Belize: sailing off the Mayan coast

Belize is in Central America, circled between Mexico to the north and northwest, Guatemala to the west and south, and the Caribbean to the east. The Mesoamerican Reef, the second largest reef in the world after the Australian Great Barrier Reef, stretches off the coast with a length of 1,100 km. This makes sailing trips in this yacht charter area some of the most beautiful in the Caribbean. Inland there are diverse landscapes, including tropical forests in the north, mangroves and shrubs in the swampy coastal regions and savannahs and the Maya Mountains in the interior. At 1,122 meters, Victoria Peak rises moderately towards the sky. The largest cities in the country are Belize City and Belmopan.

Reefs and reefs, sandbanks and over 1000 islands off the coast, so-called cayes, the majority of which are uninhabited and are protected from the open water by the Mesoamerican reef, create an enchanting backdrop for an unforgettable sailing holiday in the Caribbean. Numerous dreamy anchorages complete the tropical idyll for the visitor.

Belize coast

Discover secrets

Mother Nature’s best kept secret is off the coast of Belize. Reefs, atolls and hundreds of islets are waiting to be discovered in this so far little developed Yacht Charter area. Queen Caye, Lime Caye, Hunting Caye, Buttonwood Caye and the Pelican Cayes are particularly recommended. Very good sailing conditions, hidden anchorages, steady trade winds, azure blue water with a depth of up to 30 meters and pleasant daytime temperatures between 28 and 31 ° C all year round contribute to an impressive journey of discovery off the coast of the Mayas.

Mother Nature has also provided for divers and snorkelers. Whale sharks, manta rays, manatees, schools of fish glistening in the sunlight and coral reefs that glow in all colors come together here. A diving tour with a guide to the exquisite Blue Hole should not be missed by any diver.

The port of departure for a yachting vacation in Belize is in Placencia. In the yacht charter area of ​​Belize.

Territory properties

The climate is subtropical with high humidity and temperatures of up to 31 ° C, which are, however, tempered by the trade winds. The wind is blowing from the northeast at around 10-20 knots. The dry season lasts from February to May, with 10 to 12 rainy days per month. The rainy season between June and October gives up to 15 rainy days per month. Hurricanes occur from August to October, with September being the most dangerous month. The best sailing time is from December to May.

This yacht charter area is moderately difficult. Despite the protection of the Mesoamerican Reef, sailing experience is required. The area is not suitable for beginners.

The numerous reefs and sandbanks make good coastal navigation essential.

In the south of the country is Placencia, a quiet village at the tip of the Placencia peninsula. Here is the starting point for an unforgettable journey of discovery into this excellent yacht charter area. There are countless idyllic anchorages. The well-protected Pelican Cayes are best explored by dinghy. The buoys are bad to nonexistent.

From Mexico or the USA with TACA Airlines to Belize City. From there, Tropic Air offers flights to Placencia several times a day (can only be booked via the Internet). From there it is about 2km to the marina. The regional airport of San Pedro is also served several times a day by Tropic Air and Maya Air from Belize City. The flight time is about 15 minutes. There is also a water taxi service from Belize City to San Pedro.