11 Must-Have Souvenirs from Belize

Cruising to Belize promises an incredible experience filled with snorkeling, diving, pristine sandy beaches, vibrant culture, and unforgettable adventures. Naturally, you’ll want to bring back some souvenirs to cherish your vacation memories.

While shopping in Belize, you'll discover an abundance of locally crafted items. As the second smallest country in Central America, you’ll be amazed by the wide variety of handicrafts and foods available. Finding gifts for your loved ones, as well as treats for yourself, will be a breeze.

If you're curious about what to purchase in Belize, you’ve come to the right spot. To assist you in selecting the perfect memento or keepsake from your journey, here’s our list of the top 11 items to buy in Belize.

1. Belizean Chocolate

Belize is renowned for its abundant cacao production, which holds great significance in Mayan culture. As a result, the country is home to some of the most delectable chocolates around. You’ll find a variety of flavors available in local shops, and in some instances, you can witness the chocolate-making process before indulging in a few exquisite bars of your favorite treat.

2. Mayan Baskets

Basket weaving is a cherished tradition among the Mayans, who have inhabited this region for over 3,000 years. Purchasing a handwoven basket is a wonderful way to support local artisans while bringing home a piece of genuine Belize. Enhance your home decor with one of the many unique basket designs available at local markets.

3. Rum

Rum is a beloved and abundant spirit in Belize, offering a wide range of varieties and flavors of sweet, delicious rum crafted right in the country. Why not sample a few options while basking on the sunny beaches, and then grab a bottle or two of your favorites? If you stick to just a few bottles, you can bring your rum back duty-free.

If you’re not much of a drinker, no worries! You can still savor the local flavor by bringing home a tasty rum cake.

4. Hot Sauce

While not every dish in Belize is spicy, the country grows a wide variety of habanero and jalapeño peppers, ensuring plenty of hot sauce options to complement your meals. Take home a bottle for yourself and a few more for your spice-loving friends. Habanero-based hot sauce is the most popular choice, but you’ll discover various other types as well.

5. Locally Grown Coffee

Whether you savor a cup occasionally or are a devoted coffee lover, you'll discover a wealth of rich, locally sourced coffee to bring home from your Belize cruise. Belizean coffee is cherished globally, and you'll take pride in knowing you obtained it straight from the source.

6. Conch Jewelry

In addition to being a delightful dish, conch is also crafted into beautiful jewelry, thanks to the lovely pink hue of its shell. You'll find elegant hairpins, bracelets, earrings, and more, all made from polished conch shell. Alternatively, you can purchase an entire cleaned and preserved shell, which makes for a stunning decorative piece.

7. Wooden Kitchenware

In Belize, you'll discover an array of bowls, spoons, cutting boards, and other kitchen items expertly carved from ziricote, a unique and resilient tree species found only in a limited region of Central America. This exquisite hardwood features stunning marbled patterns of light and dark, making it a rare find. As such, it serves as a truly memorable souvenir from your trip to Belize.

8. Wood or Slate Carvings

Ziricote is also skillfully crafted into striking carvings that portray marine life, ancient ceremonial sites, masks, and natural symbols. In addition to ziricote, other woods and slate are utilized in these artistic creations. These hand-carved pieces not only enhance the decor of your outdoor space or any wall but also make thoughtful gifts. A wood or slate carving will undoubtedly remind you of the vibrant culture you encountered in Belize.

9. Local Music

Belizean music is vibrant and diverse, blending influences from Creole, Mestizo, Mayan, and African cultures. Whether you lean towards traditional tunes or contemporary beats, you'll find an abundance of genres to enjoy, including Garifuna, Mayan, Punta, and reggaeton. Each time you listen, you'll be enveloped in the essence of Belize. Plus, by purchasing a CD or a Garifuna drum, readily available in various gift shops, you can support local artists.

10. Hammock

Imagine sipping a tropical rum cocktail while gently swaying in your hammock at home, instantly whisking you back to Belize whenever you desire! Hammocks are perfect for lounging on a warm, breezy day, and they can add a splash of color to your backyard or patio.

11. Beer and Beer Souvenirs

Beer brewing holds a special place in Belizean culture, and you'll likely indulge in a few refreshing beers during your vacation cruise. While you might want to take home some bottles of golden Belizean brew, consider opting for memorable souvenirs like a branded T-shirt, beer glass, koozie, or tote bag instead. These branded items serve as practical mementos of your incredible journey and can spark great conversations.

Note: Activities on board, shore excursions, and dining options can vary by ship and destination.