Belize Yacht Charters
Sample Itinerary
Belize marries spectacular waters, hundreds of idyllic islands, the 2nd largest barrier reef in the world with a fascinating, culturally rich heritage. Still relatively undiscovered as a sailing destination, anchorages are so quiet you may only see a handful of boats in a more popular location and there are myriad islands to explore. The trade winds typically blow in from the east, ensuring the ultimate sailing conditions for sailing north or south.
This is a great example of a 7 nights Central, Glovers & Southern Itinerary:
For a 7 night Northern & Central Itinerary, Click Here.
After a welcome orientation and safety briefing, you will sail to to Bluefield Range. Bluefield Range is a mangrove cluster teeming with wildlife which makes for a fantastic kayaking destination. Kayak through the tiny channels, look out for manatees and even take some bait and a fishing line and see if you can catch dinner.
As the sun comes up over the barrier reef you will be sailing south to Tobacco Caye. Tobacco Caye is a 5-acre palm-fringed coral island perched on the barrier reef, which makes it a great place to snorkel or dive from the shore, plus its central location means it is within 10 minutes by boat to some of the best snorkel sites in all of Belize. There are a couple of small laid-back resorts and a tiny beach bar serving fresh coconut water and icy cold rum cocktails with hammocks to lounge in. 39 local islanders call this rock their home and it’s a great place to learn about their way of remote island life.
The southernmost Atoll, Glovers Reef is a minefield of patch corals and epic marine life, with a scattering of tiny islands that sit on the outer reef. Southwest Caye makes for a great anchorage as there a huge uninhabited perfect white beach with a backdrop of coconut trees (it was once a plantation) and since it sits on the lee side of the island, there isn’t a spec of ocean debris, just a few fallen coconuts and spotless white sand. The island is split in two, the northern portion is home to Mirasol Dive Resort where you are welcome to explore and enjoy a refreshing cocktail in their over the water wooden bar.
Spend the morning snorkeling (or diving can be arranged with Mirasol Dive Shop). Being a designated National Marine Reserve and World Heritage Site, there are approximately 700 pristine patch reefs brimming with the richest variety of marine life in the Caribbean –Snorkelers and divers alike are enchanted by the vast and endless spectrum of sea life here. Cruise up to Middle Caye, a wilderness zone with a marine research station run by the Wildlife Conservation Society open for visitors to explore. There are some interesting displays explaining the ecology of the Atoll and T-shirts for sale to support the conservation efforts. Take a walk down “hermit crab alley” and look out for the resident Ospreys!
After an early morning of snorkeling we can visit Long Caye, home to Off The Wall Dive Resort, a remote, secluded, environmentally friendly, and privately owned island paradise. Visitors are welcome to explore and learn about their leading eco-practices and call in at their gift shop, which has some of the most authentic and boutiquey treasures in Belize. The island is also home to Slickrock Belize Adventures, a watersports haven – it is possible to arrange kiteboarding lessons or scuba diving, subject to their capacity.
Spend the early afternoon journeying to Sittee River.
Meander up the Sittee River, where the contrast from ocean to jungle and river is breathtaking. It is possible to explore the sleepy seaside village of Hopkins in the afternoon, which has rich cultural routes with the ‘Garifuna’ population. After dark, venture into the Bioluminescent lagoon, which lights up like a cosmic bath of stars as you glide through the waters, a once in a lifetime experience!
Sail to Southwater Caye – a pristine 12 acre private island that is one of the most beautiful and exclusive islands in Belize. South Water Caye sits on the reef on the north side of South Water Cut, which is a 1⁄4 mile wide gap in the reef. Grunts, black groupers, snappers and moray eels all hide out in the overhangs and make for a spectacular snorkeling experience. Head to the Blue Marlin Lodge, one of our favourite little bars in all of Belize for an icy cold Belikin Beer and a game of billiards, or watch the pelicans gather as the fishermen return and clean their catch.
Rendezvous Caye is a tiny private island located right on the Belize barrier reef, with a collection of palapa shades, beach loungers and hammocks, the perfect place to relax or enjoy a beach picnic. You can snorkel along the deep water wall right from the shore and experience the contrast of deep sea and shallows of the corals. Look out for the graceful spotted eagle rays, there are several who come to visit the boats to check on any scraps from the catch of the day!
Enjoy a leisurely back to the marina at Old Belize.