By land or by sea, Belize is the place to be for unique and unforgettable experiences. From climbing ancient temples in the jungle to harvesting cacao and processing chocolate by hand, we have some incredible activities for visitors to take part in. Some of the best, however, can only be enjoyed by boat. Here are five excellent experiences to have by boat in Belize.
Swimming Shark Ray Alley
You simply cannot visit Belize without taking a glimpse of its underwater ecosystem and amazing barrier reef. A scuba diving mecca, the lively island of Ambergris Caye has no shortage of tours that take you out on the water. The most popular excursion is a short boat ride to Hol Chan Marine Reserve. There, you can enjoy snorkeling among colorful coral and tropical fish. It’s followed by a visit to Shark Ray Alley where you can slip off the side of the boat and plunge into shark-infested waters. Don’t worry, they’re only harmless nurse sharks but the experience is thrilling despite there being little danger.
Multi-day Sailing Escapes
Photo by Belize Sailing Vacations
Explore some of the more remote areas of the Belize Barrier Reef and visit untouched islands on a multiple-day excursion in the Caribbean Sea. Live aboard a sailboat and experience a different side of Belize. Peaceful and off-the-beaten-path, sleeping on the sea is a transformative experience. You can choose between luxurious private charters, barebones schooners, or shared island-hopping tours where you cruise by day and camp out at night on deserted islands.
A Glow From Below
Photo by Hamanasi Guest Austin Schmitt
During the driest months in Belize (February through April) the conditions become just right for a particular phenomenon to occur in the lagoon near Hopkins Village in Southern Belize. The salinity and temperature become conducive to the growth of local algae that emits an eerie blue-green glow when agitated. For the best conditions, time a bioluminescence around the New Moon, when the night sky is darkest. Skim through the labyrinth of tiny channels zig-zagging through the mangrove forest and watch in amazement as your boat throws up a plume of luminous wake.
Sunset Cruise
Photo by Sunset Caribe
Is there a more quintessential Caribbean vacation activity than a sunset cruise, preferably with a tropical beverage in your hand? I don’t think so! Pick what type of sunset cruise you’d like: private or small-capacity charters for lowkey and intimate outings, catered dinner cruises for a unique culinary experience, or bottomless rum punch booze cruises with lively music and games. Don’t forget your camera. With a little bit of luck, a pod of dolphins may join you. Or, you might spot a few eagle rays gliding below the surface as the setting sun paints candy-colored hues across the horizon.
Angler’s Paradise
Photo Credit: Casa Al Mar
Fishing fanatics flip for the angling opportunities found in Belize. Whether you’re chasing a catch-and-release saltwater grand slam or hoping to hook and cook a meal or two, the fishing in these waters is notorious. A legion of knowledgeable fisherfolk can guide you to the best spots for the sport. You may find yourself in a small and agile skiff to reach shallow sholes or a brawny trawler to carry you deep to sea. Either way, time wasted on the water is time well spent.
Floatchella
Photo by Megan Rodden
What began as a novel idea for a different type of fundraising event to help the local Fire Department has become an annual tradition on the Placencia Peninsula. Each August a faction of volunteer captains congregates to facilitate this event which is in essence a floating bar crawl around the southern tip of the peninsula. BYOI (bring your own inflatable) and tie up to one of the participating boats to be towed along from one bar to the next. Floaters receive a rum punch at each stop and can challenge the firefighters to bar games like dice and cornhole for prizes. Floatchella puts the fun in fundraising.
Featured Photo by Sunset Caribe Belize
