Belize Useful Information

Welcome to a world of unparalleled marine biodiversity, hidden cayes, and the largest unbroken barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere. Home to the legendary Great Blue Hole and the laid-back rhythm of the Caribbean, Belize is an exotic cruising paradise best explored by private catamaran. To ensure your custom charter with The Charter Yacht Company is effortless, here is your quick logistical blueprint.

Travel and Customs

• Airports: You will fly into Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) in Belize City. From there, depending on your embarkation point, you will take a quick, scenic 15-minute hopper flight via Maya Island Air or Tropic Air to either San Pedro Airport (SPR) on Ambergris Caye or Placencia Airport (PLJ).

• Ground Transfers: Rideshare apps do not operate in Belize. While local airport taxis are readily available, we highly recommend allowing us to arrange a private, air-conditioned vehicle transfer to escort you and your luggage seamlessly from the airstrip directly to your yacht's marina.

• Customs & Passports: Valid passports are required. U.S., Canadian, UK, and Australian citizens do not need a visa for tourist stays under 30 days.

  Please ensure your passports are valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates.

• Marinas: The main charter departure hubs are located at The Marina at Cucumber Beach (Belize City), Radisson Fort George Marina (Belize City), and Robert's Grove Marina or Placencia Marina in the south.

Currency

• Currency: The Belize Dollar (BZD) is permanently pegged 2:1 with the U.S. Dollar (USD) (e.g., $2 BZD = $1 USD). U.S. Dollars are accepted everywhere interchangeably, so there is no need to exchange money. Note that you will often receive change back in a mix of BZD and USD.

• Cash vs. Cards: Major credit cards are accepted at larger resorts and established restaurants, but cash is absolutely essential on the cayes. You will need small-denomination, crisp USD bills for local beach bars, island fruit stands, marine park entrance fees, and crew gratuities.

• Tipping: A 10% to 15% tip is standard in local restaurants for good service. For luxury crewed charters, an industry-standard tip of 15% to 20% of the base charter fee is customary for exceptional service, presented to the Captain in cash at the end of the week.

  
  

Electrical and Communications

• Power: Outlets in Belize are identical to North America, using standard Type A and Type B plugs (110V) running at 60Hz. Your yacht features standard power sockets, so North American travelers do not require international adapters.

• Connectivity:

  While cell signals are strong near the mainland and larger cayes (like Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker), coverage becomes weak or entirely non-existent when anchored out in the remote outer atolls. We recommend downloading your favorite music, movies, and important travel documents prior to boarding. Turn off automatic cellular photo syncing, and consider an e-sim from Airalo (use code TCYC9670 for a $3 credit) for affordable data roaming.

Weather

• November – April: The peak dry season. Gorgeous sunshine, comfortable tropical temperatures averaging 75°F to 80°F (24°C–27°C), and steady, cooling trade winds that make for excellent sailing conditions.

• May – July: Warm and lush. Temperatures rise to around 85°F–88°F (29°C–31°C). The winds quiet down significantly during these months, offering flat, glassy seas with unparalleled visibility—the absolute best time of year for diving and snorkeling.

• August – October: The green season. The weather is more humid with occasional tropical showers, mostly overnight. While this aligns with the Atlantic hurricane season, your Captain will monitor weather models precisely to ensure a safe and tranquil route.

Packing Tips

• Water Shoes & Reef Sandals: Belize's cayes range from soft sandbars to sharp, low-lying mangrove islands and coral-stone flats. Bring high-quality water shoes or rugged sandals that can handle a wet tender ride and beach walks.

• Insect Defense & Light Layers: Due to the dense mangroves and tropical environment, sandflies (no-see-ums) can emerge on calm evenings near the beaches. Pack a premium, eco-friendly insect repellent and lightweight, long-sleeve linen clothing or a light windbreaker for the evenings.

• Reef-Safe Sunscreen Only: The Belize Barrier Reef is a highly protected UNESCO World Heritage site. Chemical sunscreens cause immense damage to the coral, so please bring strictly mineral-based, reef-safe sun protection.

Your Journey Awaits

We want your yacht charter to be absolutely flawless. If you have any questions about this destination or need assistance fine-tuning your arrival logistics, we are always happy to help. Please feel free to reach out to us at any time!