Which of these ports are tender ports?

[showcat]

Grand Cayman, Costa Maya, and Cozumel? My forth port is Belize and I know that's a tender port. Ugh can't they all build piers?

[nbevins]

This is a tender port--and is a port difficult to get into.2 out of4 cruise there we were not able to tender because of rough seas

[Donna]

Cozumel may be a tender port if there is dock space. They are still re-building piers that got demolished in the last hurricane.

[beenie weenie]

Grand Cayman and Belize are both tender ports. It is possible that you may tender into Cozumel if the pier is full. Costa Maya has a pier. So know for sure you will tender at Belize and Grand Cayman.

[Mike M]

Grand Cayman is surrounded by a large reef. Outside of the reef in Grand Cayman it drops off to around 15,000 ft. The reef protects the island and the underwater wildlife of the island. Also, Grand Cayman isn't a "poor" island that needs tourism.

The second largest natural reef in the world is the Great Maya Reef. It skirts the coast of Belize. It is also a protected reef and Belize will not destroy the reef to allow cruise ships with a 25' draft to get through. Also, there would be a world wide outcry if they did.

So: you not will see tendering to these two ports for a long time to come.

I believe that there should be a balance between commerce and wildlife and it can be done responsibly. However, in these cases I don't see a valid reason to destroy a reef in order to save cruise passengers from a few minutes of tendering.

Take care,
Mike

[showcat]

Ok Mike, Im all about protecting the environment and animal rights so I understand. I didn't know the reason they are tender ports but it makes sense. I don't mind one on a cruise but 3 is a bit much, but I will cope. I love the ports with a pier just walk off the ship. I actually snorkled shark ray alley in Belize before. Other people told me the reef near Belize is badly damaged is that true?

[Mike M]

It is true that the reef near Belize has become more damaged from ships, hurricanes and perhaps, climate change, in recent years, and many groups have banded together to stop the damage. This is one reason that additional piers may not be built in Belize.

The U.N. and the WWF are the two largest organizations working to preserve the reef.

It may change depending on where the dollars go or come from. The cruise lines may kick in dollars for perservation in exchange for a passage through the reef. It's been done before. Who knows it may help.

Take care,
Mike