Belize is a perfect blend of Latin America and the Caribbean – an adventurous land where there are landscapes of jungles that meet the sea and the coastline runs the course of no less than 240 miles.
Under the Belizean waters are more than 100 coral species and in excess of 500 differing marine lifeforms, and few dives can compare to the world-famous Great Blue Hole, a mysterious experience through depths down to 350 feet. Move offshore, and you’ll be able to marvel at the 175-mile long barrier reef – a reef so expansive in size that it is second only to the Great Barrier Reef of Australia.
Here, cultures entwine – Belizean, Creole, mestizo, Garifuna and Maya, seamlessly mixing side by side, while history appears eerily alive across the Mayan sites of Altun Ha, Lamani, and Caracol.
Yacht charters in Belize offers hundreds of deserted islands and cays for you to explore, and unsurprisingly, represents one of the most popular of all cruising destinations in the entire Caribbean. Throughout the region, you’ll find endless anchorages and consistently balmy eastern trade winds that provide for calm cruising at between 15 and 22 knots. Passages are swift and short, while being aware of depths, sand bars and the bow are each critical, due to the masses of reefs in the region, in addition to seasonal changes.
Key anchorages
Pelican Cay – allows you to sail into a superbly protected marina, sheltered from winds emerging from every direction. The turquoise waters that surround the Cay are alive with tropical fish, while on-land provides for just as much wildlife to be explored and appreciated.
South Water Cay – easily rivals any other marina or anchorage you may find in the Caribbean for scenery and nearby snorkelling. In addition to pure-white beaches and rows upon rows of palm trees, you’ll also find excellent provisions here.
Twin Cays – is a sheltered anchorage found between two islands, where a river flows between. This serves an excellent alternative to South Water Cay, however, you should take care upon approach, as there are shallow shoals to be aware of.
Exploring the Belize coastline
The Belize coastline is as beautiful as it is diverse, from lively beaches that promise parties set against stunning scenic backdrops, to palm-fringed stretches where solitude and serenity can be sought.
The Split, a narrow channel where the Caye Caulker is divided into two, is perhaps one of the most photographed regions of all coastlines in the world, with crystal clear waters that provide for Belize’s best swimming.
For wildlife lovers, Turneffe Atoll is an all year draw, 30 miles in length and 10 miles in width, this region teams with coral, fish and rays.
The Cayes, a chain of islands, provide for the perfect barrier against the ocean swell – and creates a utopia for snorkelers and divers. Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker prove the most popular, although Tobacco Caye is fast catching up. Such variety and amazing experinces during your Belize yacht charter.
Belize ashore
Belize remains a destination easily one of the richest regions on planet earth for biodiversity. The landscape of Belize features vast swathes of jungles in the southern and western regions, national parks and wildlife sanctuaries – dense lush paradises for the island’s native wildlife, ranging from cutter ants to the eccentric Baird’s tapir and onto the reclusive jaguar. Such is the diversity of wildlife here that species number more than 570 – demanding a quality pair of binoculars and at least several hours of hiking.
Spend a day touring – travelling from the ruins of Tikal to Xunantunich and onwards to the Altun Ha Mayan Site. After all, no holiday experience in Belize would be complete without following in the footsteps of the island’s most ancient people – the Mayans.
Go caving – swimming into the enigmatic passageways and caverns of the Actun Tunichil Muknal cave.
Visit the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, in Ambergris Caye, which covers nearly eight square miles – inviting visitors into a cut through the reef (known as ‘quebrada’).
Yacht charters in Belize, is a sailing holiday combined with time ashore that will make for an unforgettable dream yachting experience. What are you waiting for?