Join us for the STAY SALTY Sailing Flotilla, version two in BELIZE! This unique trip brings together several catamarans—each captained by a Cruisers Academy instructor, for a week of island-hopping through the magical waters of Belize.

Who This Trip Is Designed For

This trip is for sailors and adventurers ready to get off the beaten path and explore one of the most overlooked cruising grounds in the world — Belize. This is a place where the charts are old, the anchorages are uncrowded, and if you're the kind of sailor who gets more excited by the unknown than the itinerary, this Belizean adventure was made for you.

Belize offers something rare in today's world of crowded anchorages and tourist-packed marinas: real exploration. Think crystal-clear water over ancient coral, deserted cayes where the only footprints are yours, and a culture that is warm, wildly unique, and completely its own. All of it tucked behind the protection of the second-largest barrier reef on the planet.

What makes Belize truly one-of-a-kind is its culture — a vibrant fusion of Central American and Caribbean that you won't find anywhere else. English-speaking locals, reggae drifting from open-air bars, Garifuna drumming on the beach, fresh ceviche at a roadside stand, and Mayan ruins to explore for those who want to continue their adventure outside of the Stay Salty Flotilla.

✈️ Getting There

• Fly into Belize International Airport (BZE),

• 45-minute puddle jumper to Placencia Regional Airport (PLJ) via Tropic Air or Maya Island Air.

• 3-mile taxi to the Laru Beya Marina area.

• We recommend connecting same-day — Belize City isn't a tourist destination, so head straight down to Placencia and kick off the adventure!

Route Overview

Moorings offers the following suggested itinerary. Destinations are always subject to change based on weather, but we'll be actively looking at options together — exploring these beautiful cruising grounds is all part of the adventure! But to give you an idea of the area...

Prevailing Winds & Sailing Conditions

Classic trade winds blow from the east at 10–20 knots year-round — consistent, predictable, and comfortable for all skill levels. The barrier reef provides an extra layer of protection inside its waters.

🌬️ Winter (Nov–Mar): Prime sailing season. Winds may shift northwest and strengthen to 20–25 knots with cooler, comfortable temperatures.

☀️ Summer (Apr–Oct): Watch for bayamos — short but intense storms from the south, identifiable by a dark horizon with lightning. They can gust to 60 knots but pass quickly.

🎣 Fishing in Belize

World-class fishing awaits inside the Great Maya Reef. Target species include Snapper, Grouper, Spanish Mackerel, and Barracuda, plus legendary flats fishing for tarpon, permit, and bonefish.

• Rod, reel & lures available for ~$10 USD/day

• Sport fishing license required — $25 USD/week — purchase at coastalzonebelize.org → Programs → Sport Fishing

• Lobster season closed: Feb 15 – June 15

• Spear guns permitted only while free-diving (no tanks)

spots are limited,

apply today to save yours!

🌴 10 Fun Facts About Belize

1. 💎 Caribbean's Hidden Jewel — Nicknamed "the Jewel in the heart of the Caribbean basin"

2. 🏝️ Island Paradise — Home to 400+ small islands called "cayes" (pronounced "keys")

3. 🪸 Reefs Galore — Borders the Great Maya Reef, the largest barrier reef in the Northern Hemisphere and second-largest in the world

4. 🗣️ English-Speaking — The only Central American country where English is the official language (Garifuna, Spanish, Mandarin, and Mayan are also spoken)

5. 🏛️ Ancient Mayan Kingdom — 900+ Mayan ruins to explore; Belize was the heart of the ancient Mayan Empire

6. 🐆 Wildlife Wonderland — Home to the world's only jaguar nature preserve, plus the jabiru stork — the largest flying bird in the Americas

7. 🌿 Protected Paradise — Over 80% of rainforests are government-protected, ensuring pristine natural beauty

8. 🐒 Monkey River Magic — Howler monkeys here are the noisiest monkey species on earth, with calls that carry up to two miles

9. 🎣 World-Class Fishing — Famous for dense populations of tarpon, permit, and bonefish

10. 🧜 Mermaid Superstition — Belizean folklore says swimming on Good Friday will turn you into a mermaid!

HOTEL Recommendations

🥇 GOLD: Turtle Inn (Francis Ford Coppola)

Why it wins (reviews + vibe): This is the classic splurge in Placencia—very “designed,” romantic, private-beach feel, and it has a huge review footprint on Tripadvisor.

Typical price: Tripadvisor lists an average standard-room range around $477–$868/night (and can run higher depending on season/room).

Vlog proof: There are multiple full tours / stay videos, including a Turtle Inn video feature and villa tour content on YouTube.

Best for: Honeymoon energy, “we want the nicest thing and don’t want to think,” design details, top-tier service.

🥈 SILVER: Naïa Resort & Spa

Why it’s the best “luxury-but-not-max-splurge” pick: Still very high-end (private/peaceful resort feel), but often prices out meaningfully below Turtle Inn while staying upscale.

Typical price: Tripadvisor shows a standard-room average range about $396–$857/night (wide because room types vary a lot).

Vlog proof: There are multiple “day experience” and “room tour” style vlogs on YouTube.

Best for: Spa + beach reset, couples or friends trips, “luxury stay but I still care about value.”

🥉 BRONZE: Alan’s Paradise Hotel

Why it’s the value champ: If you want budget pricing without feeling sketchy, this one consistently shows up as a solid, established option—and it has enough reviews to be meaningful (not just 12 opinions).

Typical price vibe: Tripadvisor shows around $75–$97/night on average rates for a standard room (varies by season).

Best for: Those who want a good “basecamp” value—clean, beach access, on-site restaurant/bar—more simple than boutique-luxe.

If you want a “Bronze+” (still value, but boutique gorgeous)

Swap Alan’s Paradise for Caribbean Beach Cabanas if you want higher accommodation quality while still usually cheaper than the big luxury resorts. Tripadvisor shows a price range roughly $237–$508/night, and it has vlog coverage too.

spots are limited,

apply today to save yours!