
Fort Street Tourism Village
A bustling hub for cruise ship excursions, local crafts, and a gateway to Belize's stunning islands and adventures.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, relaxed shopping

Fort Street Tourism Village
Best Time
Fewer crowds, relaxed shopping

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A bustling hub for cruise ship excursions, local crafts, and a gateway to Belize's stunning islands and adventures.
"Guides make tours memorable, educational, and fun, treating you like family."

🛍️ Shop Smart at Artisan Alley
Explore the newly renovated Artisan Alley for unique crafts. It's a great spot for souvenirs away from the main village gates.
🚢 Cruise Ship Crowds
Be aware of cruise ship schedules to avoid peak crowds. Weekdays are generally better than weekends.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Artisan Alley Finds
Fort Street Tourism Village
Discover handcrafted souvenirs, local art, and unique textiles. Perfect for finding that special memento of your Belize trip.

Caye Caulker Day Trip
Belize City (via water taxi)
Experience the laid-back 'go slow' vibe of this nearby island paradise. Snorkel, swim, and enjoy fresh seafood.

Local Flavors
Fort Street Tourism Village and surrounding areas
Sample authentic Belizean cuisine, from fresh seafood to local BBQ. Don't miss the lobster during festival season!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Fort Street Tourism Village
Navigating Fort Street Tourism Village
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🛍️ Shop Smart at Artisan Alley
Explore the newly renovated Artisan Alley for unique crafts. It's a great spot for souvenirs away from the main village gates.
🚢 Cruise Ship Crowds
Be aware of cruise ship schedules to avoid peak crowds. Weekdays are generally better than weekends.
🛶 Caye Caulker Excursion
Take a water taxi to Caye Caulker for a 'go slow' island experience. It's a highly recommended day trip!
🦞 Lobster Fest Fun
If visiting in July, don't miss Lobster Fest! Caye Caulker is known for Chef Kareem's amazing lobster dishes.
Tips
from all over the internet
🛍️ Shop Smart at Artisan Alley
Explore the newly renovated Artisan Alley for unique crafts. It's a great spot for souvenirs away from the main village gates.
🚢 Cruise Ship Crowds
Be aware of cruise ship schedules to avoid peak crowds. Weekdays are generally better than weekends.
🛶 Caye Caulker Excursion
Take a water taxi to Caye Caulker for a 'go slow' island experience. It's a highly recommended day trip!
🦞 Lobster Fest Fun
If visiting in July, don't miss Lobster Fest! Caye Caulker is known for Chef Kareem's amazing lobster dishes.
📍 Find Caye Caftans
Discover handcrafted silk caftans at their store in Fort Street Tourism Village, near Terminal 1.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the knowledgeable and friendly guides who make tours educational and fun, often going above and beyond to accommodate schedules and preferences. The company's customer service is highlighted as exceptional, with a focus on making clients feel like family. While the village itself is a convenient hub, many reviews focus on the quality of tours and experiences booked through operators associated with it.
"Kris was a wonderful guide. You could tell he loves where he lives. He knows history, Wild life, flora etc. He answered all our questions and took time to get to know us as well. Kris made us feel welcomed and relaxed the whole day. I’d like to mention how accommodating this company was. My trip changed, my flights changed and they were so easy to work with to still make my tour work on my schedule. I was so worried I was going to just have to walk away from my deposit, but Mike helped work it out. Including a pick up point that was now an hour away. Everything about them came down to me, putting me as the customer first. Traveling internationally is stressful but working with Mike and Kris was so easy. I can’t thank them enough for making our experience memorable, educational and fun."
Amy MacKay
"My brother and I only had three available days in Belize. Pre-Columbian cultures are a hobby of ours, so we wanted to make the most of the time available to us. Belize Tours easily accommodated us. The guides were knowledgeable (bear in mind it is our hobby, so we would know if the information provided was not accurate). The shuttling was prompt and the vans were clean. The included meals were regionally authentic and fantastic. The camaraderie from the staff was exceptional. By the end of the day we felt more like distant family that had come to town to visit than customers. That is an added bonus to a trip that does not have a measurable price tag value. I would highly recommend using them."
Nick Shamhart
"We had the BEST time on our full day tour of Zip lining, Cave Tubing and Mayan Ruins. Adrian picked us up and had us laughing right from the get go. He was a wealth of knowledge and made sure we had fun. He did such a fantastic job of making our first trip to Belize extra special. Heartfelt thanks to Chris and all the wonderful friends we made throughout the day. Call Adrian!! We are booking with him again while we are here and look forward to the next adventure. We are so happy to call Adrian, Chris and all the wonderful people we met our
friends. Best best best!! My daughter loved it too and we are forever grateful for taking us on the tour extraordinaire of beautiful Belize and for the lifetime memories we made. Thank you!!! Coco & Sam W."
Corienne Walek
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Fort Street Tourism Village is located in Belize City. If you're arriving by air, you'll likely fly into Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) and then take a taxi or shuttle to the city. Cruise ship passengers will disembark directly at or very near the village.
Yes, Fort Street Tourism Village is a primary port of call for many cruise ships. It's often within walking distance or a very short taxi ride from where your ship docks.
Absolutely! Fort Street Tourism Village is a major hub for water taxis, including those heading to popular destinations like San Pedro and Caye Caulker.
The most common way to reach islands like San Pedro and Caye Caulker from Belize City is by water taxi. Companies like San Pedro Belize Express and Ocean Ferry operate regular services from terminals near Fort Street Tourism Village.
Taxis are readily available at Fort Street Tourism Village. It's advisable to agree on a fare before starting your journey, especially for longer distances.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Fort Street Tourism Village is generally an open area accessible to the public, especially for those embarking on or returning from excursions. There are no specific entry tickets required to walk around the village itself.
While the village itself is free to enter, individual shops, restaurants, and tour operators within the village will have their own pricing for goods and services. Excursions booked here will also have associated costs.
The village is typically active when cruise ships are in port. Shops and tour operators generally open in the morning and close in the late afternoon or early evening, depending on the day's ship schedule.
Yes, many tour operators have booths or representatives at Fort Street Tourism Village where you can book excursions like cave tubing, zip-lining, and Mayan ruin tours.
The Artisan Alley, located near Fort Street Tourism Village, is also generally free to enter. It's a space for artisans to showcase and sell their work.
🍽️ 🛍️ Shopping & Dining
You'll find a variety of souvenirs, including local crafts, wood carvings, textiles, jewelry, and t-shirts. The Artisan Alley is particularly good for unique, handcrafted items.
There are several restaurants and food stalls within and around Fort Street Tourism Village offering local Belizean cuisine, seafood, and international options.
During Lobster Fest in July, Chef Kareem on Caye Caulker is highly recommended for his lobster dishes. In Belize City, look for local BBQ and fresh seafood.
The 'go slow' philosophy is a way of life on Caye Caulker, emphasizing relaxation and a slower pace. It's a stark contrast to the hustle of mainland cities and a key part of the island's charm.
While you'll find many lovely handcrafted items, Fort Street Tourism Village is more focused on authentic local crafts and souvenirs. For luxury silk garments, check out Caye Caftans within the village.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the vibrant atmosphere of the village, the colorful boats at the docks, and the unique crafts sold by local artisans. The nearby Swing Bridge in Belize City also offers great photo ops.
Sunrise photos can be stunning over the water near Belize City. While the village itself might not offer direct sunset views, the surrounding coastal areas can be beautiful during golden hour.
Belize offers diverse photography opportunities, from stunning coastal and island landscapes to lush rainforests, ancient Mayan ruins, and vibrant marine life. Drone photography is also popular for capturing aerial views.
It's always polite to ask permission before taking close-up photos of individuals or their detailed work. Most artisans are happy to have their crafts photographed, especially if it leads to a sale.
Besides the Fort Street Tourism Village area, consider the historic Swing Bridge, the Baron Bliss Lighthouse, and the colorful buildings along the waterfront for your photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
When exploring Belize City itself, keep an eye out for local snacks and treats that kids might enjoy. The overall pace of Belize can be quite relaxed, which is often a plus for families traveling with children. Ensure you pack plenty of sunscreen, hats, and insect repellent, as these are essential for comfortable outdoor family adventures.
🚢 Cruise Ship Passengers
To maximize your time, consider pre-booking popular tours, especially if your ship has a limited port day. Water taxis to Caye Caulker and San Pedro are also readily available, providing a fantastic island escape if you have enough time. Be mindful of your ship's departure time and factor in travel time back to the port to avoid any last-minute rushes.
🛍️ Budget Travelers
For a budget-friendly island experience, Caye Caulker is often more affordable than San Pedro, with simpler accommodations and dining. Walking around Belize City and exploring the Artisan Alley can be a free activity, allowing you to soak in the local atmosphere without spending money. Utilizing local buses for longer distances on the mainland can also be a cost-effective transportation choice, though water taxis to islands are a fixed cost.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Belize City's Charm
Beyond the immediate tourism village, consider venturing into the Fort George area, which has seen recent revitalization efforts, including the development of an Artisan Alley. This alley aims to bring artisans closer to the action, offering a more curated shopping experience for unique handicrafts and souvenirs. It's a great way to support local artists and find authentic pieces that tell a story.
For those interested in history, Belize City was once the capital and retains much of its colonial heritage. While many historical sites are outside the city, exploring the city's streets can still provide a sense of its past. Remember to stay aware of your surroundings and consider guided tours for a deeper understanding of the city's culture and history.
Island Hopping: Caye Caulker & San Pedro
San Pedro, on Ambergris Caye, offers a slightly more developed island experience. It's known for its vibrant atmosphere, excellent diving and snorkeling opportunities (including the Belize Barrier Reef), and a wide array of restaurants and bars. While Caye Caulker is about tranquility, San Pedro buzzes with activity, making it ideal for those seeking a mix of adventure and nightlife.
Both islands are easily accessible via frequent water taxi services from Belize City. The journey itself offers beautiful views of the Caribbean Sea, setting the stage for your island adventure.
Culinary Delights of Belize
If you're visiting in July, the Lobster Festival is a major culinary event. Caye Caulker, in particular, is renowned for its lobster dishes, with Chef Kareem being a standout recommendation for his expertly prepared seafood. This is the perfect time to indulge in fresh, local lobster prepared in various delicious ways. Beyond seafood, look out for BBQ ribs and other grilled specialties, often found at local eateries and festivals.
For a truly authentic experience, consider venturing slightly beyond the main tourist hubs. Many travelers rave about the quality and authenticity of food found in local establishments, often highlighting the friendly service and the use of fresh, local ingredients.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit