Belize: Harbours, bridges and formalities for sailors
26 harbours
Belize: 26 harbours, clearing in, papers and fees. Plan your trip with weather, tides and route.
Formalities
outside the EU customs unionCurrency: Belize dollar, pegged 2:1 to the US dollar
Clearing in: Independent Commonwealth state, outside the EU and Schengen. Before arrival register via SailClear and notify the Port Authority by VHF or e-mail, otherwise a fine may follow. Clear in at Belize City, San Pedro (Ambergris Caye), Big Creek near Placencia or Punta Gorda: immigration, customs, health and the Port Authority, which issues the cruising permit.
Ausreise: Clear out at a port of entry before departure (port clearance): the next state asks for the certificate on clearing in.
Documents: Passport valid for six months; Germans visa-free for up to 30 days, extendable. Boat papers, crew list, insurance, port clearance from the last country.
Fees: Varies by port, Punta Gorda is considered the cheapest: according to sailors immigration about 50 USD per person for 30 days, fees for customs and health, the Port Authority cruising permit per day; entry to the marine reserves per person.
Fairway: Buoyage follows IALA system B: red to starboard when entering from seaward, the reverse of Europe. Behind the barrier reef lies a lagoon 2 to 5 m deep with coral heads and the Inner Channel; cross the reef only through the passes, by day and in good light. Big Creek can be reached by yachts with up to about 2 m draught.
Nature: Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System (UNESCO World Heritage) with Hol Chan, Glover's Reef, Lighthouse Reef and South Water Caye: fee per person and day, moor only to buoys, fishing only with a licence, spearfishing with gear prohibited.
Tropical storm season: 1 June to 30 November, peak August to October; Belize lies in the storm track (Lisa 2022). Shelter according to sailors in the mangrove bays behind the reef or in the Rio Dulce in Guatemala. Insurers usually restrict cover: check your policy.
Emergency: 911; Belize Coast Guard on VHF channel 16.
Sources: Belize Port Authority, SailClear, Noonsite: Belize, Auswärtiges Amt: Belize, travel and safety advice (as of 2026-10-20)
Harbours by cruising area
Belize: centre (Dangriga, South Water Caye, Glover's Reef)
Belize: north (Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, Belize City, Turneffe)
- Belize City
- Belize Harbor
- Caye Caulker
- Caye Chapel Marina
- Consejo
- Copper Bank
- Corozal
- Ladyville
- Radisson Fort George Marina
- San Pedro
- Sarteneja
- St. George's Caye
Belize: south (Placencia, Punta Gorda, Sapodilla Cayes)
Frequently asked questions
Belize: Do I need to clear in?
Independent Commonwealth state, outside the EU and Schengen. Before arrival register via SailClear and notify the Port Authority by VHF or e-mail, otherwise a fine may follow. Clear in at Belize City, San Pedro (Ambergris Caye), Big Creek near Placencia or Punta Gorda: immigration, customs, health and the Port Authority, which issues the cruising permit.
Belize: Which documents do I need on board?
Passport valid for six months; Germans visa-free for up to 30 days, extendable. Boat papers, crew list, insurance, port clearance from the last country.
Belize: What fees apply?
Varies by port, Punta Gorda is considered the cheapest: according to sailors immigration about 50 USD per person for 30 days, fees for customs and health, the Port Authority cruising permit per day; entry to the marine reserves per person.
Belize: What is the emergency number at sea?
911; Belize Coast Guard on VHF channel 16.
Belize: How many harbours does Sailseer cover?
Sailseer covers 26 harbours with harbour info, weather and route planning.