Marinas, Harbours and Anchorages

Apart from the charter bases, overnighting will be at anchor in sheltered lagoons. All yachts have dinghies with an outboard so that you can venture ashore to the small settlements, bars and eateries. A couple of the larger islands are home to resorts where you can replenish water tanks. Boats are offered though our colleagues at TMM Yacht Charters.

Tides and Currents

Tidal range is very small, and currents are generally weak.

Weather

Temperatures range from 75F to 90F. Dry season is January - April, rainy season July - October. Average annual rainfall is 60" in the north and 150" in the south. It is difficult to know exactly what to pack, but as you will be travelling through a couple of airports it's probably easier to pack light. Do not forget your camera, swimsuit, walking shoes, sandals, T-shirts, cap, sunglasses and sunscreen. Dress in the islands is fairly casual. Women will need to dress no more formal than skirt or shorts and top or summery dresses made of cotton for dinner. Men may wish to pack sports coat and slacks as some of the more luxurious properties require this dress for dinner. In most establishments, however, shorts and T-shirts are acceptable.

Food

Belize cuisine has a distinct flavor, influenced by the diverse cultures which bring out the magic of eating well. Belize food may be spicy or mild depending on your taste and mood. Local culinary is abundant; the national dish is a mixture of rice and black beans seasoned with coconut milk together with a spicy chicken stew.The direct influence of Mexican and Spanish food is seen in such dishes as: Chirmole, Escabeche, Panades, Salbutes, Garnaches, Tacos, Bollos, Tamalitos, Tamales, and Burritos.Obviously, being close to the coast, sea food is very popular and tasty, with succulent lobster, stingrays, fish, roast oysters, and even shark.

History

The Mayan civilization spread into the area of Belize between 1500 B.C. and A.D. 300 and flourished until about 1200. Several major archeological sites—notably Caracol, Lamanai, Lubaantun, Altun Ha, and Xunantunich—reflect the advanced civilization and much denser population of that period. European contact began in 1502 when Columbus sailed along the coast. The first recorded European settlement was begun by shipwrecked English seamen in 1638. Over the next 150 years, more English settlements were established. This period was also marked by piracy, indiscriminate logging, and sporadic attacks by Indians and neighboring Spanish settlements. Both Spain and Britain lay claim to the land until Britain defeated the Spanish in the battle of St. George's Cay (1798). It became a colony of Great Britain in 1840, known as British Honduras, and a Crown colony in 1862. Full internal self-government was granted in Jan. 1964. In 1973, the country changed its name to Belize. Belize became independent on Sept. 21, 1981.

Charter Bases

Two bases - one in the north in San Pedro and one in the south in Placencia.