Belize Travel Information & Planning Guide

Find everything you need to prepare for your yacht charter in Belize. From important base information to required documents for international travel, you can use this information as your guide before and during your Belize yacht charter. Don’t forget to pack a copy to take with you to ensure you have a hassle-free sailing experience.

Plan

Before you Go

Address

Sunsail Belize
(c/o Laru Beya Marina)
Placencia Peninsula
Placencia, Belize,C.A.

Base Hours
The base is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., seven days a week.

Time Zone 
UTC/GMT -6 hours (Belize does not observe daylight saving) 

Tourist Information Centre 
Located in Placencia village 
Website: travelbelize.org 

What to Bring

Customs + Immigration
Entry, exit, and visa requirements depend on the locations you are departing from and travelling to. You are responsible for having the correct documents so make sure to check with the consulate of the countries you plan to visit before you travel. Find out more about the latest travel guidance.

Customs – Online Immigration & Customs Form

• All foreign travellers are required to complete the online immigration & customs form prior to arrival: belizetravel.immigration.gov.bz
• *Please be very careful to only use the correct, legitimate site and if you are asked for fees, do not pay. They are not official or legitimate. 

Sailing Licences
This destination has mandatory sailing requirements. Please visit here to learn more.

The skipper is required to complete our online sailing resume and achieve a Level 3 rating to confirm that they have the necessary skills to sail in this region. A Temporary Certificate of Competency is also required. 

Luggage + Packing list
Please pack using soft-sided bags, as these are easier to store on your yacht. The base has no facilities for holding luggage. Pack lightly for your yacht charter in Belize and review our suggested packing list below for required and necessary items to bring.

• Pack essential prescription medicine and change of clothing in a carry-on bag*
• Passport and other travel documentation
• Tickets and paper confirmations for pre-planned activities
• Light-coloured, light-weight clothing
• Formal wear for upscale dining establishments
• Swimwear and cover up
• Hats and sunglasses
• Sandals and flip-flops
• Athletic shoes and hiking boots
• Travel-sized toiletries and hygiene products
• Bug spray and OTC pain relievers/ointments such as motion sickness relief
• 12V DC to 110V AC power inverter (for boats without generators**)
• 12V to USB power adapter for charging mobile devices

*We would highly recommend packing prescription medicine and essential clothing (swimsuit, t-shirt and shorts) in your hand luggage as occasionally your luggage may arrive at the base after you do. 

**All boats include a 12V DC outlet (a “car” outlet). Boats with generators have 110V outlets in the Caribbean and 220V in the Mediterranean and Exotic locations.

Drones
The use of flying drones may be restricted in some areas. For current drone regulations in this destination, please visit drone regulations in Belize 

Currency
Local currency – Belizean dollar (BZD).

Accepted Forms of Payment: US Dollars are accepted throughout. Visa and MasterCard are also accepted at resorts and most restaurants on the mainland but supermarkets in Placencia and restaurants at the cayes will require cash. Most restaurants, markets, and other service providers will generally give you change in Belizean dollars unless you request otherwise. 

Gratuity
Tipping is standard and expected in all restaurants / bars and for other services undertaken during your Belize sailing holiday. The rule of thumb is generally 10-15% of the amount charged. Some establishments automatically add this onto the bill.

Taxes & Fees 
You might incur some costs while on charter such as mooring and docking fees or cruising taxes. We highly recommend bringing enough of the local currency to cover these costs as they are not always payable by USD, debit, and/or credit cards. 

Security Deposit
A security deposit must be paid at the base by Visa or MasterCard and is refundable at the end of your charter in Belize, subject to there being no loss or damage. To significantly decrease your security deposit, purchase our Yacht Damage Waiver insurance ahead of time.

What’s on Board

Coolers
Coolers are available at the base on a first come first served basis at no additional charge. Please sign these out and return them clean and undamaged otherwise there will be a charge for replacement. Only one per boat.

Mobile Phones
Check with your service provider for information about cell coverage in this region.

If you need to rent a mobile phone, this can be arranged at Belize International Airport. As there are no rental options elsewhere, it’s important to do so before departing for Placencia, as local BTL offices do not offer this service. Please note that mobile coverage across the Cayes – and much of the country can be unreliable, with some areas experiencing little to no reception. 

Wi-Fi 
Wi-Fi is available at the Sunsail base in Belize. Wi-Fi connection at Thatch Caye Resort and Hatchet Caye. Wi-Fi is not available on the yacht once you leave the marina. 

Music + iPods
While most of our newer boats have Bluetooth capability, we cannot guarantee all boats are outfitted with this equipment. For your convenience, we highly recommend you bring an AUX cord so you can listen to music from your mobile devices.

Electricity
The standard voltage on all yachts is 12 volts. Electrical System: 110 volts AC.

For more information on what’s included on your bareboat yacht charter.

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Go

How to Get There

Airport
Customers usually arrive at our base from Belize International Airport (BZE) – now named Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport, or from the local airstrip in Placencia – Placencia Regional Airport (PLJ)  The local Placencia airstrip is approximately a 45 minute flight from Belize City.
Two local airlines serve Belize: Tropic Air and Maya Island Air. 

Airport Transfers 
A taxi ride from the local Placencia airstrip to the base is approximately 5 minutes.   
Transfers from the Placencia airport to the base are not included and cannot be pre-booked.  

Car Rental
If you are planning to make a tour of the country, spending a few days in the mountains and a few days at the beach, you might want to rent a car. However, if you are just coming to the base, we suggest that you fly to Placencia. The scenery driving down is quite lovely, but chances are, once you make the drive down, you won’t feel like driving back (and if you are renting a car in Belize, you must return your vehicle to where you picked it up otherwise the one way drop off fee in Placencia of $140USD will be charged). Car rentals in Belize range from $85 USD to $100 USD per day. 

• Budget Car Rental:  Tel. 00 501 223 2435  jmagroup@btl.net www.budget-belize.com 
• Crystal Auto: Tel. 00 501 223 1600 crystal@btl.net  www.crystal-belize.com 

Shuttle  
Shuttle services are available from Belize City to Placencia, with a driving time of approximately 2.5 to 3 hours.  
The primary route follows a recently upgraded main highway and is generally in good condition, although it may occasionally close during periods of heavy rainfall.   
The Hummingbird Highway offers a longer, but very scenic alternative, taking approximately 3 to 3.5 hours.

• Discounted Belize Shuttles and Tours   www.discountedbelizeshuttlesandtours.com  
• Untame Belize Shuttles and Tour https://www.untamebelize.com/shuttles/    
• Truly Wild Belize   https://www.trulywildbelize.com/belize-transfer-shuttle-services    

Boarding Time + Checking Out

Boarding Time
Charter Boarding Time: 5pm 
Early Boarding Time: 12pm 

All skippers and first mates must attend an in-person Chart Briefing which covers all you need to know about the cruising area, use of the VHF radio, how to call for assistance, and more. Chart briefings are scheduled for 9 am or 3pm. Briefings are mandatory.  
A Boat Briefing will also be provided onboard your yacht. 

Should your boarding time be the regular 5pm, you will not be able to leave the dock until then next day. 

Late Arrivals
If you arrive after our office closes, a security guard or staff member will meet you and guide you to your yacht.  The Chart Briefing and Boat Briefing will be held the following morning prior to departure. 

Check Out Time
Disembarkation: 11am 

We recommend using an anchorage near Placencia for your last night or stay at the marina. If you have an early flight, we recommend you return to the marina for your last night. Yachts staying at the marina for their last night, must return to base before 4.30pm.  

A debriefing and final walkthrough will be done upon return so please allow enough time to complete this before the charter end time.

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Sail

About the Marina

Marina Facilities

• Showers & restrooms 
• Wi-Fi  
• Beach, swimming pool & restaurant at nearby Itz’ana Resort  

Dock Facilities
We would highly recommend that you pre pay fuel for your convenience.  Fuel station is in the lagoon but can be busy so may cause delays when returning the yacht.

Sailing Grounds/ Licenses

Experience Level

Experience Level
Level 3

• At least 20 days or 400 miles as skipper on an equivalent size yacht.
• Level 3 destinations are our most challenging. Suitable only for confident, experienced sailors, Level 3 destinations offer long spells of open water sailing, broad tidal ranges, strong winds, and remote anchorages.

To sail in this destination you’ll need to obtain a Temporary Certificate of Competency in advance of travel. Our pre-departure team will reach out to you to help you navigate this process.
Experience levels are based on sailing conditions and the length of passages within your chosen sailing area. View here for more information.

Sailing Requirements
To sail in this destination, you are required to hold an officially recognised sailing license OR, if you do not hold a license, you will also need to complete our online sailing resume and achieve a Level 3 rating.

To charter in Belize without a skipper, the skipper must apply for a Temporary Certificate of Competency. This is issued by the Belizean Port Authorities and is required for all bareboat charters. Please contact your Pre-Travel paperwork-uk@thlmarine.com support agent for further information.

It is strictly forbidden to sail alone; we require two persons minimum on board.  

Cruising Area
All bareboat yacht charters in Belize are required to stay inside the barrier reef. To be able to sail outside the barrier reef, a local skipper must be on board for any and all excursions  beyond the barrier reef. 

Sailing Area
All bareboat charters are required to stay inside the barrier reef. Local skippers must be on board for any and all excursions outside the barrier reef.

• South Water Caye Marine Reserve – stretches from the Tobacco Range in the north through Southwater and Twin Cayes, Blue Ground Range, Pelican and Lagoon, south as far as Crawl Caye and all places between
• Gladden Spit/Silk Cayes* Marine Reserve – From Gladden Spit* south to and including Queen Cayes
• Laughing Bird Caye*
• Sapodilla Cayes* – stretching from Tom Owens in the north to Sapodilla Caye* in the south and out to Seal Caye in the west

*These reserves require guides for entry and have a daily fee. Our Belize base will go over these requirements during the charter briefing and share the ways we can get tour guides to the yachts you would like to enter those reserves as well as suggest alternative snorkelling sites. While the base can assist in securing a guide for your yacht, this will be an additional expense that the charterer must pay. 

The cost of a guide will vary depending on how we get him/her out to the yacht. If they accompany a boat going out to the reserve and we can arrange a minimal cost for the transport to and from the reserve, the guide is going to cost about US$50; if we have to arrange transport to the reserve, it will cost in the region of US$150 for the guide.

Download Sunsail’s Belize Cruising Guide.

Sailing Area Restrictions
The Belize authorities take the protection of their reefs very seriously and you must ensure you are aware of and understand the strict sailing area restrictions and regulations of where sailing is prohibited, and ensure you stay well clear of the reefs at all times during your charter. 

Please be aware that should you damage the reef during your charter the Belize authorities have the option of imposing fines and/or confiscating your passport, with potential criminal implications, until such time as any fine or resolution is achieved.

Learn more about how you can protect the environment around you with our sustainable sailing tips.

Restricted Zones 

Charterers will receive a sailing chart that outlines red zones for the cruising ground.

Night Sailing
Night Sailing is not permitted; you must be moored at least one hour before sunset.

Charts + Pilot books
All the charts and pilot books you will need for the sailing area are issued at your chart briefing.

Navigational Challenge    
While the Belizean part of the Caribbean Sea is exciting to sail in, however the charts are not very accurate (no survey has been done since 1989).   
There are growing reefs, moving sandbars and the effects of hurricanes that are changing cayes constantly.   
The ability to read water depth through colour changes is helpful while conquering these waters.  
Belize has also taken protecting its reefs and corals very seriously, for damaging reefs are severe.

 

Sailing Permits + Taxes
Departure Tax: A tax of $56 USD per person is charged when leaving Belize; this must be paid in US Dollars ONLY. If paid by credit card there is an additional charge.

Travellers entering Belize International by air and connecting to in-country flights are charged an additional $0.75 US security fee.

Moorings Fees + Taxes
Marine Park fees apply throughout much of our cruising grounds. A flat rate of US $10 per person, per day is charged in all marine reserves, including at Laughing Bird Caye.  

Please note that the Marine Park fee covers entry into the marine reserve only and does not include the use of mooring buoys. Mooring buoys are available in some cayes for an additional fee:  

• Pelican Cayes range near Hideaway Caye – 5x moorings at US $20 per night  
• Ray Caye –3 x moorings at US $15 per night   
  (there is a mooring in the inner dock area, but this is definitely a red zone for our yachts)  

There are few marinas along the coastline where one can fill up on water and have electricity:   
– The Placencia Marina  
– Cucumber Beach Marina 

Health & Safety

Travel Advice
Your health and safety are important to us. For advice on how to stay safe while on charter, please review our Travel Advice Information.  

Vaccination and Immunisation Information 
This destination is generally risk-free of contagious disease. Visit cdc.gov for the latest information. Currently, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers over 1 year of age arriving from counties with risk of yellow fever transmission and for travellers having transited through an airport of a country with rise of yellow fever transmission. Additional information can also be found on the World Health Organization’s website.  

Current travel, health, and safety information can be obtained by visiting travel.state.gov

Travel Insurance
Sunsail offers comprehensive travel insurance for your complete peace of mind. If you have your own travel insurance, please make sure that it covers all of the destinations and activities of your Sunsail vacation. Learn more about our travel insurance offering. 

*Please note country entry/exit and vaccination/immunisation requirements can and do change. Sunsail is not accountable for these requirement changes and we advise visiting the destination’s authority website to receive the latest updates.

Swim Safe 
Swimming is often a fun and important part of a vacation. However local rules, flag systems, currents and where swimming may be permitted, can be different and vary from country to country. Snorkel vests, Life Jackets and Diver Down flags are all available on board.

Children

• Talk to children about water safety at the start of a holiday, making them aware of the potential dangers.
• Accidents can happen at any time on holiday, but often they happen on the first and last day, so keep watch and do not get distracted when your children are playing by, or in the water.
• Children in or near water should always be supervised by an adult and never left unattended. 
• Get in the water with them, it is easier to keep an eye on them as well as good fun. Floatation devices are highly recommended for children but are not a substitute for supervision.

Be aware of your surroundings

• Check warning flags and signage on the beach and only swim where it is permitted. 
• Beware of dangerous currents, these can be very powerful. Not all beaches have lifeguards and/or warning flags.
• Beware of underwater hazards, such as reefs, rocks, sudden changes in depth and marine life.
• Never swim where a sign says not to e.g. in zoned areas for jet boats or jet skis.
• Never swim at night or after drinking alcohol.

Look out for others

• Never swim alone, ‘buddy up’ with others in your party and use the snorkel vests provided.
• Know how and where to get help. If you see someone in difficulty; raise the alarm, preferably the emergency services. Ensure you know the correct number for the country you are in.

Do not overestimate your ability

• Consider swimming lessons before you go if you think it would be useful to learn proper swimming technique.
• Even if you regularly swim in a pool, remember that open water swimming can be very different.

Safety
All yachts are equipped with adult life jackets, harnesses, snorkel vests & diver down flags. You can see all this equipment demonstrated in our online safety briefing, and we strongly recommend that you make use of this equipment during your vacation. This safety equipment will be displayed in the saloon of your boat on boarding – If you have any questions feel free to ask our base staff during your briefing

We have a very limited supply of children’s life jackets on base so highly recommend that if you are travelling with children, you bring their own. This ensures that children have correctly fitting jackets that are comfortable for them.  

Children should not be allowed in the dinghy without a life jacket or buoyancy aid and should wear a buoyancy aid or harness whilst on deck. 

Children under the age of 16 should not operate an outboard engine and should be supervised at all times when in the dinghy.

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Eat

Provisioning

Sunsail Provisioning
This destination offers online provisioning. All provisioning orders should be placed no later than 7 days prior to the charter start date. We recommend that customers order the majority of supplies (including bottled water) via our online provisioning store prior to departure from the base.  

Note! Restocking can be difficult and costly as there are few provisioning options in the cruising area. Water can be purchased from Placencia Harbour but is expensive and subject to availability throughout the rest of the cruising grounds.  

For more information, visit our provisioning page to learn more about delivery direct to your yacht. 

Supermarkets
Supermarkets are located in Placencia Village – a 10min taxi ride from the base. Supermarkets are generally open daily 8am – 8/10pm daily and seldom closed on public holidays, although the hours of operation will vary based on the day of the week and the supermarket. 

Top Value Supermarket is well-stocked and has friendly staff.  

All supermarkets accept Visa and Mastercard. 

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Shop

Around the Base

Accommodations

• The Placencia Hotel 
• South Waters Resort 
• Laru Beya Resort 
• The Inn at Robert’s Grove

Banks
While most banks have automated teller machines, ATM’s in Placencia are located at Atlantic Bank and adjacent to MNM Hardware Store. 

Banking Hours: Opening hours: 8am – 2pm Monday to Friday 

• Atlantic Bank 
• Barclays Bank: Belize City and in Dangriga. 

Post Office   
Placencia Post Office – Next to Placencia Office Supply about 300 yards from the main pier.  
Hours: 8:30am – 12:00pm & 1:00pm – 4:00pm (Weekdays)   
First class mail between Belize and the US averages 8-10 days for delivery.   
International Express mail from the US to Belize usually arrives in 3 business days; cost is $14.00. 

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Play

Things to Do

Trips and Excursions
Spend a day exploring Belize’s natural beauty and culture. From jungle hikes and zipline adventures to ancient Maya history and cacao traditions, there’s something for everyone. Our team can recommend some day trips that you will love and never forget.

Nim Li Punit 
Visit this Maya ruin in southern Belize, about 1.5 hours away. It features a small museum and the largest stelae in the country. While exploring the site, enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding hills and lush jungle landscape. 

Lubaantun  
This Late Classic Maya site (700–900 CE) is known for the discovery of the crystal skull in 1924. Pair your visit with a swim in Blue Creek cave or a stop at Rio Blanco Waterfall. The region also offers cacao tours, traditional Maya meals, and cultural experiences like basket weaving. 

Monkey River Tour 
A must-do experience, this guided tour begins near No Name Point. Travel upriver to spot wildlife such as howler monkeys, crocodiles, birds, and turtles. The trip includes a jungle walk and a visit to Monkey River village, ending with a local lunch. 

Water Toys + Sports

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. For more information, please view our water sports options here. 

Diving and Snorkelling
Scuba diving in Belize is world-renowned for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant reefs, and the iconic Great Blue Hole. Home to the second-largest barrier reef, it offers unforgettable encounters with sharks, rays, and colorful marine life. It’s a top choice for divers of all levels seeking both beauty and adventure

Diving is not permitted directly from our yachts under any circumstances. Diving must only take place through reputable, certified dive operators using their own boats and equipment.

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.

We have a range of fins available in various different sizes. You will find them in cockpit lockers in each yacht. We do have limited children’s sizes therefore we recommend bringing your own to avoid disappointment. Please note that we do not provide snorkelling masks or snorkels onboard.

When snorkelling, the diving flag and buoy should be deployed and visible to all passing nearby.
Swim vests should be worn at all times whilst snorkelling.
One person should remain out of the water, keeping watch of the others in the water.

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
Spear fishing guns are legal only when free-diving. No tanks allowed when using spear guns.

Lobster
The lobster closed season runs from midnight February 14 to midnight June 15.

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For more information on what’s included on your yacht, please view the full list here.

Sailing Conditions

Belize has a subtropical climate with an average annual temperature of around 27°C (80°F). The trade winds help keep temperatures comfortable year-round. The dry season (December to May) brings sunny days, lower humidity, and consistent breezes – making it the most popular time to charter. The rainy season (June to November) is warmer and more humid, with short, heavy showers, especially in the south and jungle regions, while the cayes tend to remain drier. 

Rainfall is heaviest in the south and the jungle areas, lightest in the north and on the Cayes. Water temperature averages between 79°F to 83°F (26°C to 28°C). 

Waves inside the barrier reef are minimal but the breeze is fresh creating superb sailing conditions. Outside the barrier reef (requiring a local skipper to be onboard) in the blue water Turneffe Islands and Glover’s atolls are each a half day’s sail away and Lighthouse Reef can be reached in another half day sail. 

Tides  
The tidal range is very small: 30 cm to 60 cm (one to two feet) including the variation of level due to atmospheric pressure and dominant winds. 

Weather forecast  
The base provides a weather forecast for the first day and will provide a listing of stations that broadcast weather. Immediate weather conditions can be found online here: windy.com or hydromet.gov.bz  

Prevailing Winds  

Tradewinds are the prevailing winds in the region. They are predominantly easterlies between 10 and 20 knots. In the winter season (November to March) winds can back to the northwest, varying in strength from 20 to 25 knots.   

In the summer there are also Bayamas, short lived intense storms from the South. They are preceded by black Southern horizon with intense lightning and can reach up to 60 knots strength. 

Hurricanes occur occasionally; they are most likely to hit in August and September. 

Historical weather (averages by month):