Freedom to Explore Belize’s Best
Discover the beauty of southern Belize on a 7-day Placencia sailing charter. With the flexibility of a bareboat itinerary, you’ll island-hop through pristine cayes, vibrant reefs, and laid-back coastal villages, setting your own pace as you explore one of the Caribbean’s most unspoiled cruising grounds.
Day 1
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.
The day’s sailing
- 1 Hr 24 Mins Sailing time
- 7 Nautical miles
Mooring
Anchoring only (no cost)
Dinghy dockage: No dinghy dockage is available.
Things to do
Swimming, Paddleboarding, Kayaking, Snorkelling
Facilities
None
Discover Wippari Caye
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.
Day 2
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!
The day’s sailing
- 4 Hr 48 Mins Sailing time
- 24 Nautical miles
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
Watersports, Swimming, Paddleboarding, Kayaking, Snorkelling, Diving, Exploring, Sunbathing, Fishing
Facilities
Restaurants & Bars, WIFI, Dive shop
Marine Reserves – Southern Belize
The wonders of a Belize sailing holiday unfold primarily amid marine parks. In 1996, the United Nations World Heritage Committee approved the Belizean barrier reef as a World Heritage Site, now formally called the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System. Four of the seven segments of the system within the realm of a Belize yacht charter: South Water Caye, Gladden Spit (Silk Cayes), Laughing Bird Caye, and the Sapodilla Caye. Gladden Spit encloses the Queen Cayes and, like Laughing Bird Caye, is a strict no-fishing zone. These two reserves are closed to bareboat charters. Other areas in the cruising grounds are also designated as marine preserves, collectively encompassing a wide swath of Belizean waters. The undeveloped cayes and the coral atolls are evocative of South Pacific islands, but instead of a long airline flight away, they’re close to home. The extensive reefs, drop-offs, sand ridges, sinkholes, pinnacles, caves, and many other features of the ocean floor teem with colorful undersea life.
Activities
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 Frangipani 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.
Restaurants
Pelican Pouch, International Zoological Expedition and Blue Marlin Lodge. Dive shop available at Blue Marlin Lodge.
Day 3
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.
The day’s sailing
- 2 Hr 24 Min Sailing time
- 12 Nautical miles
Mooring
Two 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
Swimming, sunbathing, watersports, snorkelling, exploring,dive shop
Facilities
There is a small marina with a boardwalk for you to enjoy. Water is available at a cost per gallon and there is Internet access in the resort’s guest areas. Scuba tank air fills are available at the resort.
Discover
Take a relaxing stroll on the nature paths and observe wildlife such as coatamundis, frigate birds, brown pelicans and iguanas. Enjoying dinner and drinks at the Thatch Caye Resort is a pleasant way to spend a late afternoon or early evening.
Day 4
Pelican Cayes
Sailing south from Cocoplum Caye in the inner channel and passing between Quamino Cay and Cat Cay enter the protected Pelican Cay Range. Pick up a mooring between Northeast Cay and Northwest Cay and visit Hideaway Cay, one of the best kept secrets in the cruising grounds. Enjoy a freshly caught lobster or fish dinner, and swop sailing stories with the owners. Arrange for fresh homebaked bread for breakfast. Paddle across the sheltered waters on a paddleboard or kayak and find interesting snorkel spots in the range.
The day’s sailing
- 3 Hr Sailing time
- 15 Nautical miles
Mooring
Mooring Bouys. Five moorings at a cost of US$20 per night
Dinghy dockage: No dinghy dockage is available.
Things to do
Swimming, snorkeling, restaurant and bar, kayaking and paddleboarding
Facilities
Restaurant & Bar
Discover
A good option in unsettled weather for a protected anchorage. Deep water anchorage but Hideaway Cay owner will help you select a safe spot to drop the anchor and tie nto mangroves if all moorings are occupied and bad weather is expected. You can also enjoy some food & drinks at the Hideaway Cay restaurant and bar.
Day 5
Ray Caye
Experience all the desirable traits of a deluxe private island at Ray Caye. Nestled just 25 nautical miles off the coast of Placencia, Ray Caye offers a delightful mix of natural beauty, fun activities, and best-in-class accommodations. Home to the premier Ray 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, Ray Caye is a place unlike any other.
The day’s sailing
- 2 Hr 24 Min Sailing time
- 12 Nautical miles
Mooring
Mooring: 11 moorings, US$25 per night.
Dinghy dockage: Yes
Things to do
Swimming, sunbathing, watersports, snorkelling, dive shop
Facilities
Restaurant, wifi, dive shop, water and ice.
Discover
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.
Day 6
Lark Caye
Before an overnight stay 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 unspoilt white-sand beaches are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkelling. After a day of exploring head to Lark Caye, a pristine location ideal for snorkelling, scuba diving and fishing.
The day’s sailing
- 1 Hr 36 mins Sailing time
- 8 Nautical miles
Mooring
No moorings balls. Anchoring is recommended.
Dinghy dockage: No dinghy dockage is available.
Things to do
Swimming, sunbathing, watersports, snorkelling,fishing, kayaking and paddleboarding
Facilities
No facilities for yachts are available.
Discover
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, paddleboarding, kayaking and fishing are highly recommended on Lark Caye.
Day 7
Lark Caye
A short and comfortable sail brings you from Ray Caye toward the tranquil waters surrounding Lark Caye, a peaceful anchorage close to Placencia and the inner barrier reef. This final island stop offers calm, shallow waters ideal for swimming, paddleboarding, and relaxed cruising as you begin your journey back toward base. The surrounding reef system continues to offer excellent snorkelling opportunities with vibrant coral and abundant marine life.
The day’s sailing
- 2 Hr Sailing time
- 9 Nautical miles
Mooring
Free Anchoring, Mooring Buoy (limited availability)
Sheltered anchorage in sandy patches with good protection in settled conditions. Moorings may be available depending on activity and weather.
Things to do
Swimming, Paddleboarding, Kayaking, Snorkelling, Sunbathing, Fishing, Exploring
Facilities
None
Discover
Lark Caye offers a calm and scenic final overnight anchorage within easy reach of Placencia Harbour. It’s a great opportunity for a relaxed final sunset on the water, with chances to spot rays, turtles, and reef fish in the surrounding shallows. Depending on timing and weather, this area may also serve as a convenient staging point for an early return to base the following morning, bringing the charter full circle through Belize’s stunning southern reef system.
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