Belize
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: Turneffe Atoll
Day 4: 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 5: 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 6: 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 7: 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 8: 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 9: Head back to base.
Whipray Caye
Whipray Caye is located 4 miles northeast of Lark Caye. Just a five minute boat ride away is some of the best fishing you’ll find anywhere with tarpon, bonefish, snapper, grouper, and more. Whipray Caye Lodge’s open air Sea Urchin Bar and Restaurant serves up a variety of Belizean and American food, mostly fresh catches, and the fully stocked bar serves the coldest beer for miles around. Cruising in Whipray Caye waters is a delightful part of any cruise in Belize.
Mooring
A few moorings are available.
Dinghy dockage: No dinghy dockage is available.
Things to do
The fishing is world-class in these waters. Taking some time to try your hand at landing the catch of the day is a pleasant addition to the sheer pleasure of yachting in Belizean waters.
Facilities
No facilities for yachts are available.
×
South Water Caye
Part of Belize’s World Heritage Site, South Water Caye is situated on the barrier reef on the north side of the quarter-mile-wide South Water Pass. Palms rise skyward from pristine beaches. On the east side of the caye, the barrier reef drop-off is close to the beach, providing an ideal location for some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in Belize. South Water Caye yachting is not to be missed!
Mooring
No moorings are available. Anchor on the west side of South Water Caye in the numerous sandy patches between tufts of sea grass. Protection is only good from the prevailing easterly winds. If the winds are predicted to shift or strengthen (even from the east), the better anchorage for overnight stays is at nearby Twin Cayes.
Dinghy dockage: Beach the dinghy virtually anywhere on the west shore or near the lodge docks.
Things to do
Fishermen plying these waters named South Water Caye for the fresh water wells on the island. The two-story, red-roofed Pelicans Pouch, the main lodge of Pelican Beach Resorts on the south end of the cay, was a convent for the Sisters of Mercy when it was built in the 1940s. The Fangipani House (meaning gray house) is said to have a friendly ghost in residence. At the northern end of the island is the Blue Marlin Lodge, also part of Pelican Beach Resorts. It has a restaurant and bar. Dive excursions are also available. At the center of the island is an educational facility, International Zoological Expeditions, which has accommodations for students studying tropical biology and reef ecology; they also serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner for boaters (dinner reservations required). A path runs down the middle of the caye, making for a pleasant afternoon stroll.
Facilities
Internet access, limited water, limited provisions (by arrangement), and laundry service are available. Scuba tank air fills are available at the Blue Marlin Lodge.
Cocoa Plum Caye (Thatch Caye Resort)
Cruising in Cocoa Plum Caye waters brings you to the northern boundary of the protected South Water Marine Reserve, in the Coco Plum Range of islands. Scenic, remote, and breathtakingly beautiful, a visit to these waters is a highpoint of a cruise in Belize. The beaches are superb, and there’s a restaurant and two bars at Thatch Caye Resort, making a trip ashore even more appealing.
Mooring
Three moorings are located on the western side of the caye, and two moorings are located on the eastern side, affording protection in all seasons.
Dinghy dockage: Yes dinghy dockage is available.
Things to do
Take a relaxing stroll on the nature paths and observe wildlife ranging from rabbits, coatimundi, and Belizean raccoons, to exotic birds and sea iguanas. Enjoying dinner and drinks at the Thatch Caye Resort is a pleasant way to spend a late afternoon or early evening.
Facilities
There is a small marina with a boardwalk for you to enjoy. Water and provisions are available. There is Internet access in the resort’s guest areas. Scuba tank air fills are available at the resort.
Lagoon Caye
Situated midway between Quamino Caye and the Slasher Sand Bore at the north end of Victoria Channel, the two cayes that comprise Lagoon Caye are breathtakingly beautiful. The deep-water lagoon at the northernmost caye is quite scenic, enhancing your experience of yachting in Lagoon Caye waters.
Mooring
There are a few moorings available. You can also anchor just outside the lagoon for fair protection in northerly winds.
Dinghy dockage: No dinghy dockage is available.
Things to do
Exploring the lagoon by kayak is delightful as you paddle quietly along the shores and view the abundant and very beautiful seabirds. A ring of shallow coral around the island offers good snorkelling possibilities.
Facilities
No facilities for yachts are available.
Hatchet Caye
Experience all the desirable traits of a deluxe private island at Hatchet Caye. Nestled just 25 nautical miles off the coast of Placencia, Hatchet Caye offers a delightful mix of natural beauty, fun activities, and best-in-class accomodations. Home to the premier Hatchet Caye Resort, seclusion and leisure take on new meaning at this exclusive little island, which only hosts about 16 guests at a time. The island staff’s warm hospitality will make you feel right at home, even though you’re miles away from ordinary, without a care in the world. From the resort restaurant to the luxurious menu of spa services, Hatchet Caye is a place unlike any other.
Mooring
Mooring: 11 moorings, US$25 per night.
Dinghy dockage: Yes
Things to do
Lionfish Grill Restaurant is highly recommended for a fine dining experience that is every bit as delicious as it is authentic. Enjoy superior snorkeling conditions all around the caye and onshore, wifi is readily available to accomodate your relaxation needs. Visit the dive shop to arrange for a dive or snorkel trip to nearby Queen Cayes.
Facilities
Restaurant, wifi, dive shop, water and ice.
Lark Caye
Before an overnight at Lark Caye take a day sail to Ranguana Caye. Situated on the barrier reef near Ranguana Pass, Ranguana Caye is the largest of several others that extend southward from Queen Cayes. Cruising in Ranguana Caye waters is very scenic, simply lovely by any standards. The unspoiled white-sand beaches are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling. After a day of exploring head to Lark Caye, a pristine location ideal for snorkeling, scuba diving and fishing.
Mooring
No moorings balls. Anchoring is recommended.
Dinghy dockage: No dinghy dockage is available.
Things to do
Snorkeling on the patch reefs near the anchorage is impressive and pleasant. Check out the Ranguana Reef Resort’s small restaurant and bar. Fishing is great in this area, as is diving. Snorkeling, scuba diving and fishing are highly recommended on Lark Caye.
Facilities
No facilities for yachts are available.
Placencia Harbour
Yachting in Placencia waters brings you to a delightfully picturesque village. A lovely, crescent-shaped beach lined with a long row of palms borders the small town. Beautiful flowers, thick stands of trees, and quaint framed houses on stilts add to the idyllic tropical setting. The people of Placencia are warm and friendly, making your visit even more pleasant.
Mooring
No moorings available. The anchorage west of Placencia Caye is excellent when winds are from the northwest to east. The bottom is turtle grass. Make sure your anchor is well set.
Dinghy dockage: Dinghy dockage is available.
Things to do
Dining out at one of Placencia’s many restaurants is a delightful way to spend an early evening. There are also a number of bars. The market in town is a great place to browse, and you can buy all kinds of local products.
Facilities
Dockage, water, ice, and provisions are available.