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Belize Yacht Charter Guide

Belize is a unique Caribbean paradise where the adventure is as vibrant as the turquoise waters themselves. Famous for its incredible barrier reef, lush jungles, and secluded cayes, Belize offers an unforgettable yacht charter experience for couples, families, and groups of friends. A Belize yacht charter combines pristine natural beauty, rich cultural experiences, and world-class diving and snorkeling opportunities.

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Belize Yacht Charter Guide

Belize: The Great Barrier Reef of the West

Home to the second-largest barrier reef on the planet, Belize is not just a destination; it is a maritime wilderness. Stretching 180 miles along the coast, the reef creates a vast, protected "Inland Sea" dotted with over 400 white-sand Cayes. This is the realm of the Great Blue Hole, neon-blue coral gardens, and uninhabited sandspits where the only footprints are your own. A Belize yacht charter swaps the high-glamour beach clubs of St. Barts for "Barefoot Luxury"—where the day is measured in snorkel stops, fresh-caught lobster, and sunset cocktails in 4 feet of crystal-clear water.

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Destinations in Belize

Placenia Yacht Charter

Explore Placencia, Belize on a luxury yacht charter. Sail to uninhabited cayes, snorkel vibrant coral reefs, and enjoy barefoot bliss along the Caribbean coast with High Tide Yacht Charters.

Explore Placenia Yacht Charter

What advantages does a luxury yacht charter offer for exploring Belize

Belize is one of the Caribbean’s most underrated treasures—home to the world’s second-largest barrier reef, lush cayes, and a rich blend of cultures. A luxury yacht charter is the ideal way to experience the country’s vibrant marine life, secluded beaches, and laid-back charm, all at your own pace and in total comfort.

Cruise through the crystal-clear waters of the Belize Barrier Reef, stopping at uninhabited islands like South Water Caye and Tobacco Caye. Snorkel with eagle rays and sea turtles, explore coral gardens, or kayak through mangrove channels. From lively Placencia to the untouched beauty of Glover’s Reef Atoll, every stop offers something unique.

With a fully crewed yacht, you’ll enjoy gourmet meals crafted with Caribbean flavours, personalised service, and flexible itineraries. Whether you're diving the iconic Blue Hole, learning about Garifuna culture onshore, or relaxing on deck with a cocktail at sunset, chartering a yacht in Belize opens the door to a more intimate and immersive way to travel—where nature, adventure, and luxury all meet on the water.

Types of Belize Yacht Charters

Crewed Belize Catamaran
Barefoot Luxury

Fully Crewed

Experience the ultimate expedition with a private chef and captain who know every secret reef and sunset anchorage in the cayes.

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Skippered Belize Yacht
Local Reef Insight

Skippered

Relax while a local expert navigates the coral heads. Perfect for those who want to focus on world-class diving and wildlife.

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Bareboat Belize Catamaran
Thin Water Command

Bareboat

Master the "eyeball navigation" of the Belizean lagoon at your own pace. High Tide handles your Temporary Certificate of Competency.

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View Yachts Available in Belize

Choosing Your Belizean Odyssey

Belize is a "Level 3" destination, meaning it requires strong "eyeball navigation" skills to spot coral heads in shallow water. You are the captain of your own adventure.

The Vibe: Pure exploration. You’ll navigate the intricate "inner lagoon" protected by the reef, finding your own private sandbars.
Requirement: You must apply for a Temporary Certificate of Competency (issued by the Belize Port Authority). We handle the paperwork, but a strong sailing resume is mandatory. Best For: Skilled sailors who want to "unplug" and master the art of reef navigation.
This is our most popular option. The barrier reef is beautiful but can be technical. A local skipper handles the anchoring and pilotage through the coral "bommies."

The Vibe: Barefoot and relaxed. Your skipper acts as a local guide, showing you the best lobster shacks on Caye Caulker and secret snorkel spots only locals know.
The Advantage: They take the stress out of the "Temporary License" process and ensure you never worry about depth while you’re enjoying a Sundowner. Best For: Families and groups who want to explore remote cayes without the stress of constant depth-watching.
A Bespoke Floating Resort. With a Captain and a private Chef, you get an all-inclusive experience that rivals any luxury land-based villa.

The Vibe: Total decompression. Imagine "Snorkel with the Chef" where you help catch dinner, followed by five-star Belizean fusion cuisine served on the flybridge.
Luxury Perk: Many of our crewed yachts come equipped with high-end paddleboards, kayaks, and fishing gear for a seamless adventure. Best For: High-end travelers seeking "The Ultimate Caribbean Escape" with zero logistical effort.
Belize is a "Thin Water" destination. The choice here is simple: The draft.

Catamaran: Their shallow draft (often less than 4ft) is a strategic necessity. It allows you to glide over shallow flats and anchor right next to the white-sand beaches of the outer cayes.
Monohull: While they offer a classic "heeling" feel, their deep keels restrict where you can go. You’ll often find yourself anchored much further away from the best snorkeling spots. Catamarans are non-negotiable for those who want to experience the true "inner reef."
If the Great Blue Hole is on your bucket list, speed is your best friend.

The Challenge: The Blue Hole is located at Lighthouse Reef, 50 miles offshore. In a sailing yacht, this is a long, weather-dependent trek.
The Power Solution: A Power Catamaran bridges the gap quickly, allowing you to spend more time diving the atolls and less time transiting. Best For: Dive-focused groups and those wanting to see the remote outer atolls in a standard 7-day charter.
Absolutely. We specialize in "Rendezvous Diving."

Local dive operators will meet your yacht directly at the reef with all the gear and instructors needed. This means you don't have to clutter your yacht with tanks, but you still get to dive the world's most pristine sites like Half Moon Caye and Turneffe Atoll. Ask us to help coordinate your dive schedule with our local partners.

When is the Best Time to Charter in Belize?

Season Climate & Sea State Strategic Insight
DEC – FEB
The Dry Cool 		Pleasant air (23-27°C) and cool, brisk NE trade winds. Nortes (strong north winds) can occasionally blow through, lasting 2-3 days. Best for Sailing Performance. Ideal for those who enjoy a lively reach between cayes. Broker Tip: This is peak season; book at least 10 months in advance for the newest catamarans.
MAR – MAY
The Idyllic Peak 		Mirror-flat seas and brilliant sunshine. Visibility underwater is at its absolute peak (30m+). Air temperatures rise to a balmy 29°C. The Diver’s Choice. The calmest window for reaching the Outer Atolls and the Blue Hole. Best chance for Whale Shark encounters near Placencia (typically around the full moon in April/May).
JUNE – AUG
The Green Escape 		Warmer air (31°C) and higher humidity. Expect short, refreshing tropical showers, usually at night or early morning. Southeast trade winds remain steady. The Epicurean’s Window. Lobster Season opens in mid-June with vibrant festivals in Caye Caulker and San Pedro. Enjoy secluded anchorages and excellent "low season" value.

High Tide Operational Strategy

For the quintessential "post-card" experience, aim for **March or April**—these months offer the perfect balance of calm seas and peak underwater clarity. If your goal is the Blue Hole, avoid the late fall months when offshore swells can make the atoll crossings more challenging. Always choose a catamaran for Belize; the shallow draft is a strategic necessity to access the best lagoons during any season.

Featured Yachts for Charter

BELLISSIMA - Lagoon 51 - 2024

Starting from:
$17,000

BELLISSIMA is a brand-new Lagoon 51 (2024) based in Belize, accommodating up to 10 guests in 5 en-suite cabins. With expansive deck spaces, a bright modern interior, and effortless access to the water, she’s ideal for a relaxed Caribbean charter.

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THE BIG LEBOATSKI - Fountaine Pajot Aura 51 - 2025

Starting from:
$21,700

THE BIG LEBOATSKI is a brand-new 2025 Fountaine Pajot 51 offering an all-inclusive charter in Belize for up to 8 guests in 4 queen cabins, complete with crew, meals, drinks, transfers, and water toys.

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VENTANA AL MAR - Lagoon 52F - 2018

Starting from:
$21,105

VENTANA AL MAR is a 2018 Lagoon 52F crewed catamaran based in Belize, accommodating up to 8 guests in 4 ensuite cabins. Explore coral reefs, tropical islets, and the stunning Belizean coast in style and comfort.

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Highlights of Belize

Home to the second-largest barrier reef on the planet, Belize is a maritime wilderness of staggering scale. Stretching 180 miles along the coast, the reef creates a vast, protected "Inland Sea" dotted with over 400 white-sand Cayes and three of the Western Hemisphere's four coral atolls. This is the realm of the Great Blue Hole, neon-blue coral gardens, and uninhabited sandspits where the only footprints are your own. A Belize yacht charter swaps the high-glamour beach clubs of the Mediterranean for "Barefoot Luxury"—an expedition-style journey where the day is measured in snorkel stops, fresh-caught lobster from a passing Cayuco, and sunset cocktails in four feet of crystal-clear water.

The Classic Loop

7-Day Southern Caye Loop

Placencia → South Water → Tobacco Caye

The Expedition

10-Day Atoll & Blue Hole

Lighthouse Reef → Turneffe → San Pedro

7-Day Southern Caye Loop: Barefoot Seclusion

Day 1: Placencia to Hatchet Caye

Depart Placencia and head for Hatchet Caye. Enjoy your first afternoon snorkeling the private reef surrounding the island, followed by dinner at the Lionfish Grill.

Day 2: Hatchet Caye to South Water Caye

A beautiful sail north inside the barrier reef. South Water Caye is a UNESCO World Heritage site where the reef is just a few fin-kicks from your yacht.

Day 3: South Water to Tobacco Caye

Cruise to Tobacco Caye, a tiny 5-acre island perched directly on the reef. Experience the local "off-grid" vibe and snorkel the dramatic reef wall drop-off.

Day 4: Bluefield Range & Mangroves

Explore the Bluefield Range. Use your yacht’s kayaks or paddleboards to navigate through serene mangrove tunnels—a sanctuary for manatees and exotic birdlife.

Day 5: Goffs Caye & Sandspits

Sail to Goffs Caye, a quintessential desert-island sandspit. Enjoy a private beach BBQ prepared by your crew on a patch of white sand surrounded by turquoise shallows.

Day 6: Lark Caye & Inner Channel

Head back south through the calm inner channel to Lark Caye. Anchor in the pristine "Blue Ground" range for one final evening of stargazing in total silence.

Day 7: Return to Placencia

Enjoy a final breakfast on deck before a short motor back to the marina for your puddle-jumper flight back to the international hub.

10-Day Reef Expedition: The Great Blue Hole

Day 1: Belize City to St. George's Caye

Embark at the Radisson Fort George and head to the historic St. George’s Caye, the first capital of British Honduras.

Day 2: St. George's to Turneffe Atoll

Navigate the deep waters to Turneffe Atoll. This is one of the world's most diverse marine ecosystems—perfect for spotting eagle rays and dolphins.

Day 3: Turneffe Atoll Diving

Spend the day exploring the "Elbow," one of Belize's premier dive sites, before a calm sunset anchorage within the atoll's lagoon.

Day 4: Lighthouse Reef & Long Caye

A 20-mile crossing to the most remote atoll in Belize. Anchor at Long Caye, just meters away from the famous vertical walls of the barrier reef.

Day 5: The Great Blue Hole

The highlight of the journey. Visit the Great Blue Hole for a world-class dive or snorkel, followed by a visit to the Red-footed Booby sanctuary on Half Moon Caye.

Day 6: Half Moon Caye to Hatchet Caye

Begin the sail back toward the main barrier reef, stopping at the "Aquarium" dive site for vibrant sponge garden sightings.

Day 7: Hatchet Caye to South Water Caye

Explore the protected marine reserve of South Water Caye. Anchor in 4 feet of translucent water and enjoy a sunset cocktail on the flybridge.

Day 8: South Water to Tobacco Caye

Visit the colorful local community of Tobacco Caye. Experience the "off-grid" lifestyle and snorkel the dramatic outer-reef drop-off.

Day 9: Caye Caulker (The Split)

Head back north to Caye Caulker. Enjoy the famous "Go Slow" vibe and indulge in fresh-caught lobster on the sandy streets.

Day 10: San Pedro & Disembark

Conclude your expedition in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. Enjoy a final beach club lunch before your flight to the mainland.

‍Expedition vs. Leisure: Choosing Your Belize Strategy

Belize is roughly 180 miles long, and its geography is divided into two very different worlds. Understanding the difference between a 7-day and a 10-day charter is the first step to a successful journey.

The 7-Day Leisure Strategy (Placencia & The Southern Cayes): If your priority is "Barefoot Luxury"—short sails, calm turquoise lagoons, and sunset beach BBQs—then a 7-day charter from Placencia is the gold standard. You will stay within the protective embrace of the barrier reef, exploring the South Water Caye Marine Reserve and the Pelican Cayes. This route is ideal for families and those who want to maximize their time snorkeling and paddleboarding in flat, "swimming pool" waters.

The 10-Day Expedition Strategy (The Outer Atolls & The Blue Hole): Reaching the Great Blue Hole and the offshore atolls (Lighthouse Reef, Turneffe, and Glovers Reef) is a true expedition. These sites sit up to 50 miles offshore, beyond the main reef. Because these crossings are weather-dependent and require longer sailing times, we recommend a 10-day window. This ensures you aren't rushing the blue-water passages and gives you the flexibility to wait for the perfect weather window to dive the fabled vertical walls of the deep atolls.

Diving in Belize: The Rendezvous Advantage

Belize is a world-class diving mecca, but on-board yacht logistics can be tricky. While very few private charter yachts are equipped with their own dive compressors and heavy gear, we ensure your diving experience is seamless through Rendezvous Diving.

We coordinate directly with the most prestigious local dive operators from the north to the south. Instead of you spending your holiday worrying about tank refills or cluttering your teak decks with heavy equipment, a professional dive boat will meet your yacht directly at the reef. This "valet-style" service means the divers in your group can be whisked away to the best sub-surface sites like the Hol Chan Marine Reserve or The Aquarium, while the non-divers continue to enjoy the comfort and amenities of the yacht. It is the most flexible and stress-free way to explore the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef.

The Best of Both Worlds: Pre & Post Charter Land Exploration

While High Tide specializes exclusively in your time on the water, we believe a trip to Belize isn't complete without experiencing its vibrant "Green Heart." We highly encourage our clients to extend their journey by 3 or 4 days, either before or after their charter, to explore the mainland's jungle treasures.

The Cayo District offers a dramatic contrast to the reef. You can transition from a luxury catamaran to a jungle lodge, spending your days exploring the ancient Mayan pyramids of Caracol or taking the world-renowned ATM Cave expedition—a journey into a Mayan underworld frozen in time. Whether you choose to decompress in the rainforest before your sail or finish your holiday with a trek through a jaguar sanctuary, combining the jungle with the sea turns a standard yacht charter into the ultimate Belizean odyssey.

Ready to Explore the Barrier Reef?

Our Belize experts are standing by to help you find the perfect shallow-draft vessel and curated dive sites for your 2026 expedition.

Start Planning Your Charter View All Belize Yachts

Why choose Belize for your next yacht charter?

⚓ Thin-Water Territory

Belize is a Catamaran destination. The shallow inner lagoons (often <6ft) make the low draft of a multihull a strategic necessity to reach the best cayes.

🛡️ Natural Breakwater

The 180-mile barrier reef acts as a massive wall, keeping the Inland Sea calm as a swimming pool—perfect for families and those prone to seasickness.

🗺️ The Two Hubs

Start in San Pedro for vibrant culture and northern diving, or Placencia for the remote, untouched southern wilderness.

Essential Information for Belize Yacht Charters

Currency

Belize Dollar / US Dollar ($) Widely Accepted

Language

English

Time Zone

CST(-6) / CDT(-5)

Tipping Etiquette

15-20% (Industry Standard)

Sailing License/Resume

Resume / ASA 104 (Bareboat) & VHF License

Broker Insight: Belize is a "Thin Water" destination. Because of the shallow lagoons behind the reef, we almost exclusively recommend Catamarans. Their shallow draft allows you to access remote Cayes and sandspits that monohulls simply cannot reach. Pilotage is "eyeball navigation"—always keep the sun behind you to spot the coral heads!

Primary Gateways & Airport Codes

Belize City BZE

Belize Yacht Charter FAQ

The Great Blue Hole is located at Lighthouse Reef, roughly 50 miles offshore. For a standard 7-day sailing charter, the trek can be time-consuming and weather-dependent. We recommend a 10-day itinerary or a high-speed motor yacht if this is your primary goal. Alternatively, we can arrange a private helicopter fly-over from the mainland for the best views.

Broker Strategy: Best for 10-day "Expedition" Charters.

Navigation is primarily "eyeball pilotage." Because of the shallow lagoons and coral heads (bommies), you must sail with the sun behind you to read the water depth by color. It is highly rewarding but requires constant attention. If you aren't comfortable with shallow-water pilotage, we highly recommend a local skipper for the first 48 hours.

Belize is a "Thin Water" destination. Catamarans have a shallow draft (often less than 4ft), which allows you to anchor in turquoise lagoons and get close to the Cayes. Monohulls are restricted by their deeper keels and often have to anchor much further away from the best snorkeling spots.

Yes. We can source specific crewed yachts that are "Dive Focused," featuring on-board compressors and Dive Masters. For bareboat charters, we arrange "Rendezvous Diving," where a local dive boat meets your yacht at the reef and takes you to the best sub-surface sites.

Unmissable for Scuba Enthusiasts.

Belize is a biodiversity hotspot. Expect to swim with nurse sharks, eagle rays, and manatees. The Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley provide guaranteed encounters with large, docile marine life in just 5-10 feet of water.

Placencia is the gateway to the southern reef and the most remote, pristine Cayes. San Pedro (Ambergris Caye) is better for those who want a mix of vibrant nightlife, high-end dining, and the northern reef's famous dive sites. Most of our high-end crewed catamarans are based in Placencia.

On a bareboat charter, you must provision fully at the base (Placencia or San Pedro) before leaving. There are very few shops on the outer Cayes. However, local fishermen often pull up to your yacht in dugout canoes (Cayucos) to sell fresh-caught lobster and snapper—the ultimate "farm-to-table" experience.

Yes, any form of fishing (even catch-and-release) requires a sport fishing license from the Coastal Zone Management Authority. We can assist in securing these for your group in advance. Please note that fishing is strictly prohibited in all Marine Protected Areas.

Belize is very safe for yachting. The Barrier Reef acts as a massive natural breakwater, ensuring calm, flat-water sailing inside the lagoon. Crime against yachts is virtually non-existent, and the local Caye-dwellers are famously welcoming to the yachting community.

We highly recommend it. Belize is one of the few places where you can be on a yacht in the morning and at a Mayan ruin in the afternoon. We often arrange "Land & Sea" packages where you spend 7 days on the water and 3 days in the Cayo District exploring caves and rainforests.

The Ultimate Belize Experience.

The High Tide Standard: Why Charter in Belize with Us

Planning a yacht holiday in Belize should feel exciting, not overwhelming — and that’s where we come in. At High Tide Yacht Charters, we don’t just hand you a long list of boats and leave you to figure it out. We get to know you — your group size, travel style, must-haves, and budget — and then recommend the yachts and itineraries that actually make sense for you.

Team
Fleet
Atmosphere
The Broker Advantage

Bespoke Guidance.
Total Financial Security.

Unbiased Market Access

We cross-reference thousands of vetted hulls to find the specific yacht and crew that matches your group's unique profile.

Bespoke Routes

From Santorini sunsets to hidden Ionian coves, we handle the logistics that define a luxury Mediterranean odyssey.

Financial Integrity

Utilizing industry-standard MYBA contracts and secure escrow for complete legal and financial peace of mind.

Expert Advocacy

Our expert services are paid by the operators, ensuring you get professional representation at no added cost.

M
★★★★★ Google Review

"High Tide were excellent. We had a number of preferences for bedroom numbers, arrangement, and dining setups—James found us a boat that satisfied them all. He was always easy to contact and checked up on us throughout our holiday to make sure everything was perfect."

Michael B. • Verified Client

Destinations in Belize

Check out some of the destinations to explore.

Placenia Yacht Charter

Top Available Yachts for Charter

APRES SAIL II - Bali 4.6 - 2023

Starting from:
$5,700

APRES SAIL II, a Bali 4.6 bareboat in Belize, accommodates 8 guests in 4 cabins with ensuite bathrooms. Open-plan interiors, spacious cockpit, flybridge, and water toys make her perfect for family or friends’ adventures.

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POINT CLEAR - Bali 4.4 - 2022

Starting from:
$14,000

POINT CLEAR, a 2023 Bali 4.4 in Belize, accommodates 6 adults in 3 queen cabins, with additional forepeak berths. With open-plan interiors, flybridge loungers, and extensive water toys, she’s perfect for a family or group adventure.

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FIRST TRACKS - Bali 4.6 - 2023

Starting from:
$17,500

FIRST TRACKS, a 2023 Bali 4.6 in Belize, accommodates 8 guests in 4 cabins. With bright interiors, spacious aft and foredeck areas, and seamless indoor-outdoor flow, she is perfect for a Caribbean sailing escape.

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MAGNIFICENT - Bali 4.8 - 2022

Starting from:
$18,340

MAGNIFICANT, a Bali 4.8 catamaran (2022) in Belize, accommodates 8 guests in 4 cabins. With a rigid foredeck, bright interiors, and expansive outdoor living areas, she is perfect for a Caribbean sailing escape.

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TANQULIO - Fountaine Pajot Saona 47 - 2017

Starting from:
$18,550

TANQUILO is a 2017 Fountaine Pajot Saona 47 based in Belize, featuring four comfortable cabins, bright interiors, and generous deck spaces ideal for Caribbean cruising.

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DISCOVER - Fountaine Pajot Saba 50 - 2015

Starting from:
$18,550

DISCOVER is a Fountaine Pajot Saba 50 based in Belize, offering spacious accommodation across four cabins, bright living spaces, and excellent outdoor areas for Caribbean cruising.

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NOWHERE - Fountaine Pajot Saba 50 - 2015

Starting from:
$18,550

NOWHERE is a Fountaine Pajot Saba 50 based in Belize, offering spacious accommodation across four cabins, bright living spaces, and excellent outdoor areas for Caribbean cruising.

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SAND STAR - Lagoon 50 - 2009

Starting from:
$13,650

SAND STAR is a Lagoon 50 based in Belize, offering spacious living areas, a bright saloon, and comfortable accommodation across four cabins—ideal for relaxed Caribbean cruising.

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BELLISSIMA - Lagoon 51 - 2024

Starting from:
$17,000

BELLISSIMA is a brand-new Lagoon 51 (2024) based in Belize, accommodating up to 10 guests in 5 en-suite cabins. With expansive deck spaces, a bright modern interior, and effortless access to the water, she’s ideal for a relaxed Caribbean charter.

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SECOND WIND - Fountaine Pajot Aura 51 - 2025

Starting from:
$21,700

SECOND WIND is a brand-new 2025 Fountaine Pajot 51 offering an all-inclusive charter in Belize for up to 10 guests in 5 queen cabins, complete with crew, meals, drinks, transfers, and water toys.

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THE BIG LEBOATSKI - Fountaine Pajot Aura 51 - 2025

Starting from:
$21,700

THE BIG LEBOATSKI is a brand-new 2025 Fountaine Pajot 51 offering an all-inclusive charter in Belize for up to 8 guests in 4 queen cabins, complete with crew, meals, drinks, transfers, and water toys.

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VENTANA AL MAR - Lagoon 52F - 2018

Starting from:
$21,105

VENTANA AL MAR is a 2018 Lagoon 52F crewed catamaran based in Belize, accommodating up to 8 guests in 4 ensuite cabins. Explore coral reefs, tropical islets, and the stunning Belizean coast in style and comfort.

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Start planning your yacht charter adventure with High Tide Yacht Charters, today!

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