Destinations & Sample Yacht Charter Itineraries
Belize: Central & Southern Itinerary
7-Night Sample Itinerary
Belize marries spectacular waters, hundreds of idyllic islands, and the second 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 conditions for sailing north or south.
Below are highlights of a sample southern itinerary:
Day 1: Bluefield Range
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 to see if you can catch dinner.
Day 2: Tobacco Caye
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, making it a great place to snorkel or dive from the shore. 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.
Day 3: North Long Cocoa Caye
North Long Cocoa is one of our favourite islands as it’s a fisherman and snorkelers mecca, with a maze of sand bars, coral reefs, and deep channels in between. There are some palapa structures over the water that make for a perfect place to enjoy an al-fresco lunch and 9 times out of 10, not a soul to be seen for miles around.
Day 4: Pelican Cayes
This hidden away collection of mangrove islands are surrounded by some of the most impressive coral heads in the country and teem with incredible marine life, making for a great snorkel day. It is also a calm and protected spot for those wanting to paddle board, kayak, or do some dinghy fishing. Furthermore, there is a tiny bar hidden away that runs on solar panels and a generator. It makes for a fun pit stop after a day on the water and, not surprisingly, is called "Hideaway Caye", as if you’d blink, you’d miss it.
Day 5: Carrie Bow & South Water Caye
Journey a short distance to snorkel at Carrie Bow Caye (we call it "The Aquarium") then, time permitting, visit the Smithsonian Institute Field Station located there to learn about their research on the biology, ecology and geology of coral reef ecosystems, and the conservation projects being undertaken (donations welcome), then sail to South Water 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 quarter-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.
Day 6: Rendezvous Caye
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 who come to visit the boats to check on any scraps from the catch of the day.
Day 7: Goff's Caye & Bannister
Sail to Goff’s Caye – one of our favourite islands because it reminds us why postcards were invented. This 2-acre island sits right on the barrier reef so you can snorkel straight from the shore, or simply relax in the water on the sandbar with an icy cold Belikin beer. Sail up to Bannister Bogue, a mangrove collection of islands that are home to manatees, dolphins, multiple bird species and other marine life. Manatees, which are also known as "sea cows" are gentle, slow moving, plant-eating herbivores and their closest living relatives are elephants and aardvarks. They can grow over 13 feet in length and weigh up to 3,500 pounds. Despite being an endangered species, manatees are present in the waters of Belize and can be seen throughout the year. (Please note it is not possible to swim with theManatees and seeing them is not guaranteed).
Day 8: Return to the marina
Enjoy a leisurely sail back to the marina at Old Belize.
Itinerary Notes:
Please note that this sample sailing itinerary is subject to weather conditions, sailing conditions, guest preferences, and the captain's input. The itinerary is planned around an arrival time of noon. The itinerary will be subject to change for later arrivals.
HOME > Destinations & Sample Itineraries > Belize: Central & Southern Itinerary (7 nights)