Sail Belize

Exploring the Islands and Waters of the World's Second-longest Barrier Reef

International charter companies have recognised the growing popularirty of Belize as a destination, supplying a range of excellent boats with service levels equal to anywhere. There are special conditions to be aware of when sailing this region, and we work closely with specialist operators to give you the itinerary that works for you. Ouir more adventorous clients see Belize as a hugely satisfying place to go sailing. 

The coast of Belize and its extensive outer reef comprise one of the world's most unspoilt natural environments. In these pristine waters of the western Caribbean, your sailboat charter gives access to amazing experiences among the cayes, with a rich array of wildlife to observe, all under blue skies in reliable sailing and holiday weather.

English is more widely spoken than most places in Central America (in fact it's the official language), so there's no communication barrier to having fun. Belize locals offer visitors the warmest of welcomes. Restaurants and stores however are few and far between, so you need to be well-provisioned before setting out from base.  

Belize is famous for the barrier reef system it shares with the Yucatan Peninsula, with the Belize section stretching an unbroken 190 miles. The waters on the reef's western side sit over a limestone shelf that results in a relatively shallow expanse: ideal for snorkelling and diving, but with plenty of depths for extensive sailboat cruising.

There are charter boat bases nearby Belize City, the international point of entry, and at Placencia, a 40 minute flight south. The distance between bases makes a seven-day sailing itinerary a choice between visiting northern or southern sections of the string of cayes that line the barrier reef.  

Sailing Conditions in Belize

Prevailing winds in Belize waters clock primarily from northeast to southeast at a consistent 10-20 knots, making for glorious sailing conditions in smooth seas protected by the reef from the open Caribbean. The climate is sub-tropical and the annual temperature averages around 80° F (20º C).

A day's (or less) sail east of the Barrier Reef, the atolls of Turneffe, Lighthouse and Glover are amazing places to visit. The famous Great BlueHole is in this area. To venture outside the reef requires a hired skipper on board, as these waters are not well charted and there are numerous potential hazards. It you'd like to include the outer atolls on your itinerary, talk to us about a crewed charter or skippered bareboat for that part of your sailing vacation.