Santo Tomas de Castilla, Izabal, Guatemala
Guatemala's busiest Caribbean port is an industrial workhorse — but step beyond the gates and you're in a world of ancient stelae, Afro-Caribbean rhythms, and river canyons draped in jungle.
Guatemala's busiest Caribbean port is an industrial workhorse — but step beyond the gates and you're in a world of ancient stelae, Afro-Caribbean rhythms, and river canyons draped in jungle.
Ships dock directly at a secure commercial pier; a short walk or trolley ride reaches the air-conditioned cruise terminal.
💡 Pro move: US dollars (crisp, unmarked bills) are accepted everywhere; avoid torn or written-on notes, which are often refused.
Santo Tomas is Guatemala's main commercial port — ships dock at a dedicated cruise berth inside the working port.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| Holland America, Norwegian, Regent, Oceania, most lines | Berth 1, Santo Tomas de Castilla cruise terminal📍 | Docked |
The real draw is what lies beyond the port gates — a UNESCO Mayan site, a boat-access Garifuna town, and a wild river canyon.
Home to the tallest carved Mayan stelae ever found — some over 10 metres — this compact but remarkable 8th-century site punches far above its size. Inscriptions describe celestial events and royal history in extraordinary detail.
Find Quiriguá tours →Accessible only by boat (~45 min), Livingston is the heartland of Guatemala's Garifuna people — descendants of shipwrecked Africans and indigenous Caribs. Expect punta music, brilliantly painted wooden houses, and the best tapado in the country.
Find Livingston boat tours →A 300-foot limestone canyon smothered in jungle vines, with thermal springs bubbling out of the cliff face — the boat ride from the river mouth to Castillo de San Felipe is one of Central America's most scenic. Look for manatees and tropical birds.
Find Río Dulce tours →Just 20 minutes from port, this reserve in the Cerro San Gil mountains offers well-maintained jungle trails leading to natural rock pools and small waterfalls — ideal for active passengers who want nature without the long drive.
Find rainforest tours →A resort 15 minutes from port offering pools, water slides, a beach area, and restaurants — the easiest beach day option near the port.
Find beach day tours →The port itself is industrial with no walkable sights; the only practical walk-to option is a taxi to Puerto Barrios.
The terminal building has a solid craft market with Guatemalan jade, hand-woven textiles (huipiles), wood carvings, coffee, and Ron Zacapa rum. A relaxed way to spend an hour if you're not heading on an excursion.
📍 Open in MapsThe neighbouring town of Puerto Barrios is a working Guatemalan port city — chaotic and authentic. The Mercado Municipal is worth a wander for local colour and fresh produce, though it's not set up for tourists. Stay aware of your belongings.
🗺️ See full route in Maps →Climate normals for Santo Tomas de Castilla, Izabal, Guatemala (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 77°F / 25°C | 68°F / 20°C | 19 | 6:24 AM | 5:42 PM |
| Feb | 80°F / 27°C | 68°F / 20°C | 15 | 6:19 AM | 5:57 PM |
| Mar | 83°F / 28°C | 70°F / 21°C | 16 | 6:01 AM | 6:04 PM |
| Apr | 87°F / 31°C | 72°F / 22°C | 13 | 5:39 AM | 6:08 PM |
| May | 87°F / 31°C | 74°F / 23°C | 22 | 5:25 AM | 6:16 PM |
| Jun | 85°F / 29°C | 74°F / 23°C | 28 | 5:23 AM | 6:26 PM |
| Jul | 84°F / 29°C | 74°F / 23°C | 28 | 5:31 AM | 6:28 PM |
| Aug | 85°F / 29°C | 74°F / 23°C | 28 | 5:39 AM | 6:17 PM |
| Sep | 85°F / 29°C | 74°F / 23°C | 28 | 5:42 AM | 5:55 PM |
| Oct | 83°F / 28°C | 73°F / 23°C | 26 | 5:46 AM | 5:33 PM |
| Nov | 80°F / 27°C | 71°F / 22°C | 24 | 5:56 AM | 5:20 PM |
| Dec | 79°F / 26°C | 69°F / 21°C | 20 | 6:13 AM | 5:25 PM |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
Upcoming cruises that call at Santo Tomas de Castilla, Izabal, Guatemala. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.