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 pageHighlights
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Mayan ruins
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Natural paradise
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World-class diving
Belize sailing vacations
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.
Available charter types
Things to do in Belize
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.
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.
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.
Belize sailing itinerary
Take a look at our suggestions for a Belize sailing vacation
7-day itinerary Belize
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.
FAQ
See all our FAQsWhat 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
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Absolutely amazing! Fred + Isabelle were so accommodating and did so much for us. Isabelle’s food was incredible. Thanks so much!
Laura
Exumas CabinExcellent. Very professional and great service!
Thomas
Antigua BareboatJust what we needed coming out of a year of lockdown, to see new places and connect with nature. Highly recommended for your next sailing adventure!
Johan
St. Martin BareboatExcellent cruise and very good stay. Skipper attentive, very pleasant and very professional.
Maxime
Guadeloupe SkipperedJust returned from another fantastic sailing week at your base in Pula and I would like to thank everyone involved for making this possible on such short notice and without any problems.
Mathias
Croatia BareboatThe marina itself is a perfect starting point with great facilities! The Lagoon 42 was in good condition and the skipper was amazing and very knowledgeable of the area.”
Jonathan
Spain SkipperedWhat an AMAZING experience. We’ve just returned from a week long skippered charter from Corfu, sailing around the beautiful islands of the Ionian. Paxos, Antipaxos and Corfu Old Town were beautiful and the secluded bays we had the pleasure of visiting thanks to our local skipper, Nicholas, were simply overwhelming. Fly and flops are no longer for us – we’ll be chartering with DYC for the foreseeable future.
David
Greece SkipperedOur group of 10 had an AMAZING time in French Polynesia from May 21-28, 2022! The food was amazing, our captain and chef, husband and wife: Henry and Mehee (sp), were incredible and the whole experience on board was a dream! We can’t wait to book another trip through DYC
Katie
Tahiti Crewed PremiumDYC provided a great sailing experience for my extended family on 2 monos out of Scrub Island. The boats were in great shape and preformed perfectly and the staff were friendly and helpful. Having worked for a number of charter companies over the years DYC is one of the best.
Charlie
British Virgin Islands BareboatBaja is my favorite place now. There was something for everyone: sailed under northerlies with mostly calm evenings, snorkeled, fished, bummed it on the sandy beaches, enchanted by pelicans feeding, greeted by the barking sea lions and explored the Ispiritu Santo island geology. DYC La Paz base provided competent professional support with a well provisioned and maintained boat. We were nourished well by an onboard cook arranged with DYC freeing us all for more play. A vacation and an adventure connected with nature.
Taiyoko
Mexico Crewed PremiumAll staff were fantastic and made our trip very memorable. Incredibly friendly and welcoming, the food was amazing. The service throughout the trip was always first class!
Tommy
Thailand CabinAbsolutely recommended. Perfect service and set up. Will charter again and will recommend Dream Yacht Charter anytime.
Zahradnik
Turkey BareboatI just returned from 3 weeks of amazing sailing with my family on one of your catamarans in Sardinia. I would like to express my thanks to our skipper Simone and Daniela, our hostess.
Giles
Sardinia BareboatFor a first cruise as a skipper, the Mediterranean is great. The Dream Yacht Charter service is too!
Thomas
France BareboatWe had an incredible trip and actually got engaged on the first night of our sail! We will certainly be back one day. Thank you for getting us ready for our charter. We were definitely beginners but he gave us a very thorough but very easy to follow training and it gave us a lot of confidence.
George
AustraliaThe on board experience was way beyond our expectations. Isabelle provided exceptional three course meals. We could not believe her creativity and delicious meals. Thomas was an excellent skipper. He was always on the lookout for our needs. Thanks guys!” Spira, New Caledonia bareboat with crew charter
Spira
New Caledonia BareboatYet again another fantastic sail with another great crew. Thanks again to a great captain and cook. Was totally fantastic.
Connie
Seychelles Easy CrewedIt’s always a pleasure sailing with DYC in the UK. Great team, great boats, great sailing. Very flexible and work hard to make your trip a success. Many thanks.
Derek
Brittany CabinUnforgettable spots to snorkel and beaches. Very experienced crew. Highly recommend.
Simone
No Country Selected Bareboat Cabin
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