LIVEBOARD SAILING CHARTERS - PLACENCIA, BELIZE
OVERVIEW
Belize is a small country located in northern Central America, on the western shore of the Caribbean Sea. It is just a little larger than the state of Massachusetts in the United States of Ameria. To the north of Belize is Mexico and to the west of Belize is Guatemala. The western Caribbean fronts the rest of Belize to the east, making this one of Belize's most remarkable features and is perfect for a sailing vacation. The Belize Barrier Reef, is the second largest in the world (second to the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Australia). This Mesoamerican Reef stretches approximately 350 nautical miles from the tip of the Yucatan Peninsula down to the southern point of the Belize coast.
In Belize Barrier Reef, shelters more than 400 islands and cayes. Off the mainland coast of Belize, three of the five western atolls can be found. Here you will find Manatees, whale sharks, and over 500 species of tropical fish thriving in these waters. Here you will find sanctuaries for any number of birds, to include the magnificent Frigate and the Brown Booby. Here you will find a laid-back paradise, unspoiled and less crowded than other parts of the Caribbean. Belize is known, for its world-class snorkeling and scuba diving (to include the famous Blue Hole), superior sailing oppportunities in protected waters, unparalleled natural beauty that makes Belize both unique and special.
Sailing off the coast of Belize (located near Placencia) offers year round easterly trade winds (averaging between 15 & 22 knots), that virtually guarantee a wonderful sail almost every day, in calm waters tucked behind the Barrier Reef and individual cayes. A Belize yacht charter is well within the reach of sailors who have, even basic skills in coastal navigation. The serene beauty, calm waters and unique character of these waters, lures less experienced/veteran sailors alike, who return time and time again for more adventures - in one of the best snorkeling and diving locations in the Western Caribbean. Year-round temperatures range from 74°F to 84°F (23°C to 29°C).
Belize is a small country located in northern Central America, on the western shore of the Caribbean Sea. It is just a little larger than the state of Massachusetts in the United States of Ameria. To the north of Belize is Mexico and to the west of Belize is Guatemala. The western Caribbean fronts the rest of Belize to the east, making this one of Belize's most remarkable features and is perfect for a sailing vacation. The Belize Barrier Reef, is the second largest in the world (second to the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Australia). This Mesoamerican Reef stretches approximately 350 nautical miles from the tip of the Yucatan Peninsula down to the southern point of the Belize coast.
In Belize Barrier Reef, shelters more than 400 islands and cayes. Off the mainland coast of Belize, three of the five western atolls can be found. Here you will find Manatees, whale sharks, and over 500 species of tropical fish thriving in these waters. Here you will find sanctuaries for any number of birds, to include the magnificent Frigate and the Brown Booby. Here you will find a laid-back paradise, unspoiled and less crowded than other parts of the Caribbean. Belize is known, for its world-class snorkeling and scuba diving (to include the famous Blue Hole), superior sailing oppportunities in protected waters, unparalleled natural beauty that makes Belize both unique and special.
Sailing off the coast of Belize (located near Placencia) offers year round easterly trade winds (averaging between 15 & 22 knots), that virtually guarantee a wonderful sail almost every day, in calm waters tucked behind the Barrier Reef and individual cayes. A Belize yacht charter is well within the reach of sailors who have, even basic skills in coastal navigation. The serene beauty, calm waters and unique character of these waters, lures less experienced/veteran sailors alike, who return time and time again for more adventures - in one of the best snorkeling and diving locations in the Western Caribbean. Year-round temperatures range from 74°F to 84°F (23°C to 29°C).
The Moorings Belize, Ltd.
Placencia, Belize - Sailing Charters
Situated on Placencia Lagoon, sometimes home of the endangered manatee, Placencia Harbour is both picturesque and quaint. Fishing has been a keystone of the local economy for generations, and it’s still important to the 600 or so people living in the village and the surrounding area. Walking the mile-long, pedestrian-only sidewalk meandering among the houses built on stilts is like stepping back in time, but modernity is making inroads in the form of several luxury beachfront resorts offering numerous amenities, including fine dining. The laid-back atmosphere of Placencia is a perfect way to leave the cares of a busy life behind and ease into a sailing adventure in one of the most serene and beautiful countries in the Western Caribbean.
Belize Sailing Charters
Placencia, Belize - Sailing Charters
Until recently a sleepy little fishing village on the southern coast of Belize, is now a newly discovered tropical jewel. Placencia lies at the end of a 15 mile long peninsula. It has a great natural harbor and is centrally located to some of Belize’s most beautiful reefs and Cayes. This is why it is fast becoming the new sailing capital of Belize.
Placencia is bordered by the Caribbean Sea to the east and a large mangrove lagoon system to the west providing diverse habitat for a wide variety of tropical plants, birds, mammals and marine life. Placencia has a most colorful history involving pirates, escaped slaves, European sea captains and local Indians. Most of the inhabitants are a mix of these early visitors. You will see striking combinations of rich dark skin and blue or grey eyes. This is the recipe for Belize Creole which is a people as well as a language
ACCOMMODATIONS
The peninsula has several new resorts, bed and breakfasts and beach front cabanas. Placencia village itself has a few small hotels and guest houses. Charter guests often elect to spend days ashore in Placencia before and after sailing. Prices range from $40- $200 U.S per night based on double occupancy.
ACTIVITIES
Placencia has numerous world famous guides ready to show you the hot spots for fly fishing, trolling or bottom fishing, manatee watching and much more. Placencia is also home to several diving services that can take you to the famous barrier reef. You can also sail to the dive sites and be met by a local dive shops during multi-day charters.
Experience local Belizean tour guides can take you birding in the nearby lagoons or up the Monkey River to view manatee, reptiles, and primates. These are only a few of the reasons Placencia has become the sailing adventure capital of Belize.
FOOD
You will find a variety of interesting dinning options including local Creole, Italian, Chinese, Myan, and Mexican. There is no place you can't go barefoot but you may want to wear nice evening casual for some spots. Street foods include tamales, local baked goods, BBQ meats, rice and beans. Seine Bight village 5 miles north of Placencia has genuine Garifuna, west African descendants, food. You can also find opportunities to dine in local homes, always a memorable experience.
ENTERTAINMENT
There are several beach bars, mostly local establishments, laid back and very comfortable. Live music is usually played a few nights a week at one of the local clubs, Native, Garifuna drumming and dancing is also often available.
TRANSPORTATION
Placencia lies on a peninsula on the southern coast of Belize only 50 miles from Rio Dulce Guatemala. From Placencia you can access countless Cayes and islands, miles of barrier reef and several small coastal villages.
You will find a variety of stores including gift shops, hardware and pharmacy. At the Placencia fishing co-op you can buy ice, fresh fish, shrimp or conch. If you enjoy fly fishing you are in luck as Placencia is central to the best fly fishing areas in the country.
Belize Sailing Charters can book your connecting flights from Belize City or other areas in Belize.
Placencia is bordered by the Caribbean Sea to the east and a large mangrove lagoon system to the west providing diverse habitat for a wide variety of tropical plants, birds, mammals and marine life. Placencia has a most colorful history involving pirates, escaped slaves, European sea captains and local Indians. Most of the inhabitants are a mix of these early visitors. You will see striking combinations of rich dark skin and blue or grey eyes. This is the recipe for Belize Creole which is a people as well as a language
ACCOMMODATIONS
The peninsula has several new resorts, bed and breakfasts and beach front cabanas. Placencia village itself has a few small hotels and guest houses. Charter guests often elect to spend days ashore in Placencia before and after sailing. Prices range from $40- $200 U.S per night based on double occupancy.
ACTIVITIES
Placencia has numerous world famous guides ready to show you the hot spots for fly fishing, trolling or bottom fishing, manatee watching and much more. Placencia is also home to several diving services that can take you to the famous barrier reef. You can also sail to the dive sites and be met by a local dive shops during multi-day charters.
Experience local Belizean tour guides can take you birding in the nearby lagoons or up the Monkey River to view manatee, reptiles, and primates. These are only a few of the reasons Placencia has become the sailing adventure capital of Belize.
FOOD
You will find a variety of interesting dinning options including local Creole, Italian, Chinese, Myan, and Mexican. There is no place you can't go barefoot but you may want to wear nice evening casual for some spots. Street foods include tamales, local baked goods, BBQ meats, rice and beans. Seine Bight village 5 miles north of Placencia has genuine Garifuna, west African descendants, food. You can also find opportunities to dine in local homes, always a memorable experience.
ENTERTAINMENT
There are several beach bars, mostly local establishments, laid back and very comfortable. Live music is usually played a few nights a week at one of the local clubs, Native, Garifuna drumming and dancing is also often available.
TRANSPORTATION
Placencia lies on a peninsula on the southern coast of Belize only 50 miles from Rio Dulce Guatemala. From Placencia you can access countless Cayes and islands, miles of barrier reef and several small coastal villages.
You will find a variety of stores including gift shops, hardware and pharmacy. At the Placencia fishing co-op you can buy ice, fresh fish, shrimp or conch. If you enjoy fly fishing you are in luck as Placencia is central to the best fly fishing areas in the country.
Belize Sailing Charters can book your connecting flights from Belize City or other areas in Belize.