If you are planning a family holiday to Jamaica , you can consider staying in Jamaica villas, cottages and apartments that are well-suited to all tastes and budgets. While you have the option to stay in hotels and all-inclusive resorts, here are some reasons why you Jamaica accommodation rentals can prove to be a better alternative.

First, in terms of costs. Do a comparative study and you will find that these rentals are more affordable than hotels and all-inclusive resorts and also provide more value for money. If you are traveling with your family and friends, its highly unlikely you’ll all get rooms next to each other. Even if you do, you still won’t have much space available to spend quality time together.

Besides, you get more value for money and facilities. You can prepare your meals in the fully equipped kitchen, which means saving big money by eating in instead of in restaurants. Then again these rentals are located in beautiful garden settings and you can also have BBQs and parties.

Today, holidays are not just about exploring new places; they are as much about strengthening and reconnecting bonds that bore the brunt of your professional commitments or other circumstances. And if this is what you want, Jamaica villas and cottages will prove an ideal choice for these rentals are your home away from home and provide you all the privacy, space and freedom you to reconnect, indulge, relax and rediscover not only the attractions of the island but also yourselves. And again coming to the costs, you’ll find booking a whole house would be more affordable than booking rooms in hotels

These Jamaica accommodation rentals are professionally managed and include the services of a housekeeping staff as also a cook so you don’t have to worry about the daily household responsibilities. Some rentals like Silver Sands Villas, a secure community of villas and cottages on Jamaica ’s famous north coast cater specially to families who can avail of services like childcare facilities, separate play area for kids, car seats as also cribs, so that both you and your kids have a happy and memorable vacation.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/family-holidays-in-jamaica-villas-2908744.html

About the Author

Karen is a travel writer with Silver Sands Villas. Please visit http://www.mysilversands.com for booking a vacation home, cottage or villa in Jamaica

Jamaica’s varied terrain is ideal for outdoor activities ranging from the staid to the adventurous. There is more to the island than its beaches—from mountains, rainforests to parks, plantations, golf courses, museums and more. It is because of this, Jamaica is considered to be the playground of the Caribbean attracting more than a million visitors annually who come here for a memorable wedding, honeymoon or a family holiday.

To make the trip to the island all the more special, you can consider staying in Jamaica accommodation rentals comprising quaint cottages and villas, facing the sea and offering more facilities and amenities as also privacy and freedom than either hotels or all-inclusive resorts.

Here are some activities that are worth checking out.

Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park (Near Kingston and Port Antonio): The largest conservation area in Jamaica is home to unspoiled forests and the 7,402 feet Blue Mountain peak. You can also visit the Hollywell Recreational Park, from where you can get a bird’s eye view of Kingston and surrounds.

Blue Mountain Tours (Ocho Rios): The tour takes you to a panoramic downhill ride on mountain bicycles through the Blue Mountains. En route, you can meet coffee farmers. There is a waterfall swim as also brunch included in the tour.

Boston Beach (East of Port Antonio): The beautiful beach is famous for jerk pork. It is dotted with vendor smoking jerk-seasoned food the old-fashioned way and selling it at outside stalls.

Braco stables (Braco, Trelawny): Enjoy a two-hour ride through the magnificent country side. The tour takes you to a private beach where you can ride bareback into the sea.

Calico Sailing and Undersea tours (Montego Bay): The Caribbean Sea is a treasure trove of marine life and there is no better place to explore it than at Montego Bay on a semi-submarine or a private Calico private ship.

Columbus Park (Discovery Bay): This is Jamaica’s only open-air museum with a crafts park. It was recently acquired by Dolphin Cove at Treasure Reef. You can see historic artefacts such as railroad paraphernalia, farming equipment and water wheels.

Cockpit country (South of Falmouth): This tour takes you to the area where Maroons (runaway slaves) hid, fought defeated and gained independence from the British. Adventures include birding, caving, underground rivers, waterfalls, cliffs, hiking trails, exotic plants, birds and reptiles.

If you are on a family holiday and travelling with kids, you could do well by staying in Silver Sands villas, a secure community of villas and cottages on the island’s north coast. The rentals specifically cater to families and offer among other services, childcare facilities and play area to keep them busy. So if you want some private moments to yourself, you can leave your children in safe hands and enjoy your moments of bliss.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/vacation-rentals-articles/outdoor-adventures-in-jamaica-2821188.html

About the Author

Karen is a travel writer with Silver Sands Villas. Please visit http://www.mysilversands.com for booking a vacation home, cottage or villa in Jamaica

Jamaica’s varied terrain is a playground for numerous activities from climbing lofty mountains to exploring the waters of the deep sea and everything in between. And as the saying goes in Jamaica, ‘once you go, you know.’ To make your trip all the more memorable and soak up the culture of the island, you can consider staying in Jamaica accommodation rentals comprising private villas and cottages that are within easy distance of the attractions. Aside from taking in the beautiful scenery and lazing away the hours on the white sandy beaches, here are some activities that you might like to consider.

Jamaica’s dramatic landscape opens up endless opportunities for adventurous activities ranging from the staid to the very active. From lofty peaks soaring to 7,402 feet to crystal clear waters of the Caribbean Sea boasting high visibility, as also the white sandy beaches, and as they say in Jamaica, ‘once you go, you know.’ Just to deviate a bit from the topic, if you are planning a trip to the island, you can consider staying in Jamaica accommodation rentals that provide you the perfect opportunity to soak up the culture and flavours and that too at costs that are more affordable than hotels and all-inclusive resorts.

Blue Mountain Bicycle tours: The tour takes you through a scenic trip through the misty Blue Mountains. Along the route, you’ll see some of the island’s famous sites such as James Bond Beach, Rio Nuevo Battle Site, Golden Eye, Noel Coward’s Firefly and Blue Harbour. You’ll also visit a banana plantation and then proceed to Hardware Gap at 5,600 feet, the highest point of the Blue Mountains accessible by a vehicle. You can enjoy the views of Kingston from Hollywell National Park, and then begin the descend again.

Kool Runnings Water Park: The Kool Runnings Water Park in the island’s ‘Capital of the Casual’ is a great destination to spend a cool, fun filled day with the entire family. You can choose from numerous slides ranging from the staid to the adventurous. For the adults there is the 40 feet high and 385 meters long Green Grotto slide, which is one of the very few waterslides in the world equipped with the latest in 3-D visual reality imaging and audio technology so you can create your own slide. For the kids, there is the Coconut Island, where they can have fun in a shallow pool with shorter slides under the supervision of well-trained lifeguards. The park’s dry area, ‘The Anancy Village’ also offers a wide range of escapades.

White water rafting: You can go white water rafting at the Caliche Rainforest Park with more than 100 swift to mellow rivers. The gentler Rainforest Rafting is perfect for the entire family even for kids but to try out the Canyon White Water Rafting, the participants must be over 12 years and more. If you are travelling with children less than 12, it should not be a problem provided you book your accommodation in a rental that offers childcare facilities. Take the case of Silver Sands villas, a secure community of villas and cottages on the north coast. The villas encompass a private beach and cater specially to families. Childcare facilities are provided and so you can go for activities strictly meant for adults, secure in the knowledge that they will be well taken care off.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/vacation-rentals-articles/adventurous-activities-in-jamaica-2778829.html

About the Author

Karen is a travel writer with Silver Sands Villas. Please visit http://www.mysilversands.com for booking a vacation home, cottage or villa in Jamaica

Located in the western Caribbean you will find the Cayman Islands, which are comprised of three main islands – Little Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Grand Cayman. All three of the islands are lush, green, and exotic. If you want a vacation place where you can relax, soak up the warm sun, frolic on the sandy beaches, dine on authentic island cuisine, sightsee, enjoy water sports, and more, then the western Caribbean is the place to go.

During the day, you should consider some time at the Green Sea Turtle Farm. There, you will see small enclosures of sea turtles, some small enough to hold and others with a head the size of a ball. Inside the store, you can purchase all types of beautiful gifts, some handcrafted, and some that represent the trip to the sea turtle farm. In addition, the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park and Gardens is well worth the visit. There, you will experience some of the most breathtaking flowers and vegetation in all the Caribbean.

A short drive away is the town of Hell. Although small, the trip is worth making. Once there, you will see an amazing limestone field that looks much like you would expect Hell to look. In this little town is a quaint shop where you can purchase all types of tee shirts with cute sayings such as “I’ve been to Hell and back”. Even taking a simple drive along the coastline is a wonderful way to experience the freedom and beauty of the islands.

The western Caribbean also offers a wonderful and exciting nightlife. For instance, on Grand Cayman, you will have a choice of wonderful cultural events, comedy clubs, jazz shows, local theater, festivals, and more. Many of the nice hotels located on the island feature extraordinary shows so check the current schedule to see what genre is playing.

Of course, the Caribbean is extremely well known for having some of the most spectacular dive sites in the world. Therefore, if you love to scuba dive or snorkel, this would be your diving paradise. Other water sports enjoyed in the Cayman Islands include ocean kayaks, swimming, windsurfing, banana boat rides, paddle cats, sailing, parasailing, water skiing, and the list goes on.

However, one of the most popular sports in the Caribbean is the exploration of the underwater world. Below the surface, you will be blown away by the colorful fish, coral reef, drop-offs, and even submarine tours that will take you below 800 to 1,000 feet. Regardless of the time you spend or the things you do while in the western Caribbean, you can be sure you will take home a beautiful memory of one of the most gorgeous places on the planet. In addition to beautiful islands, the people are warm and hospitable.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/vacationing-in-the-cayman-islands-2309060.html

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Find tips about morning headache and spinal tap headache at the Different Types Of Headaches website.

It’s a fact. Most family vacations are planned by the lady in the household. Sure, she runs the choices by her partner, but it’s mostly the woman who determines where the family will spend their annual vacation.

With all the choices available, so many women opt for staying in Jamaica villas. Why?

1. Jamaica villas offer a wide range of accommodation.
From large luxurious houses, dripping with every imaginable amenity, that will put even five star hotels to shame, to comfortable cozy cottages with character and charm, yet easy on the budget, you will find them all in Jamaica. Villas with pools, hot tubs and spectacular views will appeal to those who really want a treat. And there are many villas situated right on the white sand beaches for which Jamaica is famous.

2. All kinds of sports.
And when you have had enough of the beach, there is so much to do in Jamaica. If you are sporty, you have a great selection of golf courses. Tennis, mountain bike riding and horseback riding are always readily available too. And every type of water sport is on offer. Snorkeling, scuba diving, windsurfing, sailing, bodyboarding, kayaking, parasailing, jet skiing, and more. There are also rivers where you can go tubing and kayaking. In the hills, you can go trekking and you will also find canopy zip wire rides.

3. Lots of Beauty Spots
Blessed with natural beauty, Jamaica is the island of variety featuring many world famous visitor attractions like Dunn’s River Falls, Fern Gully, and the Blue Mountains. As Jamaica is a small island, wherever your Jamaica villas are located, the scenic coastline is not far away, and the forests in the interior are also easily accessible.

4. Jamaica villas offer privacy and freedom.
Of course, Jamaica villas allow you to do what you want when you want, giving you the kind of freedom and privacy that you cannot get in a hotel or resort vacation. And don’t forget value – you get a whole house, not just a room.

But what’s the real reason that women choose Jamaica villas?
These are many good reasons why women want to vacation in Jamaica villas, but they are not the real reason. The real reason is that Jamaica villas come with staff. Great staff! Depending on the size of the accommodation and how many people are being catered for, Jamaica villas will provide at least one cook who will do your grocery shopping and prepare all your meals. Staff will include housekeeping services so the rooms are made every day and the whole house is kept clean and tidy. There is usually a gardener/houseman too. Some even provide a butler!

That’s the real reason. If there were no staff, who would be planning and preparing meals, serving them up, and then dealing with a messy kitchen after? Who would be making the beds and cleaning the bathrooms? With staff, the lady of the house gets to have a vacation too, as there is staff to do all the hard work.

And imagine returning home and not having to face doing a week’s accumulation of family laundry. The staff in Jamaica villas will do your laundry, iron and fold everything which you can pack neatly into your suitcase.

The lady of the family returns home from her vacation in Jamaica villas, not only having had fun and well-rested, but also not having to catch up on housework. That’s the real reason women want to vacation in Jamaica villas.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/destinations-articles/the-real-reason-women-want-to-vacation-in-jamaica-villas-2097578.html

About the Author

Prem Chadeesingh is an authority on vacation rentals in Jamaica. He writes for Mysilversands, a company dedicated to providing quality accommodation in Jamaica villas, cottages, and apartments by the sea.
Prem lived at Silver Sands villas Jamaica for over seven years. He holds a BASc degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of Toronto and an MBA in International Business from City University of New York.

Traveling to distant lands is always an adventure. You have so much to look forward to—discovering new places, meeting new people, and understanding a new culture. However, it is important to have some idea of the place you are traveling to so that your adventure doesn’t turn into a nightmare. If you are traveling to Jamaica, here are some tips to that can help you enjoy a memorable vacation on the island.

Visas and passports

1.As the first step, ensure your passport and visas are in order. Visitors from European countries, USA, Canada, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and Israel do not require a visa to enter into the country.
2.You don’t require a travel permit; however you would need to fill out an immigration card, both on arrival and departure.
3.As part of the procedure, you would be required to show an ongoing or return ticket and a passport validity of atleast six months.
4.It is also advisable to take travel insurance not just for protection against mishaps but also to cover cancellations, delay in travel arrangements etc.

What to avoid in Jamaica

Sandflies: These are specially active in the late afternoons. In case, you get bitten, you can run over-proof run to ease the itching.

Getting caught in the rain: Avoid getting caught in the rain without a jacket. You can bring along a light, foldable umbrella and even gift it to a native when you leave.

Sun burns: Remember to wear a hat and apply ample sun tan to avoid sun burns especially when you are going rafting. The adventure can be good fun but don’t underestimate the sun.

Tap water: Always drink bottled water and avoid tap water. If you are staying in Jamaica villas, you can refill your bottles before venturing out.

Lonely areas: It is always advisable to travel in groups and avoid lonely areas especially after dark. Try not to stand out in the crowds and don’t carry anything expensive that might attract unwanted attention. Always carry a copy of your passport and leave the original in your Jamaica accommodation rentals safely locked away.

Travel smart in Jamaica

If you purchase a drink from a roadside vendor, then request for a drink without ice. In case, it does contain ice cubes, remove them as quickly as possible.

Do remember to take along a camera so that you don’t miss the spectacular photo opportunities. As a word of caution though, don’t click the natives without their permission. Always ask them first.

Whether on a beach or any other popular tourist destination, you would be approached by vendors selling trinkets, eatables and souvenirs. Don’t mistake their persistence for harassment, which means that if you don’t want to buy, just refuse politely but firmly.

Don’t disclose the address of your Jamaica accommodation rentals to strangers and especially to salesmen. This is not just for your safety but to ensure that you are not harassed by sales people calling on you to sell their products.

As a closing note, stay in Jamaica villas and apartments instead of a hotel. This is because these vacation rentals are your home away from home. They combine the luxuries and comforts of a hotel with the privacy and space that only a home can provide. If you are not sure which one to choose, try the Ocho Rios Apartments that not only give you the best services at the most affordable prices, but also provide convenient access to some of the greatest tourist attractions of Jamaica.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/vacation-rentals-articles/jamaica-villas-guide-travel-tips-to-jamaica-1971695.html

About the Author

Karen is a travel writer with Silver Sands Villas. Please visit http://www.mysilversands.com for booking a vacation home, cottage or villa in Jamaica

Ocho Rios, which means waterfalls in Spanish, is located about 60 miles from Annotto to Discovery Bay on a half-moon shaped cove in the middle of Jamaica’s northern coastline. Once a fishing, Ocho Rios is today a pretty resort town with scintillating waterfalls and beaches, and interesting colonial-period buildings like the Geddes Memorial Church and the Anglican Church.

Given the fact that it is one of the premier tourist attractions of Jamaica, Ocho Rios is home to some beautiful villas and cottages that are perfect for a memorable vacation. These Jamaican apartments are well equipped with all possible amenities required for a comfortable stay. Tastefully decorated and beautifully furnished these vacation apartments also provide the services of an efficient staff to take care of your needs. Besides, these apartments provide convenient access to the tourist attractions of Jamaica, some of which are:

Dunn’s River Falls: The water of the Dunn’s River cascading over the rock terraces to the sea is a treat to the senses. If you want to frolic in the water, you can climb up the stepping stones leading to the water fall and stand under the shower. There is a Dunn’s River feast every week with dancing, music, and swimming.

Dolphin Cove: This is Jamaica’s premier marine destination where you can spend a fun-filled day with your family enjoying a picnic and swimming with the dolphins.

Prospect Plantation: Working plantations still exist in Prospect Estate. You can go horseback riding to discover the scenic trail of this 1000-acre plantation, which dates from 1721. People from all walks of life have planted trees at Prospect Plantation, including former Jamaican Prime Minister P.J. Patterson and, Sir Winston Churchill planted a mahogany tree in front of the Great House. Today, the former sugar estate grows bananas, cassava, coffee, allspice, coconut and many other crops, but not for the commercial market.

Green Grotto Caves: Explore these historic caves with a crystal-clear lake at the bottom located between Discovery and Runaway Bays. The first Jamaicans, the Arawak Indians are believed to have found shelter here, a fact that is backed by the multiple fragments of pottery and adzes that have been unearthed from time to time.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/vacation-rentals-articles/jamaica-tourist-guide-ocho-rios-1839751.html

About the Author

Karen is a travel writer with Silver Sands Vacation Rentals. Please visit http://www.mysilversands.com for booking a vacation home, cottage or villa in Jamaica

A holiday to the Caribbean offers you the chance to visit some of the most spectacular beaches in the world. Virtually every island of the Caribbean will have beaches that amaze; with crystal clear blue seas, sugar white sand & palm trees.

To help you choose where to go and more importantly what beach to choose, we have compiled a list of the top 10 beaches in the Caribbean.

1/ Palm Beach (Aruba) – Idyllic beach setting with superb white sand.

2/ Grand Anse Beach (Grenada) – 3km beach with sugar-white sand, lots of space & shallow waters.

3/ Johnson’s Point (Antigua) – Made up of secluded coves; these white soft sand beaches are a must for snorkeling & swimming

4/ Pink Sand Beach ( Bahamas) – One of the world’s most photographed beaches, often voted world’s best by travel publications. 5km’s of salmon pink coloured sand, due to red plankton that has mixed with the fine white sand.

5/ Crane Beach (Barbados) – Often voted as Barbados’ most beautiful beach. Imposing cliffs, a natural coral reef and soft white sands make for a perfect beach.

6/ Negril Beach (Jamaica) – Laid back atmosphere and Jamaica’s prettiest beach. A lot quieter than Seven Mile beach.

7/ Englishman’s Bay (Tobago) – A sheltered beach with fine white sand, crystal waters & surrounded by a palm jungle.

8/ Grace Bay (Turks & Caicos) – Part of a national marine park, this beach has fine white sand, calm turquoise waters and is protected by a barrier reef.

9/ Trunk Bay (US Virgin Islands) – A beautiful beach with crystal clear waters, considered one of the best places for snorkeling in the Caribbean.

10/ Shoal Bay (Anguilla) – Put Angullia on the tourism map; sugar-white sand, crystal clear blue waters & coral reefs.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/exotic-locations-articles/top-10-beaches-in-the-caribbean-129050.html

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directline-holidays.co.uk provides you with the latest holiday offers, essential information & reviews on destinations worldwide.

For most of us, the winter months often bring on the winter blues. The cold and snowy months can leave one feeling less active and less motivated to go outdoors. One way of curing the winter blues is to take a vacation at a luxurious beach. There are many hot beach spots that will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

The following are a few of the best winter beach vacation spots:

Bahamas: Many vacationers consider the Bahamas a tourist’s paradise. The warm climate and lush beaches makes the Bahamas a very popular winter get away. The many elegant resorts offer fine dining, various tours of underground caves, and other amazing scenery. Windsurfing, snorkeling and scuba diving are very popular. There are also beautiful waterfalls and aquariums. There is an activity for anyone, no matter what the age.

Todos Santos, Mexico: Located on Baja Peninsula’s Highway 19, Todos Santos in Mexico is a very popular beach vacation spot. It is sparsely populated with a quaint artistic, farming, and fishing community. It is a very popular surfing spot. There are miles and miles of white sand beach and resorts that cater to every need. For instance, the Posada La Poza is located very near to the beach and has many luxury amenities.

Oaxaca, Mexico: This is a very popular beach vacation spot. In 2005, it received a ‘World Best’ award from Travel +Leisure magazine. This city features wonderful cultural attractions. The gorgeous beaches can be found in nearby Huatulco. There are many elegant hotels and resorts near the beaches.

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic: The inviting climate has temperatures that range from the mid 80s which makes this a popular beach vacation spot. There are a number of exotic and luxurious resorts where visitors can participate in such activities as sailing, fishing, golfing, spas, scuba diving, pools, and tennis.

Florida Keys: The Florida Keys contains an enormous amount of tropical beaches. Winter temperatures range in the 70s to mid 80s. One can bask in the warm sun on the beautiful beaches and participate in such activities as deep sea fishing, diving and snorkeling, water skiing, surfing, taking an eco-tour, golf, or relax at a luxury spa.

Caribbean: The Caribbean is another popular beach vacation spot. The beaches contain beautiful white sand and warm relaxing water. As well, there are many fantastic resorts that come with gorgeous rooms, delicious food, and exciting activities. You can surf, snorkel, take a cruise, and participate in a wide range of outdoor activities. St. Lucia in the Caribbean is a wonderful and affordable vacation spot. It is well-known for its outstanding beaches. The Coco Palm resort is a popular choice for vacationers.

Hawaii: Because of its wonderful climate and gorgeous beaches, Hawaii is always a popular winter vacation spot. Temperatures during winter on the islands of Hawaii range from the low to mid 80’s. There are a variety of activities such as parasailing, helicopter tours, eco-tours, windsurfing, boating, SCUBA diving, fishing, golf, horseback riding, hiking, Hawaiian luaus, and snorkeling.

Every year, many people dread the ice, snow, slush, and cold temperatures that winter brings. Fortunately, there are many affordable and relaxing beach vacation spots that one can escape to during the cold blustery winter months.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/what-are-the-best-winter-beach-vacation-spots-1712155.html

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Belize offers a good choice of yacht charter and this includes; bareboat yacht charter, luxury crewed yacht charter, skippered yacht charter, monohull and catamaran charter and both sail and motor yacht charterBelize is the only official English-speaking country in Central America.

Belize was a British colony for more than a century and was known as British Honduras until 1973. It became an independent nation in 1981. The Maya civilization spread over Belize between 1500 BC and AD 300 and flourished until about AD 900. European settlement began with British Jews, privateers and shipwrecked English seamen as early as 1638. The early settlement of Belize in the Bay of Honduras grew from Belize Town and St George’s Caye into a colony of the United Kingdom during the late eighteenth century. In the early nineteenth century the settlement was called British Honduras, and in 1871 it became a Crown Colony. British Honduras became a self-governing colony in January 1964 and was renamed Belize on June 1, 1973. Full independence came on 21st September 1981 after delays caused by territorial disputes with neighbouring Guatemala, which did not formally recognize the country.

A yacht charter in Belize enables you discover some of the most unspoiled islands of the Caribbean. The luminous turquoise waters of the Belize archipelago are made up of over 200 deserted tropical islands and coral atolls and boast some of the most pristine beaches in the Caribbean. Belize has become a popular spot for yacht charters and diving vacations. Most yacht charter companies have catamaran fleets because the shallow draft will assure easy navigation.

The coast of Belize encompasses has an unlimited abundance of wildlife and sea life waiting to be discovered. Schools of tropical fish, Manatees, and coral gardens abound here making snorkelling and diving expeditions an exciting adventure. There are many archaeological and national parks along with marine reserves in Belize. Check with your yacht charter company for help in making plans for land expeditions to the Mayan ruins or the rainforest.

Belize International is the main airport and is only little more than two hours from 3 gateways in the United States. San Pedro, Ambergris Caye or Placencia are reachable by a 15 minute commuter plane with several connections a day. English is the official language and is widely spoken, as is Spanish. Other languages include Creole, German, Mayan and Garifuna. US Dollars are used and major credit cards may be accepted in hotels, restaurants and some shops.

The yacht charter season in Belize is restricted by the hurricane season to the months of November through to May. From mid-December to May the trade winds blow. Temperatures are always around 25º – 30º C.

Most people are very comfortable sailing the waters of Belize but it does come with some challenges. Navigation is relatively easy and by line of site. The most difficult part is learning how to read the shallow waters and recognize coral. It is imperative to keep a proper watch at all times. Bare boating outside the reef is prohibited. The outer reefs are not well charted or marked making for the danger of running aground. Once inside the atolls the shoal waters are full of coral rock formations that lie in so many areas and in such numbers that the charts simply do not give clear insight to their locations. Communication on VHF is also non-existent, with mobile phones the most reliable means of communication, search and rescue is not very reliable and all this combined makes bare boating outside the reef untenable. However with so much to see within the barrier reef venturing beyond is not necessary.

Ambergris Caye is the largest island in Belize and the most commercially developed. Ambergris Caye has been the hub of maritime trade in Belize for hundreds of years. In the last twenty to thirty years the incredible surroundings of Ambergris Caye has led to a large growth in both the Belize dive and scuba trade, yacht charters and ecotourism.

The main town of San Pedro still maintains itself as a quaint fishing village although here one will find a lively nightlife. San Pedro only has a few streets with interesting shops, a few homes, and several restaurants and bars. The airstrip is also located here, so getting to your charter yacht is literally a stone’s throw away. The island is home to tropical savannahs, sparkling white beaches and mangrove forests. It has become the most popular tourist destination in Belize.

The amazing coral reef system lies half a mile east of the shoreline and runs the entire length of the island. It is the second largest barrier reef in the world and has made the town of San Pedro the dive and water sports capital of Belize and Central America. It is easy for snorkellers to discover hundreds of species of fish right off the beach. Surrounded by lush tropical gardens, the transparent waters of Ambergris Caye are a paradise for divers, snorkellers, bird watchers and fisherman alike.

Begin your yacht charter in Placencia and you can explore the southern half of Belize. Placencia is known for its lovely white sandy beaches and beautiful mangroves. The main street is a three-mile stretch of sidewalk in which there are a few local services, including a laundry service and small grocery. However if you are planning to leave on your yacht charter from Placencia, it is a wise idea to have provisions planned in advance with your yacht charter company. The grocery store is not equipped to handle the needs of a charter boat. In most cases the provisions that you order are flown in from Belize City. This is not an active spot for nightlife and restaurant dinners. This is paradise on earth, very tranquil and serene. Many sailing connoisseurs have compared their experience of Placencia to memories reminiscent of the BVI 30 years ago before it was developed. Placencia is also the gateway for a land-based tour of the many cascading waterfalls and the archaeological ruins of the Mayan culture.

If sailing south from San Pedro or north from Placencia there are numerous beaches that provide great yacht anchorages. There are hundreds of cayes to explore with clear waters and white sandy beaches. Some are deserted while others have amenities for tourists. Those places that are undeveloped will offer complete solitude to those looking to get away from civilization on their yacht charter. Whilst there are too many to mention them all individually here are a few highlights to give you an idea of what awaits you on your yacht charter in Belize.

Caye Caulker is a four mile long island is divided in two and lies just about a mile east of Belize’s Barrier Reef. This is a quiet town with friendly people and some nice restaurants. The most popular dive destination is Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley. A boat must be hired to visit and it is approximately 30 minutes north of Caye Caulker. With so much to see at various depths, all levels of snorkellers and divers can be accommodated here.

Caye Chapel is the island that is home to the rich and famous and boasts a new state of the art marina and championship golf course. It was developed for those searching seclusion. This is the most exclusive island in Belize where every amenity is available. The marina welcomes yachts up to 45 metres in length. Once here there are many picturesque beaches and exotic wildlife to discover as well as the natural beauty the island views has to offer.

St George’s Caye is located south of Caye Caulker, this island is one half mile from the barrier reef. St. George’s Caye is quiet and serene and a world away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Very few services are offered here with just a restaurant, hotel and a bar. The diving is incredible with visitors sighting many dolphins just before descending down the caye’s wall.

Goff’s Caye is a tiny island on the reef just north of the main channel, English Channel. It has good snorkelling and a beautiful beach.

English Caye has a lighthouse that marks the south side of English Channel. This island offers superb snorkelling 1000 feet south on a huge coral patch.

Rendezvous Caye is a jewel of an island also located right on the reef. Another beautiful beach with excellent snorkelling all around, this is also a good location for scuba diving on the 60 foot outside wall. It is not however a safe overnight yacht anchorage with its coral all around but a ‘must see’ day stop.

Bluefield Range provides a safe yacht anchorage and the two fish camps usually offer a choice of fresh seafood for dinner.

Colson Cayes is another safe anchorage with several fish camps. The Cayes offer a shallow lagoon to explore by dinghy with plenty of coral nearby for snorkelling.

Tobacco Caye is a fine overnight anchorage, unless in a northerly wind. There are several choices for basic meals and a few bars on the island. There’s a dive shop for those who enjoy scuba diving and plenty of good snorkelling.

Laughing Bird Caye is just 11 miles from the coast of Placencia; the caye is located within a “faro”, an atoll on a continental shelf. It is steep sided and encloses a central lagoon. The attraction is the diverse variety of coral reefs. Because of the large amount of visitors steps have been taken to ensure the reefs and lagoon will be protected. There are mooring buoys and channel markers in place to protect the fragile ecosystem.

South Water Caye is about 25 miles from Placencia. South Water Caye is a reserve protected by the World Heritage Organization. Like the other marine reserves in Belize it has an amazing array of underwater life and palm trees that line the waters edge. The clear blue waters of South Water Caye give way to white sandy beaches.

Sapodilla Cayes is another marine reserve that sits in the most southern portion of Belize’s barrier reef. It is comprised of 14 mangrove and coral islands with unspoiled white sandy beaches. The waters are very shallow with some areas being less then 5 metres. On Huntington Caye you will discover the lighthouse and a Belize Guard Station. The beaches here are the nesting grounds for turtles. Lime Caye is often the most crowded with tourist boats arriving from Punta Gorda. The best place to anchor the yacht and spend the night is either Nicholas or Frank’s Caye. The incredible reef system with an abundance of colourful fish species will provide for a great snorkelling experience, even for beginners. Because Sapodilla is off the beaten path it is not over run by tourists and remains a magnificent and pristine group of islands that have very little in the way of amenities.

Just 25 short miles south of the Sapodilla Cayes lies the port of Livingston on the Rio Dulce of Guatemala where you are required to check in and out of Guatemala. A local restaurant provides a great stop along the way where they’ll pull your choice of fresh fish out of the live trap at the dock.

Outside the Barrier Reef there are some well-known dive sites that are popular. Since bareboat yacht charters are not permitted to venture outside the reef, it is in your best interest to hire a local dive company if you wish to go there. If your yacht charter is crewed, then have the skipper contact the local dive company to make arrangements for a meeting place in order to explore with an experienced dive master.

Glover’s Reef Marine is located 36 miles off the shore of Belize. It is a group of islands encircled within a turquoise lagoon and surrounded by a coral reef that has one of the richest tropical marine environments called Glover’s Reef Atoll. All six sand cayes within the atoll are privately owned. The diving is legendary and cannot compare with any other place in the world. There are over 80 square miles for snorkellers and divers to explore with an incredible variety of fish. The southern part of the atoll is a conservation area that is used for research and recreational activities. Visitors are forbidden from taking anything from the area. Dive boats require a license to be there and divers must register with the reserve manager. There is a resort located here as well but amenities for boaters are limited.

Lighthouse Reef Atoll is the farthest atoll from the coast of Belize. There is one charming colonial style beachfront resort located on the island and the primary focus of activities is diving and relaxing on the beach. The famous “Blue Hole” is actually located in the centre of the Lighthouse reef lagoon. The 400 foot deep hole is perhaps one of the most amazing underwater experiences in the western hemisphere. Some of the best wall diving exists here and many consider it the greatest dive site in Belize. Coral surrounds the entire 75 square miles of Blue Hole. Visibility is an amazing 100 feet in clear turquoise waters that are calm with no currents running. If considering a dive here hire a local dive master to meet your boat and take you there. He will have the expertise necessary for a safe diving experience.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/belize-yacht-charter-1450935.html

About the Author:

Ken Jones runs a Crewed Yacht Charter Guide.
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