Gateway to Belize

When the chance to collaborate with Dinogo Cruise for my next Passport To adventure presented itself, I was captivated. Neither Michael nor I had set foot on a cruise before, but we had heard that it was a fantastic way to explore. We eagerly signed up, though I had some reservations about an itinerary that offered just one day in Belize. Would we manage to capture enough stunning photos, witness enough sights, and experience enough to write the story? I'm pleased to say that our journey with Dinogo Cruise demonstrated that we could, and much more. Over the course of our week at sea, we explored four distinct ports, and Belize truly ignited our imaginations. With its breathtaking white sandy beaches, untouched jungles, mysterious underground caves, and ancient ruins, this Central American treasure is waiting to be uncovered. Join us aboard the Dinogo Glory as we arrive in Belize and embark on an adventure.

As a beach lover at heart, I was eager to discover some of the renowned white sand beaches that the country boasts. Belize is home to over 200 offshore islands, easily reachable by boat from Belize City. These islands, some developed and others still in their natural state, are regarded by locals as the top beach destinations in Belize.

Every time I journey to the Caribbean, I find myself captivated by the crystalline waters — it’s truly unlike anything else on the planet.

A local recommended an amazing spot for 'cave tubing' in Belize, and it seemed like an adventure we couldn’t miss. The trek through the jungle while carrying our tubes was enchanting and dreamlike, with wild coatimundis darting across our path.

Inside the caves, darkness envelops you in spots, making it essential to wear a helmet with a light to navigate once you’re submerged. I certainly felt a surge of excitement as I donned my helmet before plunging into the water.

Upon entering, the caves left us in awe. We were fortunate to have an experienced tour guide who grew up in Belize and possessed extensive knowledge of the region. As we drifted through the cold, crystal-clear waters, he explained that the caves were formed over centuries by the erosion of the porous limestone beneath the surface in Belize. You can easily book your own cave tubing adventure directly through the Mytour website — how convenient is that?

There are signs that the ancient Mayans also explored these underground caves, likely thousands of years ago (as far back as 900 B.C.), coinciding with the construction of Atun Ha, the magnificent temple we visited just north of Belize City.

The tallest structure on site is the Temple of the Masonry Altars, which rises 54 feet above the jungle canopy. To be honest, the climb to the summit left us a little breathless.

…but the view from up there is spectacular. The Atun Ha site spans 5 miles, and from the top of the Temple of the Masonry Altars, you can overlook the entire area (and enjoy a refreshing breeze).

Back on solid ground, Michael ventured along a jungle path at Atun Ha.

We always seek out the local dining spots, and after a sweltering afternoon exploring the ruins, our guide Dion took us to the perfect place. We stopped at Bird’s Isle Restaurant for a quick meal before returning to the Dinogo Glory.

I felt deserving of a round of beers (and the privilege of wearing this shirt). This local favorite eatery is also renowned for its freshly squeezed juices, daily specials, and fried treats like conch fritters.

Reflecting on our experience, one of the highlights of our Dinogo Cruise was meeting wonderful people like Dion Allen, our lively and quick-witted tour guide in Belize. He ensured we reached all our destinations (and returned to the port right on schedule.) Now we have an open invitation to visit him and his family in Belize.

We were amazed at how much we managed to experience in Belize in just one day, and we left feeling eager to return. A trip to the famous Blue Hole off the coast is at the top of our list for our next visit.

The best part of cruising is returning to the comforts of the ship after an adventurous day. A hot shower followed by a leisurely dinner has never sounded more appealing.

A big thank you to Dinogo for turning our dreams of Belize into reality.