Sailing Belize includes the Glover’s Reef Marine Reserve, South Water Caye Marine Reserve and the Blue Hole Natural Monument, an impressive 1,000ft-wide sinkhole ringed with coral. 

The sailing ground off the coast of Placencia is bursting with sandy low lying cays where you can immerse yourself in beautiful, undeveloped and peaceful surroundings and some of the best snorkeling in Belize. Charter highlights include Cocoa Plum Cay, Wippari Cay, Lark Cay, South Water Cay, Lagoon Cay and Hatchet Cay. There are three coral atolls outside of the reef, and a local skipper is required if you sail the open water.

On land, spend time discovering the Maya mountains and nearby Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, the first jaguar sanctuary. Meet the locals who speak English and a local dialect called Belizean Creole. The nation’s multi-cultural influences are everywhere, including the Mexican/Jamaican fusion cuisine and punta afro-Caribbean music.

Itinerary:

• Day 1: Arrive at Robert’s Grove Marina, Placencia, in the afternoon to provision and acquaint yourself with the boat. Placencia has established itself as a popular resort peninsula with its nearby mountains, ancient Mayan ruins, Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary for Jaguars and lush rainforests providing plenty to see inland. Make time in your itinerary to delve into the culture and natural wonders of Belize.
• Day 2: Head to Wippari Cay (or Whipray), a short sail from Placencia and known as a “paradise surrounded by fish”. On the cay, you’ll find the Whipray Caye Fishing Lodge, known for its saltwater fly fishing, fine permit waters and coral snorkeling. The lodge is run by Julian Cabra, who has been fishing since he was six years old.
• Day 3: Not far away is South Water Cay with its palm-fringed beaches and fantastic snorkeling. The northern tip is super close to the barrier reef drop off, where you can enjoy swimming or diving with colorful fish, groupers, sharks, rays and dolphins. On the island are Pelican Beach and Blue Marlin resorts, where you can dine and enjoy a cocktail if you’ve made an advance reservation. The east coast will give you spectacular views of the sunset.
• Day 4: You’ll find five moorings at Coco Plum Cay and superb snorkeling with barracudas, eagle rays and starfish. Relax on the beaches and dine at Coco Plum Island Resort, where you can also snorkel among the reefs, kayak the mangroves, explore underwater caves and discover more of the barrier reef. You can pick up organized dives to the atolls or blue hole here too and if you like spotting birds, head to nearby Man-O-War Cay. You can walk across the ocean, chest deep, to the private resort island of Thatch Cay.
• Day 5: Lagoon Cay is a great stop off for kayaking with its lush vegetation, coastline and internal lagoon. Hop between nearby cays and stop by Tarpon Cay with its lodge, permit waters and bonefishing.
• Day 6: Sail to Hatchet Cay and try night snorkeling under the pier lights to spot fish and octopus. Boats are welcome to moor, so you can dine at the Lionfish Grill and go on organized dives. Enjoy Wi-Fi to update your Instagram with wonderful vacation photos and pick up water and ice.
• Day 7: Hop to Ranguana Cay where, for a $10 per person island access fee, you can dine, drink cocktails at the beach bar, hire kayaks, dispose of rubbish and pick up ice. This low lying island has a real deserted feel. Sail onwards to undeveloped Lark Cay, which has a natural pool and private sandy beaches to stroll and sunbathe on.
• Day 8: Head back to base.