Belize - Facts

Belize FAQs

Pre-Arrival Boat: SailClear is optional but helpful prior to arrival and a Notice of Arrival must be submitted at least 48 hours prior to arrival. See Clearance for details.
Pre-Arrival Crew: Some nationalities may require a Belize Entry visa. See Immigration for details.
Where can I enter? Click on "Explore Country" and "Main Ports" to see ports of entry highlighted in orange.
Are fees high to enter by yacht? Fees vary between ports of entry, Punta Gorda being the most yacht-friendly and cheapest – see Fees for details.
What security concerns should I know about? Most tourist travel in Belize is incident-free. See Security for more info.

Belize Facts for Sailors

• Belize, formerly known as British Honduras, fronts the Western Caribbean Sea and borders on Mexico and Guatemala.
• Belize's main attraction lies offshore, a 175-mile long barrier reef, second only in size to the Great Barrier Reef of Australia, and the underwater scenery is reputed to be amongst the best anywhere in the world.
• Between the reef and the coastal strip are hundreds of uninhabited islands and cays, and therein lies Belize's popularity as a cruising destination; the number of secluded anchorages, unsurpassed diving, and excellent fishing will ensure Belize's attraction as an alternative to the crowded Eastern Caribbean.
• Many of the navigation lights or marks are reported to be either out of action or missing and therefore night passages should be avoided. Even in daylight, the barrier reef area should be navigated with caution.
• Yachting facilities are limited in Belize: Belize City has some repair facilities, good provisioning, a limited supply of hardware but very little yachting equipment. Frequent theft from boats and lengthy formalities means however that few boats now go to Belize City if this can be avoided. There is a new boatyard in Placencia.
• A more convenient and safe place to leave the boat if intending to visit the interior, which is another of the main attractions of Belize, is the new marina, Cucumber Beach Marina, just south of Belize City. It has been reported that a marina is also a good place from which to visit the Mayan sites in Guatemala, such as Tikal.