{"id":8426,"date":"2023-06-26T16:05:02","date_gmt":"2023-06-26T15:05:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nanoo.travel\/?p=5585"},"modified":"2025-11-02T16:17:44","modified_gmt":"2025-11-02T15:17:44","slug":"belize-sailing-cruise-in-the-belizean-cayes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nanoo.travel\/en\/belize-sailing-cruise-in-the-belizean-cayes\/","title":{"rendered":"Belize | Sail from island to island to discover the cayes"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Let’s face it, we’re more freshwater sailors than ocean cruisers… But we love sailing and boating vacations, for all the fun and freedom they represent on the water. So when the opportunity came to join my brother on his sailboat, we didn’t hesitate. Especially since he’s got his sea legs after crossing the Atlantic! <\/p>\n\n

After our first week in Martinique, we’re off for a 10-day cruise in the warm waters of Belize<\/strong> \u26f5<\/p>\n\n

\"Cruise<\/a>
Anchored at South Water Caye (Copyright \u00a9 Olivier Delausnay)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n
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Why sail in Belize?<\/h2>\n\n

Located between Mexico and Guatemala, on the edge of the Caribbean Sea, Belize <\/strong>is a small country brimming with treasures. On a previous trip<\/a>, we discovered the tropical forests, Mayan sites and idyllic beaches of Ambergris Caye. This time, we’re off the coast of Belize to discover the cayes, heavenly islets dotted along the world’s second largest barrier reef<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n

\u279c Feel like exploring Ambergris Caye? I tell you about it here:“Belize | Unforgettable getaway on Ambergris Caye, the most beautiful island in the world<\/a>“<\/strong>\u279c To read about our first stay in Belize, click here:“Belize | 6 must-do activities for a total change of scenery<\/a>“<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

\"Coral<\/a>
Coral reefs in Belize (Copyright \u00a9 Olivier Delausnay)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n

Easy navigation<\/h3>\n\n

Belize is not one of the most popular Caribbean destinations for sailing vacations. And yet, with its subtropical climate<\/strong> and picture-postcard landscapes<\/strong>, it’s a real paradise for sailing enthusiasts<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n

Easy sailing conditions<\/strong> (steady easterly trade winds blowing at 10 to 20 knots and low swell between the coast and the barrier reef), short islet-to-islet crossings<\/strong>, low tidal range<\/strong> (30 to 60 centimeters) and calm<\/strong> palm-fringed anchorages<\/strong> make this an ideal destination for family cruises<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n

Breathtaking anchorages<\/h3>\n\n

Approximately 1,000 kilometers long, the Mesoamerican Barrier<\/strong> Reef is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, bordering the coasts of Mexico, Belize, Guatemala and Honduras. Most of the reef is protected by the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System<\/strong>, which covers 960 square kilometers and includes 3 atolls<\/strong> (Turneffe, Lighthouse and Glover), 7 marine reserves<\/strong> (Blue Hole, South Water Caye Marine Reserve, Hol Chan Marine Reserve) and some 450 cays<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n

A caye (or key) is a small low-lying island formed by tidal and wind action and the gradual accumulation of coral and sand debris on reefs<\/strong>. Mainly used in the West Indies, the term is also found in Florida (the Keys) and Australia.<\/p>\n\n

\"Cruise<\/a>
Cayes du B\u00e9lize (Copyright \u00a9 Olivier Delausnay)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n

UnlikeAmbergris Caye<\/a> and Caye Caulker, which are overrun by tourists, most of Belize’s cays are little visited, as they are often uninhabited<\/strong> and difficult to access. Their white sandy beaches, lined with coconut palms or covered in mangroves, provide the backdrop for sheltered, secluded anchorages with little competition<\/strong>. Protected from heavy swells by the coral reef, the calm waters are ideal for swimming and scuba diving<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n

\u279c C <\/strong>oral reefs and sandbanks can, however, make navigation difficult in shallow waters<\/strong>. It’s best to be accompanied by an experienced skipper, especially as the Belize authorities reserve the right to charge damages to anyone who hits or damages a reef<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n

When to sail in Belize<\/h2>\n\n

While the warm waters of Belize are pleasant to sail all year round, the season is sweltering and rainy from June to October<\/strong>. Between September and October, the area can also be swept by tropical storms, or even cyclones<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n

From November to February, the season is cooler<\/strong> thanks to the northeast trade winds, but strong gales<\/strong> (northers) can be dangerous and make many anchorages uncomfortable.<\/p>\n\n

The best time to sail in Belize is during the dry season, between February and May<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n

\u279c <\/strong>At the height of the tourist season, boat rentals are in high demand. To benefit from the best rates and to make sure you still have a choice, it ‘s best to book at least 6 months in advance<\/strong>, or even a year in advance for the Christmas and New Year period.<\/p>\n\n

What type of boat to choose in Belize?<\/h2>\n\n

When it comes to choosing a boat for sailing in Belize, several factors need to be taken into account, such as the type of activities you plan to do, the number of people on board, your level of sailing experience and your budget.<\/p>\n\n