St. John’s Cathedral Tours

St. John’s Cathedral dates back to the early 1800s and is the oldest Anglican church in Central America. The cathedral, located in Belize City, is known not only as a house of worship, but also as a symbol of Belize’s colonial past. It was built by slaves with bricks brought to the country as ballast in ships from Europe.
The Basics
The cathedral was built by slave labor over a period of eight years, when colonial empires were fighting over control of what was then known as British Honduras. Despite its humble facade, this little Anglican church is the only place outside of England where kings were crowned by the British. Four kings of the Indian Miskito tribe, which inhabited the Mosquito coast, were coronated with British ceremonial pomp that rivaled the royal ceremonies of London. This was part of an effort by the British to keep the tribe on their good side and protect power, land, and wealth from Spanish rivals.
Today, with a visit to the cathedral, you can delve into some unique royal history and admire the beautiful stained glass windows, mahogany pews, and antique organ. Tours of Belize City typically include a stop at the cathedral.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The pews and interior structure are made from local hardwoods like mahogany and sapodilla.
- Adjacent to the cathedral is Yarborough Cemetery, the oldest colonial-era cemetery in Belize.
- In 2018, a team completed a restoration project of the church, fixing broken windows and other damaged parts.
How to Get There
St. John’s Cathedral can be found at the intersection of Regent Street and Albert Street, right across the street from the House of Culture. Located in the heart of the city, St. John’s is an easy 10-minute walk from the Swing Bridge. It’s a 30-minute drive from the Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport.
When to Get There
The church is open daily and free to enter. Religious services are still performed, with many locals attending mass on Sunday. During holidays, such as Christmas, the church is adorned with festive decorations. Overall, the best time to visit Belize City is between late November and mid-April during the country’s dry season; this means better weather but more tourists.
Altun Ha
Some excursions combine a city tour with a trip to Altun Ha, the ruins of an ancient Maya city. The central area of this archaeological site has more than 500 historic structures, mostly built during the Maya Classic era (AD 200 to 900). The easiest way to get here is to join a tour in Belize City, Crooked Tree, or another nearby city.
Address: Intersection of Regent Street and Albert Street, Belize City, Belize
4 Tours and Activities to Experience St. John’s Cathedral
Sort by:Featured

Private Altun Ha and Belize City Tour
20
Explore Belize’s vibrant culture and fascinating history with a 5-hour private tour of Altun Ha and Belize City. Follow your guide through the ancient Maya city’s towering pyramids as you learn the story behind this important site, and see the precious jade artifacts excavated from royal tombs. Return to the recent past in Belize City, and pass by an historic swing bridge and stately British homes that are a remarkable contrast with the city’s colorful and bustling modern life.
…More
From
$132.00
Price varies by group size
From
$132.00
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
Learn More

Belize City and Reef Helicopter Tour
Take in a stunning, bird’s-eye view of Belize City and the surrounding reefs and islands on this 30-minute helicopter tour. Enjoy an aerial perspective and guided narration of Belize City highlights, including the Swing Bridge, Tourism Village, and St. John’s Cathedral. Fly over the coastline and the aquamarine waters of the Caribbean, where you can marvel at the many islands just off shore and get a sweeping view of waves cresting over the second-largest barrier reef in the world.
…More
From
$426.67
Price varies by group size
From
$426.67
Price varies by group size

Belize City Extended Tour
4
Experience the pulse of Belize City with this guided tour. You'll learn about local art and history at the Museum of Belize (housed in an old prison), see the beautiful St John's Cathedral, visit the Baron Bliss lighthouse, and have time left over to try out street food or go shopping downtown.
…More
From
$75.00
From
$75.00

Jungle Jeep Adventure from Belize City
6
Feel your adrenaline levels surge on a half-day jungle shore excursion from Belize City. In a powerful 4WD, you’ll enjoy a concise tour of Belize City’s vibrant streets and delve into the atmospheric greenery of the Belizean jungle to observe fascinating flora and fauna. Explore hidden caves, marvel at crystalline rock formations and scour the scenery for rare wildlife as you listen to informative commentary from your guide. Revitalize with a delicious lunch, accompanied by beverages, and enjoy round-trip transport from your Belize City cruise terminal.
…More
From
$133.34
From
$133.34
Things to do near Belize City
- Things to do in Ambergris Caye
- Things to do in Hopkins
- Things to do in San Ignacio
- Things to do in Placencia
- Things to do in Flores
- Things to do in Roatan
- Things to do in San Pedro Sula
- Things to do in Tulum
- Things to do in Cozumel
- Things to do in Playa del Carmen
- Things to do in Panajachel
- Things to do in San Pedro La Laguna
- Things to do in The Cayes
- Things to do in Petén
- Things to do in Riviera Maya & the Yucatan