Belize

With crystal clear waters, coral atolls, reliable trade winds and over 450 islands and cays to explore, this small Central American country offers cruising second to none. The diving and snorkeling are spectacular, but there’s more to offer in Belize, including beautiful beaches, isolated tropical islets and anchorages, unique offshore restaurants and bars, and mainland excursions into pristine rainforests and reserves. 

You can explore the inner reefs and cays from the Moorings charter base in a week. Whipraye Caye is just one destination near incredible snorkeling and diving. It features a nice anchorage, available moorings and delightful open-air dining on shore. Head east towards Laughing Bird Cay National Park and down to Ranguana Caye at the edge of the barrier reef, where empty cays and excellent anchorages await. 

Just to the north offshore lies the Southwater Caye Marine Reserve, home to many protected reefs and one of the top beaches in the world. You may see manatees or the nesting sites of the magnificent frigate bird and the brown booby. The islands and mangroves support an incredible array of diverse wildlife. Scattered throughout the reserve are moorings for visiting yachts and a few resorts, beach bars and restaurants.

Keep sailing north to Ambergris Caye, and you’ll pass hundreds of more wonderful stopping places. You could spend weeks wandering the channels, exploring empty cays and remote islets, snorkeling and diving, or just soaking in the beauty.

With more time and a little skill, the three offshore coral atolls are a truly rewarding destination. Turneffe Atoll, Glover’s Reef and Lighthouse Reef are far beyond the crowds and serve as important cradles for key marine and bird life. There are manatees, dolphins, sea turtles, crocodiles, over 500 species of fish, and 65 species of stony corals. The Blue Hole on Lighthouse Reef is a highlight of any trip to the outer reefs and worth a paid excursion if you can’t get out there under sail.