We've done BVI multiple times... considering a change. Has anyone sailed in Belize? How does it compare?

Long time ago (2003 I think). Much less developed, uncrowded, no mooring balls, skinny water in places, well protected by the outer reefs, some great snorkeling and diving. That was out of Placencia with Moorings. We also spent a few days on land for a jungle cruise and Mayan ruins tour.

Sailed Belize several times and really enjoyed it, but not recently. Agree with FLJim about much less developed, was not unusual to not see another boat all day. Could just pull up behind any island, drop anchor and be set for night. Chartered several times with TMM, when they had base there. I think Moorings is the only charter outfit now. Local fishermen would sail out to the reef and work till they had enough lobster and fish to return to mainland, sometimes up to a week. So, they prized COLD beer and we found the "exchange rate" was a six pack of cold Belikin for a half dozen lobsters. You sail along the world's second longest barrier reef, skinny water and great snorkeling.

Also, I found the people of Belize to be the most polite I have encountered in any country...including my own!

We did a Belize trip 20 years ago, with The Moorings. I had entered a sweepstakes and I won a week charter! That hasn't happened again!

We loved the remoteness and have talked about going.back. The people were lovely, and the sailing was amazing. Great snorkeling, remote islands to explore. We were there the first week of December, not ideal timing wise but the boat was free!

If you are looking for something different, book it.

Chartered a cat there a few years ago out of San Pedro. As has been said, it is very shallow, and GPS not accurate in places. The man who checked us out to us how to get free when (not if) we ran aground. Nothing like BVI is today - more like it was 30 years ago. Very few places to stop and eat once you pass Caye Caulker but you can be sure to find secluded anchorages and beaches. We stopped at a couple of "fish camps for dinner only to find out they were closed. I recall it was one long reach going down south and another long reach coming back north. Not much tacking involved, if any. Caye Caulker was a favorite stop. We stopped there on the way down and back. Also stayed in a hotel right across from the airport for a few days post-charter. That was really nice - good food and a decent spa.

Took a charter out to Glover's Reef years. Real safari! Got eaten by no see ums. Brutal and lovely!
irina

For the first time ever, the land based part of our trip to Belize was more fun than the sailing. We ended up parked at Caye Caulker for a couple of days waiting for a new outboard, that was fun.
San Ignacio provided the best experience for us though - we swam, waded, hiked through ATM caves to a large cavern with Mayan artifacts AND SKELETONS! So cool. We stayed at a family owned hotel just on the edge of town, trees full of parrots, owls, you name it. Local art hung on the walls.