Reasons Why You Should Charter A Yacht In Belize This Winter
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:
Endless Beautiful Beaches
Belize's 240-mile coastline is peppered with over 400 islands and coral atolls. A yacht charter here gives you the ultimate freedom to island hop and discover the incredible beaches and anchorages at your own pace. "The number one benefit with Belize is that it is a new and relatively undiscovered area as far as the yachting community goes," says Freeman.
There are many untouched areas to explore, fringed with tranquil, postcard-perfect beaches. Some favorite examples include Goff's Cay, Turneffe Atoll, Tobacco Caye and South Water Caye, and Ray Caye to Placencia. Each spot offers a unique charm. "Last year, one of our yachts was based there for the entire season, and we had a charter group visit over Christmas and New Year; they had an incredible time," adds Freeman.
Commitment To Conservation
The spectacular biodiversity on land and at sea here means there has been an increasing commitment to conservation. Around 40% of Belize is protected as a park or reserve, and the country has slowly been expanding offshore conservation areas. One of the first of these reserves, and the first marine protected area in Central America, is Half Moon Caye, home to the protected species of red-footed boobie.
There are multiple local conservation projects throughout Belize that yacht charter clients can get involved with. Our expert charter consultants can provide more information on how Belize facilitates eco-tourism as a high priority for everyone visiting.
Epic Underwater Experiences
Belize is home to the second largest reef in the world after Australia's Great Barrier Reef. Spanning over 190 miles from the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico, down the coast. This UNESCO-protected system is part of the Mesoamerican Reef and boasts world-class scuba diving and snorkeling. Freeman notes: "A yacht charter here offers so much; I highly recommend Belize, especially if you are diving and snorkeling." Cruising here allows you to discover the reef's most pristine and secluded areas, swimming amidst the vibrant coral, over 500 tropical fish species, and various sharks.
A particularly famous spot is The Blue Hole, a 1000-foot-deep sinkhole within the reef Jacques Cousteau, once labeled one of the best diving spots in the world. Whether you dive into it, paddle around it, or fly over it, it is a site not to be missed here. Another hotspot nearby for scuba diving experiences is the Lighthouse Reef Atoll. Also located in the south is the Sapodilla Cayes Marine Path, a notable migratory area for whale sharks. Meanwhile, further north is Ambergris Caye, home to white sandy beaches, turquoise bays, and Belize's oldest marine park, the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, where you will find the famous Shark Ray Alley site.
Rich Ancient Heritage
Belize's yacht charter appeal extends beyond its underwater world; the country was once at the heart of the ancient Mayan civilizations, and numerous well-preserved ruins can be found throughout the mainland. While on a yacht charter here, multiple-day trips can be organized to explore sites like the first Mayan site open to visitors, Xunantunich, or the largest Mayan city, Caracol.
These land-based excursions offer an insight into the region's rich cultural history. Alongside the ruins, there are more than 400 known cave sites in Belize, once said to be the entrance to the Mayan underworld, with over 80% of them including Mayan artifacts. Exploring the many caves here, which are open to visitors, enables you to delve further into the Mayan culture.
Adrenaline-Inducing Adventures
The caves also offer various popular adventures, such as the river cave tubing. Alongside this, the internal area of Belize provides an array of jungle-oriented adventures. For those thrill-seeking, there are many zip lines, with the longest being an impressive 2,300 feet.
The Bocawina National Park is home to many activities, including rappelling down waterfalls and hiking the trails. If you prefer to explore the jungle on horseback, plenty of options exist. For further excitement, many tours, such as jungle safaris, can also be done in the evening.
A yacht charter in Belize this winter offers an unparalleled combination of natural beauty, cultural richness, and ultimate relaxation, perfect for all charter groups. To learn more about the yachts in our fleet chartering in Belize, contact one of our expert charter consultants.
Photos by reisetopia on Unsplash, Robin Canfield on Unsplash, Wouter Naert on Unsplash, Perry Grone on Unsplash