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Belize offers an exotic brand of chartering, combining the amazing snorkeling and diving of the world's second largest barrier reef, an archipelago with over 200 untouched rainforested islands and atolls, charming towns, friendly people and an Aztec influence.
The experienced charterer will find a rustic brand of sailing that is not as developed as the BVI, with good easterly tradewinds of 15-22 knots and plenty of great destinations stretching from Mexico to Guatemala. The novice will find gentle sailing conditions, and plenty to do both on land and on the shore.
Chartering in Belize
Because of the marvellous snorkelling and scuba diving offered throughout Belize, it is perfectly suited for Catamaran charter, both bareboat and crewed. You can of course charter both monohull sailing boats and motor yachts, but the growing charter trade is investing heavily in catamarans because their shallow draft makes them ideal for sailing through the coral waters. The added comfort, closeness to the water and large sunning and social areas also make them a great choice for Belize charters.
If you like wildlife, diving, and the relaxed Caribbean lifestyle, you'll love Belize. The conditions are rapidly upgrading, but the area is still rustic and underdeveloped. There are no 5 star resorts or fancy clubs, just relaxed lifestyle, with plenty of wildlife (yes including mosquitoes).
Charterers can cruise from the Mexican border on the Yucatan peninsula to the north all the way south to Guatemala, and even sail up the Rio Dulce river to see the gorges, castles and wildlife.
Please note: Bareboating outside the reef is not allowed, because it's not well charted and difficult to return through the dangerous coral heads
A Sample Belize 10 Day Itinerary
Charterers normally arrive Belize City and take a small plane to Ambergris Caye (where the charter port of San Pedro is) - which is quite easy as the commuter planes from Tropic Air and Mayan Air leave every half an hour. The flight takes about 15 mins and is spectacular seeing the crystal clear turquoise water from the sky.
Day 1
Ambergris Caye and the town of San Pedro is predominantly Mexican Spanish and in fact is not a caye at all as it is a 25 mile peninsula extending from the Yucatan and is separated from Mexico by a canal which was dug by the ancient Maya. San Pedro, a town of about 4000 inhabitants, is the only settlement on Ambergris and is a lovely tourist laden area from which an abundance of dive charter operators base. There is an array of hotel accommodations.
Day 2
If you need provisioning, you have plenty of options in San Pedro. You can start at a delectable local bakery on the north side of San Pedro to stock up with sticky buns, meat pies and bread, and then move on to the two grocery stores Super Buy and Island Supermarket. You will also find Lino’s Meat Store, and a cheese shop which offeres great and expensive gourmet cheeses and the excellently stocked Wine de Vine.
Sail 8 miles and anchor in Caye Caulker for the night. Enjoy cocktails ashore in a local bar.
Day 3
Caye Caulker is the island and village which lie about a mile from the reef. Hurricane Hattie in 1961 carved the island in two which now allows boats to pass through to the Caribbean Sea. Caye Caulker is a popular retreat for young international tourists; a relaxed barefoot kind of place with everyone hanging out and doing their own thing. Everyone is warm and friendly. You can buy meats, local meals, breads and pastries on Caye Caulker - try Glenda’s for the baked goodies.
Sail from Caye Caulker towards Colson Caye. Interesting places to stop for the night are Caye Chapel, and St Georges Cay, or continue on to Placencia.
Day 4
Placencia gained it's name from the Huguenots fleeing religious persecution in Europe who tried living in Nova Scotia Canada and then immigrated to Belize in 1740. It is a delightful fishing village of approximately 600 inhabitants located on the tip of a 30 mile long narrow peninsula. It has been modernized a lot in the last 10 years and offers nice coffee shops and an internet cafe.
Day 5
For great diving from Placencia, head to Laughing Bird Caye National Park. You can also go on a Whale Shark Dive (subject to season) on the outer reef which is a highlight for many divers.
Plancencia also has a nice lagoon for kayaking and canoeing.
Day 6
Leave Placencia, heading through the Blue Ground Range for South Water Caye - a small but beautifully maintained caye. International Zoological Expeditions has a study center and accommodations on South Water Caye. You will find some of the best snorkelling in the world here, with a great selection of corals, nurse sharks, lobsters, rays and strikingly colored fish.
Day 7
Head back toward San Pedro, anchoring in any of a number of great coves along the way and try to find a local fisherman to provide you with a final night feast of fresh lobster!
Day 8
Back to San Pedro on Ambergris anchoring in the pristine and crysal clear waters of just off Ramons Village. If you buy a drink at the bar you can swim for free at the unique Aztec pool.
Day 9
A final day of snorkelling, shopping and generally relaxing in the area of San Pedro.
Day 10
Unfortunately, time to pack up and make your way back to the local airstrip for your commuter flight into Belize City and reality!
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