Belize, Cruising in Placencia– 10 days cruises
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Overview
Unspoiled and less crowded than other parts of the Caribbean, Belize is a laid-back paradise very similar to the cruising grounds of the South Pacific. Known for world-class snorkeling and scuba diving, superior chartering in protected waters, and unparalleled natural beauty, a Belize cruising vacation is unique and special.
Belize is a small country in northern Central America just a bit larger than the U.S. state of Massachusetts. To the north is Mexico and to the west is Guatemala. The western Caribbean fronts the rest of Belize. One of its most remarkable features, making this destination splendid for a Belize cruising vacation, is the Mesoamerican Reef that stretches approximately 350 nautical miles from the tip of the Yucatan Peninsula down along most of the Belizean coast. Only Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is larger. In Belize, the reef shelters more than 400 cays. Most are fringed with additional reefs comprised of at least 50 species of hard and soft coral. Manatees, whale sharks, and roughly 500 species of tropical fish thrive in these waters, and all manner of sea birds are plentiful, including the Magnificent Frigate and the Brown Booby.
Each cruise lasts 1 week. Depending on weather conditions and the crew sailing’s attitude, we would like to take you to the following places :
Day 1 Whipray Caye
Whipray Caye is located 4 miles northeast of Lark Caye. Just a five minute boat ride away is some of the best fishing you’ll find anywhere with tarpon, bonefish, snapper, grouper, and more. Whipray Caye Lodge’s open air Sea Urchin Bar and Restaurant serves up a variety of Belizean and American food, mostly fresh catches, and the fully stocked bar serves the coldest beer for miles around. Cruising in Whipray Caye waters is a delightful part of any cruise in Belize.
Whipray Caye is located 4 miles northeast of Lark Caye. Just a five minute boat ride away is some of the best fishing you’ll find anywhere with tarpon, bonefish, snapper, grouper, and more. Whipray Caye Lodge’s open air Sea Urchin Bar and Restaurant serves up a variety of Belizean and American food, mostly fresh catches, and the fully stocked bar serves the coldest beer for miles around. Cruising in Whipray Caye waters is a delightful part of any cruise in Belize.
Day 2 South Water Caye
Part of Belize’s World Heritage Site, South Water Caye is situated on the barrier reef on the north side of the quarter-mile-wide South Water Pass. Palms rise skyward from pristine beaches. On the east side of the caye, the barrier reef drop-off is close to the beach, providing an ideal location for some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in Belize. South Water Caye yachting is not to be missed!
Things to do
Fishermen plying these waters named South Water Caye for the fresh water wells on the island. The two-story, red-roofed Pelicans Pouch, the main lodge of Pelican Beach Resorts on the south end of the cay, was a convent for the Sisters of Mercy when it was built in the 1940s. The Fangipani House (meaning gray house) is said to have a friendly ghost in residence. At the northern end of the island is the Blue Marlin Lodge, also part of Pelican Beach Resorts. It has a restaurant and bar. Dive excursions are also available. At the centre of the island is an educational facility, International Zoological Expeditions, which has accommodations for students studying tropical biology and reef ecology; they also serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner for boaters (dinner reservations required). A path runs down the middle of the caye, making for a pleasant afternoon stroll.
Day 3 Cocoa Plum Caye (Thatch Caye Resort)
Cruising in Cocoa Plum Caye waters brings you to the northern boundary of the protected South Water Marine Reserve, in the Coco Plum Range of islands. Scenic, remote, and breathtakingly beautiful, a visit to these waters is a highpoint of a cruise in Belize. The beaches are superb, and there’s a restaurant and two bars at Thatch Caye Resort, making a trip ashore even more appealing.
Things to do
Take a relaxing stroll on the nature paths and observe wildlife ranging from rabbits, coatimundi, and Belizean raccoons, to exotic birds and sea iguanas. Enjoying dinner and drinks at the Thatch Caye Resort is a pleasant way to spend a late afternoon or early evening.
Day 4 Lagoon Caye
Situated midway between Quamino Caye and the Slasher Sand Bore at the north end of Victoria Channel, the two cayes that comprise Lagoon Caye are breathtakingly beautiful. The deep-water lagoon at the northernmost caye is quite scenic, enhancing your experience of yachting in Lagoon Caye waters.
Things to do
Exploring the lagoon by kayak is delightful as you paddle quietly along the shores and view the abundant and very beautiful sea birds. A ring of shallow coral around the island offers good snorkelling possibilities.
Day 5 Hatchet Caye
Experience all the desirable traits of a deluxe private island at Hatchet Caye. Nestled just 25 nautical miles off the coast of Placencia, Hatchet Caye offers a delightful mix of natural beauty, fun activities, and best-in-class accommodations. Home to the premier Hatchet Caye Resort, seclusion and leisure take on new meaning at this exclusive little island, which only hosts about 16 guests at a time. The island staff’s warm hospitality will make you feel right at home, even though you’re miles away from ordinary, without a care in the world. From the resort restaurant to the luxurious menu of spa services, Hatchet Caye is a place unlike any other.
Things to do
Lionfish Grill Restaurant is highly recommended for a fine dining experience that is every bit as delicious as it is authentic. Enjoy superior snorkeling conditions all around the caye and onshore, wifi is readily available to accommodate your relaxation needs. Visit the dive shop to arrange for a dive or snorkel trip to nearby Queen Cayes.
Day 6 Lark Caye
Before an overnight at Lark Caye take a day sail to Ranguana Caye. Situated on the barrier reef near Ranguana Pass, Ranguana Caye is the largest of several others that extend southward from Queen Cayes. Cruising in Ranguana Caye waters is very scenic, simply lovely by any standards. The unspoiled white-sand beaches are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkelling. After a day of exploring head to Lark Caye, a pristine location ideal for snorkelling, scuba diving and fishing.
Things to do
Snorkelling on the patch reefs near the anchorage is impressive and pleasant. Check out the Ranguana Reef Resort’s small restaurant and bar. Fishing is great in this area, as is diving. Snorkelling, scuba diving and fishing are highly recommended on Lark Caye.
Day 7 Placencia Harbour
Yachting in Placencia waters brings you to a delightfully picturesque village. A lovely, crescent-shaped beach lined with a long row of palms borders the small town. Beautiful flowers, thick stands of trees, and quaint framed houses on stilts add to the idyllic tropical setting. The people of Placencia are warm and friendly, making your visit even more pleasant.
Things to do
Dining out at one of Placencia’s many restaurants is a delightful way to spend an early evening. There are also a number of bars. The market in town is a great place to browse, and you can buy all kinds of local products.
