My 2c on
marinas in Belize:
"
Marinas
Regarding marinas in Belize -- don't believe everything you may find in a
Internet search. There are many marinas either in the works, rumored, partially operational, or places that call themselves "marinas" or even "Yacht Clubs" but really are not, or are long defunct.
Two well established options for cruisers are Cucumber Beach (Old Belize) near Belize City and Robert's Grove in Placencia. Both are good marinas with bar/restaurant, fuel
dock,
WiFi (not necessarily at your boat),
water,
security, and
electrical. Neither is particularly conveniently located to anything else, but fortunately they both have decent amenities on-site.
See their web sites for details including dockage and
electrical rates (remember some prices may be quoted in BZ$ so don't pass out at first glance).
See
http://www.robertsgrove.com/belize-marina
See
http://www.oldbelize.com/index.php?section=4
Controlling depth to get into Roberts Grove is about 5.5 feet, although I do know of
boats with deeper
draft who have, with much planning and assistance gotten in there. You have to come up through the Placencia Lagoon to get there, its not hard really, but I suggest hiring local knowledge to bring you in the first time and laying down some way points. Moorings has waypoints for use by their guests and are likely willing to share.
The mouth of the jetties at Cucumber Beach tends to silt up. They do dredge it from time to time. Be sure and confirm with the marina the
current controlling depth (the web site always says 6' – ask.)
A few other marinas are in various stages of development around Placencia.
Laura Beya is a large functioning marina in Placencia, but is used almost exclusively by the Moorings/Sunsail.
The Peninsular Club Marina is opposite Chabli Mar. It is stalled in development, but may be able to accommodate transients.
The Placencia is near the N end of the Placencia peninsular, the marina is a collection of large rocks forming a break
water placed on the
seaward side of the peninsular with some docks inside. They had grand plans, billing themselves as a mega yacht marina, but development has ground to a halt and the marina is now
for sale.
Thunderbird's is mostly small poweboat oriented, but can potentially accommodate a few transient sailing vessels.
In the Placencia area, there are also private docks available for rent, ask at
Captain Jacks, around the Harbour place development, and out on Placencia Caye.
Further N, in Sapodilla Lagoon is “Sanctuary Bay” not only is this
project an environmental disaster, it is also the subject of one of the largest real estate scam actions ever conducted by the FTC. Even if the marina is operational, please do not support this abomination.
You may run across information regarding a marina in Punta Gorda, but this is a long abandoned
project.
There used to be a marina on Moho Caye across from Belize City, but it is defunct.
Caye Chapel is a private island with a small marina, air strip, and golf course. While they have allowed cruisers to tie up there temporarily on occasion, it is not a public marina.
Fort George
Hotel Marina. Not well protected and not normally a choice of cruisers, but I have pulled into their docks before to take on
charter guests and provision.
A factor to consider when choosing a marina is its proximity to other services and points of interest. Comparing Cucumber Beach and Roberts Grove for example: Both are generally a good choice for a short stop or longer, but Cucumber Beach is very isolated, with nothing nearby, and a long expensive taxi ride into Belize City to provision. I used to
live aboard in Roberts Grove and have friends who've lived aboard for many years in Cucumber Beach (I've spent quite a few nights there too). Both are perfectly good choices, though Roberts Grove is nicer and you won't have to go into Belize City to provision. Going into Placencia, from Roberts Grove, to provision is a much shorter and much more scenic trip, and Placencia is only slightly more risky than Disneyland. You can even ride a bike into town (don't even think about that from Cucumber Beach). Placencia is a nice place to hang out too, as is Maya Beach just up the road. Belize City on the other hand is a bit more dicey and I don't recommend hanging out there without some local knowledge.
Cabin fever is less of an issue at Roberts grove because of the amenities of the resort, including a nice beach, and relatively easy access to Placencia.
"
- excerpt from Belize &
Guatemala Cruising Notes
https://www.amazon.com/Belize-Guatem.../dp/B06XVWQD1Y
Linear Mode
Recent Discussions