Journeys
Sailing offers you the ultimate opportunity to explore all that Belize has to offer with total flexibility. We can design an itinerary tailored to your taste and tempo. Below are a few sample itineraries that illustrate the many possibilities for discovering Belize or the Rio Dulce in Guatemala. All itineraries are inclusive of all meals prepared fresh on board and local drinks.
Please note than no itinerary can be completely fixed and will be subject to weather and sailing conditions, guest preferences and the Captain’s whims.
Southern Belize
Highlights of a southern itinerary can include:
Goff’s Caye – one of AB’s favorite islands because it reminds us why postcards were invented. This 2 acre island sits right on the barrier reef so you can snorkel straight from the shore, or simply relax in the water on the sandbar with an icy cold Belikin beer.
South Water Caye – a pristine 12 acre private island that is one of the most beautiful and exclusive islands in Belize. South Water Caye sits on the reef on the north side of South Water Cut, which is a ¼ mile wide gap in the reef. Grunts, black groupers, snappers and moray eels all hide out in the overhangs and making for a spectacular snorkeling experience. Sundowners are a must at the Blue Marlin Lodge, one of favorite little bars in all of Belize.
Man-O-War Caye – a designated bird sanctuary. From afar it looks like any other tiny mangrove island, but as you journey closer to shore the frenzy of activity becomes apparent, with birds soaring in the sky above in every direction… and the guys strutting their stuff (or inflating their red gular pouches) for the ladies during breeding season. The three different types of mangrove vegetation provide a perfect sanctuary to a variety of indigenous bird species, including Pelicans, Brown Booby birds, and the Magnificent Frigate birds (also known as Man-O-War birds).
Tobacco Caye – a 5 acre palm-fringed coral island perched on the barrier reef, which makes it a great place to snorkel or dive from the shore, plus its central location means it is within 10 minutes by boat to some of the best snorkel sites in all of Belize. There are a couple of small laid-back resorts and a tiny beach bar serving fresh coconut water.
Bluefield Range – a mangrove cluster which makes for a fantastic kayaking destination. Kayak through the tiny channels, look out for manatees and even take some bait and a fishing line and see if you can catch dinner.
Northern Belize
Highlights can include include the following:
Swallow Caye has been declared a wildlife sanctuary to protect the manatees and other marine life that call it home. Manatees, which are also known as ‘sea cows’ are gentle, slow moving, plant-eating herbivores and their closest living relatives are elephants and aardvarks. They can grow over 13 feet in length and weigh up to 3,500 pounds. Despite being an endangered species, manatees are present in the waters of Belize and can be seen throughout the year. (Please note it is not possible to swim with the Manatees).
Steeped in history, St George’s Caye was the first capital of the British settlement in Belize. The island is principally home to private families, however it is possible to use this as a base for some great snorkeling, scuba diving and fishing. On the island there is a very special aquarium in the boathouse at the St Georges Caye Lodge. Your tour guide is the resort owner’s son Karly Ricky Bischof, aged 10. Karly is a budding marine biologist and if his impressive little aquarium and his knowledge of the 100-plus fish inside is any indication, he’s going to be a good one.
Sail to the sleepy island of Caye Caulker, fish along the way and enjoy a swim on arrival. ‘No shirt, no shoes, no problem’ is the motto of this island and typifies the vibe. The white sandy beaches, ocean breezes, fresh seafood, azure waters and a fantastic barrier reef on its doorstep make it a perfect place to relax and unwind. A trip to Caye Caulker is not complete without a late afternoon Belikin beer or a rum punch at the Lazy Lizard bar at ‘The Cut’ – a lively swimming area, which separates the two islands of Caye Caulker.
Enjoy a morning of snorkeling right off the catamaran at Hol Chan Marine Reserve, swimming amongst beautiful shoals of tropical fish, turtles, eagle rays, stingrays, moray eels and grouper. Return to the boat and re-charge the batteries over a tropical lunch with the reef only meters from your anchorage. Follow this with a dip at Shark Ray Alley, a site where local fishermen used to clean their catch, which attracts more carnivorous species such as big southern stingrays and nurse sharks.
Ambergris Caye is the most northerly Caye in Belize and touches the Yucatan peninsular of Mexico. Lying only a quarter of a mile from the barrier reef, it’s one of the best locations in the world for scuba diving, snorkeling and sports fishing. The main town San Pedro has the broadest range of tourist amenities in Belize, including art and craft shops, boutique hotels, fine dining establishments and plenty of fun local eateries and establishments.
The Rio Dulce, Guatemala
Complete a southern itinerary with a one way trip to the spectacular Rio Dulce, Guatemala. Journey 20 miles up river through a spectacular gorge of 300ft towering limestone cliffs, which edge dense walls of tropical rain forest. En route, call in at Rio Lampara for a fresh fish lunch. Across from the restaurant are hot sulphur springs where you climb up the embankment of rocks to soak in the steaming hot springs. The climb is worth the reward!
Once at Fronteras, you can also explore the north shore of Lake Izabal to Finca El Paraiso, a fabulous working farm. From there travel via horseback or tractor through farmland to the lush tropical setting of Aqua Caliente, a 25-ft waterfall and deep pools of hot spring water.
