Belize Guide: Luxury Yacht Charter in Belize

Belize guards the second-largest coral reef system on the planet – a UNESCO World Heritage barrier reef that runs for nearly 300 kilometres along the Caribbean coast, sheltering a turquoise lagoon of mangrove-fringed cayes, shallow sand flats and some of the most rewarding snorkelling and diving in the Western Hemisphere. Beyond the barrier reef, three coral atolls – Turneffe, Lighthouse Reef and Glover’s Reef – rise from the deep Caribbean to form rings of reef and sand around sheltered lagoons, each with its own character and marine life. And at the heart of Lighthouse Reef sits the Great Blue Hole – a 318-metre-wide, 124-metre-deep sinkhole made famous by Jacques Cousteau, its stalactite-lined walls plunging into a blue so deep it appears black from the surface.

For yacht charter guests, Belize offers a cruising ground that is compact, calm and extraordinarily rich. Ambergris Caye and the town of San Pedro in the north provide a lively base with restaurants, bars and easy access to Hol Chan Marine Reserve – where nurse sharks, southern stingrays, sea turtles and over 160 fish species congregate in a protected channel just four miles from town. Placencia in the south opens the door to the world’s largest population of Antillean manatees, the whale-shark aggregations at Gladden Spit (March–June), and the pristine outer atolls. The Placencia Marina, with a 16-foot draft and capacity for vessels up to 84 metres, is the only super-yacht-capable facility in Belize between Mexico and Roat’an.

Whether you’re planning a long weekend snorkelling the barrier reef from San Pedro, a week-long atoll circuit that takes in the Great Blue Hole and Turneffe’s 70-plus dive sites, or a dedicated whale-shark charter timed to the full-moon spawning at Gladden Spit, Belize delivers world-class marine encounters in some of the calmest, clearest water in the Caribbean. Enquire with Boatcrowd for availability and pricing on our Belize fleet.

Why Charter a Yacht in Belize

The Great Blue Hole: A Dive Into Geological Time

The Great Blue Hole is one of those rare natural features that lives up to every superlative. This perfectly circular sinkhole – 318 metres in diameter, 124 metres deep – was formed during successive ice ages 153,000, 66,000, 60,000 and 15,000 years ago, when rising sea levels flooded a limestone cave system. Jacques Cousteau sailed the Calypso here in 1971 and declared it one of the top five diving sites on Earth. Today, the dive descends past massive stalactites at around 40 metres – geological formations that could only have formed in dry air, now permanently submerged – into water so still and blue it borders on surreal. Caribbean reef sharks and the occasional hammerhead patrol the upper walls. The Blue Hole is located within Lighthouse Reef Atoll, roughly 43 nautical miles from Belize City – a comfortable half-day cruise from your marina base.

Three Atolls, Each a World Apart

Belize is the only country in the Western Hemisphere with true coral atolls – and it has three of them. Turneffe Atoll, the largest, lies 17 nautical miles from Belize City and supports over 70 dive sites across a 30-mile-long reef system teeming with grouper, jacks and the occasional manatee. Lighthouse Reef, 43 nautical miles offshore, is home to the Great Blue Hole and Half Moon Caye – the latter a natural monument where red-footed boobies nest in the trees and the wall dive drops into the abyss with corals, sponges and eagle rays. Glover’s Reef, 31 nautical miles from the mainland, is a marine research station and UNESCO World Heritage component where the reef is among the healthiest in the Caribbean. A yacht is the only practical way to explore all three in comfort.

Whale Sharks at Gladden Spit – Timed to the Full Moon

Every year between March and June, the full moon triggers a mass spawning of cubera and dog snappers at Gladden Spit, a promontory on the outer barrier reef south of Placencia. The spawning clouds attract whale sharks – the world’s largest fish, reaching lengths of 12 metres or more – which arrive to feed on the protein-rich eggs. The timing is precise: the best encounters occur from roughly two days before the full moon to ten days after, with April and May delivering the highest concentrations. Your captain and local dive guides know the site intimately and will have you in the water at the moment the giants arrive. It is one of the most predictable and reliable whale-shark encounters anywhere in the world.

A Living Barrier Reef at Your Doorstep

The Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System – inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996 and removed from the Danger List in 2018 thanks to sustained conservation efforts – protects seven marine reserves along a reef that supports over 500 fish species, 65 coral species and 350 mollusc species. Hol Chan Marine Reserve, just four miles south of San Pedro, is one of the most accessible and rewarding reef encounters in the Caribbean: a channel cut through the reef that concentrates nurse sharks, stingrays, sea turtles and dense schools of tropical fish in clear, shallow water. Shark Ray Alley, within the reserve, offers close encounters with southern stingrays measuring up to four feet across. All of this is within a 15-minute tender ride from your yacht’s anchorage.

Key Destinations Near Belize

• Ambergris Caye – Belize’s largest island, 25 miles long, home to the lively town of San Pedro. Restaurants, bars, dive shops and water-sports operators line the waterfront. Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley are a 15-minute boat ride south. The island’s leeward side offers calm anchorages protected by the barrier reef. The natural base for northern Belize charters.

• Caye Caulker – A laid-back island split by a channel, roughly four miles south of Ambergris Caye. Colourful wooden houses, barefoot restaurants and a pace of life that revolves around the unofficial motto: “Go Slow.” Excellent snorkelling and a quieter alternative to San Pedro.

• Turneffe Atoll – The largest of Belize’s three atolls, 17 nautical miles offshore. Over 70 dive sites across a 30-mile-long reef system. Grouper, jacks, eagle rays and the occasional manatee. The atoll’s western side offers sheltered anchorages; the eastern side delivers wall dives and current-swept channels.

• Lighthouse Reef – Home to the Great Blue Hole and Half Moon Caye Natural Monument, 43 nautical miles from Belize City. Half Moon Caye Wall is considered the finest dive in Belize – a sheer drop adorned with coral spurs, sponges, garden eels and eagle rays. The caye itself supports a nesting colony of red-footed boobies.

• Glover’s Reef – The most remote of the three atolls, 31 nautical miles offshore. A nearly unbroken ring of reef surrounding a shallow lagoon with over 700 patch reefs. A marine research station operates here. The reef is among the healthiest in the Caribbean, with exceptional snorkelling and diving.

• Placencia – A mainland peninsula on Belize’s southern coast, home to the Placencia Marina (16-foot draft, vessels up to 84 metres). The jumping-off point for Gladden Spit whale-shark encounters, Silk Cayes, Ranguana Caye and the southern barrier reef. Restaurants, shops and a sandy main street add charm.

• Silk Cayes – Three tiny islands along the barrier reef off Placencia, surrounded by white sand, coconut palms and exceptional snorkelling. A favourite day-charter stop for a beach barbecue and reef exploration in calm, crystal-clear water.

• Lamanai – Ancient Maya ruins accessible by a scenic river journey up the New River from Orange Walk. Over 3,500 years of continuous occupation. Howler monkeys roam the jungle canopy above the temples. Reachable as an excursion from northern Belize anchorages.

Best Time to Charter a Yacht in Belize

Dry Season: December to May

The dry season brings the most comfortable charter conditions: clear skies, warm temperatures (27–30’C / 80–86’F), calm seas and excellent underwater visibility. February through April are the driest months, with consistent sunshine and trade winds keeping the air fresh. The whale-shark season at Gladden Spit begins in March and peaks in April–May, timed to the full-moon spawning cycle. Diving and snorkelling are at their finest across all three atolls. Charter rates are at their highest during Christmas, New Year and Easter, but January through March offers excellent conditions at slightly softer pricing.

Shoulder Season: June to August

June and July bring brief daily rain showers – typically lasting one to two hours in the afternoon – with mornings remaining sunny and calm. The whale-shark season at Gladden Spit continues through June. Water temperatures warm to 28–30’C, and the reef is quieter. Late July and August see the “mauger” – a local dry spell that brings a welcome reprieve from the rains. Charter rates drop by 15–25%, and the snorkelling remains excellent.

Hurricane Season: September to November

The official Atlantic hurricane season runs from June to November, with the most active period from late August to mid-October. Belize sits within the hurricane belt and can be affected by tropical storms, though direct hits are infrequent. September and October bring the most rainfall. Charter availability may be reduced during these months. For guests comfortable with the slightly higher weather risk, conditions between storms can be excellent – warm water, green landscapes and very few other boats on the reef.

Signature Experiences

• Descending into the Great Blue Hole – Drop from the sunlit shallows of Lighthouse Reef into the abyss of this 124-metre-deep sinkhole. At 40 metres, massive stalactites emerge from the wall – formed in dry air thousands of years ago, now permanently submerged. Caribbean reef sharks patrol above as the blue deepens to near-black below. Surface to champagne and a crew-prepared lunch on the aft deck, with the circular perfection of the Hole visible in the water beneath you.
• Swimming with Whale Sharks at Gladden Spit – Time your charter to a full moon between March and June and your captain will have you at Gladden Spit as the snapper spawn clouds the water and the whale sharks arrive – 12-metre giants gliding through the plankton with mouths agape. Slip into the water alongside them, escorted by a certified guide. The scale of the encounter – a fish the size of a bus, filtering the water beside you – defies description.
• Shark Ray Alley at Sunrise – Have your captain moor near Hol Chan Marine Reserve before dawn. As the first light filters through the water, descend into Shark Ray Alley and float among nurse sharks resting on the sandy bottom and southern stingrays gliding past at arm’s length. The early morning light and absence of other boats make this a private encounter with some of the Caribbean’s most charismatic marine life.
• Half Moon Caye Wall Dive – Moor at Lighthouse Reef and descend into what many consider the finest wall dive in Belize. The reef drops vertically into the deep blue, adorned with coral spurs, sponge gardens, sea fans and a parade of eagle rays, reef sharks and dense schools of jacks. Surface and tender ashore to explore the caye – a natural monument where red-footed boobies nest in the trees and the beach is yours alone.
• River Journey to Lamanai – Arrange a day excursion up the New River to the ancient Maya city of Lamanai – over 3,500 years of occupation, hidden in the jungle. Howler monkeys roar from the canopy as you climb the temples for views over the forest and lagoon. The journey itself – by river boat through bird-rich wetlands – is half the experience. Return to your yacht with a new perspective on Belize’s layered history.
• Garifuna Drumming and Dinner – Tender ashore in Placencia or Hopkins for an evening of Garifuna music, dance and cuisine. The Garifuna people – whose language, dance and music are a UNESCO-recognised Intangible Cultural Heritage – maintain a vibrant culture along Belize’s southern coast. Expect coconut-based dishes (hudut, sere), handmade cassava bread and the hypnotic rhythm of the primera and segunda drums.

Yacht Types Available

Belize is an emerging luxury charter destination with a growing but still modest fleet. The Placencia Marina is the only super-yacht-capable facility in the country, while Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker offer anchorages and smaller marina berths. Your Boatcrowd charter specialist can source the right vessel, whether based locally or repositioned from neighbouring Caribbean ports.

• Luxury Catamarans (55’+) – The ideal vessel for Belize’s reef-rich cruising ground. Shallow draft allows catamarans to navigate the barrier-reef channels and anchor close to the cayes and atolls that deeper-hulled yachts cannot reach. The wide beam and twin-hull stability make them the most comfortable option for days spent diving, snorkelling and island-hopping. Fully crewed with captain, chef and steward/ess. Weekly rates from approximately $25,000–$45,000 depending on season and vessel.

• Luxury Motor Yachts (78’–99’) – A smaller selection of crewed motor yachts operates in Belize, offering speed and range for atoll-hopping itineraries. A motor yacht cruising at 18–24 knots covers the 43-nautical-mile run to Lighthouse Reef in under three hours, making a Great Blue Hole day trip from Placencia or Ambergris Caye comfortable. Accommodation for 6–8 guests in 3–4 en-suite cabins with a crew of 3–5. Weekly rates from approximately $35,000–$80,000.

• Superyachts (100’+) – The Placencia Marina accommodates vessels up to 84 metres with a 16-foot draft – the deepest in Belize. While no superyachts are permanently based here, several transit the western Caribbean each season. A superyacht charter in Belize pairs the intimacy of the world’s second-largest barrier reef with the space, privacy and five-star service of a floating resort. Weekly rates from roughly $100,000–$200,000+, depending on vessel size and season.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a yacht charter in Belize cost?

Luxury catamarans (55’–80’) – the most popular option – start from around $25,000–$45,000 per week, fully crewed with captain, chef and steward/ess. Motor yachts (78’–99’) typically start from $35,000–$80,000 per week. Visiting superyachts (100’+) start from roughly $100,000–$200,000+ per week. Most charters operate on MYBA terms: base rate plus an Advance Provisioning Allowance (usually 25–35%) covering fuel, food, drinks and dockage. Dry-season rates are the highest (December–May); shoulder-season rates (June–August) are typically 15–25% softer. Enquire with Boatcrowd for a personalised quote.

Are luxury catamarans available for charter in Belize?

Yes, and they are the most popular and practical charter vessel in Belize. The barrier reef, shallow cayes and atoll lagoons favour vessels with shallow draft, and catamarans excel in these conditions. Boatcrowd’s fleet includes premium power catamarans that navigate the reef channels with ease, anchor close to shore on the cayes, and provide a stable, spacious platform for diving, snorkelling and island-hopping. Fully crewed with captain, chef and steward/ess, these vessels are ideal for families and groups.

Can I charter a yacht in Belize for a film or TV production?

Yes. Belize’s barrier reef, jungle-draped cayes, ancient Maya ruins and remote atolls have attracted productions including The Mosquito Coast starring Harrison Ford, filmed in the Toledo District’s rainforests, and A Perfect Getaway, shot on Ambergris Caye. The Bachelor and Naked and Afraid have both filmed episodes in Belize. Boatcrowd can arrange production-friendly charters with vessels that accommodate camera crews and equipment. The barrier reef’s exceptional underwater visibility (often exceeding 25 metres) and the Great Blue Hole’s dramatic geology make Belize a natural choice for underwater and adventure filming.

Is Belize a good destination for a proposal, honeymoon or milestone celebration?

Belize is exceptional for celebrations. Your crew can arrange a sunset proposal on the deserted sand of a private Silk Caye, with champagne arriving by tender. A honeymoon itinerary might weave between the Great Blue Hole dive, a couples’ snorkel with whale sharks at Gladden Spit, and a candlelit dinner on the aft deck as the reef glows in the moonlight. Milestone birthdays are equally memorable – a beach barbecue on Ranguana Caye, a river journey to the ancient Maya temples of Lamanai, or an atoll-hopping week that combines world-class diving with barefoot-luxury comfort. Let Boatcrowd know the occasion when you enquire.

Can I bring the whole family, including grandparents and young children?

Absolutely. The barrier reef creates a natural lagoon of calm, shallow water along the coast – ideal for young swimmers and beginner snorkellers. Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley offer gentle, supervised encounters with nurse sharks and stingrays in clear, waist-deep water that children find thrilling rather than frightening. The cayes provide sandy beaches for paddling and exploration. Catamarans offer the widest, most stable platform for multi-generational groups. Crews are experienced with guests of all ages and can organise reef safaris, fish-spotting games and age-appropriate dive instruction.

When is whale-shark season in Belize?

Whale sharks gather at Gladden Spit, on the outer barrier reef south of Placencia, between March and June. The encounters are timed to the full moon: cubera and dog snappers spawn around the full moon, and the protein-rich egg clouds attract whale sharks – the world’s largest fish – to feed. The best window is from roughly two days before the full moon to ten days after, with April and May typically delivering the highest concentrations. Your Boatcrowd charter specialist can help you plan your dates around the lunar calendar.

Can I combine Belize with other destinations in one charter?

Yes. Belize’s location on the Caribbean coast of Central America places it within cruising range of Mexico’s Yucatan coast to the north and Honduras’s Bay Islands to the south. A 7–10 day charter can comfortably combine Belize’s barrier reef and atolls with the diving at Roat’an or the beaches of the Yucatan. Your Boatcrowd charter specialist will design a multi-destination route that balances cruising time with time at anchor.