Belize Sailing: Navigating The Reefs And Risks

Belize is considered a safe sailing destination, with year-round trade winds, calm waters, and a maze of coral reefs and islands to explore. However, there are some safety considerations to keep in mind. The country has a low crime rate, and while there have been isolated incidents of piracy against local fishermen, there are no reports of such incidents against cruisers or private yachts. That being said, it is always recommended to take normal safety precautions such as locking your boat and storing valuables out of sight.

One of the biggest challenges of sailing in Belize is navigation due to the presence of coral reefs and shallow waters. Up-to-date charts, sailing briefs, and modern chart-plotters are highly recommended, and even then, keeping a good watch is essential. Most bareboat charters require experienced and qualified sailors due to the difficult navigation.

Sailing experience and qualifications

While sailing in Belize, you will need to be aware of the maze of shallow waters, sandbanks, and coral reefs. This makes sailing in the country quite challenging, and it is recommended that you have sailing qualifications and experience before setting sail.

If you are planning to sail in Belize, it is important to have a sailing qualification or certificate. The International Certificate of Competence (ICC) is the most commonly recognised certificate for sailing in foreign countries. It is a requirement for sailing in some countries and regions, such as Greece, Italy, and the Seychelles. The ICC can be obtained through sailing schools, and the course takes approximately 3-4 weeks to complete.

In addition to the ICC, there are other sailing qualifications that are recognised in different parts of the world. These include qualifications from the American Sailing Association (ASA) and International Yacht Training (IYT). The ASA is US-based and offers certificates for recreational sailing, while the IYT offers courses in different languages.

For bareboat charters in Belize, a temporary Certificate of Competency is required and issued by the Belizean Port Authorities. This certificate is mandatory for all bareboat charters and can be obtained by applying to the Belizean Port Authorities.

When it comes to sailing experience, it is recommended that you have some prior knowledge of sailing before embarking on a trip to Belize. This is due to the challenging navigation conditions and the presence of coral reefs and shallow waters. However, if you are a novice sailor, there are still options available. You can choose to hire a skipper or take a skippered charter, crewed charter, or cabin charter. Alternatively, you can take a sailing course or hire an instructor for part of your trip to gain the necessary skills.

Overall, while there may be some flexibility regarding sailing qualifications in Belize, it is important to prioritise safety and comply with the relevant laws and regulations.

Navigation and safety equipment

Belize is a great place to sail, with its year-round easterly trade winds, clear calm waters, and pristine Caribbean coastline. However, sailing in Belize requires a certain level of experience due to the maze of coral reefs, sandbanks, and small islands that can make navigation challenging. Here are some essential navigation and safety equipment you should consider when sailing in Belize:

Navigation Equipment:

• Charts and Plotting Tools: Up-to-date charts and plotting tools are highly recommended for navigating the maze of shallow waters, sandbanks, and coral reefs in Belize.
• GPS (Global Positioning System): A GPS receiver is essential for displaying the location of your ship and calculating speed, course, and time required for your voyage.
• Radar System: S-band and X-band radar systems help detect targets and display information such as the distance from the ground, floating objects, other vessels, and obstacles to avoid collisions.
• Gyrocompass: Unlike a magnetic compass, a gyrocompass is not interfered with by external magnetic fields and provides a stable directional source by determining the correct north position, which is also the Earth's axis of rotation.
• Autopilot: Autopilot is a bridge navigation aid that helps the operator steer the vessel by holding the steering in autopilot mode, allowing them to focus on other aspects of the operation.
• Magnetic Compass: Works in conjunction with the Earth's magnetic field and is the primary means of the direction indicator. It is used to obtain the planned voyage route.
• Automatic Radar Plotting Aid (ARPA): Displays the location of the ship and other nearby vessels, selects a collision-avoiding course, and constantly monitors the ship's environment.
• Speed and Distance Log Device: Modern echo sounders use sound waves to measure the depth of water below the ship and have been in use for nearly 100 years.
• Electronic Chart Display Information System (ECDIS): This system uses electronic navigation equipment to make it easier for the crew to determine the ship's location and navigate.

Safety Equipment:

• Life Jackets: All recreational vessels must carry one wearable life jacket for each person on board. Any boat 16 feet or longer must also carry a throwable device.
• Visual Distress Signals: Vessels operating in U.S. coastal waters, the Great Lakes, territorial seas, and connected waters must be equipped with U.S. Coast Guard-approved visual distress signals, such as pyrotechnic red flares and orange smoke signals.
• Fire Extinguishers: U.S. Coast Guard-approved marine-type fire extinguishers are required on boats where a fire hazard could arise from engines or fuel systems.
• Ventilation System: Boats that use gasoline for electrical generation, mechanical power, or propulsion must be equipped with a ventilation system.
• Backfire Flame Control: Gasoline engines installed after April 25, 1940, except outboard motors, must have an acceptable means of backfire flame control.
• Sound-Producing Devices: Recreational vessels are required to use sound signals during specific circumstances, such as meeting, crossing, and overtaking, as well as during periods of reduced visibility and while at anchor.
• Navigation Lights: All boats, regardless of size, must have night lights as part of their navigation systems to make them visible to nearby ships.
• VHF Radio: While not mandatory, a VHF radio can be useful for broadcasting a call that may be heard by other vessels in your vicinity, potentially rendering assistance faster than the Coast Guard.
• Cell Phone: Although the USCG does not recommend using a cell phone to initiate distress calls, it can be much easier to use once you have made contact with a rescue service.

Crime and piracy

In February 2021, there were a few minor piracy incidents reported against local fishermen in the 'cayes' and off the coast of Belize, where outboard engines, fish, and electronics were stolen. However, it's reassuring to know that there have been no reports of piracy incidents against cruisers or private yachts.

To ensure a safe sailing experience in Belize, it's recommended to take normal safety precautions. This includes locking your boat while you go ashore and keeping valuables out of sight. Additionally, due to the presence of coral reefs and shallow waters, it's important to be careful not to run aground to avoid penalties for damaging the reef.

Overall, with the right qualifications, experience, and safety measures in place, sailing in Belize can be a safe and enjoyable experience.

Weather and seasons

Belize has a comfortable tropical climate with an average yearly temperature of 84° F (29°C). The coastal sea breeze and Belize's large tracts of jungle and rainforest provide cooling relief even in the hottest summer months. Winters are cool but never very cold. In short, the climate is pretty much perfect all year round.

Belize has two seasons: the wet and the dry. The dry season falls between February and May, with significantly lower rainfall than the rest of the year. When rain does come, it is usually in mild, short bursts. The wet season runs from June to December, when parts of the country receive up to 150 inches of rain, and the heavy, sometimes wild storms associated with the Caribbean occur, usually in the late afternoon. The most frequent rainfall usually occurs in June or early July and is punctuated by a break in late July or August, known as the "little dry".

The wet season is also hurricane season, and while hurricanes are rare in Belize, they can occur. The country has an effective early warning network and safety procedures in place.

The best time to sail in Belize is between June and November. With southeast trade winds averaging 10-13 knots, sailing conditions are ideal. Inside the barrier reef, waters are protected from Caribbean Ocean swells, but sailing vessels can encounter wind chop. Outside the reef, boats may encounter ocean swells. The best time to visit Belize's outer atolls is from November through February.

The dry season is considered the high season for travel, with warm to hot temperatures, sunny days, cooling trade winds, and little rain. From December through February, strong northerly winds called "nortes" can blow in from the US and Mexico, bringing thick clouds and cool nights.

The wet season, also known as the green season or low season, is characterised by warm temperatures and brief but sometimes intense rain. The rainforest and wildlife come to life, with trees and flowers in bloom, making birds and wildlife more accessible to travellers.

Food and drink

Belize's food and drink scene is a mix of Caribbean, Mexican, African, Spanish, and Mayan influences. Here's what you need to know:

Breakfast

Eggs are a common breakfast option in Belize, often served scrambled with diced tomatoes, in the Maya style. Beans are also a staple, usually refried red or black beans. Instead of toast, you might have tortillas, johnnycakes, or fry jacks. Johnnycakes are semi-dry, baked, round flour biscuits, served with butter or stuffed with ham and/or cheese. Fry jacks are a similar batter, deep-fried and either served plain or dusted with confectioner's sugar.

Lunch and Dinner

Rice and beans is the national staple, with plenty of variations. You might find rice and beans cooked together in coconut milk and mild spices, served with grilled fish or meat. Alternatively, the beans may be cooked separately in a spiced stew and served on boiled white rice.

Chicken is the most common meat, often served in tasty stews or burritos. However, seafood is the star attraction, with an abundance of fresh options including grouper, red snapper, shrimp, and conch. Lobster is also widely available and relatively inexpensive, with a season running from mid-February to mid-June.

Belize's Afro-Creole Garifuna people have their own unique dishes, with cassava and plantain featuring heavily. Their most traditional dish is hudut, a fish stew with coconut milk and mashed ripe and green plantains. This can be found in restaurants in Dangriga and surrounding villages.

In the south, Maya staples like caldo (a spicy stew of meat and root vegetables), cochinita pibil (slow-roasted pork flavoured with recado), and ixpa'cha (fish steamed inside a leaf) are common. These are often served with fresh tortillas.

Drinks

Belize has a range of unique drinks on offer. Fruit juices are widely available, with fresh orange, lime, pineapple, and watermelon being popular options. You can also find shakes made with tropical fruits like papaya, mango, and pineapple.

One unusual drink is the seaweed shake, made with dried seaweed, evaporated and condensed milk, cinnamon, and nutmeg, blended with ice. It can also be spiked with rum or brandy.

For alcoholic drinks, Belikin is the national beer of Belize, with several varieties including lager, stout, and premium. Local rum is also a popular choice, with Travellers One Barrel being one of the most well-known brands.

Something Sweet

Belize has a long history of cacao production, and several local producers like Goss, Kakaw, and Cotton Tree make organic chocolate. The Ixcacao farm in Toledo offers tours of the plantation and has a restaurant serving chocolate-infused dishes and chocolate wine.

Something Spicy

Marie Sharp's Hot Sauce is a staple on Belizean tables. The original sauce is made from habanero peppers, carrots, and onions, but the brand now offers a range of hot sauces, jams, and chutneys.

Where to Eat

Caye Caulker Island is known for its top eateries, including Maya Beach Bistro, which serves excellent seafood, and Caribbean Colors Art Café, which offers vegetarian dishes and salubrious smoothies. For swanky seafood, head to Hibisca by Habaneros.

Frequently asked questions