Belize
Belize Yacht Charter Guide
Belize is a yachting haven boasting a 240-mile coastline and over 400 islands and cays scattered across the Caribbean. Hugging the eastern shore of Central America, between Guatemala and Mexico, this water wonderland is home to the UNESCO-protected Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second-largest reef system in the world, teeming with over 500 fish species. Both on the water and ashore, a yacht charter in Belize offers a kaleidoscope of natural beauty. Untouched by mass tourism, there are plenty of secluded beaches, hidden cenotes, and remote anchorages to discover. The underwater world here offers a variety of diving and snorkeling opportunities, with some of the clearest conditions across the Caribbean. Whether you spend time venturing into the jungle-clad interior with howler monkeys, opening up the yacht’s toy box in the crystal-clear waters, or visiting Mayan ruins, Belize offers an unforgettable off-the-beaten-path Caribbean yacht itinerary.
Best Time To Visit: The dry season, with pleasant temperatures, runs from December to April. March presents the best opportunity to dive with whale sharks.
Key Cruising Areas: For idyllic cruising with unparalleled scenery and adventures, cruise from Goff’s Cay and Turneffe Atoll in the north down to the lesser-visited southern islands of Tobacco Caye and South Water Caye and explore the sandy peninsula of Placencia.
Don’t Miss: Dive into the world’s largest sinkhole: The Blue Hole. Best accessed by yacht, it is located near the Lighthouse Reef and is 1000 feet deep. This natural wonder is known as one of the top diving spots, but it can also be appreciated from above during an arranged helicopter tour.
Best Spots for Wining and Dining: Enjoy farm-to-table dining in an idyllic beachfront location at Maya Beach Hotel on the Placencia Peninsula. The menu features Italy-inspired, Belize-based dishes.
Best Local Dish: The owner of Elvi’s Kitchen at Ambergris Caye has been serving classic Belize-style food for almost 40 years; head here for some authentic Belizian cooking.
Local Culture: Home to historically significant and well-reserved Mayan ruins, while in Belize City, visit Xynantunich, the first Mayan site open to visitors.
Best Beach: A tiny island west of Placencia, Ranguana Caye is a private resort with the perfect sandy beach for relaxing. Keep your eyes peeled for sea turtles nesting here.
IYC recommends: Enjoy rendezvous scuba diving from the yacht with local divers to explore the incredibly visible waters of the barrier reef at Lagoon Caye. Then, enjoy a beachside lunch set up in the Queen Caye anchorage of freshly caught fish that the chef prepares on the barbecue.
More To Explore
Located on the eastern coast of Central America within the Caribbean is Belize. Just south of Mexico and flanked by Guatemala, this unique destination is perfect for a luxury yacht charter this winter. Away from the crowded Caribbean destinations, Belize, which is fascinating both above and below sea level, offers an extraordinary experience. Carrie Freeman, Charter Consultant, visited Belize last year with BOAT International and the Belize Tourism Authority, getting an insight firsthand on what the country has to offer, and says: "Belize offers a balance between spectacular, stunning waters with amazing diving and incredible land excursions with a rich cultural history." "As we said on the trip, everything was unBelizeable, from visiting cocoa plants to charming seaside towns to exploring Mayan ruins, rainforest adventures, and cruising up the rivers!” With its dry season from December to May, it presents the perfect winter yacht charter destination. Here are some of the top reasons why you should visit:
Some of the Caribbean’s most beautiful beaches can’t be reached by road, map, or even chance. The best ones are revealed to those who arrive by yacht or tender. For yacht guests, finding these beaches is the ultimate luxury, with hidden bays and untouched sandbanks far from the crowds. Here are IYC's top ten favorite Caribbean beaches which can only be accessed by yacht:
Imagine stepping straight from the deck and plunging into the underwater world without dealing with the equipment or logistics that come with scuba diving. When diving from a luxury yacht charter, that’s exactly what can happen.A yacht charter opens the door to a whole host of diving opportunities. Whether drifting alongside abundant marine life, exploring vibrant reefs and intriguing shipwrecks, or navigating technical cave systems, there are countless worldwide scuba diving destinations to enjoy on a yacht charter.No matter if it’s your first foray into the sport or you are looking for an exciting challenge, diving can be enjoyed by a range of abilities. As well as the convenience factor, you will also benefit from personalized touches and a comfort level adjusted to you and your group when diving. You may opt for a completely dive-focused itinerary for the week or dives that accompany other water- and shore-based adventures. The beauty of a yacht charter is that flexibility remains key. So, if you are considering adding scuba diving to your next yacht charter itinerary, here is everything you should know about how to get under the hull: