A Belize sailing charter offers something increasingly rare in today’s cruising world: solitude. With hundreds of cayes, vast stretches of protected water behind the Belize Barrier Reef, and relatively few boats, Belize delivers an off-the-grid sailing experience filled with exceptional snorkeling, wildlife encounters, and uncrowded anchorages.
“Plenty of cayes for exploring,” says Pacôme Touzé, manager of the Belize Dream Yacht Charter base, an operation housed in a rustic hardwood cabin in the southern reaches of this Central American country. He points at the chart, describing anchorages with his delightful French accent. “Four hundred fifty cayes.”
I ask him about marinas or mooring balls. He shrugs his shoulders insouciantly.
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“You will mostly be anchoring – anchorages you’ll share with with no one. Cayes: oui. Marinas: non.”
After the bareboat charter briefing my friend (and crew member) Ed North and I stroll back to “Cavok”, our chartered Lagoon 421. “Solitude,” says Ed, sighing contentedly.
“Far from the madding crowd,” I say.
It is, in retrospect, an overwhelming understatement.
A FABULOUS FLOAT PLAN
The Dream Yacht Charter briefing is a metaphor for the Belize sailing experience. Three people present: Pacôme, Ed and me.
Pacôme showers us with information. Ed looks on, smitten. I take notes furiously.
“Nice snorkeling around Lagoon Caye,” says Pacôme. “Very pretty – and secluded mangrove lagoon inside. Might see some manatees.”
Lagoon Caye is the first waypoint in a fabulous float plan. But for a cabin cruiser tucked inside because its draft is minimal and a couple of bone-fisherman who stop to say ‘hi’ mid-afternoon, we own the place.
Think perfect sunsets with distant blue mountains for a backdrop. Cold Belikin beers for Ed and I. Chilled wine over dinner for my wife Sharon and Kim, Ed’s wife.
Pacôme has armed us with a cornucopia of appealing waypoints and passages, though we end up modifying our float plan with the best of intentions.
First day out, en route to Lagoon Caye, our sails are taut in fifteen knots of wind.
An hour in, Ed indicates the chartplotter. “’Unsurveyed area. (Use caution).’ ‘Numerous coral heads. (Dangerous’).”
Sailing conditions for a Belize charter aren’t particularly challenging, partly because the barrier reef system – one-hundred-eighty-five miles long – mostly protects you from big seas. But that system comes with its own hazards. A constant lookout underway is crucial.
Then again, sometimes those reefs bring unexpected delights.
One day we hug the reef north from Southwater Caye before dropping the hook to dinghy over for a snorkel.
Four feet of water. Conch, a curious lobster, amazing coral and fish.
Two days later at Pelican Cayes we snorkel mere yards from an uninhabited beach.
Fan coral, elkhorn, brain coral. Gardens of coral. Forests of coral.
That night over dinner Kim waxes enthusiastic.
“Needlefish, butterfly fish, parrotfish, a manta ray, scores of sergeant-major fish.”
Dinner itself is an equal delight. The Hideaway, run by Kim and Dustin Ingersoll, must be one of the world’s most secluded restaurants.
Rum punches served on handmade wooden tables. Conch and shrimp and snapper Dustin caught today. Dining in an open-air hardwood building beneath a thatched roof.
Plan A next morning was to be an early start, making for a more distant caye Touzé had recommended back at the Dream Yacht Charter briefing.
We opt instead for a less ambitious waypoint. We’re staying here for just one more snorkel.
After that we will make for a town named ‘Pleasant.’
A TOWN NAMED ‘PLEASANT’
Given our desire for ‘course made good’ at the start of our charter, we’d given short shrift to this resort town near the Dream Yacht Charter base.
Now, on our last full day, we decide to rectify that. Tonight we’ll overnight off Placencia.
‘Placencia’ basically means ‘pleasant place.’ How could we resist?
We arrive, after a great day of sailing, late in the afternoon.
Next morning we dinghy in and explore one walkway that runs beside a pristine beach for roughly a mile, populated by several restaurants, dive shops, an art gallery, turquoise-painted Barefoot Beach Bar.
We have to meet Pacôme late that day to refuel and debrief back at the Dream Yacht Charter base around the corner so we while away several delightful hours at the Barefoot.
Think sun, sea, sand and some Mango Piña Coladas.
When we dropped anchor yesterday a dolphin broke the surface, splashing around “Cavok” before disappearing.
It was a perfect introduction to a town named Pleasant.
FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD
Back on the docks on our last evening in Belize we dine aboard, clearing out provisions, downing the last remaining Belikin beers, replaying trip highlights in the cockpit of “Cavok”.
“The dolphins off Maho, that one that came up when we anchored off Placencia,” says Kim.
“Those pelicans skimming the water at Lagoon,” says Sharon.
“The snorkeling. All these cayes,” says Ed.
“The run to Coco Plum,” I add. “Full day under sail and we see five boats.”
Three dolphins. Thirty pelicans. Four hundred fifty cayes. Five boats.
We’ve been bareboating Belize. Far from the madding crowd.
A Fabulous Float Plan
To ensure your float plan is fabulous – from an introduction to the Dream Yacht Charter fleet to chartering options to suggested itineraries – click on www.dreamyachtcharter.com/destination/belize/
For more information on the unspoiled paradise that is Belize check out www.TravelBelize.org
Frequently Asked Questions About Sailing in Belize
Is Belize a good destination for a sailing charter?
Yes. Belize offers protected cruising behind the world’s second-largest barrier reef, hundreds of islands and cayes to explore, excellent snorkeling, abundant marine life, and a level of solitude that is increasingly difficult to find elsewhere in the Caribbean.
What makes Belize different from other Caribbean charter destinations?
Unlike many Caribbean charter destinations, Belize has very few marinas and relatively little charter traffic. Most nights are spent at anchor, often with few or no neighboring boats nearby.
How many islands are there in Belize?
Belize is home to approximately 450 cayes scattered along its coastline and barrier reef system, creating endless opportunities for exploration.
Is sailing in Belize difficult?
The sailing itself is generally straightforward thanks to the protection offered by the barrier reef. However, sailors must remain vigilant for coral heads, shallow areas, and sections marked as unsurveyed.
What is the Belize Barrier Reef?
The Belize Barrier Reef stretches roughly 185 miles and is the second-largest barrier reef system in the world. It protects much of the cruising area from large ocean swells while providing exceptional snorkeling and diving opportunities.
Is snorkeling good in Belize?
Excellent. Belize is widely regarded as one of the best snorkeling destinations in the Caribbean, with healthy coral reefs, abundant tropical fish, rays, lobsters, conch, and occasional encounters with larger marine life.
Can you see wildlife while sailing in Belize?
Yes. Common sightings include dolphins, pelicans, frigate birds, manatees, rays, sea turtles, and a wide variety of reef fish.
What is Placencia known for?
Placencia is a laid-back beach town known for its walkable beachfront, restaurants, bars, dive shops, and relaxed atmosphere. It serves as a popular starting point for many Belize yacht charters.
Are there many marinas in Belize?
No. Most charter itineraries rely on anchoring rather than marina stays. This contributes to Belize’s reputation as a destination for sailors seeking quiet anchorages and natural surroundings.
Who should consider a Belize charter?
Belize is ideal for sailors who enjoy snorkeling, wildlife, remote destinations, and a slower pace. It appeals particularly to cruisers seeking nature and solitude rather than nightlife or crowded harbors.
What This Means
Belize offers a sailing experience that feels increasingly rare.
Hundreds of cayes provide endless exploration
The barrier reef creates world-class snorkeling
Anchorages are often uncrowded or completely empty
Wildlife encounters are a daily occurrence
For sailors seeking space, solitude, and natural beauty, Belize may be one of the Caribbean’s most rewarding charter destinations.
Mark Stevens has written for ALL AT SEA since 2011.
