survive! (Off my soapbox)

 

Your comments are welcome, I'm sure I've managed to step on some toes by saying this, but again, I thought this info needed to be shared.

[monicajay]

Thanks for your review. We are considering taking the water taxi to Caye Caulker. Did you get as far as the water taxi building near the swing bridge?

 

It is too bad that this city is as dirty as you say. You would think that the influx of tourists from the cruise ships would help the economy and clean up the area a bit but I guess not.

 

There will be 5 :eek: ships in port when we are there with over 12,000 visitors arriving at this little tourist area. Anybody ever been when it is this crazy?

[crewsweeper]

Now had you gone to your right, you would have walked along the seaside promenade, the little lighthouse and seen some of the better tourist hotels in Belize City. Not sure if you hugged the sidewalk, but I don't recall open ditches across Fort or Front Street. Just the aggressive but harmless hawkers. Did you go across the street to the crafts(flea) market?

[Armedaneian]

Yeah, that's about what I remember from our self-guided walking tour of Belize City...it's definitely not a recommended excursion! ;)

[sinclair]

Sorry for your negative experience.

You were only there for one day.

Can you imagine what it is like for the residents of Belize to live under those conditions.

It is not only the town closest to the port facilities that need to be cleaned up for the tourists, it is the town itself that should be cleaned up for the people that live there.

[janice2348]

This is Lori-J's DH. We had quite an experience in Belize and I thought I should pass this information along.

 

She and I were on a cruise in mid January on the Norwegian Star that sailed into Belize as its 2nd stop. As we had seen Lamanai before, and had no interest in cave-tubing or flaking out at a beach, we decided to walk through the port shops and generally relax for a few.

 

After seeing what we could in the port, (on a whim), we decided to take a walk though the areas outside of the guarded gate that were closest to the port itself. I asked the gate-guard where the most interesting places were and he advised us to go to the left out of the gate. Almost immediately we had a deluge of hawkers asking us to take this tour, hire this taxi, buy this trinket etc. Most, it seems, will abide by your simply saying "no thank you". Some, however; became very persistent and had to be told to "get out of our faces and leave us alone".

 

But, that was not what really turned us off about Belize, it was the condition of the streets and the area in general that became worse as we walked more.

 

Some background, if I may? I am a retired military NCO who has visited his share of third world countries around the world so I was prepared for the potential of some stomach-churning sights. But, within 2 blocks after leaving the port area we crossed over two open ditches that stank of raw sewage, passed by piles of garbage that were too many to count and then the ultimate turnoff... we encountered rats running across the road and through parking lots in broad daylight. (I could only imagine what the night-time would have brought out of their lairs!).

 

We turned back then. We won't do it again, of that I can assure you! The next cruise into Belize will be a stay-onboard day.

 

(On my soapbox)...It seems to me that whoever is getting rich off of the touristos visiting with the almost daily cruise ships visiting, (and the international scuba junkets), that they should get off their fat...wallets and put some money BACK into the infrastructure and upkeep of the town closest to the port facility. No doubt it is terribly difficult to eke out a living in this area of the world, and I certainly tip my hat to any who are trying to better their lives... but the citizens AND the politicos are not helping themselves any by presenting this image of filth and negligence close to the port they so desperately need to survive! (Off my soapbox)

 

Your comments are welcome, I'm sure I've managed to step on some toes by saying this, but again, I thought this info needed to be shared.

The same can be said about Atlantic City. If you go off the boardwalk you do so at your own risk!!

[nodumblond]

Now had you gone to your right, you would have walked along the seaside promenade, the little lighthouse and seen some of the better tourist hotels in Belize City. Not sure if you hugged the sidewalk, but I don't recall open ditches across Fort or Front Street. Just the aggressive but harmless hawkers. Did you go across the street to the crafts(flea) market?

 

I concur -- and are somewhat surprised that your pre-cruise research didn't note that Belize City is not the most pedestrian-tourist-friendly port ever put on a cruise itinerary.

 

I wonder why the guard directed you to the left? The last time we stopped in Belize, hub went off on a photography safari and I walked over to the Radisson (to the right of the port) for a Rotary meeting. Didn't feel unsafe at all, but then again, it was the third time we'd been, so I knew what to expect.

[roothy123]

Well, it doesn't sound so attractive, but I'm not expecting much, so...

 

Anyway, I was wondering if the walk down to the lighthouse is OK (at least harmless - I'm not too concerned about seeing pretty things, but don't want to put myself in a slightly unsafe position, as I will be a woman alone) and also if the walk up to the ferry is, too. How are those routes?

[Lorij91]

Well, it doesn't sound so attractive, but I'm not expecting much, so...

 

Anyway, I was wondering if the walk down to the lighthouse is OK (at least harmless - I'm not too concerned about seeing pretty things, but don't want to put myself in a slightly unsafe position, as I will be a woman alone) and also if the walk up to the ferry is, too. How are those routes?

 

roothy, I'm afraid we can't tell you how the walk to the right of the gate/exit can be as we followed the guards advice and went to the left. From what I've read on here though (albeit after the fact), it seems like a safer alternative if anyone chooses to leave the port area and walk towards the light-house. I would suggest you do what you feel is safe (and fun!) for you! :)

[crewsweeper]

Well, it doesn't sound so attractive, but I'm not expecting much, so...

 

Anyway, I was wondering if the walk down to the lighthouse is OK (at least harmless - I'm not too concerned about seeing pretty things, but don't want to put myself in a slightly unsafe position, as I will be a woman alone) and also if the walk up to the ferry is, too. How are those routes?

 

If you go out the last exit to your right, closest to the lighthouse, and immediately turn right, you should be okay. If all you are doing is walking to the lighthouse and maybe up the promenade a bit, then returning, wait until a bit later in the day to leave the ship.

If by ferry, you mean the tender dock, that's at the Tourist Village which gates you have to exit.

 

If by ferry, you mean water taxi station for water taxis to Caye Caulker and San Pedro, you have to go left out of the Tourist Village. You can walk to the lighthouse and continue on to Cork Street on your left, head down Cork Street to North Front Street (they run into each other) and take N Front to the water taxi place. Once you are beyond Fort Street directly in front of the TV, the hawkers/vendors are gone. They also tend to leave after 1PM, which is a good time to head to the flea/crafts market across from the TV. Good bargains on crafts. Wood items are cheaper than in the TV.

[wadethegringo]

Here is a great peice about walking around Belize City.

http://www.sanpedroscoop.com/2012/02/afternoon-in-belize-cityits-really.html

 

An Afternoon in Belize City...It's Really Growing on Me

Each time I go to Belize City for the day, I like it more and more. Particularly the food. Yesterday, I took the Caye Caulker Water Taxi to meet a friend and to see the Jade Head at the Museum of Belize. With three huge cruise ships in the harbor and the sun shining, the city was bustling with happy tourists and hundreds of tour guides.

 

http://www.sanpedroscoop.com/2012/02/afternoon-in-belize-cityits-really.html

[bab123]

We just returned from a Princess Crown cruise yesterday.

It was our first and we had a great time. During out Belize stop, we took the princess excursion to Altun Ha, lunch and river boat ride. It was a decent excursion but we were dismayed at the facilities we used during lunch. We stopped at a roadside place that provided chicken, rice/beans and a salad. The food was good. The restrooms were just awful - four single unisex bathrooms for probably 4 busloads of people there at the same time. The floors of the bathrooms were wet and dirty, no paper towels in at least some of them and these were located right next to where the food was served.

I did let Princess know about this in my reviews. With all of the noro virus stuff going on and even without that, they really should reconsider the company they are contracting with for this trip. The roadside stop was very modest which is fine. But it doesn't require a lot of money to keep a few bathrooms clean. Perhaps part of the problem is too many people there at one time.

[jaburr24]

I haven't been impressed with Belize yet, but I'm hoping this next time will change my mind

[rasta]

I was just there a few days ago and did not have any huge issue with walking down to the water taxi areas. Yes, in the first block there will be a good number of folks trying to be your "guide" but they disappear very quickly if you say no thank you and just keep walking. After a block or so I found it to be a pretty typical Carribean town and the folks I talked to were very nice. I ended up at the Caye Caulker Water Taxi which is the further one by the swing bridge but still a short 5 minute walk.

[roothy123]

Just wanted to pop in here to say that while I didn't walk around outside the tender area (since I ended up taking a ship's excursion), but from what I saw when the bus left the tender area and headed out of town, it was not exactly a scary place. While I felt other ports on our cruise were more upscale and safer than Belize (George Town, Grand Cayman instantly comes to mind, followed by Roatan), I also found it to be what I think of as your typical Caribbean port, just perhaps a little poorer than most.

[World Gallery]

Thanks for your review. We are considering taking the water taxi to Caye Caulker. Did you get as far as the water taxi building near the swing bridge?

 

It is too bad that this city is as dirty as you say. You would think that the influx of tourists from the cruise ships would help the economy and clean up the area a bit but I guess not.

 

There will be 5 :eek: ships in port when we are there with over 12,000 visitors arriving at this little tourist area. Anybody ever been when it is this crazy?

 

For our last visit to Belize, we tried Caye Caulker and took the water taxi, so we did have to walk to that building. I can barely remember it. It was a blur. We had 5 kids in tow. We were literally all clinging to each other trying to walk down the street. Some man comes out of nowhere and told us he would walk us to the water taxi, and thank goodness, because we never would have found it. Not because we can't follow directions, but because we were so overwhelmed. We paid him $10 to walk us the 2 or 3 blocks and I had no problem with it. He seemed harmless but others did not. Way too aggressive. My kids are not the type to shy away and we have been to 3rd world countries with them (and engaged with the locals). This scared them. Caye Caulker was not worth it.

With 5 ships in port, tourism village will feel totally crazy. It is not big enough to contain all of those people, but the cruise lines do not care. They will cram you in. Just hold on to your group (literally, hold hands). Also, on the way back, be prepared to stand in long tender lines in the very hot sun.

 

I agree that someone is making a ton of money and that must be the reason ships still go there. I personally think it is an accident waiting to happen. This is probably what it will take to wake up those in charge and make some changes.

[Loucat]

The same can be said about Atlantic City. If you go off the boardwalk you do so at your own risk!!

Having lived in NJ all of my life and been to AC more times than I could remember, I have to differ.

AC outside the casino area in no way compares to the poverty, filth and deplorable living that can be found right outside the port area. NO WAY!

The conditions outside of the casino blocks are not great; but there is no comparison. I agree with the OP that MUCH money has been made on tourism in Belize; that is why there is a section where the wealthy live and unfortunately, the profits have not been used to develop the standard of living for the poor.

[Loucat]

Well, it doesn't sound so attractive, but I'm not expecting much, so...

 

Anyway, I was wondering if the walk down to the lighthouse is OK (at least harmless - I'm not too concerned about seeing pretty things, but don't want to put myself in a slightly unsafe position, as I will be a woman alone) and also if the walk up to the ferry is, too. How are those routes?

Try to hook up with other pax that plan to go outside the port area. As a single woman, I would stay near the port or the crafts area across from the port. We did the walk to the ferries and I was with another person. You are approached constantly by many trying to sell their wares. I understand that this is their only chance to make some bit of money. I wish there could be a balance. Pax feeling safe and those outside able to make a living without scaring you.

We walked past the swing brigde and continued into town. I finally had to turn back. No one bothered us once we were away from the outside of the port area, but I was so upset I had to go back.

[roothy123]

Thanks. I ended up taking a ship's excursion to the Lamanai Mayan ruins, which was my original plan if I could get on the excursion. Once in the terminal, because the Belize tourism folks told us it didn't matter what bus we boarded to get to the ruins, I ended up on the last bus and the local boat I was supposed to go on to be with my group had already departed. They got me on another one, but in the end we got back to the tender terminal later than I had expected and I was not able to look around Belize City at all. Although I was a little disappointed, the excursion was pretty worthwhile, and our guide was great, so it was no big deal. Besides, Belize City near the tender area didn't look to be anything so wonderful, and while I didn't see scary people around, I didn't sense that it was the greatest place to be DIYing it, so it was OK. I could easily see the old lighthouse on the tender ride, and one of the employees on the tender told me what lighthouse I had seen on the cruise ship while approaching Belize (English Caye) so that was a small bonus.

 

For Belize, there are two different places where the Belizean tenders can drop you. They are close together, but different docks. When you get off the tender, I would suggest that you know just where you are and which dock to come back to once you come back to the terminal building. That will make things easier, as you cannot just look for your cruise ship and walk toward it!! Also, I would guess that if there are different ships in town, they use different tender spots. There were 2 ships in town when we were there about 10 days ago.

[skrufy]

Have been to Belize two times and the only thing I like there is The Wet Lizard and a couple of cold Belekin beers.

[Armedaneian]

Have been to Belize two times and the only thing I like there is The Wet Lizard and a couple of cold Belekin beers.

 

:) Yummy! :)

[swisstwins]

Is it safe to take a Taxi to Cucumber Beach and the Old Belize Museum with children? My husband and I are taking our 9 year old girls with us. We are going to paradise Beach in Cozumel, Ziplining in Roatan with Victor Bodden, and doing the Pirate Encounter in Grand Cayman. I couldn't really find anything that sounded good for all of us in Belize. I don't want cave tubing because i've read about all of the things that can go wrong, especially with kids. The ruins are all too far and expensive. So, we thought we'd tender in, walk around the Tourist village and then take a taxi over to Cucumber Beach. Is this worth it?

[sjmbruce]

I have been to Belize a few times, but for week long vacations, not as a cruiser. I just felt like I had to say that I am sure a quick stop at a busy port in a poor city is quite different than my experiences in this lovely country. I have spent time in the jungle and on the cayes, exploring the ruins and snorkeling at several locations. I recommend exploring Belize to anyone! :)

[Cruisegirl6]

LoriJ91 we had the very same experience a few years the last cruise we took to Belize!

 

Our experience was a bit worse lol yeah it can get worse lol

 

We walked out those gates as we were also advised to the same direction

We went through the gates and to our astonishment my mouth dropped, what did we see holes in the buildings as if they were bombed, I felt like I was in Iraq! We were only two blocks away...They were abandoned buildings and holes in the street I mean you can crawl down under the street...we saw their military trucks driving by with the armed men holding their huge weapons as if they going to get ready to shoot! When we saw this first military truck we said lets get out of here and at that very moment we knew this guy behind us walking faster...we started walking faster we whispered eachother (had children with us ages 14 & 17) we being followed to hang cool, we each took a kid right next to us and whispered to stay close to us and do what we do...the guy approached us in half a minute and he started conversation we continued to walk trying to find an area with alot of people but unable to...we remained calm and friendly, the guy asked us where we are from (we lived in Florida but originally from NY) and we said NY bronx and remained nice the guy knew bronx and said "thats a rough town" and we said "yep" and we kind of stood all gluded together and I said jay walk across street...the guy yelled have any money, we continued to walk very briskly didn't look back and said we only carry credit card and with some luck we saw a hole inside part of the fence so we didn't have to continue walking to the main gate area and ran in the hole and lost the guy thankfully he didn't follow but I knew once in that gate there were alot of people around. I tell you I think he had a gun or knife I could see at the side of my eye he had something in his hand but we kept going and didn't stop and remained cool.

 

We never forget that experience nor will we ever get off that horrible place. I can't believe cruise ship lines take us to a place like that, I travelled alot in my life been to many different places, countries and such but this was my worse horrible place I ever been and its going to stay that way. Makes Atlantic City look good.

[smc0320]

For our last visit to Belize, we tried Caye Caulker and took the water taxi, so we did have to walk to that building. I can barely remember it. It was a blur. We had 5 kids in tow. We were literally all clinging to each other trying to walk down the street. Some man comes out of nowhere and told us he would walk us to the water taxi, and thank goodness, because we never would have found it. Not because we can't follow directions, but because we were so overwhelmed. We paid him $10 to walk us the 2 or 3 blocks and I had no problem with it. He seemed harmless but others did not. Way too aggressive. My kids are not the type to shy away and we have been to 3rd world countries with them (and engaged with the locals). This scared them. Caye Caulker was not worth it.

With 5 ships in port, tourism village will feel totally crazy. It is not big enough to contain all of those people, but the cruise lines do not care. They will cram you in. Just hold on to your group (literally, hold hands). Also, on the way back, be prepared to stand in long tender lines in the very hot sun.

 

I agree that someone is making a ton of money and that must be the reason ships still go there. I personally think it is an accident waiting to happen. This is probably what it will take to wake up those in charge and make some changes.

 

I would love to know where & how & how much you booked the water taxi........and what did you do while there? How long was the trip?