Belize stop on a cruise ship???

We'll be stopping for 8 hours in Belize on our cruise with Royal Caribbean. Would like some suggestions for the best thing to do??? Also, should we book through the cruise ship (which is typically very expensive) or is it safe to book with another vender?

Thanks,
BW6850

Cruise ship passengers come ashore at the Tourist Village in Belize City -- the Village is like a small shopping mall.

If you go outside the Village, local tour guides will be waiting somewhere nearby. They will have placards showing the tours they offer, so wander around and talk to a few before deciding. Also, check that they are licensed tour guides (a requirement), and check the condition of their vehicle if possible.

I can't say what's "best" for you, but some ideas are the Zoo, ziplining, airboat rides, tubing, snorkelling, museums, Mayan sites...

I think cave tubing is still the most popular cruise ship day tour, followed by snorkeling and probably a visit to Altun Ha Maya site.

Several of the local tour companies that specialize in cruise ship tours have web sites -- just Google them. The cruising forums often have comments, pro and con, about the various companies. Probably worth checking them out.

Belize City can be interesting but for many people it is not a good introduction to Belize.

Book some type of an excursion or stay on the boat. If you take #2's advice or stay in the tourist village you will say what the cruisers I met wandering around there said i.e. "what the HELL am I doing in this **hole??!!".....I had no answer for them...

Thanks everyone for all of your suggestions. I'm reading some reviews and I'm sure one of your suggestions will turn out to be a lot of fun.

Thanks again,
BW6850

You can always take a speed boat to visit caye caulker for the day. It takes an hr to reach the island, and boat leaves from where you get in from the cruise liner. Personally, nothing to do in belize city. We went to the zoo, but that's about it.