Belize Travel Information & Planning Guide

Belize is approximately 8,866 square miles. Belize’s mainland is approximately 180 miles long and up to 68 miles wide. Belize also consists of over 450 cayes (islands), ranging in size from a few hundred feet to 25 miles long and four miles wide; most of which are located inside the 200 mile Belize Reef.

Belize lies on the eastern coastline of Central America, bordered on the north by Mexico, on the west and south by Guatemala, and on the east by the Caribbean Sea. It’s separated by sea from its neighbor to the southwest, Honduras.

Belize’s timezone is UTC/GMT -6 hours.

The Capital City of Belize is Belmopan.

Belize is home to 350,000 people. There is a great deal of ethnic diversity among Belizeans, who include Creoles (African-European), Mestizo (Spanish-Indian), Garifuna (African-Indian), Mayan, Anglo-European, Middle Eastern, and Asian.

English is the official language and is widely spoken, as is Spanish. Other languages include Creole, Mayan, and Garifuna.

Airport 

Customers usually arrive at our base from either:

• Belize International Airport (BZE) – now named Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport 
  BZE is 91 miles / 174km from the base in Placencia

• Placencia Regional Airport (PLJ) – the local airstrip in Placencia.
  The local Placencia airstrip is a 45min flight from Belize City
  The Placencia airstrip is 2 miles / 3km from the base.

Servicing Airlines:
Two local airlines serve Belize, Tropic Air and Maya Island Air.

Airport Transfers  
A taxi ride from the local Placencia airstrip to the base is approximately 5 minutes.   
Transfers from the Placencia Airport to the base are not included and cannot be pre-booked.  

Shuttle  
Shuttle services are available from Belize City to Placencia, with a driving time of approximately 2.5 to 3 hours.

The primary route follows a recently upgraded main highway and is generally in good condition, although it may occasionally close during periods of heavy rainfall.   

The Hummingbird Highway offers a longer, but very scenic alternative, taking approximately 3 to 3.5 hours.   

• Discounted Belize Shuttles and Tours   www.discountedbelizeshuttlesandtours.com  
• Untame Belize Shuttles and Tour https://www.untamebelize.com/shuttles/    
• Truly Wild Belize https://www.trulywildbelize.com/belize-transfer-shuttle-services

If you are planning to make a tour of the country, spending a few days in the mountains and a few days at the beach, you might want to rent a car. However, if you are just coming to the base, we suggest that you fly to Placencia. The scenery driving down is quite lovely, but chances are, once you make the drive down, you won’t feel like driving back and if you are renting a car in Belize, you must return your vehicle to where you picked it up otherwise a one way drop off fee in Placencia of $140 USD will be charged.  

Car rentals in Belize range from $85 US to $100 US per day. 

• Crystal Auto:  Tel. 00 501 223 1600  crystal@btl.net www.crystal-belize.com
• Budget Car Rental:  Tel. 00 501 223 2435  jmagroup@btl.net www.budget-belize.com   

Your health and safety are important to us. For advice on how to stay safe while on charter, please review Travel Advice Information. Current travel and safety information can be obtained by visiting travel.state.gov.

This destination is generally risk-free of contagious disease. Visit cdc.gov for the latest information.

Currently, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travelers over 1 year of age arriving from counties with risk of yellow fever transmission and for travelers having transited through an airport of a country with rise of yellow fever transmission. Additional information can also be found on the World Health Organization’s website. 

Current travel and safety information can be obtained by visiting travel.state.gov.

Swimming is often a fun and important part of a vacation. However, local rules, flag systems, currents and where swimming may be permitted, can be different and vary from country to country. Snorkel vests, life jackets and diver down flags are all available on board. 

Children:

• Talk to children about water safety at the start of a vacation, making them aware of the potential dangers.
• Accidents can happen at any time on vacation, but often they happen on the first and last day, so keep watch and do not get distracted when your children are playing by, or in the water.
• Children in or near water should always be supervised by an adult and never left unattended. 
• Get in the water with them. It is easier to keep an eye on them as well as good fun. Floatation devices are highly recommended for children but are not a substitute for supervision.

BE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS

• Check warning flags and signage on the beach and only swim where it is permitted. 
• Beware of dangerous currents, these can be very powerful. Not all beaches have lifeguards and/or warning flags.
• Beware of underwater hazards, such as reefs, rocks, sudden changes in depth and marine life.
• Never swim where a sign says not to e.g. in zoned areas for jet boats or jet skis.
• Never swim at night or after drinking alcohol.

LOOK OUT FOR OTHERS

• Never swim alone, ‘buddy up’ with others in your party and use the snorkel vests provided.
• Know how and where to get help. If you see someone in difficulty, raise the alarm, preferably the emergency services. Ensure you know the correct number for the country you are in.

DO NOT OVERESTIMATE YOUR ABILITY

• Even if you regularly swim in a pool, remember that open water swimming can be very different. 
• Consider swimming lessons before you go if you think it would be useful to learn proper swimming technique.

All yachts are equipped with adult life jackets, harnesses, snorkel vests and diver down flags. You can see all this equipment demonstrated in our online safety briefing, and we strongly recommend that you make use of this equipment during your vacation. This safety equipment will be displayed in the saloon of your boat on boarding. If you have any questions feel free to ask our base staff during your briefing. 

We have a very limited supply of children’s life jackets on base so highly recommend that if you are traveling with children, you bring their own. This ensures that children have correctly fitting jackets that are comfortable for them. 

Children should not be allowed in the dinghy without a life jacket or buoyancy aid and should wear a buoyancy aid or harness while on deck. 

Children under the age of 16 should not operate an outboard engine and should be supervised at all times when in the dinghy. 

The Moorings offers comprehensive travel insurance, through our partner, for your peace of mind. If you have your own travel insurance, verify that it covers the destinations and activities of your Moorings vacation.

*Please note country entry/exit and vaccination/immunization requirements can and do change. The Moorings is not accountable for these requirement changes, and we advise visiting the destination’s authority website to receive the latest updates. 

Experience Level
Level 3

• At least 20 days or 400 miles as skipper on an equivalent size yacht.
• Level 3 destinations are our most challenging. Suitable only for confident, experienced sailors, Level 3 destinations offer long spells of open water sailing, broad tidal ranges, strong winds, and remote anchorages.

Experience levels are based on sailing conditions and the length of passages within your chosen sailing area. View here for more information

To sail in this destination, you are required to hold an officially recognised sailing or power license OR, if you do not hold a license, you will also need to complete our online sailing or power resume and achieve a Level 3 rating.

To charter in Belize without a skipper, the skipper must apply for a Temporary Certificate of Competency. Your completed application is submitted on your behalf by the base and issued by the Belizean Port Authorities and is required for all bareboat charters. Please contact your Pre-Travel paperwork@thlmarine.com support agent for further information.

It is strictly forbidden to sail alone; we require two persons minimum on board.  

Belize Tourism Board
New Central Bank Building, 
Level 2 Gabourel Lane P.O. Box 325 
Belize City, Belize  

Tel: 1-800-624-0686 
Email: info@travelbelize.org
Website: travelbelize.org 

The Moorings Belize Ltd 
(c/o Laru Beya Resort) 
Placencia Peninsula 
Placencia, Belize

8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., seven days a week (evening staff to cover until all flights have arrived)

• Showers and restrooms  
• Wi-Fi  
• Beach, swimming pool & restaurant at nearby Itz’ana Resort

Dock Facilities

• We would highly recommend that you prepay fuel for your convenience.  Fuel station is in the lagoon but can be busy so may cause delays when returning the yacht. 
• Lagoon side at Placencia Village and Roberts Grove dock 
• Placencia Sailing Club (Chabil Mar Marina) south of base in lagoon 
• The Placencia Marina, ocean side north of Maya Beach 
• The Placencia Marina, ocean side north of Maya Beach 
• The Reserve Marina, located in the Sapodilla Lagoon Cucmber Beach Marina, south of Belize City

The skipper’s time is booked from 12:00 noon to 12:00 noon in 24-hour periods. If you have reserved a skipper for the first day of your charter and have a 4:00pm start, the skipper will use this time to ensure that they are happy with all aspects of the yacht and will be at the base to meet you upon your arrival. 

The skipper is responsible for the safety of the yacht at all times. The skipper is not permitted to dive with you, nor leave the vessel overnight. They must conduct a safety brief with you before leaving the dock, regardless of the duration of their contract with you. 

A Friendly Skipper can be arranged for the first day of your charter to help you get acquainted with your yacht and the destination for a stress-free start 

This skipper is required to give you a thorough briefing on all aspects of the yacht and dinghy, in addition to assisting you with planning an itinerary for the trip and advising you on how to contact the base, the return to base procedures, and the emergency assistance procedures. 

The skipper will give you a full chart briefing during his time with you on the yacht. It is also suggested that you make it clear exactly what you want to cover…anchoring, docking, etc. 

The skipper’s food or beverages are not included and are the responsibility of the client. It is suggested that you discuss this on the first day with the skipper and establish whether you will give the skipper cash for meals, whether you have included them in your provisioning, or whether you will accommodate them as part of the group for meals ashore.  The skipper must have their own cabin. 

It is the customer’s responsibility to get a Friendly Skipper back to the base. If you’d prefer not to come back to the base, you must pay for your skipper’s traveling expenses (ferry, taxi, etc.)  

A gratuity is expected and is typically given to the skipper at the end of the charter. The amount is entirely at your discretion. 

Learn more about hiring a skipper for your idyllic Belize yacht charter.

Cruising Area in Belize

All bareboat charters are required to stay inside the barrier reef.  To be able to sail outside the barrier reef, a local skipper must be on board for any and all excursions beyond the barrier reef. 

• South Water Caye Marine Reserve – stretches from the Tobacco Range in the north through Southwater and Twin Cayes, Blue Ground Range, Pelican and Lagoon, south as far as Crawl Caye and all places between 
• Gladden Spit/Silk Cayes* Marine Reserve – From Gladden Spit* south to and including Queen Cayes 
• Laughing Bird Caye* 
• Sapodilla Cayes* – stretching from Tom Owens in the north to Sapodilla Caye* in the south and out to Seal Caye in the west 

*These reserves require guides for entry and have a daily fee. Our Belize base will go over these requirements during the charter briefing and share the ways we can get tour guides to the yachts you would like to enter those reserves as well as suggest alternative snorkeling sites.

While the base can assist in securing a guide for your yacht, this will be an additional expense that the charterer must pay. The cost of a guide will vary depending on how we get him/her out to the yacht.

If they accompany a boat going out to the reserve and we can arrange a minimal cost for the transport to and from the reserve, the guide is going to cost about US$50; if we have to arrange transport to the reserve, it will cost in the region of US$150 for the guide.

Charts & Pilot Books 
All the charts and pilot books you will need for the sailing area are issued at your chart briefing. 

While the Belizean part of the Caribbean Sea is exciting to sail in, the charts, however, are not very accurate (no survey has been done since 1989).   
There are growing reefs, moving sandbars and the effects of hurricanes that are changing cayes constantly.  
The ability to read water depth through colour changes is helpful while conquering these waters.  
Belize has also taken protecting its reefs and corals very seriously, for damaging reefs are severe.

Cruising Area Restrictions  
The Belize authorities take the protection of their reefs very seriously and you must ensure you are aware of and understand the strict sailing area restrictions and regulations of where sailing is prohibited and ensure you stay well clear of the reefs at all times during your charter. Please be aware that should you damage the reef during your charter the Belize authorities have the option of imposing fines and/or confiscating your passport, with potential criminal implications, until such time as any fine or resolution is achieved.

Restricted Zones 
Charterers will receive a sailing chart that outlines red zones for the cruising ground.
Please note that sailing outside the barrier reef is not allowed except with a local skipper on board

It is strictly forbidden to sail alone, we require two persons minimum on board.

Night Sailing is not permitted; you must be moored at least one hour before sunset.

It is strictly forbidden to sail alone; we require a minimum of two persons on board.

Cruising to Guatemala
There is no restriction on sailing to Guatemala, but please note the following details.

Clearing out of Belize can be quite time consuming. While you are in the Rio Dulce it is strongly recommended that you stay in marinas overnight as there is a form of piracy on Dulce River (Rio Dulce) itself.

You will need to go to Big Creek (near Placencia) to clear out of customs and Belize Port Authority, then take a taxi to Mango Creek to clear immigration.

On your return you will also need to clear in with the BAHA (Belize Agricultural Authority) as well as Customs, Belize Port Authority and Immigration. It is recommended that you do not bring in fresh produce and meats as this will probably be confiscated, regardless of whether this was purchased in Belize or not.

In Guatemala, you will need to clear in at Livingston. It is best to arrive at Livingston early (around 10am) and secure the services of Servamar, an agency which gets all the paperwork done for a small fee. The alternative is the better part of the day spent trudging up and down steep hills to the various authorities.

Naturally, you would be responsible for all expenses incurred. Generally when our clients go to Guatemala, we recommend a local skipper is hired who can support with all the legalities. 

Marine Park fees apply throughout much of our cruising grounds. A flat rate of US $10 per person, per day is charged in all marine reserves, including at Laughing Bird Caye.  

Please note that the Marine Park fee covers entry into the marine reserve only and does not include the use of mooring buoys. Mooring buoys are available in some cayes for an additional fee:  

• Pelican Cayes range near Hideaway Caye – 5x moorings at US $20 per night  
• Ray Caye –3 x moorings at US $15 per night   
  (there is a mooring in the inner dock area, but this is definitely a red zone for our yachts)  

There are few marinas along the coastline where one can fill up on water and have electricity:   

• The Placencia Marina  
• Cucumber Beach Marina 

While most banks have automated teller machines, ATM’s in Placencia are located at Atlantic Bank and adjacent to MNM Hardware Store.

Banks are open Monday to Friday from 8:00am to 2:00pm / Mon – Fri

Located on Blackburn Highway in Road Town.

Open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM and Saturday from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

The Moorings Online Provisioning

Online Provisioning is available at this destination. All provisioning orders should be placed no later than 7 days prior to the charter start date. We recommend that customers order the majority of supplies (including bottled water) via our online provisioning store prior to departure from the base.  

Note!  Restocking can be difficult and costly as there are few provisioning options in the cruising area. Water can be purchased from Placencia Harbour but is expensive and subject to availability throughout the rest of the cruising grounds.  

Visit our Provisioning Page to learn more about delivery direct to your yacht. Moorings Care packages are included on every yacht. These packages contain some of the basics to get you started for your vacation.

Supermarkets are located in Placencia Village – a 10min taxi ride from the base. Supermarkets are generally open daily and the hours of operation vary based on the day of the week and the supermarket. Most supermarkets: 8am – 10pm daily and seldom closed on public holidays. 
Top Value Supermarket is well-stocked and has friendly staff.  

All supermarkets accept Visa and Mastercard. 

If you are making arrangements with a dive shop, we recommend asking them to bring out ice on the dive boat if you are in need. 

Trips and Excursions
Spend a day exploring Belize’s natural beauty and culture. From jungle hikes and zipline adventures to ancient Maya history and cacao traditions, there’s something for everyone. Our team can recommend some day trips that you will love and never forget. 

Nim Li Punit 
Visit this Maya ruin in southern Belize, about 1.5 hours away. It features a small museum and the largest stelae in the country. While exploring the site, enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding hills and lush jungle landscape. 

Lubaantun  
This Late Classic Maya site (700–900 CE) is known for the discovery of the crystal skull in 1924. Pair your visit with a swim in Blue Creek cave or a stop at Rio Blanco Waterfall. The region also offers cacao tours, traditional Maya meals, and cultural experiences like basket weaving. 

Monkey River Tour 
A must-do experience, this guided tour begins near No Name Point. Travel upriver to spot wildlife such as howler monkeys, crocodiles, birds, and turtles. The trip includes a jungle walk and a visit to Monkey River village, ending with a local lunch. 

Water Toys & Sports

For your convenience, you can add water toys to your charter prior to arrival at the base. They will be waiting on your boat upon arrival. You are able to rent these at the base; please keep in mind that we have limited availability. For more information, please view our Water Sports Options.

Diving and Snorkeling

Scuba diving in Belize is world-renowned for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant reefs, and the iconic Great Blue Hole. Home to the second-largest barrier reef, it offers unforgettable encounters with sharks, rays, and colorful marine life. It’s a top choice for divers of all levels seeking both beauty and adventure.

For bareboat charters (where no staff from The Moorings are onboard the yacht) charterers are permitted to dive from the yacht. The Moorings does not provide such activities so you should ensure that any third parties that you engage with in order to dive should be through reputable third-party operators. Any diving activities are fully undertaken at your own risk and The Moorings shall have no responsibility or liability in connection with your participation in any diving activities, irrespective of whether this takes place from the yacht or an alternative location during your charter. Diving is not permitted under any circumstances whereby there is any skipper or other crew onboard the yacht which is provided by The Moorings.

Scuba diving packages are available through several dive operations in the area.
Go Sea Tours is a reputable local dive operator.
Please note that dive rental gear is subject to availability during the season.

We have a range of fins available in various different sizes. You will find them in cockpit lockers in each yacht. We do have limited children’s sizes therefore we recommend bringing your own to avoid disappointment. Please note that we do not provide snorkelling masks or snorkels onboard.

When snorkelling, the diving flag and buoy should be deployed and visible to all passing nearby.
Swim vests should be worn at all times whilst snorkelling.
One person should remain out of the water, keeping watch of the others in the water.

Fishing

Game fishing charters available; local inner reef charter services available. Fish life abounds within the main reef. When trolling, you can catch Tuna, Wahoo, Kingfish, Spanish Mackerel, Dorado, Barracuda. Bottom fishing has rewards of Snapper and Grouper. We have local suppliers who can rent a good quality rod, reel and lures for $10 USD per day. Hand lines are also available. 

Note: Due to Belize fishing laws, charterers who are interested in fishing for leisure or sport must hold a sport fishing license. The fees are US$25 per week. You may purchase these licenses at the base.

Spear Fishing 
Spear fishing guns are legal only when free-diving. No tanks allowed when using spear guns.

Lobster 
The lobster closed season runs from midnight February 14 to midnight June 15.

Belize is subtropical, with a mean annual temperature of 80°F (27°C ), making it the ideal location for a relaxing yacht charter. Trade winds blow along the coast and on the cayes most of the year, keeping temperatures pleasant even in the hottest months, except for a few weeks, generally around mid-August through mid-September. During the height of summer, temperatures can reach the mid-90s (around 35°C) on the mainland.

You may find that winter storms bring the temperature down to the low 60s (16 to 18°C). You will find that the rainfall is heaviest in the south and the jungle areas, lightest in the north and on the cays.  The dry season generally lasts from December to May; the rainy season is typically June to November. Hurricanes occur occasionally; they are most likely to hit in August and September.

As the sailing season in Belize runs from November-April, it is the perfect destination for a winter getaway. The tide range is very small at around 11-23 inches, including the variation of level due to atmospheric pressure and dominant winds. The waves inside the barrier reef are minimal but the breeze is fresh, creating superb sailing conditions.

Prevailing Winds  
Tradewinds are the prevailing winds in the region. They are predominantly easterlies between 10 and 20 knots. In the winter season (November to March) winds can back to the northwest, varying in strength from 20 to 25 knots.

In the summer there are also Bayamas, short lived intense storms from the South. They are preceded by black Southern horizon with intense lightning and can reach up to 60 knots strength. 

Hurricanes occur occasionally; they are most likely to hit in August and September. 

The base provides a weather forecast for the first day and will provide a listing of stations that broadcast weather. Immediate weather conditions can be found at https://www.weather.com.

Historical Weather (Averages by month):

At The Moorings, we’re passionate about preserving the beauty of the oceans we explore. Through Our OCEAN Promise, we’re working to reduce our environmental footprint and support the communities that make each destination so special. From more responsible operations to cleaner cruising practices, sustainability is at the heart of what we do.

You can make a difference too. Before you depart, pack a reusable water bottle, choose to support local businesses, and anchor mindfully to help protect the waters we all enjoy. Small choices make a big impact.

Learn more about Our OCEAN Promise