Belize - Restrictions

Restrictions for Yachts in Belize

National Parks:

Nature conservation is a high priority and there are many national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and nature reserves, such as Half Moon Cay Natural. When anchoring, it is very important not to damage any coral either with the anchor or chain. The penalties for doing so can be very severe.

Restricted Zones are Glover's reef, Turneffe reef Lighthouse reef, and Tom Owens Caye.

It is prohibited to remove or export black coral, turtles, or turtle products, to pick orchids in forest reserves, and to remove archaeological artifacts.

For more details, visit the webpage of the Belize Fisheries Department.

Fishing:

No conch are to be caught in-between the months of 1st of July to 30th of September, no lobster are to be caught in-between March 1st to June 30th. No person shall take, buy, sell, or possess any Nassau grouper between December 1st, 2023 to March 31st, 2024.

At Monument and Hol Chan Marine Reserve, damaging or catching any wildlife is prohibited. A permit is needed to hunt or collect any kind of wildlife and this will be granted only if it is for scientific or educational purposes.

Hol Chan Marine Reserve

This article has some good guidelines about fishing in Belize.

Spearfishing:

This is only allowed when free diving. See What is the Law on Spearfishing for more details.

Drones:

The temporary importation of drones for recreational/personal use is currently prohibited by the Belizean government. For current drone regulations, refer to the Belize Department of Civil Aviation webpage.

Bareboat Charter:

To charter a yacht in Belize without a skipper, you must obtain a Temporary Certificate of Competency & Disclosure and send it along with a color copy of your passport and photo to the Belizean Port Authorities. Your charter company should be able to assist with the necessary forms.

Wider Caribbean's Marine Protected Areas (CaMPAM)