From Rio Dulce to Florida

[amandla]

I am planning to sail from Rio Dulce (Guatemala) to Florida in November. I have done it 3 years ago and I stopped for a couple of night at Lighthouse Reef (Belize) without officially checking in. Now I have heard that the Belize authorities are patrolling the area and if they find you you'll get fined and forced to go mainland and check into the country. Does anyone have any info about this?
Thank you!

[AnchorageGuy]

That is correct. There are now vessels almost permanently stationed at some of the Atolls. you would have better luck to catch a good weather window and keep on sailing or duck in along the inside of the reef for rest and then move on. Chuck

[belizesailor]

I've also heard rumors of Belizean officials using AIS to harass cruising yachts (even those already legally cleared-in).

[Thumbs Up]

We came down through Belize last spring (under the radar) anchored for the night off of Middle long cay. Saw no one. Stay away from parks and the atolls where they have officials stationed.