Belize, located on the eastern coast of Central America with access to the Caribbean Sea, has several types of ports for various needs. Here are the main types of ports in Belize:
- Seaports: Seaports are crucial for maritime trade and passenger transportation. Belize has several seaports, including:
- Port of Belize: Located in Belize City, the Port of Belize is the largest seaport in Belize and serves as the primary hub for cargo handling, including containers, bulk goods, and petroleum products.
- Big Creek Port: Situated in southern Belize, Big Creek Port is another significant seaport handling bulk cargo, such as bananas, citrus products, and sugar.
- Cruise Ports: Belize is a popular destination for cruise tourism, and it has dedicated ports to accommodate cruise ships. The main cruise port is:
- Belize City Cruise Port: Located in Belize City, the cruise port serves as a gateway for cruise passengers visiting Belize, offering facilities for disembarkation, tours, and shopping.
- Fishing Ports: Fishing is an important industry in Belize, and there are ports dedicated to fishing activities along the coast. These ports support the fishing industry and the processing of seafood products.
- Marinas: Belize has marinas for recreational boating and tourism, particularly for sailing and diving enthusiasts. These facilities provide berths for private yachts, sailing clubs, and water sports activities.
List of Largest Ports in Belize
| Port Name | Type of Cargo Ships | Monthly Arrivals |
|---|---|---|
| Port of Belize City | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 200 |
| Big Creek Port | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 150 |
| Commerce Bight Port | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 100 |
| Punta Gorda Port | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 80 |
| Dangriga Port | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 70 |
| San Pedro Port | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 60 |
| Placencia Port | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 50 |
| Corozal Town Port | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 40 |
| Monkey River Port | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 30 |
| Puerto Barrios Port | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 250 |
| Punta Gorda Port | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 200 |
| Big Creek Port | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 180 |
| Dangriga Port | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 150 |
| Commerce Bight Port | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 120 |
| San Pedro Port | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 100 |
Major Ports of Belize
Belize’s ports play a crucial role in facilitating trade, transportation, and tourism, contributing to the country’s economic development and regional connectivity. Whether located along the coast or inland waterways, these ports serve as vital nodes in Belize’s maritime infrastructure, linking it to global markets and neighboring countries.
1. Port of Belize City
City Location: Belize City
Latitude: 17.4995° N
Longitude: 88.1976° W
The Port of Belize City is the largest and most important port in Belize, serving as the primary gateway for imports and exports in the country. This port handles a wide variety of goods, including agricultural products, manufactured goods, and bulk commodities. It is well-equipped with facilities to manage both containerized and bulk cargo, playing a critical role in the country’s economy. The port has undergone several upgrades to enhance its capacity and efficiency, including the addition of new docking facilities and cargo handling equipment. Belize City’s port is also a popular stopover for cruise ships in the Caribbean, contributing significantly to the tourism industry.
Nearby Cities:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| San Pedro | 56 (by sea) | Water taxi |
| Belmopan | 81 | George Price Hwy |
| Orange Walk | 53 | Philip Goldson Hwy |
| San Ignacio | 114 | George Price Hwy, Hummingbird Hwy |
| Dangriga | 108 | Hummingbird Hwy |
| Corozal | 107 | Philip Goldson Hwy |
| Punta Gorda | 267 | Southern Hwy |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Belize does not currently have operational railway stations.
2. Big Creek Port
City Location: Big Creek
Latitude: 16.5205° N
Longitude: 88.3713° W
Big Creek Port, located in the southern part of Belize, is primarily focused on agricultural exports, particularly banana and citrus shipments. It is considered the most modern port facility in Belize, with capabilities for handling containerized cargo as well. The port supports significant agricultural activities in the region and is crucial for the export-oriented sectors of the economy. Big Creek Port is continuously expanding its facilities to accommodate the growing agricultural industry in Belize, including improvements in its docking areas and storage facilities. The port’s location also makes it a strategic point for access to markets in the Americas and Caribbean.
Nearby Cities:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Placencia | 36 | Southern Hwy |
| Punta Gorda | 116 | Southern Hwy |
| Dangriga | 139 | Southern Hwy |
| Belmopan | 142 | Hummingbird Hwy, Southern Hwy |
| Belize City | 174 | Hummingbird Hwy |
| San Ignacio | 175 | Hummingbird Hwy |
| Orange Walk | 226 | Hummingbird Hwy, Philip Goldson Hwy |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Belize does not currently have operational railway stations.
3. Commerce Bight Port
City Location: Dangriga
Latitude: 16.9692° N
Longitude: 88.2272° W
Commerce Bight Port, located near Dangriga, primarily serves the fishing and small-scale agricultural export industries of southern Belize. It is a smaller facility compared to the main ports but plays an essential role in the local economy. The port handles mainly bulk and break-bulk cargo, facilitating the transport of goods such as citrus, bananas, and seafood. Efforts to modernize Commerce Bight include improving its infrastructure to better support the needs of local industries and enhance the efficiency of maritime operations.
Nearby Cities:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Placencia | 75 | Southern Hwy |
| Punta Gorda | 110 | Southern Hwy |
| Belmopan | 73 | Hummingbird Hwy |
| Belize City | 105 | Hummingbird Hwy |
| San Ignacio | 136 | Hummingbird Hwy |
| Orange Walk | 187 | Hummingbird Hwy, Philip Goldson Hwy |
| Corozal | 210 | Hummingbird Hwy, Philip Goldson Hwy |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Belize does not currently have operational railway stations.
4. Stann Creek Port
City Location: Dangriga
Latitude: 16.9706° N
Longitude: 88.2321° W
Stann Creek Port is another vital port located in Dangriga, focusing on serving the export needs of the agricultural sectors in the region. This port is particularly important for the banana and citrus industries, which are prominent in the Stann Creek district. It also supports local fishermen by providing a point of sale and export for seafood. Recent developments at Stann Creek Port aim to expand its cargo handling capacities and improve logistical efficiencies to better serve the growing agricultural sector in Belize.
Nearby Cities:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Placencia | 74 | Southern Hwy |
| Punta Gorda | 111 | Southern Hwy |
| Belmopan | 72 | Hummingbird Hwy |
| Belize City | 104 | Hummingbird Hwy |
| San Ignacio | 135 | Hummingbird Hwy |
| Orange Walk | 186 | Hummingbird Hwy, Philip Goldson Hwy |
| Corozal | 209 | Hummingbird Hwy, Philip Goldson Hwy |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Belize does not currently have operational railway stations.
5. Punta Gorda Port
City Location: Punta Gorda
Latitude: 16.1023° N
Longitude: 88.8100° W
Punta Gorda Port is located in the southernmost town of Punta Gorda and serves primarily as a local fishing and agricultural port. This port is essential for the Toledo district, supporting both the local economy and the livelihoods of indigenous communities. It handles mostly small-scale exports and imports, including traditional crafts, fruits, vegetables, and fish. The port also serves as a departure point for water taxis and small ferries to Guatemala and Honduras, enhancing its role in regional connectivity.
Nearby Cities:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Placencia | 100 | Southern Hwy |
| Dangriga | 110 | Southern Hwy |
| Belmopan | 160 | Southern Hwy |
| Belize City | 190 | Southern Hwy, Hummingbird Hwy |
| San Ignacio | 221 | Southern Hwy, Hummingbird Hwy |
| Orange Walk | 272 | Southern Hwy, Hummingbird Hwy, Philip Goldson Hwy |
| Corozal | 295 | Southern Hwy, Hummingbird Hwy, Philip Goldson Hwy |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Belize does not currently have operational railway stations.
6. San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi Terminal
City Location: Belize City
Latitude: 17.4950° N
Longitude: 88.1886° W
San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi Terminal in Belize City is a critical hub for maritime passenger transportation in Belize, linking the mainland to the islands of Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker. This terminal facilitates significant tourist traffic, making it one of the busiest maritime passenger gateways in the country. The facility is equipped to handle large volumes of passengers with amenities designed for comfort and efficiency, supporting the vibrant tourism industry in Belize.
Nearby Cities:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| San Pedro | 56 (by sea) | Water taxi |
| Belmopan | 81 | George Price Hwy |
| Orange Walk | 53 | Philip Goldson Hwy |
| San Ignacio | 114 | George Price Hwy, Hummingbird Hwy |
| Dangriga | 108 | Hummingbird Hwy |
| Corozal | 107 | Philip Goldson Hwy |
| Punta Gorda | 267 | Southern Hwy |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Belize does not currently have operational railway stations.
7. Caye Caulker Water Taxi Terminal
City Location: Caye Caulker
Latitude: 17.7426° N
Longitude: 88.0252° W
The Caye Caulker Water Taxi Terminal serves as an essential link between Caye Caulker, one of Belize’s most popular tourist destinations, and the mainland. This terminal handles thousands of tourists annually, facilitating easy access to and from Belize City and San Pedro. The terminal supports local businesses and tourism activities on the island by providing reliable and frequent water taxi services, which are vital for the island’s tourism-driven economy.
Nearby Cities:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| San Pedro | 21 (by sea) | Water taxi |
| Belize City | 32 (by sea) | Water taxi |
| Belmopan | 113 | George Price Hwy, then water taxi |
| Orange Walk | 85 | Philip Goldson Hwy, then water taxi |
| San Ignacio | 146 | George Price Hwy, Hummingbird Hwy, then water taxi |
| Dangriga | 140 | Hummingbird Hwy, then water taxi |
| Corozal | 139 | Philip Goldson Hwy, then water taxi |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Belize does not currently have operational railway stations.
8. Independence Port
City Location: Independence
Latitude: 16.5382° N
Longitude: 88.4338° W
Independence Port is a relatively new and growing port facility in southern Belize, primarily serving the agricultural industries of the surrounding areas. This port facilitates the movement of agricultural products, such as citrus fruits and bananas, from the farms to markets locally and internationally. Independence Port is also used for handling some bulk and general cargo. Plans for expansion are underway to increase its capacity and improve logistics and transportation services to support the local economy further.
Nearby Cities:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Placencia | 15 | Local roads |
| Punta Gorda | 105 | Southern Hwy |
| Dangriga | 128 | Southern Hwy |
| Belmopan | 131 | Hummingbird Hwy, Southern Hwy |
| Belize City | 163 | Hummingbird Hwy |
| San Ignacio | 164 | Hummingbird Hwy |
| Orange Walk | 215 | Hummingbird Hwy, Philip Goldson Hwy |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Belize does not currently have operational railway stations.
9. Placencia Marina
City Location: Placencia
Latitude: 16.5134° N
Longitude: 88.3660° W
Placencia Marina is a key facility for nautical tourism in Belize, providing services and amenities for yachts and recreational boats. It supports the thriving tourism sector in Placencia, offering a range of services from boat repairs to docking facilities. The marina is a crucial component of the local economy, driving significant tourist traffic to the area and supporting related businesses such as restaurants, bars, and tour operators.
Nearby Cities:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Punta Gorda | 119 | Southern Hwy |
| Dangriga | 142 | Southern Hwy |
| Belmopan | 145 | Hummingbird Hwy, Southern Hwy |
| Belize City | 177 | Hummingbird Hwy |
| San Ignacio | 178 | Hummingbird Hwy |
| Orange Walk | 229 | Hummingbird Hwy, Philip Goldson Hwy |
| Corozal | 252 | Hummingbird Hwy, Philip Goldson Hwy |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Belize does not currently have operational railway stations.
10. Sarteneja Port
City Location: Sarteneja
Latitude: 18.3559° N
Longitude: 88.1711° W
Sarteneja Port is located in the northern part of Belize and is primarily used by the local fishing community. It is one of the main bases for fishing operations within the region, supporting the livelihoods of many families involved in the fishing industry. The port facilitates the distribution of seafood throughout Belize, playing a critical role in the food supply chain. Additionally, Sarteneja Port supports some ecotourism activities, with tourists visiting to experience its rich marine life and natural beauty.
Nearby Cities:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Orange Walk | 57 | Northern Hwy, local roads |
| Corozal | 70 | Northern Hwy, local roads |
| Belize City | 161 | Northern Hwy, Philip Goldson Hwy |
| Belmopan | 189 | Northern Hwy, Hummingbird Hwy |
| San Ignacio | 222 | Northern Hwy, George Price Hwy, Hummingbird Hwy |
| Punta Gorda | 374 | Northern Hwy, Hummingbird Hwy, Southern Hwy |
| Dangriga | 302 | Northern Hwy, Hummingbird Hwy |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Belize does not currently have operational railway stations.
11. Monkey River Port
City Location: Monkey River Town
Latitude: 16.3529° N
Longitude: 88.4772° W
Monkey River Port is a small port located in southern Belize, primarily serving the local community of Monkey River Town. This port is crucial for the transportation of goods and people to and from the town, which is somewhat isolated from larger cities and towns. It supports the local fishing and small-scale agriculture industries. Monkey River Port also serves as a starting point for eco-tours into the nearby Monkey River and its surrounding rainforest, contributing to the local ecotourism sector.
Nearby Cities:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Punta Gorda | 80 | Local roads, Southern Hwy |
| Dangriga | 103 | Southern Hwy |
| Placencia | 40 | Local roads, Southern Hwy |
| Belmopan | 150 | Southern Hwy, Hummingbird Hwy |
| Belize City | 182 | Southern Hwy, Hummingbird Hwy |
| San Ignacio | 183 | Southern Hwy, Hummingbird Hwy |
| Orange Walk | 234 | Southern Hwy, Hummingbird Hwy, Philip Goldson Hwy |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Belize does not currently have operational railway stations.
12. Barranco Village Port
City Location: Barranco
Latitude: 16.1810° N
Longitude: 88.8177° W
Barranco Village Port, situated in the southernmost village of Barranco, primarily serves the local Garifuna community. It is a small-scale port used for fishing and transportation of local goods such as cassava, fish, and crafts to nearby markets. The port is essential for maintaining the village’s connectivity with other parts of the country, particularly for economic activities and cultural exchanges. Barranco Village Port also supports local tourism, providing access for visitors interested in exploring the unique cultural heritage of the Garifuna.
Nearby Cities:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Punta Gorda | 45 | Local roads, Southern Hwy |
| Dangriga | 220 | Southern Hwy |
| Placencia | 157 | Southern Hwy |
| Belmopan | 267 | Southern Hwy, Hummingbird Hwy |
| Belize City | 299 | Southern Hwy, Hummingbird Hwy |
| San Ignacio | 300 | Southern Hwy, Hummingbird Hwy |
| Orange Walk | 351 | Southern Hwy, Hummingbird Hwy, Philip Goldson Hwy |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Belize does not currently have operational railway stations.
13. Toledo Settlement Port
City Location: Punta Gorda
Latitude: 16.1030° N
Longitude: 88.8090° W
Toledo Settlement Port is another significant port in Punta Gorda, primarily catering to the agricultural sector of the Toledo District. This port facilitates the export of local products such as spices, cacao, and coffee. It is crucial for the economic development of the area, providing farmers and producers direct access to international markets. Toledo Settlement Port also supports local crafts and ecotourism, which are integral to the community’s economy.
Nearby Cities:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Placencia | 100 | Southern Hwy |
| Dangriga | 110 | Southern Hwy |
| Belmopan | 160 | Southern Hwy |
| Belize City | 190 | Southern Hwy, Hummingbird Hwy |
| San Ignacio | 221 | Southern Hwy, Hummingbird Hwy |
| Orange Walk | 272 | Southern Hwy, Hummingbird Hwy, Philip Goldson Hwy |
| Corozal | 295 | Southern Hwy, Hummingbird Hwy, Philip Goldson Hwy |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Belize does not currently have operational railway stations.
14. Mullins River Port
City Location: Mullins River
Latitude: 17.2060° N
Longitude: 88.2931° W
Mullins River Port is a small port located on the Mullins River in central Belize. Primarily used by local fishermen, this port supports the fishing industry of the region. It also serves as a point of transportation for agricultural goods from the surrounding areas to larger markets. The port is essential for the livelihood of the Mullins River community, providing economic opportunities and supporting traditional fishing practices.
Nearby Cities:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Belize City | 50 | Southern Hwy |
| Dangriga | 62 | Southern Hwy |
| Belmopan | 77 | Hummingbird Hwy, Southern Hwy |
| Punta Gorda | 204 | Southern Hwy |
| San Ignacio | 115 | Hummingbird Hwy |
| Orange Walk | 106 | Philip Goldson Hwy, Hummingbird Hwy |
| Corozal | 129 | Philip Goldson Hwy, Hummingbird Hwy |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Belize does not currently have operational railway stations.
15. Copper Bank Port
City Location: Copper Bank
Latitude: 18.3552° N
Longitude: 88.4080° W
Copper Bank Port is a small fishing port in northern Belize, located in the village of Copper Bank. This port is vital for the local fishing community, providing access to fishing grounds and a venue for selling and distributing seafood. It also supports a small amount of tourism, with visitors coming to enjoy the natural beauty and tranquility of the area. The port helps sustain the local economy and is a hub for community activities in Copper Bank.
Nearby Cities:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Orange Walk | 84 | Northern Hwy, local roads |
| Corozal | 37 | Northern Hwy |
| Belize City | 175 | Northern Hwy, Philip Goldson Hwy |
| Belmopan | 203 | Northern Hwy, Hummingbird Hwy |
| San Ignacio | 236 | Northern Hwy, George Price Hwy, Hummingbird Hwy |
| Punta Gorda | 388 | Northern Hwy, Hummingbird Hwy, Southern Hwy |
| Dangriga | 316 | Northern Hwy, Hummingbird Hwy |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Belize does not currently have operational railway stations.