BELIZE
A wonderland of miles upon miles of coral-studded cayes and some sandy beaches inbetween, and then towards the inland; jungle rivers , pristine rainforests and ancient Mayan ruins and cultures offer 'a generous world apart', as in a complete Sea and Land!
The sailing itinerary brims with beauty and unspoilt sights, its so tourist-less that you wonder if its even possible. And yes it is, the sheer naturalness of the lush southern Belizean coast holds the biggest advantage in attracting the adventure traveller in you.
Snorkeling and scuba diving is simply – awesome! Add some days on your weeks cruise to discover the inland too.
Here is sample itinerary of what you may expect while enjoying a sailing vacation with TradeWinds in Belize. Weather or other outside factors may mean that your Captain sets an alternative course. With hundreds of cays to choose from it is rarely the same trip twice!
You are welcome to check in at the reception of TradeWinds and drop off your luggage when you arrive. Town is only a 5 minute stroll away and offer a delightful prelude to your weeks cruise. Your catamaran will be moored right outside the Tianna Rooms at Placencia Point. Upon arrival you will be greeted by our base manager who will take you through the check in procedure. Boarding is at 5pm. Once you board the yacht you will be greeted by a refreshing welcome cocktail, introduced to your crew and fellow sailors. You will be shown to your cabin and helped to settle in. Just prior to sunset, we will cast off our mooring lines and head out into the bay of Placencia where you will enjoy a delicious dinner aboard followed by a good night’s rest before we set sail the following morning.
Wake up for breakfast and have an early swim if you fancy it. Then we set sail to nearby Moho Caye which is around 12 nautical miles north east of Placencia. Here you will find calm waters for swimmers and sandy coves awaiting exploration by kayak.
After lunch on board we set sail for the beautiful Queen Cayes, also known as the Silk Cayes. This small group of Cayes is made up of three of the most exotic sand Cayes you will ever see. Jump in for another amazing snorkel before sunset cocktails and hermit crab races on the beach. Don’t forget your camera today as Queen Cayes has an unforgettable sunset.
After breakfast it’s time for more snorkeling and for our scuba divers to get their first experience of the week on the second largest barrier reef in the world. A short ride in a dinghy brings us to a 60ft reef dive. Maybe this will be the first time this week you’ll see our Belizean dolphins? Imagine seeing these incredible mammals, free in the wild, its a true highlight.
After lunch, you can get some exercise by helping the Captain hoist the sails for a short sail to Hatchet Cay – a paradise island with a world class resort out there in the middle of nowhere. Or perhaps you would prefer to just sit back, relax and supervise the action. After cocktails and dinner aboard, adjourn to the front of the boat. The stars, so far from any light pollution, are incredible.
We start with a 2 hour journey to the beautiful Ranguana Cay - 2 acres of paradise on Earth. There are hammocks set up on the beach for you to relax in before diving off the beautiful white sandy beach into the coral reef waters, or take a dinghy ride to Walkabout Reef. For the fishermen, Ranguana Cay offers some of the best bone fishing Belize has to offer. These 'catch and release' fish are caught right off the beach, under the shade of the coconut trees.
After lunch we will once again hoist those shady sails to make our way, outside the reef, to Tom Owens Cay. Throw out the fishing line and see if you can catch a whopper and put some dinner on the table. The freshest catch of the day indeed!
More snorkelling and kayaking are followed by a trip ashore where you can visit one of the Cays natural architectural wonders. Tom, our local friend, will show you around and explain the construction. Make sure you take a book to swap with him, as there is no Television reception for him, he sure appreciates his books. Cocktails are served aboard the yacht, then you dine ashore after being entertained and educated by Polly who runs ReefCI. They’ll tell you all about the wonders of the underwater world and the measures Belize is taking to maintain and respect this "unbelizeable" ecosystem.
After breakfast we will make a short sail to Northeast Sapodilla Cay. Here you can stroll on the sandy shores looking for treasures that wash ashore. Snorkel right off the beach and explore this under water paradise. For the scuba divers you will enjoy another reef dive just 10 minutes away by dinghy, outside the reef – keep an eye out for Goliath groupers – they live up to their name in size!. After lunch the captain will move the boat inside the reef and drop you and your first mate "guide" off the boat onto Vigilance Reef. Whilst the captain watches from the yacht enjoy the heavenly underwater views.
Once back on board we’re off to spend the night at Hunting Cay. Back on the yacht enjoy an after dinner liquor whilst watching the shimmering lights of Guatemala and Honduras on the far horizon.
5 nautical miles west lays Seal Cay. You can enjoy snorkelling and diving right off the boat with an underwater reef with a depth on top of 15ft and a vertical wall dropping down to over 100ft. Like several of our anchorages this week, Seal Cay is a marine park which means there is no fishing allowed on or around the Cay. Because of this protected environment the Cay offers an excellent chance to see some of our bigger friends down under including lobster the size of footballs walking along the bottom without a care in the world.
With the sails perfectly trimmed, another beautiful sail east sees us arrive at Nicholas Cay. This all weather anchorage is the perfect spot to relax, identify and discuss all those terrific little critters that you spotted during the day. Cocktails are served in time for another great sunset and more mouth watering culinary offerings.
Breakfast today is followed by an early morning snorkel on a wreck in shallow water between Lime Cay and Sapodilla Cay. With no moorings or anchorage it’s time to once again grab your first mate “guide” and wave goodbye to the Captain as he drops you over the wreck. With a quick wave goodbye to your new found under water friends, who have now made this wreck their home, it’s time to raise those sails again, drop the fishing line in the water and head North West for Colson Caye. On arrival we drop the anchor in time for a last lunch on board followed by a refreshing swim. Keep an eye out for manatees as you re-enter the Placencia Cay area before heading back into Placencia and the end of the sailing part of our adventure together. However, to compensate for that, tonight we dine out at our favourite local restaurant.
After a tasty breakfast onboard, it is time to gather your belongings and memories. Your crew will arrange transport back to the airport before exchanging fond farewells. Those of you who are staying additional nights in the Tianna Rooms will have their bags taken to their room, where arrangements for some land based activities can be made; whether exploring Monkey River or visiting one of the Mayan Ruins; you will already be planning your next TradeWinds adventure....
Updated April 2012
Most major US carriers fly to Belize City International Airport, which is just a short flight away from many major airports across America including Miami, Houston, Dallas, Atlanta, New York, Charlotte and others. Direct flights are also available on a seasonal basis to Belize City from Canada, Mexico and Cost Rica. A short (45 min) internal flight to Placencia with either Tropic Air or Maya Island Air, will bring you from Belize City to Placencia. The short internal flight is very scenic so be sure to have your camera handy!
American Airlines
(800) 433-7300
(268) 462-0950
www.aa.com
United Airlines
(800) 231-0856
(268) 462-5355
www.united.com
Delta
(800) 532-4777
(800) 337-4777
www.delta.com
Grupo TACA
Tel: 501-227-7363
Fax: 501-227-5213
www.taca.com
US Airways
c/o Belize Global Travel Services
501-225-3589
Fax: 501-225-4091
www.usairways.com
Maya Island Air
1-800-521-1247
501-226-2435
501-226-2192
Email: mayair@btl.net
www.mayaislandair.com
Tropic Air
1-800-422-3435
501-226-2012
501-226-2338
Email: tropicair@btl.net
www.tropicair.com
Caribbean Holidays
now agents for Tikal Jets
501-227-2583
When you arrive at the airport ask a taxi to take you to TradeWinds catamarans (not Tradewinds Hotel – this is an unrelated business!). The taxi costs about 15 Belize dollars (approximately 7.5 US dollars). Don't worry about booking a return taxi, your crew will do this for you. We usually have several guests on the same flight, so you can share a taxi with your newfound friends!
You are welcome to arrive in Placencia early and stay with us at Tradewinds Tianna rooms (email our reservations team for more information). For more accommodation see www.placencia.com.
If you experience delays and you feel that you cannot get to the base in time then please call + 501 523 3303 leaving your name(s) and a short description of the situation along with contact details for where you are.
Your charter ends, after a delightful breakfast, on Saturday at 9 am. Your yacht will have arrived on the dock from Friday evening so if an early flight or ferry on your schedule, then our office can book a taxi service for you on Saturday morning. There is a departure tax payable on exiting the country – the airlines are currently in the process of adding this to the ticket price, so depending on when/how you purchase your ticket there will either be nothing to pay on leaving, or US$39.50.
See our further information section for information on visas, currency, weather and more.
Updated April 2012
Belize is a peaceful, English-speaking country just two hours away from Miami and Houston U.S. Gateways. It is on the Caribbean coast. TradeWinds base at Placencia Village lies on the southern tip of a 16 mile long peninsula. It is located about 120 miles south of Belize City – a three hour drive, or a scenic 45 minute flight. With a diversity of adventure opportunities unmatched by any other country, the Belizean people have protected over 40% of the country as parks and natural reserves.
Belize is an ideal all year round destination. The overall climate of Belize can be described as sub-tropical. The Belize coastal area is exposed to southeast tradewinds averaging 10-13 knots. The average temperature is 26C/79F. Winter months around 24C/75F average and Summer months are warmer at 28C/82F. Inland, the average annual temperatures in the mountains is a comfortable 72F. TradeWinds has an excellent safety and weather preparation record, should a named storm approach, yachts will be redirected and guests assisted with alternate arrangements on land. The upside to traveling in the summertime and autumn in the Caribbean in general is that the weather is truly great and the waters are as gorgeous as ever. There are no high seas to talk about and the waters are calm with a great breeze for sailing.
Please pack as lightly as you can. Most of our guests wear only a fraction of what they bring! All you really need are shorts, tee shirts and beachwear, a light rain jacket if you have one, and a sweater for winter evenings. Soft luggage is preferable if you have it. We have some limited storage onshore for your empty bags, but please bring as little as you are comfortable with. Between meals, fresh fruit is available. If you like to eat more between meals, please feel free to bring snacks with you. It is advisable to bring a change of clothes and toiletries in your carry-on when flying to Belize. If your luggage got lost enroute it will not be able to be delivered to you until days later.
If you are going to extend your stay with one of our inland tours we highly recommend that you bring sun screen, bug spray, swim suit, hiking shoes/sneakers, cap, and sunglasses. For the "Jungle" Tours (Monkey River, Cockscomb and Mayflower) some guests may prefer to wear long sleeves and/or long trousers (pants) as - after all- it is a real jungle inland.
You only need sandals or other shoes for the nights on shore as you will be barefoot whenever you are aboard. Good sturdy sandals, like TEVA-style models are preferred as they sit well on your feet.
You will be around water for the week. If you are concerned about getting your purse, wallet or camera wet, bring a small dry bag. These can be purchased from sports and outdoor vendors. Some of them roll up and trap the air inside which has the added benefit of making the bag float.
All of our yachts carry a fishing rod onboard - we usually troll a line when sailing from island to island and will often catch yellow fin, wahoo, mahi-mahi or similar ...... which might become lunch, served fresh from the yachts barbecue or perhaps as a sushi/ sashimi!
We strongly advise that all guests cruising with us have fully comprehensive travel insurance which will cover all eventualities such as hotel accommodation, lost baggage, changes to flights etc.
Please read our travel insurance recommendations for more information.
Useful information can be found at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. People from certain countries (this does NOT apply to US, Canadian and EU Citizens) are required to have a yellow fever vaccination prior to arrival in Belize AND need proof of vaccine at immigration. Some doctors are recommending malaria tablets for Belize - in Placencia we have not had any problems with malaria.
The power is stable at 110 Volts AC, the same as in the United States.
For U.S., Canadian, European Community and Caricom countries citizens a valid passport and a return/continuing ticket is required.
For other citizens of other countries please confirm with the Belize tourist board.
There is a departure tax payable on exiting the country – the airlines are currently in the process of adding this to the ticket price, so depending on when/how you purchase your ticket there will either be nothing to pay on leaving, or US$39.50. There is also a green visitor tax of US$30.00 per person which is due upon arrival at check-in at the TradeWinds base.
Updated April 2012