On February 2019 we decided to take a sailing vacation in Belize. My husband’s been working on his sailing ASA (American Sailing Association) certification. He’s been taking lessons at Victoria Sailing school in Denver, Colorado the last two years. This year he had the opportunity to complete his remaining two classes at Belize Sailing Vacations. They offer a charter certification program.
We chose Belize because we knew it was going to be an experience of a lifetime. We booked a six-day trip that included hands-on training, written exams, a private cabin, 3 meals a day, an afternoon snack, after dinner dessert, and alcoholic drinks and beverages.
After daily training, the Captain selected beautiful islands known as Caye’s (pronounce Keys) to kayak, snorkel, paddle board or just relax by the beach. A Caye is a sandy, low-elevation island that forms on top of coral reefs.
I’m taking you with us on our daily journey. If you’re curious about sailing vacations, research various companies for a trip best suited for you and your family as they vary. Belize Sailing Vacations also offers family vacations that don’t include sailing certifications. I will link them below.
Day 1: We arrived at the airport and a driver from the company picked us up and transported us to the marina to a 50-foot catamaran. We met Captain and ASA Instructor Jesse Halley and first mate Karla Gomez who briefed us on the day-to-day activities, training, and sailboat layout. We also met two other guests who were also completing their charter certification. Shortly after everyone had settled, we immediately started sailing to the first island on schedule called Colsen Caye.
That afternoon my husband Glen caught his first fish but lost it. Captain Jesse keeps lines attached to each side of the boat in hopes to catch the evening’s dinner. After sailing for about 2 hours, we docked at Colsen Caye for the night. Karla served us a delicious lobster tail dinner and after we enjoyed cocktails under the stars.
Day 2: Unfortunately I became seasick the next morning. I’d brought dopamine patches but didn’t put them on initially because I felt fine during the first sail. After two hours and a healthy dose of fresh ocean air, I was fine, and no issues for the rest of the trip. If you think you may be seasick, make sure you get dopamine from your doctor or over-the-counter prior to your trip.
After breakfast, the guys’ lesson was to sail to Long Coco Caye, another breathtaking site surrounded by clear blue waters. After docking, we took the boat’s dinghy to reach the island. We walked around the entire Caye and enjoyed the ocean views all around us. The island was equipped with hammocks under lush palm trees, and gazebos to lounge, relax and enjoy the scenery.
We snorkeled for a bit and I was taken aback from the array of colored corals all around us. That evening after dinner, my husband and I laid on the boat’s trampoline, stared at the stars and listened to the waves.
Day 3: On this day Captain Jesse needed to purchase extra supplies at an adjacent Caye so sailed to a peninsula called Placencia. After walking around and grasping and absorbing the culture, the clear sandy beaches, and local tiki bars, we settled in our cabin after dinner and watched a movie.
Day 4: Today we visited Ranguana Caye. We had a drink at the tiki bar and went snorkeling. My husband Glen caught another fist, a king mackerel we had for dinner. Captain Jesse treated us to Pina Coladas while we enjoyed the sunset lounging on the trampoline. The day’s highlight was enjoying first-mate Karla’s conch shell ceviche for the day’s snack!
Day 5: On this day we visited another breathtaking island called Tobacco Caye and decided to just hang out at the beach bar. That afternoon my husband caught a Dorado also known as mahi-mahi which we had for dinner. However, the highlight of the evening was watching spotted eagle rays swimming off the stern of the boat. There were about eleven of them, so beautiful.
Day 6: My husband enjoyed a few hours of snorkeling while I caught up on my writing. That afternoon we had a long sail back to the marina and just enjoyed dinner and drinks with the other passengers and crew. We enjoyed stories, laughs and the bond we developed throughout the week.
Day 7. Last day of sailing practice for the guys, lunch, and a couple of planes rides home.
It was very hard to leave the sunny beaches, breath-taking views, the brisk air, and the sound of waves to arrive in 20-degree weather back home. However, we arrived feeling refreshed, relaxed, and grateful to have enjoyed such a memorable vacation. I would recommend a sailing trip for everyone. It’s a unique experience you’ll always remember. I hope you enjoy photos of our adventure. Comment below if you have questions or visit Belize Sailing Vacations.
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