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
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.
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Easy crewed
Fully crewed
Cabin cruise
SailShare
Aqualodge
Motor Yachts
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
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.
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FAQ
See all our FAQsWhy should I book with Dream Yacht?
Dream Yacht Worldwide is now the world’s leading yacht charter company and offers you:
- A diverse fleet of yachts with a wide variety of models and manufacturers to suit every type of sailor.
- We have 40+ exciting destinations and we’re a pioneer in finding new sailing grounds.
- You can be assured of our commitment to customer service excellence.
- You’ll receive a warm and friendly welcome from our base teams who will share regional tips, recommendations and advice.
- We’re also a trusted seller of new and used boats and an innovator in charter management options – sailing is our business.
What licenses do I need to hire a yacht and sail myself?
The skipper of a yacht has primary responsibility for the safety of the crew and yacht at all times. Many destinations require just relevant experience demonstrated by a sailing resume.
To charter in the Mediterranean, it is mandatory that you hold a sailing license recognized by the local port authorities for bareboat charters in Italy, Greece, Croatia, Spain, Malta, Montenegro and Turkey. Other destinations that require a license include Madagascar, Seychelles, Thailand, Brazil and Sweden. For Belize, the port authority will issue a certificate of competency and an application is made on arrival.
You must take your proof of competency and original certificate with you on your charter. We advise you to contact our team about your qualifications and destination requirements before booking.
By accepting the yacht contract you are confirming that you and/or members of your crew are capable and competent to sail the yacht in the conditions and cruising area of the charter. We reserve the right not to hand over the yacht if, after inspection, it is the opinion that the charterer is not, or may not be competent to be in charge of the vessel.
What is a skippered yacht charter?
A skippered yacht charter is when you rent one of our boats for you and your guests and a professional skipper sails it for you. No sailing experience is needed.
You will need to choose a yacht with a cabin for your skipper to sleep in as they are responsible for your yacht for the duration of your charter. We will find the skipper for you once you have found your perfect destination and yacht.
You will need to pay for your skipper’s food. You can invite the skipper to dine with you on board or out at a local restaurant.
What is the difference between crewed and by the cabin charters?
Our by the cabin charter charters offer exciting destination tours on a set itinerary crafted by our destination experts. You can book a double cabin and private bathroom and will share the boat with other guests who have booked the other available cabins. You will be looked after by a professional skipper and hostess with itineraries ranging from three to 11 nights. There is a set menu and included meals and drinks vary depending on location.
Can you tell me about your yachts?
Our super premier yachts are less than 12 months old from their first charter date, while premier yachts are less than three years old from their first charter date. Our yachts are well maintained and undergo regular, scheduled technical inspection.
In case of emergency, you can rely on our hotline, at any time, seven days a week. If you experience a technical failure affecting major and important parts of the yacht, we will repair the failure within four hours of receiving your call during working hours (8am to 5pm). If you lose more than four hours (during working hours), we will compensate you for one full day. If the repair takes more than one day, we will provide you with a similar boat or compensate you on a pro-rata basis. If restrictions to this guarantee apply in specific areas, this will be detailed during the charter check-in at the base.
Do I need insurance for my bareboat charter?
We highly recommend you arrange travel insurance in case you need to cancel for an unexpected reason to cover non-refundable deposits. Please make sure you have personal travel insurance that covers sailing.
We will insure the vessel throughout the charter with first-class insurers against all risks, to provide permission to charter as under contract terms and to cover third-party liability.
The following options are available in limited locations:
- Security Deposit: This varies on the size of the boat and when the boat is returned without damage it is refunded.
- Damage Waiver: The charterer agrees to pay a non-refundable damage waiver at the time of booking, as well as a reduced damage deposit on embarkation that is refundable upon completion of the charter should no damage occur.
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