Belize Yacht Charter

Sail Belize and enjoy its calm waters, favorable trade winds and a network of 450 isolated cayes sitting in the tropical Caribbean Sea.

What’s on this page

Highlights

Mayan ruins
Natural paradise
World-class diving

Belize sailing vacations

Belize water fall crystal water vacation

You’ll definitely want to take time out to see the Mayan ruins and explore the world’s second longest unbroken barrier reef which, with its diverse underwater ecosystem, is a renowned snorkeling and scuba destination.

Sailing in Belize can include a stop at the Blue Hole Natural Monument or a trip to Glover’s Reef, Lighthouse Reef and Turneffe – three atolls offering the chance to swim among 500 species of fish and 100 types of coral, as well as rays and dolphins. Sailing in these open waters during your Belize yacht charter will require a local skipper.

Our base is at Robert’s Grove Marina in Placencia, where the sailing ground just off the coast is full of sandy low-lying cayes in beautiful, undeveloped and peaceful settings.

On land, spend time discovering Mayan ruins and meet the locals who, as well as English, speak a dialect called Belizean Creole. The nation’s multi-cultural influences are everywhere, from Mexican/Jamaican fusion cuisine to punta afro-Caribbean music.

If you’re sailing in Belize, a certificate of competency is mandatory and will be issued by Belize Port Authority. The application should be made before your arrival. We’ll assist you and submit it for you locally.

Choose charter type below to see available charters options

Bareboat

For experienced sailors, a bareboat charter is the perfect getaway..

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Skippered

Relax and leave all the sailing to a professional skipper.

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Easy crewed

The simplest, hassle-free way to charter a crewed private yacht.

Fully crewed

Your own private yacht for an all-inclusive luxury sailing vacation.

Cabin cruise

Reserve a private ensuite stateroom on a modern catamaran.

SailShare

Low package rates for island-hopping aboard a sailing yacht.

Aqualodge

Get closer to nature on the perfect self-catering Caribbean holiday.

Power Catamaran

Cruise faster and see more on the perfect charter boat.

More about charter types

Things to do in Belize

Belize beach woman paddle surfing vacation

Explore the Mayan ruins of Altun Ha

There are so many things to do in Belize, and one of the first things on your list should be venturing ashore and walking among ancient stone structures built by the Mayans, which date back to around 800-900 BC. Altun Ha is located just 30 miles north of Belize City.

Sail to Ambergris Caye

Ambergris Caye is the largest island in Belize and remains unspoiled and low-key, despite being one of the most popular islands you’ll encounter on your Belize sailing vacation. It’s here you can spend a morning fishing on the reef, with your guide happily cooking your catch for dinner.

Dive the famous Blue Hole

Certified divers won’t want to miss the famous Blue Hole; an impressive 1,000ft-wide sinkhole ringed with coral. You’ll find a wealth of coral formations, marine life, and deep caves filled with stalactites. You’ll need to hire a skipper to visit this landmark as it requires local, specialist knowledge to navigate in and out of the lagoon.

Visit Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary

While you’re sailing Belize, pay a visit to Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary. The world’s first jaguar sanctuary, it’s also home to much exotic flora and fauna, as well as waterfalls for a refreshing swim.

Discover the Cayo Region

With the Actun Tunichil Muknal cave systems, subterranean waterfalls and ancient rivers, this region along Belize’s western border is ideal for adventure seekers. There’s also an adrenaline-inducing zip-lining experience.

Weather insights

When is the best time to visit Belize?

The best time to visit Belize is from late November to mid-April, during the dry season. Warm temperatures, sunny skies and access to top attractions can be experienced at this time of year.

The temperatures remain fairly consistent year round with an average range from 74°F to 84°F. So any time is ideal for your yacht charter in Belize.

What are the sailing conditions in Belize?

A Belize yacht charter vacation offers balmy easterly trade winds year round. As these average between 15 and 22 knots, you’ll have excellent cruising conditions. Calm waters are the norm while sailing inside the barrier reef.

While passages are short and primarily line-of-sight, plotting courses and referencing charts is necessary due to the many reefs. Avoid Tom Owens Island as there are too many difficult reefs to navigate. If you are sailing outside the barrier reef to Glover’s Reef, Turneffe Reef and Lighthouse Reef, you will need a local skipper.

Belize trade winds blow along the coastal cayes consistently most of the year.

Belize island crystal coral reef vacation

Sailing Belize with Dream Yacht Charter

Yacht charter Belize

Explore the barrier reef and Belize’s many cayes one one of our catamarans. Create your dream itinerary and stock up on provisions for the perfect yacht charter.

Find out more about our Belize bareboat fleet

Skippered yacht charter Belize

Sailing experience is not needed to explore Belize by water. Hire a skipper and they will sail the boat for you so you can relax with your guests.

Find out more about our Belize skippered charters

Belize sailing itinerary

Take a look at our suggestions for a Belize sailing vacation

Belize 7 Days

Other Itineraries

7-day itinerary Belize

Day 1

Arrive at Robert’s Grove Marina, Placencia, in the afternoon to provision and acquaint yourself with the boat. Placencia has established itself as a popular resort peninsula with its nearby mountains, ancient Mayan ruins, Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary for Jaguars and lush rainforests providing plenty to see inland. Make time in your itinerary to delve into the culture and natural wonders of Belize.

Day 2

Head to Wippari Cay (or Whipray), a short sail from Placencia and known as a “paradise surrounded by fish”. On the cay, you’ll find the Whipray Caye Fishing Lodge, known for its saltwater fly fishing, fine permit waters and coral snorkeling. The lodge is run by Julian Cabra, who has been fishing since he was six years old.

Day 3

Not far away is South Water Caye with its palm-fringed beaches and fantastic snorkeling. The northern tip is super close to the barrier reef drop off, where you can enjoy swimming or diving with colorful fish, groupers, sharks, rays and dolphins. On the island are Pelican Beach and Blue Marlin resorts, where you can dine and enjoy a cocktail if you’ve made an advance reservation. The east coast will give you spectacular views of the sunset.

Day 4

You’ll find five moorings at Coco Plum Caye and superb snorkeling with barracudas, eagle rays and starfish. Relax on the beaches and dine at Coco Plum Island Resort, where you can also snorkel among the reefs, kayak the mangroves, explore underwater caves and discover more of the barrier reef. You can pick up organized dives to the atolls or Blue Hole here too and, if you like spotting birds, head to nearby Man-O-War Caye. You can walk across the ocean, chest deep, to the private resort island of Thatch Caye.

Day 5

Lagoon Cay is a great stop off for kayaking with its lush vegetation, coastline and internal lagoon. Hop between nearby cayes and stop by Tarpon Cay with its lodge, permit waters and bonefishing.

Day 6

Sail to Hatchet Caye and try night snorkeling under the pier lights to spot fish and octopus. Boats are welcome to moor, so you can dine at the Lionfish Grill and go on organized dives. Enjoy Wi-Fi to update your Instagram with wonderful vacation photos and pick up water and ice.

Day 7

Hop to Ranguana Caye where, for a $10 per person island access fee, you can dine, drink cocktails at the beach bar, hire kayaks, dispose of rubbish and pick up ice. This low lying island has a real deserted feel. Sail onwards to undeveloped Lark Caye, which has a natural pool and private sandy beaches to stroll and sunbathe on.

Day 8

Head back to base.

Useful information for yacht charters in Belize

How do I get to Belize from the US?

You can get to Placencia Airport (PLJ) from the US by taking a connecting flight via Belize City. There are several major airlines with flights from the US to Belize City. Both Maya Island Air and Tropic Air offer flights from Belize City to Placencia Airport.

We can arrange airport transfers on request and the airport is a 5-minute taxi ride away.

What language is spoken in Belize?

The language spoken in Belize is English. In some areas, Belizean Creole is also spoken.

What is the currency for Belize?

The currency in Belize is the Belize Dollar (BZD).

What are the customs restrictions for Belize?

For sailing within Belize you need to complete a customs declaration form at the port of entry.

What documents do I need for sailing Belize?

A valid US passport is required for entry into Belize, with an expiration date no earlier than three months after your return date.

A certificate of competency is mandatory and will be issued by Belize Port Authority. The application should be made before your arrival. We will assist you and submit it for you locally.

Talk to us to make sure you have the correct documents before you travel.

How do I get around Belize?

You can get around easily by taxi during your Belize yacht charter. Car rentals are also available if exploring further inland.

What is the Wi-Fi like in Belize?

There’s free Wi-Fi at our marina, and also at Hatchet Caye and Coco Plum Caye.

What regulations are there in Belize?

Night sailing is forbidden in Belize. Fishing is forbidden in Marine Reserves. Please also note that Marine Reserves typically charge a per-person fee or mooring fee.

Where can I find weather forecasts in Belize?

You can find Belize weather forecasts using WindGURU.

What provisioning is there in Belize?

For provisioning during your vacation sailing Belize, there are a few small markets in locations around the village of Placencia. Public’s market in Seine Bight Village is well stocked and is also worth a visit. Please refer to the base guide.

What baggage can I take on my Belize sailing vacation?

Please only take soft bags and not suitcases as they are too cumbersome on board.

What is the electrical current in Belize?

The electrical current in Belize is 110 volt, 60 cycle electricity, same as the US. US travelers will not typically need a converter or adapter. Outlets rarely have three holes so if your device has a third prong, bring an adapter.

What is the dialing code for Belize?

The dialing code for Belize is 011 501.

Downloads

Base Guide Bareboat Placencia pdf 1.44 MB

Crew List Bareboat 11 doc 104.00 KB

Guests List And Passport Info Cabin D Y W xlsx 20.79 KB

Provisioning List Bareboat Belize xlsx 59.25 KB

Sailing Area Restrictions Barebpoat Belize pdf 225.07 KB

Sailing Resume Bareboat 1.doc doc 87.50 KB

Temporary Master Application Bareboat B P A pdf 165.93 KB

Available charter types

FAQ

See all our FAQs

What is the cancellation policy for Sail Share?

We highly recommend you arrange travel insurance in case you need to cancel for an unexpected reason to cover non-refundable deposits.

Our Sail Share cabin cancellation fees are:

More than 90 days before original embarkation date: 25% of the charter fee
89 – 60 days before original embarkation date: 50% of the charter fee
59 – 30 days before original embarkation date: 75% of the charter fee
Fewer than 29 days before original embarkation date: 100% of the charter fee

How flexible is the itinerary for a Sail Share charter?

Our yacht itineraries are designed by our destination experts and are set to showcase the best of the destination’s highlights. They are set and not flexible, even if you book all the cabins.

What happens if the weather changes while sailing on a Sail Share charter?

The skipper may decide to change the itinerary if there is bad weather.

Can I choose which cabin I want when I book a Sail Share?

Choose a double cabin with shared bath, or private bath for an additional fee.

Are there child or age restrictions for Sail Share?

Minimum Age: 16 years old

Ever considered a Cabin Cruise?

As pioneers in the industry, Dream Yacht was one of the first to develop the Cabin Cruise concept. It’s an ideal choice for solo or couples travelers seeking relaxed adventure, exotic destinations, and unique local cultures in an intimate, social setting – in comfort at sea.

Find out more

Our promise

Private accomodations

Comfortable and private standard double cabins with ensuite bathroom

Curated itineraries

Experience world-class destinations, local culture and excursions with our expertly curated itineraries

Accessible

An affordable and intimate experience without the need to book an entire yacht or provide sailing qualifications

Vetted crew

Enjoy our professional crew with a strong local knowledge and friendly service

Full board meals

Enjoy fresh and delicious cuisine prepared and served daily

Choose your mood

Relax on deck socializing with fellow travelers, kayak or snorkel from your yacht, or enjoy exploring ashore

Get inspired! #MyDreamYacht

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What’s new?

Stay up to date with news and events or get some inspiration for your next yacht charter and pick up useful tips by reading our latest blogs.

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