Public beaches

hello! Am I correct to say that to go to any beach in Belize u would need to book an excursion either through cruise ship or island vendor? If so, good island vendor??

You are semi-correct. There is a manmade public beach in an area called Old Belize. It's called Cucumber Beach, about 15-20 minutes by taxi from tender pier. Used by locals and attached to a local marina.

Look up reviews and threads here for snorkeling excursions and beaches. I also suggest , depending upon the total time you ship is in port, you consider taking a water taxi to Caye Caulker. Cheaper than an excursion, but you're a bit at the mercy of the water taxi. Used to be 2 taxi companies, I think there's only one now.