Belize Yacht Charter & Sailing Holiday

Belize offers fantastic opportunities for sailing, with its stunning coastline, crystal-clear waters, and numerous cays and islands. One of the best places to sail in Belize is the Placencia Peninsula. Placencia is located in the southern part of Belize and is known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant local culture, and proximity to the Belize Barrier Reef.                                                                                                                                                                                

For Families

For families looking to enjoy a Belize sailing holiday, the Placencia Peninsula is often considered an excellent starting point due to its calmer waters, variety of family-friendly activities, beautiful beaches, and access to the Belize Barrier Reef.

For Couples

A yacht charter around Belize offers a romantic paradise with turquoise waters, secluded cays, and breathtaking coral reefs. From serene Placencia to vibrant Ambergris Caye, the diverse coastline creates an intimate setting. Enjoy sunset cruises, private anchorages, and the charm of Belizean culture, creating an unforgettable sailing experience for couples.

For First-Time Sailors

Belize is a level 3 charter destination, meaning it has some tricky currents and poor anchorage and mooring options. To sail in Belize without a skipper, you must apply for a temporary Certificate of Competency, which is issued by the Belizean Port Authorities. Level 3 experienced sailors will have 20 days or 400 miles as skipper on an equivalent size yacht as well as the appropriate RYA certificates. If you are looking to increase your sailing time and experience before setting off on a Belize yacht charter, you can do so with the Sunsail Sailing School.

If you have little to no experience sailing but still dream of experiencing a yacht charter around Belize Barrier Reef and spectacular coastline? Fear Not! We offer Skippered charters around Belize, meaning you do not need to worry about manning the Yacht itself. Read more on our Belize Sailing Holiday page.

For Large Group’s

A Belize sailing holiday is a popular choice for larger parties, such as family anniversaries, birthdays, hen and stag do’s. Belize’s lively atmosphere, diverse islands, and vibrant coastal towns, like Placencia and Caye Caulker, set the stage for unforgettable wedding parties. With dynamic sailing services, water adventures, and lively nightlife, Belize ensures a celebratory nautical experience.

Belize is a palm-fringed paradise known for its rainforests, soft, sandy beaches and turquoise waters. Belize is known for its fresh seafood and Belizean specialties such as lobster, rice and beans, fry jacks, and tamales. Discover ancient Mayan temples, epic Beach Bars and magical snorkelling experiences on your Belize yacht charter. We’ve compiled some of the best things to do and see, below.

Relaxing

On the western side of the Placencia Peninsula, you’ll find the Placencia Lagoon, a calm and shallow body of water ideal for sailing. The lagoon is surrounded by mangroves and provides a peaceful sailing experience.

Exploring

The region around Placencia is dotted with numerous islands and cays, such as Ranguana Caye, Laughing Bird Caye, and Silk Cayes. These islands offer secluded anchorages, pristine beaches, and excellent snorkelling and diving spots. No Name Point is also good for a pick up to tour Monkey River.

Eating and Drinking

A yacht charter around Belize offers the opportunity to try some of the best food in the country. Authentic Belize cuisine is a fusion of Central American, Caribbean and Mayan flavours. Our top spots to dine and drink include: 

• Martha’s Cafe – Central American Cuisine rated #1 on TripAdvisor with vegetarian, vegan and health food options.
• Elvi’s Kitchen in Ambergris Caye, a hotspot for live music, beachside Margharita’s and fresh tortillas.
• The Lazy Lizard Bar and Grill, on the Beach with Oceanside Pools, Cabanas and Live music – the perfect spot for fresh foods and drinks whilst watching the sun set on Caye Caulker.
• Thongs Cafe: A casual, colourful beachside eatery in Hopkins known for its delicious seafood dishes and friendly atmosphere

Underwater Adventures

Belize Barrier Reef. Placencia is close to the Belize Barrier Reef, the second-largest barrier reef in the world. The reef provides excellent opportunities for snorkelling, diving, and sailing. You can explore the diverse marine life, coral formations, and enjoy the clear blue waters. Water toys and sports are also great ways to add fun to your trip.

For your convenience, you can add water toys to your charter prior to arrival at the base. They will be waiting on your boat upon arrival. You are able to rent these at the base but please keep in mind that we have limited availability.

Scuba diving packages are available through several dive operations in the area. Go Sea Tours is a reputable local dive operator. Please note that dive rental gear is subject to availability during the season.

Sunsail provides snorkelling gear (flippers, masks & snorkels) for all charters for your pleasure. Children’s sizes are very limited; you may wish to pack your own snorkelling gear.

Fishing

Game fishing charters available; local inner reef charter services available. Fish life abounds within the main reef. When trolling, you can catch Tuna, Wahoo, Kingfish, Spanish Mackerel, Dorado, Barracuda. Bottom fishing has rewards of Snapper and Grouper. We have local suppliers who can rent a good quality rod, reel and lures for $10 USD per day. Hand lines are also available. 

Note:

• Due to Belize fishing laws, charterers who are interested in fishing for leisure or sport must hold a sport fishing license. The fees are US$25 per week. You may purchase these licenses at the base.
• Spear fishing guns are legal only when free-diving. No tanks allowed when using spear guns.
• The lobster closed season runs from midnight February 14 to midnight June 15.

History and Culture

Placencia itself is a charming coastal village with a laid-back atmosphere. You can explore the local culture, enjoy delicious Belizean cuisine, and interact with friendly locals.

The best time to visit Belize is between November to April.

When planning a sailing trip to Belize, it’s important to consider the weather and sailing conditions. 

The dry season, typically from November to April, is the best time for sailing in Belize, as the weather is generally clear, and the sea conditions are more predictable. With this being said, our Belize base is open year-round.

Belize offers favourable sailing conditions with steady trade winds, mainly from the east-northeast, providing consistent breezes. 

The waters are generally calm, especially within the protected cayes and atolls. Navigating the Belize Barrier Reef demands caution, but the diverse coastline and clear seas create an inviting and picturesque sailing environment.

As with any yacht charter, there are many variables and additions that change the price of a Belize yacht charter and at Sunsail, we know that there’s not just one way to enjoy a holiday. 

Out of season, a 7-day Belize yacht charter for 2 people starts from £4,300.

During peak season, a 7-day Belize sailing holiday for 2 people starts from £6,000.

We offer a bespoke holiday experience, so other costs that may cause fluctuations in the cost of your holiday, include:

• The dates of your holiday
• How long you set sail around Belize
• Your yacht charter type (bareboat, skippered)
• Your itinerary
• Any Extras you wish to add

To work out the cost of your dream holiday in Belize, decide on each of these factors and build a quote today.

Marine park fees are now applicable in extensive sections of our cruising areas, with a standard rate of $10 USD per person per day enforced across all locations, Laughing Bird Caye included.

If you’re looking to dock at Ray Cay or selected other locations, Mooring fees increase to $15 USD.

At Sunsail, we offer Belize yacht charters with pre-planned itineraries from 5 nights – 14 nights. 

As a first time experience, we recommend no less than 7 nights sailing Belize so that you are able to really explore and absorb all that Belize has to offer. However, your itineraries can be fully customised and you are also able to create bespoke holidays for longer than 14 nights – just speak with one of our Sunsail holiday planners for more details. 

If you’re looking to explore beyond Belize, we recommend travelling up to Belize City, Lighthouse Reef and Hicks Cay.