Belize charter

[PeppaPig]

Any experience, thoughts, recommendations, issues etc? We are considering late Nov - Mid Dec. it appears there are requirements for guides on board into certain areas - is that a pain or a benefit? Thanks in advance as ever.

 

[john_q]

We have been cruising Belize since 2007 and we like it

Some thoughts

In some areas they are trying to get you to use guides, these are in marine park areas, you can avoid the areas if you wish.

The only reasonable pilot is called “Cruising guide to Belize and Mexico Caribbean coast” by Freya Raucher. It is not very up to date and in some places indicative rather than accurate, however eyeball navigation with the sun up and common sense can prevail.

Chart plotters are of very limited use as they can be up to 400 – 500 yards out in most areas.

November and December are good months to cruise but there is still a very small risk of late season hurricanes. We spent last October through to mid January there last year.

January through March are the Northern season, cold fronts coming from the US which can cause winds from unusual directions making some anchorages exposed and big squalls/thunderstorms

Our favourite places are Placencia, Pelican Cayes, Caye Cualker and the Sapadillos, we prefer the southern end of the reef, more sand and less mangrove cayes.

There are only a few places to provision, Placencia, Belize City, Caye Cualker, San Pedro and Hopkins are the ones that come to mind, so plan accordingly

Belize City is to be avoided at all costs except for passing through

Snorkelling and diving good

There are a number of charter companies there. I have listed a few

Moorings/Sunsail based in Placencia southern Belize, monos and cats, well managed

Tradewinds based in Placencia southern Belize, 3 cats, they also sell you time shares, not the newest of boats

2 or 3 companies based in Cucumber Beach Marina (search for Old Belize on the net) south of Belize City - mainly Cats
TMM based in San Pedro all cats

There are a lot of cats on charter, a good choice if you have enough people.

If you need more, PM me, we are back there at the middle of next month

 

[PeppaPig]

Much appreciated - thank you. We were looking at the sunsail/moorings set up and offers and are weighing up Belize versus Baja Mexico for something warm and different.