Belize · Barrier Reef · Private crewed charter
Sailing the Belize Barrier Reef
The largest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere, palm-fringed cayes and Mayan heritage ashore. A wilder, quieter alternative to the Eastern Caribbean.
Sample itinerary
Placencia and the southern cayes, seven nights
A round trip from Placencia inside the protected waters of the barrier reef, with short passages between small, often uninhabited cayes.
- Day1
Placencia
Board in Placencia, a laid-back village at the tip of a long peninsula, and sail to a nearby caye for your first night.
Village · Swim - Day2
Laughing Bird Caye National Park
Snorkel the reefs of this protected caye, home to seabirds and colourful marine life.
National park · Snorkel - Day3
Ranguana Caye
A tiny, picture-perfect caye with white sand and palms. Snorkel, paddle-board and relax.
Beach · Snorkel - Day4
Sapodilla Cayes
Sail south to the remote Sapodilla Cayes near the southern end of the reef, with excellent snorkelling and diving.
Remote cayes · Dive - Day5
Hatchet Caye & Silk Cayes
Turtles, rays and nurse sharks are often seen around the Silk Cayes. Fishing and fly-fishing are excellent nearby.
Turtles · Fishing - Day6
South Water Caye
Sail north to South Water Caye, set directly on the barrier reef, for wall snorkelling and diving.
Reef wall · Dive - Day7
Return toward Placencia
A final day among the inner cayes with a beach barbecue and farewell sunset.
Beach BBQ · Sunset - Day8
Disembark in Placencia
Disembark in Placencia, with flights to Belize City.
Disembark
This is a sample route. Every charter is tailored: your captain will adapt the plan around wind, weather and what your group enjoys most. From March to June, whale sharks can be seen at Gladden Spit around the full moon.
Charter area
Where you'll sail
- Start & finish · Placencia
- Nearest airport · Placencia (PLJ), via Belize City (BZE)
- Typical passages · 1 to 3 hours
- Best season · December to May
Make it yours
More of Belize
Glover's Reef
A remote atoll with crystal-clear water, ideal for divers.
Mayan ruins
Visit inland ruins and rainforest before or after your charter.
The Great Blue Hole
The famous dive site at Lighthouse Reef, best combined with a longer charter.
What to expect
What is included
Usually included
- The yacht, captain, crew and private chef
- All meals and a standard open bar
- Fuel for a standard itinerary
- Water toys and snorkel gear
Usually extra
- Crew gratuity, typically 15 to 20%
- Premium wines and spirits
- Flights and hotels
- Local cruising fees and taxes
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
How much does a crewed yacht charter in Belize cost?
Rates depend on the yacht, season and group size. Crewed catamarans are usually priced all-inclusive of crew, meals, drinks and water toys, with crew gratuity of 15 to 20% on top. Your broker gives you a full, transparent quote.
When is the best time to sail Belize?
The dry season from December to May is the most popular. Hurricane season runs from June to November.
How do we get there?
International flights arrive at Belize City, with short local flights to Placencia.
Is Belize good for divers?
Yes. The barrier reef, atolls and Blue Hole make Belize one of the best diving destinations in the Caribbean.
Your week, your way
Let's plan your Belize adventure
Tell us where to send it and a charter specialist will email you this sample itinerary, with yacht options matched to your dates and group. There's no cost to you.