Destinations & Sample Yacht Charter Itineraries
Belize: Central, Glovers & 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: Southwest Caye, Glovers
Glovers Reef, the southernmost atoll, is a minefield of patch corals and epic marine life, with a scattering of tiny islands that sit on the outer reef. Southwest Caye makes for a great anchorage as there is a huge uninhabited, perfect white beach with a backdrop of coconut trees (it was once a plantation). Since it sits on the lee side of the island, there isn’t a spec of ocean debris; just a few fallen coconuts and spotless white sand. The island is split in two, the northern portion is home to Mirasol Dive Resort where you are welcome to explore and enjoy a refreshing cocktail in their over-the-water wooden bar.
Day 4: Middle Caye, Glovers
Spend the morning snorkeling or arrange a dive with Mirasol Dive Shop. Being a designated National Marine Reserve and World Heritage Site, there are approximately 700 pristine patch reefs brimming with the richest variety of marine life in the Caribbean. Snorkelers and divers alike are enchanted by the vast and endless spectrum of sea life here. Cruise up to Middle Caye, a wilderness zone with a marine research station run by the Wildlife Conservation Society which is open for visitors to explore.There are some interesting displays explaining the ecology of the atoll and T-shirts for sale to support the conservation efforts. Take a walk down "hermit crab alley" and look out for the resident Ospreys!
Day 5: Long Caye & Sittee River
After an early morning of snorkelling we can visit Long Caye, home to Off The Wall Dive Resort, a remote, secluded, environmentally friendly, and privately-owned island paradise. Visitors are welcome to explore and learn about their leading eco-practices. Stop by their gift shop which has some of the most authentic and boutiquey treasures in Belize. The island is also home to Slickrock Belize Adventures, a watersports haven where it is possible to arrange kiteboarding lessons or scuba diving, subject to availability.
Spend the early afternoon journeying to Sittee River. Meander up the Sittee River, where the contrast from ocean to jungle and river is breathtaking. Explore the sleepy seaside village of Hopkins which has rich, cultural roots with the "Garifuna" population. After dark, venture into the bioluminescent lagoon, which lights up like a cosmic bath of stars as you glide through the waters – a once in a lifetime experience.
Day 6: South Water Caye
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 7: 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 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.
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