Belize Yacht Charter

Belize is the 'adventure coast' for luxury yacht charters, yielding marvellous coral reefs and incredible dive sites, of which the Great Blue Hole was named as one of the world's top dive sites by famed 1970s diver Jacques Cousteau.

The beautiful coral studded waters are home to Manatees and schools of tropical fish: The Corona Reef complex is said to have some of the healthiest corals in the world, and the myriad colourful fish and endangered whale sharks that swim over its surface will delight snorkelers and Scuba divers of any age. In the deeper offshore waters, you'll find scores of yellowtail, mutton and mangrove snappers, kingfish, tuna and blue marlin.

The land is as diverse as its waters and it probably has the greatest variety of biomes, peoples, flora, and fauna of any country of its size in the world. More and more yacht charter vacationers are making the journey to this little country of huge contrasts... so where is Belize? As one of the best kept secrets of the Caribbean and Central American charter grounds, this sliver of land and its atolls is placed between Mexico and Guatemala and is easily missed on the map.

However, a Belize vacation provides endless opportunities for diving, snorkelling, fishing, kayaking, bird watching and more: Take a night dive through a tunnel of living coral, ride a horse through a jungle resounding with the call of howler monkeys, explore ancient Maya ruins, or track the elusive jaguar. A week-long luxury yacht charter will leave you thoroughly satisfied and at the same time yearning to come back and experience even more.

Five quick reasons to visit Belize

Stunning coral atolls, Sensational water sports environment, Gorgeous beaches, Amazing wildlife, Rich local culture

More about this part of South America

Belize is on the eastern coast of Central America and shares the vast Caribbean Sea with Honduras, Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, Cuba, as well as the ABC Islands farther east. As such, this is the perfect destination for luxury yacht charter groups looking to take in multiple destinations on an extended charter.

Belize Yacht Charter Experiences

Belize yacht charter really represents another world: The large continuous barrier reef creates miles of protected cruising grounds and the constant easterly trade winds are a wonder for sailing yachts and water sports such as wind surfing, kite surfing and sailing dinghies.

Belize City is a centre for culture and the perfect place for some luxury shopping and some meaningful souvenirs of your trip: Tour the art galleries and learn about local history in the Belize Museum, then rest your feet at one of the cafes and bars in the Fort Street Tourism Village, or savour six-star service all to yourselves back aboard your luxury yacht.

To the south, the Old Belize Cultural and Historical Centre is a fantastic day out for children with a train ride taking guests on a journey through history before leaving the mainland behind and heading out to the incredible fishing, diving and snorkelling spots in the Belize yacht charter grounds. Hundreds of sandy cayes beckon to your group for lively days in the sunshine and tranquil nights where the moonlight glints off the rippling waves. Half Moon Caye is just one view of paradise, where coconut palm trees poke through soft white sand and turtles come onto the beach to nest. The forest is a sanctuary for red-footed boobies and there is the option to hike to the observation tower to see many impressive bird species within their natural habitat.

The best beaches of Ambergris Caye can be found on the south western side. The island is a worthwhile visit for its proximity to the spectacular Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley, which is an absolute treat for snorkelling. Here, turtles and rays can be sighted gliding through the seagrass meadows and fish of all colours and stripes dive between the hard and soft corals.

When you want to mingle and party the night away along the shores, Placenica has a mix of locals and international travellers that come or the bars, clubs and fantastic food.

A quick cruise from the mainland, Laughing Bird Caye and the Silk Cayes are surrounded by marine reserves and have plenty of beaches to choose from. Take advantage of your ability to cruise anywhere you desire and head far away from the mainland to the beautiful Glover's Atoll, renowned for its dive sites. Turtles, rays, dolphins and reef sharks frequent these waters and create fantastic photo opportunities in the clear blue seas.

Things to Consider

Yachting Seasons & Climate: Belize has a sub-tropical climate with steady temperatures hovering around 30°C/86°F throughout the year, with the winter months proving a few degrees cooler and the summer a few degrees hotter. The region is best visited in the winter yacht charter season which runs from November until May, avoiding the hurricane season and when there is the least chance of rainfall.

Clothing to Pack For Your Charter: There is a casual dress code in Belize and unless guests are intending to go on a corporate yacht charter or similar business trip, formal wear isn't a requirement. T-shirts, shorts, sandals and a swimsuit or two will see you through your holiday, however if you want to explore the jungle longer trousers and a sturdy pair of walking shoes are recommended.

Mosquito repellent is an essential for guests intending to spend extended periods outdoors at any time of the day, however guests will find relief from these nuisances farther out at sea and in coastal destinations with strong winds.

Main Ports and Marinas: Caye Kaulker Port, Caye Chapel Port, Raddisson Fort George Port (Belize City), Old Belize Port, Palencia Port, Harvest Caye Port, Punta Gorda Port

Famous Restaurants & Clubs: Rock Bar (Belize City), Belize Daiquiri (Belize City), Better Belize It (Belize City), Green Turtle Bar (Belize City)

A Must See Attraction: Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Shark Ray Alley, Glover's Reef Marine Reserve, Laughing Bird Caye National Park, Belize Museum, Old Belize, Cultural and Historical Centre

Best beaches to visit in your yacht: Placenica Peninsula, Half Moon Caye beach, Ambergris Caye south western beaches, Laughing Caye beach, Silk Caye beaches

Local Yacht Events: Baron Bliss Regatta

Best time to go: The sub-tropical climate of Belize makes this country desirable to visit year-round, however the best time to experience it on a luxury yacht charter is during the dry season running from November/December to May. This makes Belize a fantastic alternative to better known winter season destinations in the Caribbean and Bahamas over the Christmas and New Year period.

Further Charter Information

Yacht Rentals Available: Go here for the current list of yacht rentals in Belize.

Full Belize Yacht Charter Guide: Go here for the essential Central America yacht charter guide.