Belize marries spectacular waters, hundreds of idyllic islands, the 2nd 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 sailing conditions for sailing north or south.
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 and 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, which makes it a great place to snorkel or dive from the shore, plus 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:
Carrie Bow & South Water Caye Journey a short distance to snorkel at Carrie Bow Caye (as 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 Southwater 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 1⁄4 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 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, which makes for a fun pit stop after a day on the water and is not surprisingly called ‘Hideaway Caye’, as if you’d blink, you’d miss it.
Day 5:
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 6:
Drop off in Placencia Enjoy a leisurely sail to Placencia where you will be dropped off to continue your vacation in Belize.
Please note that the sailing itinerary is subject to weather conditions, sailing conditions, guest preferences and the whims and ideas of the captain. The itinerary is planned around an arrival time of noon. The itinerary will be subject to change for later arrivals.
