Sailing vacations in Belize

Sailing vacations in Belize

The Ultimate Guide to Belize Yacht Charters

A yacht charter guide that has everything you need to know about your next sailing vacations in Belize.
 

Enjoy exploring the 300-kilometer long barrier reef reserve system, which is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Want to know more? Keep reading…

If you are familiar with the Belize sailing holidays and want to look at boat options for your next yacht charter, then skip to: Request a Tailor-made Quote

Let’s get started.
 


Sailing Holidays in Belize...at a glance

Imagine yourself in a tropical paradise, sailing from cay to cay, soaking up the sunshine on your yacht charter Belize

With a beautifully unique and varied terrain and culture, there is something for everyone in Belize.

Here you’ll find some of the world’s best snorkeling and scuba diving spots as the reef is home to an impressive aquatic ecosystem. 

While you are sailing in Belize, make sure to visit the:
 

  • Glover’s Reef Marine Reserve, 
  • South Water Caye Marine Reserve, 
  • the Blue Hole Natural Monument, and 
  • the three atolls: Glover’s Reef, Lighthouse Reef, and Turneffe.

On land, you’ll find a wonderful mix of diversity, as Belize has connections to Creole, Mestizo, Garifuna, Mayan, European, Middle Eastern, and Asian cultures. 

While you enjoy the food, music, and people, you’ll notice how all of these cultures have fused together to make Belize the interesting place it is.  

Best time to charter a yacht in Belize & weather conditions

During your yacht charter Belize, you can expect magnificent weather

Temperatures hover around 80ºF since Belize is in a subtropical climate. 

The best time for sailing in Belize is between June-November

If you’d like to skip the crowds, visit during late May and early June. 

The wet season occurs in June through November. 

With southeast trade winds blowing on average 10-13 knots, Belize has top-notch sailing conditions. Then within the barrier reef, you have minimal waves! 

Where to start sailing Belize & how to get there

Start your Belize sailing vacations by flying into Philip Goldson Airport. All international flights fly into Belize City. 

Once you are in Belize, you can take a connecting domestic flight to the Placencia Airport (PLJ), with Tropic Air and Maya Island Air. 

These flights are scheduled at least 5 times a day and it takes about 35 minutes. 

You can also get to Placencia via bus, or by car. The bus is a very cost-effect option. There are two buses that go to Placencia daily, and it takes about 3 hours to get there. Before you know it, you’ll be sailing in Belize! 

Transfer time from Placencia Airport to base: 5 minutes by car

Charters start from Robert's Grove Marina in Placencia.

Belize Boating Holiday Tips

For currency, Belize uses the Belize dollar. You will find that credit cards are accepted in the main locations, and ATMs are very accessible. 

For sailing in Belize, you do not need a license. However, a yacht charter Belize does require you to obtain a temporary Certificate of Competency for any bareboat charters. This will be issued by the Belize Port Authority, and you can learn more here. Your charter broker will help you gather what you need for the application. 

There are also some restrictions when sailing in Belize. 

For example - on bareboat charters, you must remain in the barrier reef. Outside the reef, you are required to have a local skipper. When sailing in the reef, be careful not to damage the reef. 

Also, night sailing is not allowed for everyone. The base manager will make that decision on a case by case experience, depending on skill level. 

For all people without approval for night sailing, boats must be moored at least 1 hour prior to sunset.

For mooring, there are lots of mooring buoys you can use, but be prepared to pay a fee to the marine parks of about $10/per day/person.

For provisioning on your Belize sailing vacations, there are supermarkets in Placencia village. If needed, Yacht4Less can arrange for provisioning to be delivered directly to your yacht! Ask your charter broker about provisioning today! 

Ready to rent a boat in Belize? Request a Tailor-made Quote

Recommended 7-day Sailing Itinerary in Belize


⚓ Day 1. Robert's Grove Marina, Placencia

⚓ Day 2. Whipray Caye

⚓ Day 3. South Water Caye

⚓ Day 4. Coco Plum Caye

⚓ Day 5. Lagoon Caye

⚓ Day 6. Hatchet Caye

⚓ Day 7. Lark Caye

⚓ Day 7. Robert's Grove Marina, Placencia

 

Prices: How much does it cost to charter a yacht in Belize?

It depends. For example, the most important ones are the type of boat you will choose and whether you require a professional crew on board (e.g. skipper, hostess or cook). So, as you can see, there are many factors that can shape a price for a boat rental.

Check our full guide about yacht charter cost and how you can save much money in your next sailing holidays.

Alternative sailing destinations nearby

Sailing holidays in Mexico

Sailing holidays in Brazil

Sailing holidays in the US

 

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