Belize is one of the Caribbean’s best-kept secrets for sailing — and it’s easier to reach than you might think. With direct flights from major cities across Canada and the US, and convenient connections from Europe via Cancun, your luxury yacht charter adventure begins just 15 minutes from Belize’s International Airport at Cucumber Beach Marina.
A Destination Unlike Any Other
While the BVIs and the Mediterranean have long dominated the sailing scene, Belize offers something increasingly rare: uncrowded waters, untouched anchorages, and a sense of genuine discovery. Past guests on our crewed yacht charters have compared the experience to what the BVIs felt like 40 years ago before the crowds arrived. On a remote itinerary, it’s not uncommon to have an entire caye to yourself!
After a welcome orientation and safety briefing, you will sail to to Bluefield Range. Bluefield Range is a mangrove cluster teeming with wildlife which makes for a fantastic kayaking destination. Kayak through the tiny channels, look out for manatees and even take some bait and a fishing line and see if you can catch dinner.
As the sun comes up over the barrier reef you will be sailing south to Tobacco Caye.
Tobacco Caye is a 5-acre palm-fringed coral island perched on the barrier reef, which makes it a great place to snorkel or dive from the shore, plus its central location means it is within 10 minutes by boat to some of the best snorkel sites in all of Belize. There are a couple of small laid-back resorts and a tiny beach bar serving fresh coconut water and icy cold rum cocktails with hammocks to lounge in. 39 local islanders call this rock their home and it’s a great place to learn about their way of remote island life.
The southernmost Atoll, Glovers Reef is a minefield of patch corals and epic marine life, with a scattering of tiny islands that sit on the outer reef. Southwest Caye makes for a great anchorage as there a huge uninhabited perfect white beach with a backdrop of coconut trees (it was once a plantation) and since it sits on the lee side of the island, there isn’t a spec of ocean debris, just a few fallen coconuts and spotless white sand. The island is split in two, the northern portion is home to Mirasol Dive Resort where you are welcome to explore and enjoy a refreshing cocktail in their over the water wooden bar.
Spend the morning snorkeling or diving! Being a designated National Marine Reserve and World Heritage Site, there are approximately 700 pristine patch reefs brimming with the richest variety of marine life in the Caribbean – Snorkelers and divers alike are enchanted by the vast and endless spectrum of sea life here. Cruise up to Middle Caye, a wilderness zone with a marine research station run by the Wildlife Conservation Society open for visitors to explore.
Take a walk down “hermit crab alley” and look out for the resident Ospreys!
After an early morning snorkel, you head to Long Caye — a remote, privately owned island paradise and home to Off The Wall Dive Resort. Adventure seekers can tap into Slickrock Belize Adventures, the island’s resident watersports haven, for kiteboarding lessons or a scuba dive.
In the early afternoon, you set sail for Sittee River. The transition from open ocean to lush jungle riverbanks is nothing short of breathtaking as we meander upriver. After dark, the real magic begins — venture into the bioluminescent lagoon, where the water lights up like a cosmic bath of stars as you glide through. It’s a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Sail to Southwater Caye – a pristine 12 acre private island that is one of the most beautiful and exclusive islands in Belize.
South Water Caye sits on the reef on the north side of South Water Cut, which is a 1⁄4 mile wide gap in the reef. Grunts, black groupers, snappers and moray eels all hide out in the overhangs and make for a spectacular snorkeling experience. Head to the Blue Marlin Lodge, one of our favourite little bars in all of Belize for an icy cold Belikin Beer and a game of billiards, or watch the pelicans gather as the fishermen return and clean their catch.
Rendezvous Caye is a tiny private island located right on the Belize barrier reef, with a collection of palapa shades, beach loungers and hammocks, the perfect place to relax or enjoy a beach picnic. You can snorkel along the deep water wall right from the shore and experience the contrast of deep sea and shallows of the corals. Look out for the graceful spotted eagle rays, there are several who come to visit the boats to check on any scraps from the catch of the day!
Picture yourself gliding along the world’s largest living barrier reef, stepping ashore onto palm-fringed beaches, and diving into Belize’s extraordinary underwater world — all from the comfort of your own private crewed catamaran. With gourmet dining, tropical cocktails, and world-class snorkelling, diving, fishing, and kayaking on your doorstep, this is the ultimate floating luxury resort experience.
Above Deck is a concept born out of a love for travel and sailing – we believe everyone should get intimate with the big blue, at least once.
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