Sailing Belize: Placencia's Best Routes

Placencia, Belize, is a delightful place to sail, with its picturesque village and friendly locals. The small town is bordered by a crescent-shaped beach lined with palm trees, beautiful flowers, and quaint houses on stilts. The area offers a range of sailing adventures, including day cruises to nearby cayes, or small islands, that are part of Belize's Barrier Reef, the second-largest reef in the world. These cayes boast white sandy beaches, crystal blue waters, and vibrant coral reefs, perfect for swimming, snorkelling, and scuba diving.

For those seeking a longer sailing trip, there are options to sail north from Placencia to South Water Caye or even further to Caye Caulker. This journey offers the opportunity to explore uninhabited islands, enjoy pristine beaches, and experience the laid-back Caribbean lifestyle. The waters around Belize are known for their vibrant turquoise hues and abundant marine life, making sailing here a truly unforgettable experience.

Whipray Caye

The coral around Whipray Caye is superb for diving or snorkelling in the turquoise waters of the Caribbean. The island also offers a relaxing vacation experience, with palm trees, hammocks, and a fully-stocked bar serving cold beer. The lodge's Sea Urchin Bar and Restaurant serve a variety of Belizean and American food, mostly fresh catches.

South Water Caye

The caye is perfect for those seeking a quiet, secluded island experience, with a focus on relaxation and outdoor adventure activities. Activities on the island include snorkelling, scuba diving, kayaking, fishing, beach volleyball, and hammock lounging. It is also a great place to simply relax and enjoy the natural beauty, with options for stargazing and veranda sunsets.

There are a few resorts on the island, including Pelican Beach Resort and Blue Marlin Beach Resort, which offer a range of amenities and activities. Blue Marlin Beach Resort is a family-owned and operated fishing and diving lodge, known for its authentic Belizean ambiance and personalised service. The resort has been in operation for over 30 years, with the original owner and her family still actively involved in the business. They offer a range of vacation packages, including dive and snorkel, reef fishing, and family vacation packages.

To get to South Water Caye, most people take a chartered boat from Dangriga Town, which takes about 40 minutes. These boat transfers are typically included with hotel accommodations.

Cocoa Plum Caye

The Thatch Caye Resort on Cocoa Plum Caye is a popular stop for sailors, offering a restaurant, two bars, and a small marina with a boardwalk. The resort provides water and provisions, as well as internet access in the guest areas. Scuba tank air fills are also available on-site. Nature paths wind through the island, allowing visitors to observe the local wildlife, including rabbits, coatimundi, Belizean raccoons, exotic birds, and sea iguanas.

For those seeking a more intimate and secluded experience, Coco Plum Island Resort offers an adults-only oasis with just 18 private cabanas. This all-inclusive resort boasts excellent service, pristine rooms, and clear waters. In addition to swimming and snorkelling, guests can enjoy fishing, kayaking, and mainland excursions to explore Mayan ruins, zip-lining, and cave tubing.

Lagoon Caye

There are a few moorings available at Lagoon Caye, and it is also possible to anchor just outside the lagoon for protection from northerly winds. Exploring the lagoon by kayak is a delightful way to view the abundant seabirds and beautiful coral. There are good snorkelling opportunities around a ring of shallow coral that surrounds the island.

Nearby attractions include Placencia Beach, Maya Beach, the Placencia Peninsula, and Hopkins Village Beach.

Placencia Village

Placencia offers a variety of dining options, with many restaurants serving local and international cuisine. The market in town is a great place to browse and buy local products. You can also find bars, dockage, water, ice, and provisions. It is an excellent place to spend a relaxing evening after a day of sailing and exploring.

For sailing enthusiasts, there are no moorings available in Placencia. However, the anchorage west of Placencia Caye is excellent when the winds are from the northwest to east. The bottom is turtle grass, so it is important to ensure that your anchor is well set. Dinghy dockage is available in the area.

Placencia is also a great base for exploring nearby islands and cayes. Moho Caye, often referred to as Placencia's best-kept secret, offers crystal blue waters and incredible natural coral reefs. It is the perfect place to spend a day swimming, snorkelling, lazing in a hammock, or playing beach volleyball. Another must-visit destination is Laughing Bird Caye, a marine reserve and national park. This small island is home to a variety of palm trees, a powdery white beach, and unbeatable snorkelling spots.

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