Inspiring Itinerary
10 Days of Atoll Adventure Through Belize’s Barrier Reef
Ideal for Summer SeasonItinerary summary
About
Belize is home to the world’s second-largest barrier reef, a UNESCO‑listed wonder stretching over 190 miles. Alongside it lie three major atolls—Turneffe, Lighthouse, and Glover’s Reef—along with dozens of remote cayes and marine reserves. Our 10-day cruise lets you explore this underwater Eden at a relaxed pace. Beginning in Belize City, you’ll glide past mangrove‑fringed islands, dive into the iconic Blue Hole, wander sandy beaches, and end in the charming harbor of Placencia. Along the way there’s snorkeling with rays, diving through coral gardens, spotting turtles and manatees, and learning why locals call this the true heart of Caribbean conservation.
Belize City & Goff's Caye
The gateway and island hideaway
Starting pointDepart Belize City and cruise to Goff’s Caye. The island’s bleached sands and shallow reefs invite immediate snorkeling or paddleboarding. Keep an eye out for eagle rays and nurse sharks, then unwind with your first tropical sunset aboard.
Turneffe Atoll
Belize’s largest coral
13nmTurneffe stretches 30 by 10 miles and teems with 500 species of fish, seagrass flats, and bird‑filled mangroves. Today is for snorkeling mangrove channels, exploring the “Elbow” drop-off, or fly-fishing for bonefish, permit, and tarpon.
Lighthouse Reef
Where Cousteau made history
18nmSpend the day at the legendary Blue Hole Natural Monument. Dive its dramatic vertical walls, explore reef pinnacles at Lighthouse Wall, and surface to lunch at Long Caye. Expect to feel the pulse of Caribbean marine magic.
Half Moon Caye
Turtle beach and booby birds
6nmAnchor off Half Moon Caye and walk its bird sanctuary. Red-footed boobies whip through the skies above while green turtles nest on the beach. Snorkel through crystalline shallows or lounge on powder-white sand.
Glover's Reef
The pearl of southern atolls
28nmGlover’s is a sprawling atoll home to 850 reef patches and critical spawning zones like Nassau grouper. Dive or snorkel across its lagoon and pinnacles, spotting parrotfish, nurse sharks, and endless coral kaleidoscopes.
Tobacco Caye
The tiny island with big Caribbean heart
17nmThis ⅛‑mile cayescape has under 40 residents. Kayak, snorkel among vibrant reefs, and toast the afternoon at a palapa‑style bar. Evenings here feel like home—just steps from a hammock in the sand.
Rendezvous Island
The secluded marine resort
25nmExplore Rendezvous Island, an inner‑reef treasure inside the Barrier Reef Reserve. The sea is calm, the reefs lush, and the diving unmatched. Shore experiences range from hiking to pure napping under palms.
South Water Caye
Center of Belize’s marine paradise
20nmThis UNESCO‑listed marine reserve hosts sea turtles, rays, and nurse sharks. Lounge in sun-drenched lagoons, snorkel into reef hideaways, and peer into mangrove fringe from a kayak.
Lagoon Caye
Protected waters and wild conservation
13nmAnchor in Lagoon Caye’s deep-water lagoon. Go ashore to birdwatch, dive its outer rim, or relax, knowing this atoll is a critical sanctuary in Belize’s reef system.
Placencia Harbour
Charming peninsula farewell
10nmYour yacht drifts into Placencia’s crescent harbour as the sun sets on day ten. Stroll the famous “Main Road,” sip mojitos on the beach, and savor the last salty breeze before disembarkation.