It's a bit strange to be sitting at a desk this time of year rather than at a ship's helm. Christmas and New Year's weeks have always been the most popular weeks for vacationing in the Caribbean. Last year I had the opportunity to go sailing during the holidays so this year was only the second time in the last 35 years that I've been ashore for the holidays. The disastrous season that we had after 911 was the other. I'm especially missing the camaraderie that I enjoyed with so many of my guests during holiday season as most were repeat guest charters. I'm hoping we all have a great 2011and that I can lure you back to the islands again in the near future. Yacht chartering in the islands just gets better and better.
Diving In Belize this Summer
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My second favorite area for diving in the Caribbean is Belize's barrier reef ( the second largest in the world). I did much of my initial open water diving there in 1961 and 62. In those days it was still British Honduras.
My friend John White whom we call Whitey and his wife Maxine also known as Max will be chartering the 65 foot catamaran True North in Belize this summer from mid May to early August. True North is a beautiful maintained yacht built in 1999 and it looks like new. She accommodates eight guests in four staterooms with three queen and one king size beds. She's actually a bit more comfortable than Wanderlust. I've known Whitey for over 20 years, and highly recommend him as the captain to show you another vacation of a lifetime. Below is a sample itinerary suggested by Whitey. True North will also be available in Bocas del Toro and the San Blas Islands of Panama September through mid October.
Let me know if you're interested in either Belize or Panama this summer and I'll set up a call with Whitey to answer all your questions.
Belize Itinerary
Day 1 Board boat in San Pedro, Belize (Noon or afternoon). Depart from San Pedro for a short sail south to a secluded anchorage just inside the barrier reef.
Day 2 Wake up for a wall dive on the barrier reef or a snorkel at Sting Ray Alley - a shallow snorkel with tons of friendly nurse sharks and sting rays After lunch set sail for the south coast of Turneffe Atoll, the first atoll of the group. Turneffe has a great wall to dive on along the south coast. We anchor in the shallow area where we are protected by the island and reef. This is an interesting area to explore by dinghy amongst the islands
Day 3 After a morning dive or snorkel, depart for Lighthouse Reef which has up to 12 gorgeous wall dives including the famous Blue Hole.
Day 4 Have a day of relaxing and exploring Lighthouse Reef with diving, snorkeling, water sports, and a walk to the lighthouse and bird sanctuary.
Day 5 Early morning dive or snorkel and then depart to anchor on the west coast of Turneffe Atoll. We always put the fishing line out while sailing in the deeper waters (who knows what we will catch) and frequently we spot a school of dolphins.
Day 6 Sail to Rendezvous Caye which is your perfect deserted island with a sandy beach, a few palm trees and is surrounded by coral.
Day 7 Sail to Caye Caulker, a laid back village with fun nightlife for the guests final night.
** This itinerary is directed to the more serious diving groups and includes two nights at Lighthouse Reef. Alternatively, we would sail to Turneffe Atoll but skip the more distant Lighthouse Reef. After Turneffe, we would return to the barrier islands. As we sail inside the calm area of the barrier reef we will stop at Caye Chapel, St. George's Caye, Goff's Caye and English Caye. Each day is spent snorkeling on the reef or you can explore the mangroves with either kayak or dinghy (maybe you will see a manatee). If people like more of the nightlife, we can also spend a night off San Pedro so they can see more of that fun island.
Arrival and Departure from True North: We have chosen San Pedro/Ambergris Caye as our base while we are in Belize. This small community has dirt roads where golf carts and bicycles are the main source of transportation. With fun shops, restaurants and bars it is a perfect spot for guests to begin their week in Belize.
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There are direct international flights to Belize City from many US cities. Then from BelizeAirport they take a 20 minute flight to San Pedro/Ambergris Caye. The small airlines there are either Tropic Air or Maya Island Air. Both airlines have hourly flights until late afternoon. When they arrive on their international flight, they need to collect their bags and go through the airport to the local airline departure gate. It's a fairly small airport so very easy. And when they arrive in San Pedro we will meet them at the airport, a 2 minute walk to the dock and they are on the boat!
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