Belize

Well, we bid the Rio Dulce goodbye and set our course for Belize. In spite of the many stories warning us off Belize we have decided to check things out for ourselves. As we head north we soon realize that many of the Cays offer little to no protection from the NE winds. As we bypass Frenchmans Cay, Gibbs Cay and Bedford Cay we set our sights on Wild Cane, however we soon find that the anchorage at Wild Cane is no longer open to us, so make a note on your charts. We make our way into New Haven Lagoon and drop the hook after a brisk 40nm haul.


' Secret Garden', Placencia

 We’ve decided to check in at Big Creek, so we anchor off of Placencia Settlement and take the dinghy into the harbor. For those coming into Belize from the south we suggest holding off until Big Creek to check in. All three offices, Immigration, Customs and Port Authority are located within easy walking distance and the folks are great, we had no problems and the cost was minimal contrary to the stories we have heard.


beach time, Rendezvous Cay



more beach time, Southwater Cay

sea monster

end of another day, Southwater Cay

the shallows, Turneffe Cay

Our plan is to work our way through the islands off the coast of Belize over the course of two weeks before making our way to Mexico. This will involve daily hops 0f 20-30 miles through the outer and inner reefs, for the most part it’s deep water however there are several areas that require a close watch.

a morning caller, Bokel Cay

Half Moon Cay preserve

One of the highlights for those heading to Belize is the Blue Hole at Lighthouse Reef. We make our way across the shallows and anchor off of Half Moon Cay where we explore the islands nature preserve and Boobie nesting area. With the sun over our shoulder we snake our way through the coral heads and reefs to the blue hole where we opt to snorkel the edge rather than dive into the 500’ former cave. This is a monumental snorkel as it is Vicky’s first swim with a shark. Her new friend is a 4-5 foot black tip that had no real interest in us, thankfully.

dragons of Half Moon Cay



nesting Redfooted Boobie



a couple of big Boobies

Vicky on bow watch

Chula on bow watch

dark spot equals coral heads and reefs

more coral ahead

a Sunday afternoon, Ambergris Cay

where to next

Our final destination in Belize is Ambergris Cay where we settle in for a few days of relaxation before our overnight trip to Cozumel, Mexico. The route from Belize to Mexico is a simple one and we have a very good weather forecast which should allow us to actually sail the 200nm, that’ll be a treat. Our plan is to get ourselves to Isla Mujeres for a few weeks rest and to enjoy our last island in the Caribbean. After Isla Mujeres it’ll be a long haul across the Gulf of Mexico to Texas. Well, that’s for later, for now we are still in the Caribbean.

Vicky gets a day off

cruising to Mexico, another 200nm

sunrise, Cozumel

Heeeeeeere's breakfast



Sweet River

Rio Dulce, or Sweet River. This has been the first time that Boto has been in fresh water and she along with her crew really liked it. The Rio meets the Caribbean Sea at the town of Livingston then winds its way into El Golfete and on into Lago de Izabel. The trip along the river is through steep cliffs and wild jungle with occasional settlements along the banks, it is truly a visual treat, to that end we hope you enjoy our trip along the Rio.

welcome to Livingston

 

first leg up the Rio




navigating the jungle

 

the welcome wagons [or canoes]



full of joy

the beautiful colors

We’ve mentioned the shopping, but we just can not resists revisiting the market.

Rio Dulce 

Then there’s people you meet along the way, this trio is a long way from Boise.

If you think you’re commute is no fun, try hauling the days firewood.



the entrance to Lake Isabel

 

is guarded by Castillo San Felie
























We couldn’t have a photo session without a diva, so let us strike a pose.



this is Lake Isabel



so is this

Denny's Beach Bar, Lake Isabel

'still life'

Of course our trip into Lago de Izabel was peaceful and calm, we were chased off the lake shortly after sunrise by high winds and big waves, hey we’re seasoned ocean sailors, but a lake squall is scary. Then Captain Butthead snagged a fishing net, now there’s a good time, untangling an underwater net from the rudder and keel at 0600.

ah, sunrise

sunrise with some nasty weather

back on the Rio, with clear skies

I too had a POS to get around in back in the day, note that one can see the folded cuff of the drivers jeans through the gunnel, that’d be a hole in da’ boat, but she still floats.

 

this house is for sale



hook em'



back on Texan Bay

the calm waters of Texan Bay

these folks deliver fresh bread to the boats

got an old tire

turn it into a Tucan

the yellow building is a school

this is the school bus

farewell to Livingston

Well, it’s now May 10th and we have put Guatemala astern and worked our way through Belize. We had been on the fence with regards to visiting Belize on the boat as we have heard many negatives from other sailors and there has been an increase in crime, including attacks against boaters. We can tell you that all went well for us in Belize and we were pleasantly surprised by our experience. Guess that goes to show you. Well, hope you enjoyed the tour of the Rio, we’ll get back with our visit to Belize shortly, for now adios.