carnival dream excursions belize

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Top 7 Things to Do in Belize

By Carnival Cruise Line

• Lamanai Mayan Ruins and River Boat Safari
• Xunantunich Mayan Ruins
• Exclusive Crystal Cave Tubing and Zipline
• Sharks, Rays, Barrier Reef Snorkel and Island Escape
• Snorkeling Wonders of the Barrier Reef
• Airboat Adventure and Belize City Tour
• Starfish Private Island Getaway

The Caribbean is known for its crystalline blue waters and endless beaches, but few of its wonders provide visitors the opportunity for discovery and adventure like Belize. From its location on the western border of the Caribbean , Belize is a unique combination of tropical oasis, explorer’s paradise and thrill-seeking playground that makes it a true gem for Carnival guests. Whether you’re taking a family cruise or going on a couple’s getaway, this is the perfect place for a cruise vacation.

Between its picturesque oceanfront, jungle terrain and exotic wildlife, Belize stands out due to its intrigue, sense of relaxation and adventure. Of course, like any Carnival cruise, when you travel to Belize you’ll find many shore excursions that will allow you to discover, explore or simply unwind in one of the most truly unique destinations on earth.

With a rich history that stems back thousands of years, a cruise to Belize offers a rare glimpse of monuments, ruins and remnants of civilizations past that will fascinate and capture the imagination.

1. Lamanai Mayan Ruins and River Boat Safari

The Lamanai Mayan Ruins and river boat safari excursion is like a passage back in time. Your adventure starts in a climate-controlled bus that takes you through the original colonies of British Honduras as you wind through the Belize River Valley. Afterwards, a short riverboat cruise floats through the rainforest, teeming with exotic wildlife, until you reach one of the largest Mayan ceremonial sites ever discovered. We dare you not to walk away impressed and awestruck by the intricate stone architecture overlooking the magnificent New River Lagoon.

2. Xunantunich Mayan Ruins

For those looking for a more immersive experience, the Xunantunich Ruins excursion might be just what you need. As one of the most complete Mayan ruin complexes ever discovered, this site envelops you into the mystique of ancient Mayan culture with tours amongst the ceremonial temples, partially excavated ball court and massive palaces that have become synonymous with ancient Mayan culture. Afterwards, lunch in the local city of San Ignacio will give you a personal perspective of the wonderful culture that saturates Belize to this day.

Along with its remarkable history, Belize is also known as a thrill seeker’s paradise, giving visitors the rare opportunity to explore the rainforest, quicken their pulse and find experiences not easily found anywhere else in the world.

3. Exclusive Crystal Cave Tubing and Zipline

With a little bit of spelunking, intriguing cave tubing, jaw-dropping zip lines through the rainforest canopy and a whole lot of adrenaline, this jampacked cave tubing and zipline excursion has thrills for all. After a short hike amongst the towering Cohune Palms, you’ll soon find yourself standing at the edge of a limestone cliff that serves as the launching pad for your adventure.

You’ll feel the exhilaration of ziplining through the rainforest and exploring ancient ceremonial caves within the lush landscapes of Belize. Through mysterious tunnels and the crystallized underworld, you’ll float on a tube through intriguing chambers used by the Mayans hundreds of years ago. An authentic Belizean lunch provides a delicious closing chapter to this exhilarating excursion.

4. Sharks, Rays, Barrier Reef Snorkel and Island Escape

Of course, a trip to paradise wouldn’t be complete without some underwater adventure . This excursion allows you to experience the amazing Barrier Reef, where a professional guide will help you explore the otherworldly coral formations and sea life that will immerse you in a new world. Afterwards, you’ll stand on the sandy bottom of the shallow blue water as harmless nurse sharks and stingrays slowly swim around you, allowing you to experience these gentle creatures within their native habitat.

5. Snorkeling Wonders of the Barrier Reef

For those searching for a more in-depth experience in the tropical Belizean waters, the Snorkeling Wonders of the Barrier Brief excursion provides that very opportunity. After a short boat ride to a beautiful and private tropical island, Rendezvous Caye, you’ll have plenty of time to snorkel through the hemisphere’s largest barrier reef. You’ll be up close and personal with an endless variety of coral and vividly colored fish. You can also enjoy a refreshing cool drink or tasty snack on the island’s soft and sandy beach when you want to just pause and enjoy your incredible surroundings.

6. Airboat Adventure and Belize City Tour

If you’re looking for a combination of local culture and water-based thrills, a Belize tour and airboat adventure is right for you. A meandering tour in an air-conditioned bus winds through Belize City as your guide teaches you about its rich history, which stretches hundreds of years in the past. Afterwards, you’ll board a 450 horsepower airboat and zip across Almond Hill Lagoon, feeling the warm sea air tugging on your skin and thrilling you from head to toe. Along the way, you’ll slow down to explore the mangroves, water lilies, birds, turtles and massive manatees lounging in the warm waters.

As exhilarating as Belize might be, there’s always room for relaxation and time to unwind. Fortunately, Carnival guests have excursions available that will provide you some needed downtime in this Caribbean paradise.

7. Starfish Private Island Getaway

This family-friendly excursion takes you to a small private island , where you will be able to swim, enjoy the warm sun on your skin and relax while listening to local music and enjoying the sights and sounds. This getaway happens at your own pace so be as active, lazy or fun as you want to be. A Belizean buffet style lunch and a full bar means you can take your time, relax and enjoy yourself however you see fit.

A Caribbean cruise to Belize has something for everyone. Whether you’re an adventurer, explorer or simply want to enjoy some relaxing time in a tropical oasis, the time to book your Carnival cruise to Belize is now. Its rainforest, ancient ruins and crystal blue waters are waiting for you.

Note: Onboard activities, shore excursions, and dining options may vary by  ship  and destination.

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shore excursion off the carnival dream - Belize Shore Excursions

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• Belize Shore Excursions

This is a ShoreExcursioneer trip and we loved it. Cost approx $150.00 including air from Belize to... read more

We booked this as an excursion when in port in Belize. We were met by the company rep and paid him... read more

shore excursion off the carnival dream

We went down the river wallace with gus as our guide. It was an awesome experience! He was very knowledgeable of the river wallace, Altun Ha Mayan ruins, and of belize in general. His boat crew were very friendly also. I would highly recommend this excursion to everyone.

The river cruise was outstanding!! We loved our cruise guide, Jake!! Seeing monkeys along the river bank was so exciting. The dolphins followed the boat was so neat! We would definitely recommend this excursion. Judy and Randy Texas

I visited Belize city as a port of call on a cruise. I have heard horror stories about going outside the gate, and to book it with the cruise line. However, I didn't I wanted to explore I did a city tour with the locals. The price was much cheaper outside of the gate, even the merchandise was as well. It was safe and the tour guide was very knowledgeable, accommodating and friendly. I really enjoyed meeting the locals and hearing about their culture. My husband even played the drums with them. Had a great time there, the tour guide is below first picture.

We were on a cruise with Carnival and opted to find our own excursions...so glad we did! We booked this excursion through Shore Excursioneer. They are a broker and so the companies they use for the excursions are local, which we would prefer to support. The Cave Tubing experience was booked with Cavetubing Bz. The young men who were our guides were awesome. Roberto and Andy were very helpful and knowledgeable and made the experience fun. We took an hour long bus ride through the countryside of Belize. When we arrived at the Cave Tubing National park, our fees were paid and unlike the groups with the cruises, we did not have to carry our tubes to the river. They were already there for us. The short walk through the tropical forest was very informative and we even sampled a Belize termite, which tastes like mint! Our tubes had bottoms in them and were very comfortable. They tied 8 of us together and then our guide, Andy, pushed and pulled us through the beautiful caves as we relaxed and floated along. He pointed out many of the cave features and answered all of our questions. When we got to the end of the tour we were right by the check in point, so unlike the other tours we did not have to walk all of the way back. On our way back to the port, we stopped at their office and were given free wi-fi and a nice Belizian lunch of rice and beans, chicken and plantain. I was impressed by how organized they were and the tour was wonderful! Would do it again!

My wife and I booked this tour through Royal Caribbean Cruise Line for our cruise on the Rhapsody of the Seas which stopped for one day in Belize. The tour was run by a company called Exotic Shore Excursions, Inc. They also run tours through Carnival Cruise Lines. This was an all day excursion, but was well worth the time. We had to take a tender into the pier, but were met at the pier by our tour guides, Elvis and Adrian and driver Phillipe. We loaded onto a bus for an hour and a half trip to the jump off point for our riverboat trip up the New River to Lamanai Mayan Ruins. The trip seemed to go very fast as both Elvis and Adrian kept us entertained with the history of Belize and its people and pointed out interesting spots along the way. At one point we stopped near a large tree on the side of the road. Elvis directed our attention to several large iguanas in the tree branches along with some spider monkeys which were jockeying for position in the tree. We left the bus at a fairly new-looking complex by the river with picnic benches, a bar and souvenir shop, as well as clean restrooms. After about 10 minutes we loaded into the boat for the river cruise. Surprisingly it was a high speed river boat and we zoomed along, holding onto our hats, while Elvis and Adrian took our pictures. After about 30 minutes we reached Lamanai. It is the site of a partially excavated Mayan city. There are 3 temples which have been uncovered on anywhere from one to three sides but not fully excavated. The temples are reached by well maintained gravel pathways through the jungle canopy. We visited the Temple of the Jaguar, the High Temple and the Temple of the Masks. Using a stairway constructed on one side of the temple, we were able to climb the High Temple, about 12 stories high. The final part of the climb was up stone steps of the temple itself. Once on top, Elvis took our picture using our camera. It was a spectacular day, sunny, temps in the low 80's and the views were stunning. Getting back down was a little more difficult across the stone steps, but anyone of average strength and balance should not have a problem. The Temple of the Jaguar is named for the jaguar face pattern in the stone near the base of it. The Temple of the Masks has Mayan faces carved in very large stones on either side of the main steps going up the front of the temple. As we left the temples and headed back to the riverboat, we were serenaded by a howler monkey who thought we were invading his territory. After another half-hour boat journey we returned to the drop off point and enjoyed a typical Belizean lunch of rice, beans, potato salad and hot sauce, all cooked by a local woman. I topped off lunch with a local beer, Belikin. The trip back to the ship was again 90 min. We thoroughly enjoyed our tour. I feel it is the best tour of Mayan ruins I have taken, and would do it again. I don't know if you can book them independent from the cruise lines, but if you book Exotic Shore Excursions, you wont be disappointed.

Our van driver, Jose, was extremely helpful and knowledgeable about the area. He even recommended a better excursion for us at the same price. Our boat driver and tour guide, Collin, was awesome. He gave us lots of historical information, took photos of us, and fed us a home cooked meal. I would definitely recommend this tour.