With 174 miles of protected coastline along the Caribbean Sea, hundreds of off-shore cayes, and the Belize Barrier Reef, the waters of Belize are a unique treasure in the sailing world of today. Whether on a private vessel making port, or arriving by way of air or land and looking to charter, Belize has dependable facilities and numerous tour operators ready to meet your cruising needs.

Private Vessels and Ports of Entry
Those coming on their own boat should have updated and detailed charts and GPS chips that clearly mark the conditions of the reef. Due to the shallow seas in some areas, it is advised that mono-hulls with a keel be equipped with a depth meter.

All boats coming to Belize must check in with the Belize Port Authority. The communications center follows V.H.F. radio channel 16 and H.F. radio channel 2182 and will direct boats as necessary upon their arrival. There are two Belize Port Authority offices in the country--one in Belize City and one in Big Creek. Visitors arriving by boat to either Belize City or Big Creek will need to report directly to the Belize Port Authority office, located within close proximity to Immigration and Customs. Those arriving at any other port-of-entry can handle all necessary procedures with the Belize Port Authority through Immigration.

Immigration offices are located throughout the country, allowing for flexibility in planning one's port-of-entry. The following locations serve as ports-of-entry for boats coming to Belize: Belize City, San Pedro, Dangriga, Big Creek, and Punta Gorda. It is required that all boats are cleared through immigration, customs, health, and currency upon arrival. To do this, visitors must have clearance from the country that they are coming from, a valid passport, and visitors coming from certain countries will need a visa. To learn more about the policies of customs and immigration in Belize, proceed to: www.customs.gov.bz/traveller_info.html.

Fuel and Supplies
Fuel is available at all ports-of-entry. Fuel docks, however, are not accessible at all locations by keelboats. There are fuel docks capable of handling keelboats in Belize City, San Pedro, Big Creek, and Placencia. The fuel dock in Dangriga is not accessible by sailboats or catamarans, and the water depths for the fuel dock in Punta Gorda are questionable. It is highly advised that current depths and clearances are verified before pulling up to any fuel dock. Jerry cans will come in handy when looking to refuel.

An up-to-date cruising guide will be a necessary trip-planning tool for boats coming to Belize. Come prepared with everything that you might need as equipment and supplies for sailing vessels are not readily available. Food and basic provisions are to be found country-wide.

Sailing Conditions and Protected Areas
Clear waters average a comfortable 75 to 84¡F while favorable winds blow February through June. During these months the trade winds run at 12 to 20 knots and above, 70% of the time. Throughout the rest of the year, expect winds around 6 knots. The mean annual temperature of Belize is 80¡F.

Belize is a country full of natural riches and is home to a major portion of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The country takes great measures to protect its environmental treasures and as such has designated marine reserves Pact Reserves

While cruising Belizean waters, sailors should be aware that of these areas charge a visitor's usage fee.

To maintain sustainable populations of marine life and to protect species that are at risk, the following regulations are enforced:

No conch are to be caught in-between the months of July and September, no lobster are to be caught in-between February 15th-June 14th

No spear fishing is allowed

No turtles are to be captured

The capture of certain fish, such as grouper, is only allowed in certain locations

Up-to-date information regarding the details of these interests can be obtained from Immigration office upon arrival.

Charters and Tour Operators
A country where sailing once used to be a primary mode of transportation, Belize maintains its sea roots through its active tourism industry. For sailors coming to Belize, options include, but are not limited to: bare boating, sailing school, day trips, extended cruises, sailing with a crew, sailing with a captain, or sailing on a private charter.

Those arriving to Belize by air or by land with the intention of chartering are allowed to bring items that they will need, such as fishing and diving equipment, but are encouraged to buy food supplies locally

Helpful Links:

Click here

for a list of registered live aboard operators

To review the various tour options, follow the link to: www.travelbelize.org/service.html

Details regarding customs and immigration can be found at: www.customs.gov.bz/traveller_info.html

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