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Lonely Planet Belize

by John Noble

Hire a boat in Belize and imagine your tropical vacation in the pristine and unspoiled Central American paradise. Cruising the protected inner waters of the 185 mile stretch of second longest barrier reef in the world, with over 3000 sq.m. of protected water, makes for an experience like no other. Imagine yourself swimming, diving, snorkeling, fishing, kayaking, windsurfing... the brilliant turquoise waters of the Belize archipelago, made up of over 200 deserted tropical islands and coral atolls, where more than 70 types of coral and over 400 species of fish call these waters home. Couple this with an exotic region overflowing with divine natural beauty, and you have the Mecca for boaters and vacationers looking for the ultimate tropical getaway.

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What are the requirements when bareboating in Belize

Each charter company require evidence that the skipper has previous experience on a boat of a similar size. Operating a yacht generally needs at least a skipper and one competent crew member
Bareboat Sailing Certificates are useful but not mandatory. Each charter company has a sailing résumé form for you to fill out indicating your experience. If you are a first time bareboat charterer, we recommend that you gain approval by the charter company before any money is paid.

	Weather conditions and forecasts for Belize
	Belize has a tropical climate with pronounced wet and dry seasons, although there are significant variations in weather patterns by region. Temperatures vary according to elevation, proximity to the coast, and the moderating effects of the northeast trade winds off the Caribbean. Average temperatures in the coastal regions range from 24° C in January to 27° C in July. Temperatures are slightly higher inland, except for the southern highland plateaus, such as the Mountain Pine Ridge, where it is noticeably cooler year round. Overall, the seasons are marked more by differences in humidity and rainfall than in temperature. Average rainfall varies considerably, ranging from 1,350 millimeters in the north and west to over 4,500 millimeters in the extreme south. Seasonal differences in rainfall are greatest in the northern and central regions of the country where, between January and April or May, fewer than 100 millimeters of rain fall per month. The dry season is shorter in the south, normally only lasting from February to April. A shorter, less rainy period, known locally as the "little dry," usually occurs in late July or August, after the initial onset of the rainy season. Hurricanes have played key--and devastating--roles in Belizean history. In 1931 an unnamed hurricane destroyed over two-thirds of the buildings in Belize City and killed more than 1,000 people. In 1955 Hurricane Janet leveled the northern town of Corozal. Only six years later, Hurricane Hattie struck the central coastal area of the country, with winds in excess of 300 kilometers per hour and four-meter storm tides. The devastation of Belize City for the second time in thirty years prompted the relocation of the capital some eighty kilometers inland to the planned city of Belmopan. The most recent hurricane to devastate Belize was Hurricane Greta, which caused more than US$25 million in damages along the southern coast in 1978.
			Click on image to view the weather in Belize (Phillip Goldston Intl. Airport) now, as well as, a prediction for the next 7 days.

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Where you can sail in Belize

San Pedro's premier snorkel location is just half an hour down the reef in "Stingray Alley" where the local tour guides hand feed the stingrays and nurse sharks. Set sail again and within two hours you can enjoy a beautiful sunset in the back bay of Caye Caulker.

Head south through Porto Stuck for a 4 hour sail to Goff's Caye, a small personal island right on the reef. There is a beautiful beach and superb snorkeling either inside or outside the barrier reef.

Across the channel is English Caye where a local family maintain the lighthouse. A quick sail either inside or outside the reef brings you to Southwater and Tobacco Cayes. Here, there are restaurants plus a dive resort. The Smithsonian Institute was so impressed by the pristine waters that they have built a research station just south of here at Carrie Bowe Caye.

Heading back upwind brings you to a perfect little anchorage at Bluefield Range. Ashore is Ricardo's Fish Camp. A little bit funky for some, but a seafood dinner by Finn will not be easy to forget.

Heading up Victoria Channel past various cayes, you might be lucky enough to see some manatees. These large mammals often visit this area with their calves - although they can never be categorized as cute they do have a charm all of their own. The lee of St. Georges Caye provides the evening anchorage. Ashore at St. George's Lodge you can enjoy a great dinner - but book ahead as the whole resort is run on DC voltage. Twenty years ago it was definitely before its time in the lucrative eco-tourism market!

Leaving St. George's is easy usually a broad reach back to Porto Stuck and then upwind to the backside of either Caye Chapel or Caye Caulker. Caye Chapel is a privately owned island with the first golf course in Belize. The owner is now awaiting the results of an environmental study which will allow development of the island into an exclusive community.

Spend some time enjoying either Caye Caulker or Caye Chapel. Try hiring a bicycle or golf cart to see it all. A mellow 2 hour sail takes you back to San Pedro once more and the end of a perfect week.

What to bring with you

No matter where your holiday destination may be, they have a number of things in common: the sun, the sea and the fact that you will need to live for the duration on a yacht. There are a few items you should not forget to take with you, as they will make your life on board easier and safer... more

If you like me to assist you with your Belize boat choice, please send me an e-mail with your questions and enquiries. I will be glad to reply and assist you, wherever I possibly can.