Cruising and Chartering in Belize
Tucked between Mexico and Guatemala, Belize is the ultimate cruising experience. It is the mecca for the yachtsmen and Garden of Eden for the water sports enthusiast. Warm, emerald waters, gentle trade winds, protected anchorages and unsurpassed diving on the hemisphere’s largest barrier reef translate into adventure experience you won’t soon forget.
Belize is for cruising, as cruising should be. The famed barrier reef stretches almos 185 miles from north to south along the county’s coastline. Full of unexplored territory, uninhabited cayes and intriguing little islands fringes with sugar-like sand beaches, the list of attributes is as ling as the barrier reef. It’s simple a paradise found for boaters. Chartering a cruising sailboat is best of those who want to discover new places. No worries about taking the kids, who can explore tropical islands and can snorkel and fish along the reef.
The barrier reef creates the breakwater for inner channel. Coral formations flourish with marine life and natural beauty along the reef. More than 70 types of coral and over 400 species of fish call these waters home. Rare birds soar above the surface amid the tropical nirvana. East of the reef are magnificent atolls and tempting anchorages from Ambergris Caye heading south to the Sapodilla Cayes. Belize is blessed of having three of the four atolls in the Americas. Turneffe Islands Atoll is the jewel-like string of coral islands reminiscent of the south pacific. Farther seaward, Lighthouse Reef Atoll is noted for the renowned Blue Hole and Half Moon Caye Natural Monument with its trails and bird observation tower. Glover’s reef, the third atoll is located southeast of Turneffe.
Charter companies in Belize City, Ambergris Caye and Placencia provide crewed and bareboat charters. Crewed charters offer the convenience of a captain and crew while self-sufficient passengers navigate the boat themselves on bareboat charters. Bareboat chartering is only allowed inside the reef. Local skippers can be hired for venturing inside and outside atolls. Snorkelers will find a myriad of lovely places to explore. Remember to be cautious. Never snorkel where there is a boat activity in the channel.
