The sea around Belize City is very shallow and so for today we were anchored approximately five miles off the coast. We had booked on a shore excursion and therefore had to meet up on-board awaiting a shore transfer.
Usually the shore tenders use the ship’s own lifeboats to ferry the passengers ashore but on this occasion local catamarans were used. Each of these held around 150-200 passengers and were loaded very efficiently. Once aboard we were treated to an amusing run through of the safety features, followed by a sing-song wishing a passenger “Happy Birthday”. The crew member then gave a rousing speech telling us we should be happy just to be here. It was reminiscent of a born again Christian meeting, but it did help the journey pass quickly.
Once ashore we picked up our coach and our guide for the day, Vladimir. The journey took us through the city highlighting the vast difference in the have and have-nots in the community. The minimum wage here is just $1.50 an hour and with a heavy reliance on the tourist trade, Covid hit the economics severely.
Our guide outlined the importance of sticking to the paths when we get to the Mayan ruins as there are 65 varieties of snakes in the country. He did add that ONLY 8 of them were venomous!! Other creatures of note were jaguars, pumas, howler monkeys and the national animal the tapir. (We didn’t see any on our trip).
The main focus of our visit today was the Mayan ruins known as Altun Ha which are over 2000 years old although it didn’t come to the attention of archaeologists until 1963. The site covers an area of around 3 square miles with little shade on a very hot, sunny day.
The ruins consist of five separate structures, some of which were used as tombs where others for ritual bloodlettings. We were assured that no human sacrifices were known to have taken place here.
The main structure is the Temple of the Sun God, Kinich Ahau, where masks of the God are carved into the structure.
We were able to climb to the top of this pyramid but as it was so hot we both declined the opportunity.
Many artefacts have been unearthed by archaeologists the most famous being the Jade Head, an intricately carved single piece of jade. It is a National treasure of Belize and is stored in a vault in the national bank. When loaned out it is insured for between 5-10 million dollars.
On the return to the city we were treated to a typical Belizean meal of rice and beans made with coconut milk. This was served with coleslaw and spicy chicken drumsticks. It was delicious. This short stop also allowed us a chance to admire the lily pond at the restaurant. The guide told us it was home to some baby crocodiles but I think he was joking.
A throughly enjoyable and educational trip well worth doing.
On the way back to the ship we passed a man made island. This will be the new cruise terminal which will be linked to the city by a long causeway. It is hoped that this will be completed next year so perhaps when we return to Belize we will be docking here. I’ll miss the entertainment on the tenders though.
Two days at sea now before we arrive in New Orleans on Tuesday.