7 Incredible Caribbean Sailing Destinations Every Sailor Should Have on Their List
Updated: Sep 6
There are Caribbean vacations—and then there is seeing the Caribbean from your own boat.
For sailors, catamaran crews, yacht owners and marine enthusiasts, the Caribbean is not a collection of resorts connected by airports. It is an enormous cruising ground filled with islands, cayes, reef systems, anchorages, waterfront bars, fishing grounds and places that can only truly be appreciated from the water.
The British Virgin Islands may be the best-known Caribbean sailing playground. The Grenadines offer classic island hopping. The Bahamas delivers seemingly endless shallow turquoise water.
But sailors searching for something different should put Belize—and particularly Southern Belize—much higher on their cruising list.
Belize's marine environment includes the largest barrier reef in the Northern Hemisphere, three offshore atolls and approximately 450 sand and mangrove cayes. UNESCO calls the broader reef complex the largest in the Atlantic-Caribbean region and the world's second-largest reef system. More than 500 species of fish have been identified within the reef complex.
And approximately 12 miles offshore from Placencia is one small island that cruising sailors and catamaran crews are already discovering:
King Lewey's Island Resort.
At approximately 16.601° N, 88.184° W, King Lewey's is the kind of stop boaters remember: complimentary mooring for visiting vessels, an open-air island restaurant and bar, swimming and snorkeling, overwater swings, kayaks and paddleboards, a 42-foot waterslide—and overwater cabanas when the crew decides sleeping on land sounds pretty good for a night or two.
Sail in. Moor the boat. Come ashore. Have a drink. Eat. Swim. Stay the night. Then keep exploring Belize.
For a cruising crew, that's a pretty good island stop.
Quick Answer: What Are the Best Caribbean Sailing Destinations?
For 2026, our seven Caribbean sailing destinations worth putting on a cruising bucket list are:
Rank | Destination | Why Sailors Should Go |
Southern Belize + King Lewey's Island Resort | Reef-and-caye cruising, adventure, snorkeling, fishing and an unforgettable island stop | |
British Virgin Islands | Legendary island hopping and mature charter infrastructure | |
The Grenadines | Classic Caribbean passagemaking and small-island character | |
The Bahamas | Extraordinary shallow water and enormous cruising territory | |
Antigua & Barbuda | Deep sailing culture, harbors and yachting tradition | |
St. Martin/St. Maarten | Excellent marine infrastructure and a strong base for regional cruising | |
Grenada | A favorite southern Caribbean base for serious cruisers |
Sailing Belize Quick Facts
🌴 Cruising Region: Western Caribbean / Central America
⛵ Popular Sailing Base: Placencia, Southern Belize
🌊 Marine Environment: Cayes, reef systems, shallow Caribbean water and offshore atolls
🧭 Navigation: Current marine charts and proper navigation equipment essential
⚓ KLIR Mooring: Complimentary for visiting vessels, subject to availability and conditions
📍 King Lewey's Waypoint: N 16° 36.060′ / W 088° 11.040′
🍹 Boat-Accessible Restaurant & Bar: Yes, at King Lewey's
🛏️ Overnight Island Accommodations: Yes
🤿 Snorkeling: Directly around King Lewey's; reef excursions travel farther offshore
⚓ King Lewey's Sailor Arrival Information
Information | Details |
Destination | King Lewey's Island Resort, Belize |
Decimal Coordinates | 16.601000, -88.184000 |
Marine GPS / DMM | N 16° 36.060′ / W 088° 11.040′ |
Approx. Distance from Placencia | 12 miles offshore |
Visiting Sailboats & Catamarans | Welcome |
Mooring | Complimentary, subject to availability and conditions |
Come Ashore for Lunch/Drinks | Yes |
Overnight Accommodations | 4 overwater cabanas + 3-bedroom island suite |
Contact Before Arrival | Recommended to confirm current mooring availability and conditions |
Navigation note: These coordinates identify King Lewey's Island Resort but are not an approach route. Captains should use current nautical charts, appropriate marine navigation equipment, weather information and local knowledge when necessary.
There is no single “best” sailing destination for every captain.
But if you've already sailed the traditional Caribbean circuit and want a place with hundreds of cayes, world-class marine geography and a genuine sense of exploration, Belize deserves serious consideration.
1. Southern Belize + King Lewey's Island Resort
Best for: Catamarans, adventurous sailors, snorkeling, fishing, cayes and getting away from the traditional Caribbean circuit
King Lewey's coordinates: 16.601° N, 88.184° W
Southern Belize is our #1 pick because it offers something increasingly difficult to find in the Caribbean:
a cruising experience that still feels like an adventure.
This isn't simply sailing from one developed marina to another.
Belize is a country built around water.
Its coastline faces an enormous marine environment of cayes, lagoons, reef structures and offshore atolls. The Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System itself encompasses seven protected areas, while the broader reef complex contains approximately 450 sand and mangrove cayes.
For sailors, that changes the experience completely.
You're not merely sailing to Belize.
The water is the destination.
Why Placencia Matters to Sailors
Placencia is one of the logical gateways to Southern Belize's offshore world.
Belize has formally recognized nautical tourism as a growing tourism sector. The Belize Tourism Board provides specific information for yacht and pleasure-craft operators and lists Placencia as one of the locations associated with yacht-arrival procedures.
That means a crew can use the Placencia area as a connection between mainland Belize and the offshore cruising environment.
Provision.
Take care of the boat.
Enjoy Placencia Village.
Then point the bow toward the Caribbean.
Approximately 12 miles offshore you'll find King Lewey's.
King Lewey's Island Resort: A Stop Built for People Who Love the Water
King Lewey's wasn't created as a marina.
That's part of what makes stopping here fun.
It's a tiny privately owned Caribbean island resort where sailboats and catamarans regularly arrive, pick up a mooring and turn a day underway into an island day.
For cruising crews, the appeal is pretty simple.
After several days aboard, sometimes you want:
Solid ground.
A bartender.
Someone else cooking lunch.
A waterslide.
A place to swim.
A real bed.
King Lewey's can provide all of those.
Free Mooring for Visiting Sailboats and Catamarans
King Lewey's provides complimentary mooring for visiting vessels, subject to availability and suitable conditions. That makes the island a natural stop for sailors exploring the waters off Placencia.Instead of simply dropping anchor somewhere and spending another afternoon aboard, visiting crews can secure the boat and come ashore.
For boats planning to visit, save:
KING LEWEY'S ISLAND RESORT
Latitude: 16.601° NLongitude: 88.184° W
Approximate distance from Placencia: 12 miles offshoreMooring: Complimentary for visiting vessels, subject to availability and conditions
Important: These coordinates identify the island. They are not a navigational route, approach track or substitute for current marine charts and local navigation information.
⚓ KING LEWEY'S ISLAND RESORT — SAILOR WAYPOINT
📍 Decimal: 16.601000, -88.184000
🧭 Marine DMM: N 16° 36.060′ / W 088° 11.040′
🌴 Approximately 12 miles offshore from Placencia, Belize
⛵ Complimentary mooring available for visiting vessels
What Do Sailors Do Once They Reach King Lewey's?
This is where a stop at KLIR becomes considerably more interesting than simply finding a place to tie up.
Come ashore and the crew can make a day of it.
Hit the Island Bar
King Lewey's has an open-air waterfront restaurant and bar.
After days of cooking aboard, someone else making lunch and pouring the drinks can feel like a luxury.
Grab a seat overlooking the Caribbean, have lunch, order a cocktail and watch the boats.
Take the 42-Foot Waterslide
Yes, there's a 42-foot waterslide on a tiny island in the Caribbean.
Adults use it too.
Actually, especially adults.
Snorkel Around the Island
Bring your mask or use snorkeling gear and explore the clear water surrounding King Lewey's.
King Lewey's is near the Belize Barrier Reef region but is not directly on the Belize Barrier Reef. Reef snorkeling excursions travel farther from the island to actual reef environments.
Grab a Kayak or Paddleboard
Visiting the island doesn't mean getting away from the water entirely.
Kayaks and paddleboards give the crew another way to explore around the island without firing up an engine.
Find the Overwater Swings
These have become one of the island's favorite places for photos—and they're considerably easier to enjoy when you're not worrying about trimming sails.
Or Do Absolutely Nothing
This is an underrated option.
Find somewhere comfortable.
Order something cold.
Look at your boat floating offshore.
That's a pretty good afternoon.
The Ultimate Sailor Luxury: Sleep Somewhere That Isn't Your Boat
Ask anyone who has spent enough time cruising.
Eventually, a real room sounds fantastic.
Even aboard a beautiful catamaran or yacht, there's something satisfying about getting off the vessel for a night.
King Lewey's has four colorful overwater cabanas plus the three-bedroom Purple Octopus Suite.
The island has seven total bedrooms and can accommodate up to 22 overnight guests.
So a sailing couple can grab an overwater cabana for a night.
A family can spread out.
A larger crew can take multiple rooms.
The boat stays nearby while everyone gets a night on land.
Take a shower.
Have dinner.
Have another drink because nobody needs to drive anywhere.
Sleep over the Caribbean.
Wake up on a private island.
Have breakfast.
Then get back aboard and continue the voyage.
For people living aboard for an extended Caribbean trip, a night or two at King Lewey's can become a vacation within the sailing vacation.
CHECK OVERWATER CABANA AVAILABILITY →
Why Marine Enthusiasts Should Pay Attention to Belize
The geography is the story.
UNESCO describes Belize's reef system as the largest barrier reef in the Northern Hemisphere and the broader complex as the largest reef complex in the Atlantic-Caribbean region. It contains barrier reef, fringing reef and atoll environments along with seagrass beds, mangroves, lagoons and hundreds of cayes.
For somebody who owns a boat because they love being on the water, that's a compelling playground.
More than 500 fish species have been identified in the reef complex, along with extensive coral, mollusk and other marine diversity.
That gives Belize enormous appeal for sailors interested in:
Snorkeling
Diving
Fishing
Fly fishing
Marine life
Island hopping
Photography
Remote cayes
Reef environments
Exploring by dinghy
Simply spending days surrounded by Caribbean water
And Southern Belize gives sailors access to areas such as Laughing Bird Caye, the Sapodilla Cayes region and the broader offshore environment, depending on itinerary, permissions, weather and vessel capability. UNESCO's protected reef system includes both Laughing Bird Caye National Park and Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve.
When Is the Best Time to Sail Belize?
For sailors, the best time to visit Belize depends on more than sunshine. Wind, rainfall, tropical weather, sea conditions and your cruising plans all matter.
Belize generally has a drier season from approximately December through May and a wetter season from approximately June through November. The Atlantic hurricane season officially runs June 1 through November 30, so sailors planning summer and fall passages should pay particularly close attention to tropical weather.
December through April is especially attractive for travelers looking to escape colder North American weather and spend winter on the Caribbean.
But Belize is a year-round boating destination, and conditions can vary considerably from day to day.
For any passage, sailors should rely on current marine forecasts rather than a seasonal generalization. Wind direction, wave height, squalls and local conditions matter much more when you're aboard a vessel than when you're sitting beside a resort pool.
Belize Sailing Season at a Glance
Period | General Consideration for Sailors |
December–February | Popular winter Caribbean cruising period |
March–May | Generally drier months and warmer conditions |
June–August | Wetter season; monitor tropical weather closely |
September–October | Greater tropical-weather considerations |
November | Transition toward the drier part of the year |
Always check current marine forecasts and tropical-weather information before departure.
What Kind of Boats Cruise Southern Belize?
One reason Belize appeals to marine travelers is the variety of boats you'll see offshore.
⛵ Monohull Sailboats — Traditional cruising sailboats exploring Belize's cayes and Caribbean waters.
🌊 Sailing Catamarans — Particularly popular because of their space, stability and generally shallower draft compared with many monohulls of similar length.
🛥️ Power Catamarans — Increasingly popular with cruising groups who want catamaran space without relying on sail power.
🚤 Motor Yachts — Belize can also be incorporated into larger Western Caribbean cruising itineraries.
🎣 Sportfishing Boats — Southern Belize attracts serious anglers targeting the country's diverse saltwater fisheries.
At King Lewey's, catamarans are one of the most common visiting cruising vessels we see around the island.
That's one reason we've made visiting boaters an important part of island life.
Belize Isn't the BVI—and That's the Point
Sailors researching Belize should understand this distinction.
The British Virgin Islands are an exceptionally mature sailing destination. The BVI tourism authority highlights consistent trade winds, clear water, the Sir Francis Drake Channel and islands close enough in many areas to navigate visually.
Belize is different.
Belize rewards the sailor who enjoys exploration and understands that reef geography requires serious navigation.
There are shallow areas.
There are coral heads.
There are reef passages.
There are areas where local knowledge matters.
Draft matters.
Conditions matter.
Current charts matter.
Google Maps is not your chartplotter.
That's not a drawback.
For experienced marine travelers, it's part of why Belize is interesting.
Navigation in Belize: What Captains Should Know
Belize rewards competent navigation.
The same reef structures, shallow water and hundreds of cayes that make the country spectacular also mean captains need to take navigation seriously.
Before cruising Belize, understand the difference between a destination coordinate and a safe approach route.
King Lewey's publishes its approximate location:
⚓ Decimal Degrees: 16.601000, -88.184000
🧭 Marine DMM: N 16° 36.060′ / W 088° 11.040′
Those coordinates identify the island.
They do not define a safe approach course.
Captains should use current nautical charts, appropriate chartplotter/navigation software, depth information, weather forecasts and local knowledge when necessary.
Particular considerations when cruising Belize can include:
Vessel draft
Reef passages
Coral heads
Shallow water
Tides and currents
Wind direction
Sea state
Visibility
Protected marine areas
Mooring and anchoring restrictions
Changing weather conditions
Never navigate unfamiliar Belize reef waters using Google Maps or a tourism map.
For experienced sailors, this isn't a reason to avoid Belize.
It's a reason to prepare properly.
A Sailor's Southern Belize Itinerary
There isn't one route we'd recommend blindly because your route needs to depend on your vessel, draft, weather, current charts, protected areas and captain's experience.
But conceptually, a Southern Belize cruising trip can combine:
Placencia
↓
Southern Belize cayes and marine areas
↓
Snorkeling / fishing / diving experiences
↓
King Lewey's Island Resort — 16.601° N, 88.184° W
↓
Additional cayes / cruising
↓
Placencia
The important distinction is that King Lewey's can become the fun provisioning-for-the-crew stop in the middle of the adventure.
Not provisioning for the boat.
Provisioning for you.
Cold drinks. Food. Solid ground. Fun. Maybe a bed.
Sailing to Belize From Another Caribbean Destination
Belize can form part of a much larger Western Caribbean cruising adventure.
Depending on a vessel's origin, capabilities and itinerary, sailors may be researching passages involving destinations such as:
Mexico → Belize
Guatemala → Belize
Honduras / Bay Islands → Belize
Belize → Guatemala
Belize → Mexico
International passages introduce another layer of planning beyond ordinary island hopping.
Captains need to consider entry and exit formalities, customs, immigration, vessel documentation, weather windows, fuel range, crew requirements and the legal requirements of each country.
That is why international sailors should review Belize's current official entry requirements before beginning the passage, rather than relying exclusively on cruising reports or older sailing forums.
International Sailors: Entering Belize by Private Vessel
If you're arriving in Belize from another country, there are formal entry requirements.
The Belize Tourism Board says SailClear is mandatory as part of the arrival process for pleasure craft and yacht operators seeking to enter Belize's territorial waters. The online system allows captains to provide vessel, crew, passenger and customs information before arrival.
BTB currently identifies SailClear locations associated with Belize City, San Pedro and Placencia, while Belize's official maritime ports of entry are separately designated.
That distinction matters.
Don't simply sail into the country and assume you can handle clearance wherever you happen to stop.
Before entering Belizean waters, verify the latest:
Customs requirements
Immigration requirements
SailClear procedures
Port-of-entry requirements
Cruising permits or feesProtected-area requirements
Start with the official information:
Regulations and fees can change, so this is one section of the article we should keep updated.
2. British Virgin Islands
Best for: First-time Caribbean charterers and easy island hopping
If Belize is the adventurous choice, the BVI is the classic.
There's a reason sailors return again and again.
The British Virgin Islands have a long sailing tradition, established nautical infrastructure, clear water and a geography that puts numerous islands relatively close together. The BVI tourism authority specifically highlights the Sir Francis Drake Channel and close island spacing as part of its appeal to sailors.
For charter sailors, that's extremely attractive.
Spend the morning sailing.
Stop for lunch.
Move to another anchorage.
Find a beach bar.
Wake up and do it again.
Belize vs. BVI
Choose BVI if: you want mature charter infrastructure and relatively straightforward island hopping.
Choose Belize if: reef-and-caye exploration, fishing, marine adventure and discovering something less conventional are higher priorities.
3. The Grenadines
Best for: Classic Caribbean cruising and sailors who want the voyage to matter
The Grenadines offer a different experience from the compact BVI cruising circuit.
Here, the sailing itself becomes a bigger part of the adventure.
The attraction is the classic Caribbean combination of small islands, blue water, beaches and communities that still feel distinct from one another.
For sailors who want to feel like they're traveling through the Caribbean rather than circling a charter base, the Grenadines deserve a place near the top.
Belize vs. Grenadines
The Grenadines give you a more traditional chain-of-islands cruising experience.
Belize gives you a reef-and-caye cruising environment.
Both reward sailors who value exploration.
4. The Bahamas
Best for: Shallow-water cruising and endless shades of blue
The Bahamas is difficult to beat for sheer cruising scale.
Hundreds of islands and cays create enormous opportunities for marine exploration, particularly for boats and captains comfortable navigating shallow water.
The visual experience can be spectacular.
White sand.
Shallow turquoise banks.
Remote islands.
Water that sometimes looks more like a swimming pool than an ocean.
Belize vs. Bahamas
The Bahamas wins on sheer scale and established cruising popularity.
Belize counters with an extraordinary reef ecosystem plus something the Bahamas cannot replicate:
mainland Central America.
A Belize sailing vacation can be combined with jungle, wildlife, Maya sites, rivers and mainland adventure.
You can spend several days living entirely on Caribbean water and then travel inland into tropical forest.
That's a pretty unusual sailing vacation.
5. Antigua & Barbuda
Best for: Sailors who love sailing culture itself
Some destinations have boating.
Antigua has sailing culture.
Its harbors, maritime history and international sailing community make it an obvious Caribbean destination for anyone who loves boats as much as beaches.
For serious sailors, part of the attraction isn't merely where you can sail.
It's being around other people who love sailing.
Antigua belongs on that list.
Belize vs. Antigua
Antigua is the stronger choice for established yachting culture and sailing events.
Belize is the stronger choice for sailors seeking reef exploration, fishing and a less conventional marine adventure.
6. St. Martin / St. Maarten
Best for: Marine services, provisioning and multi-island itineraries
St. Martin/St. Maarten works extremely well as a sailing hub.
Its location and marine infrastructure make it attractive to boat owners and charterers planning broader regional itineraries.
This is the practical side of cruising that non-boaters sometimes overlook.
Fuel matters.
Parts matter.
Food matters.
Repairs matter.
Water matters.
Air connections matter.
A destination with serious marine infrastructure can make a longer Caribbean itinerary much easier.
Belize vs. St. Martin
Choose St. Martin for established marine services and access to neighboring islands.
Choose Belize for a more adventurous reef-and-caye experience.
7. Grenada
Best for: Longer-term cruisers and Southern Caribbean exploration
Grenada has long appealed to sailors traveling through the southern reaches of the Caribbean.
The island provides the combination long-term cruisers value: a compelling destination on land plus a useful base for continuing through the region.
It's less about racing through a seven-day itinerary and more about living the cruising lifestyle.
And that's exactly the type of sailor we think would appreciate Belize too.
Which Caribbean Sailing Destination Is Right for You?
If Your Priority Is... | Put This High on Your List |
Reef + caye adventure | Belize |
Easy charter island hopping | BVI |
Classic Caribbean passagemaking | Grenadines |
Shallow turquoise cruising | Bahamas |
Sailing culture | Antigua |
Marine infrastructure | St. Martin/St. Maarten |
Long-term southern cruising | Grenada |
Snorkeling + marine environment | Belize |
Fishing + sailing | Belize |
Something different | Belize |
A tiny island bar with a 42-foot waterslide | King Lewey's — obviously |
King Lewey's vs. a Typical Marina or Anchorage
King Lewey's | Typical Anchorage | Marina | |
Mooring | Complimentary when available | Varies | Usually paid |
Restaurant & Bar | ✅ | Usually no | Often |
Swim/Snorkel | ✅ | Often | Varies |
Overwater Cabanas | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
Waterslide | ✅ | ❌ | We're guessing no 😂 |
Kayaks/Paddleboards | ✅ | ❌ | Varies |
Island Experience | ✅ Private island resort | Mostly boat-based | Mostly marina-based |
Stay Ashore Overnight | ✅ | ❌ | Sometimes nearby |
Why Sailors Stay Overnight at King Lewey's
You already have an excellent section about getting off the boat overnight—the article says sailors can trade the vessel for an overwater cabana while the boat remains nearby.
I'd reinforce that with search-oriented language:
Sailors searching for overnight mooring in Belize, places for catamarans to stop near Placencia, Belize island restaurants accessible by boat, or overnight accommodations for cruising sailors don't necessarily need another marina.
Sometimes they want an island.
At King Lewey's, visiting crews can combine both experiences: keep the boat nearby while spending a night or two in an overwater cabana.
For couples cruising aboard, it's a change of scenery.
For families, it's room to spread out.
For charter groups, it can become one of the most memorable nights of the trip.
And for long-term cruisers?
Sometimes it's just really nice to sleep in a bed that isn't moving.
Why King Lewey's Should Be Saved in Your Chartplotter
There are places sailors visit because they're famous.
There are places sailors visit because they're useful.
And then there are the places somebody on another boat tells you about.
“When you're sailing near Placencia, stop at this little island…”
That's what we want King Lewey's to be.
You don't need to stay a week.
You don't even need to stay overnight.
Sail in.
Use an available mooring.
Come ashore.
Have lunch.
Order a cocktail.
Jump in the water.
Ride the waterslide.
Meet some people.
Then decide whether you're getting back aboard or grabbing an overwater cabana for the night.
SAVE THIS LOCATION
⚓ KING LEWEY'S ISLAND RESORT — SAILOR WAYPOINT
📍 Decimal: 16.601000, -88.184000
🧭 Marine DMM: N 16° 36.060′ / W 088° 11.040′
🌴 Approximately 12 miles offshore from Placencia, Belize
⛵ Complimentary mooring available for visiting vessels
Approximately 12 miles offshore from Placencia, Belize
Complimentary mooring for visiting vessels, subject to availability and conditions
Restaurant + Bar
Overwater Cabanas
Swimming + Snorkeling
Kayaks + Paddleboards
42-Foot Waterslide
Overwater Swings
Sailing to King Lewey's FAQ
Can I sail my own boat to King Lewey's Island Resort?
Yes. Sailboats, catamarans and other vessels regularly visit King Lewey's while cruising the waters off Placencia.
Does King Lewey's charge for mooring?
King Lewey's currently offers complimentary mooring for visiting vessels, subject to availability and suitable conditions.
What are the GPS coordinates for King Lewey's?
Approximately 16.601° N, 88.184° W.
These coordinates identify the island and should not be treated as an approach route or replacement for current nautical charts.
How far is King Lewey's from Placencia?
King Lewey's is approximately 12 miles offshore from Placencia, Belize.
Can boaters use the restaurant and bar?
Yes. Visiting sailors and boaters can come ashore and enjoy the island's open-air restaurant and bar.
Can we spend the night at King Lewey's?
Yes. King Lewey's has four overwater cabanas plus the three-bedroom Purple Octopus Suite. Boaters sometimes trade their cabin aboard for an overwater cabana and stay on the island for a night or two.
Can we snorkel around King Lewey's?
Yes. Snorkeling is available directly around the island. King Lewey's is near the Belize Barrier Reef region but is not directly on the Belize Barrier Reef.
Is Belize suitable for catamarans?
Catamarans are common in Belize's tourism and cruising environment. As with any vessel, routes need to account for draft, reef passages, shallow water, weather and current navigational information.
Do foreign boats need to clear into Belize?
Yes. International arrivals need to comply with current Belize entry requirements. SailClear forms part of the arrival process for pleasure craft and yacht operators entering Belize territorial waters.
Is this page a navigation guide?
No. This is a destination and trip-planning guide. Captains should use current nautical charts, proper navigation equipment, weather information, official requirements and local knowledge as appropriate.
Is there free mooring near Placencia, Belize?
King Lewey's Island Resort offers complimentary mooring for visiting vessels, subject to availability and suitable conditions. The island is approximately 12 miles offshore from Placencia at approximately N 16° 36.060′ / W 088° 11.040′.
Where can catamarans stop near Placencia?
King Lewey's regularly welcomes catamarans and other cruising vessels approximately 12 miles offshore from Placencia. Visiting crews can use available complimentary mooring and come ashore for the restaurant, bar and island activities.
Is there a restaurant in Belize that we can reach by sailboat?
Yes. King Lewey's Island Resort has an open-air waterfront restaurant and bar and welcomes visiting boaters.
Can I leave my sailboat on a mooring and stay in an overwater cabana?
Subject to mooring and accommodation availability and appropriate conditions, visiting sailors can moor at King Lewey's and reserve an overwater cabana for an overnight stay.
Should I anchor on coral in Belize?
No. Sailors should respect Belize's marine environment and follow applicable anchoring and mooring regulations. Use designated moorings where required or available and never intentionally damage coral or other protected marine habitat.
What coordinates should I enter into my marine GPS for King Lewey's?
For the approximate island location, use N 16° 36.060′ / W 088° 11.040′ in degrees and decimal minutes, or 16.601000, -88.184000 in decimal degrees.
🌴 King Lewey’s Island Resort Quick Facts
📍 Location: Private island approximately 12 miles offshore from Placencia, Belize
🧭 Coordinates: 16.601° N, 88.184° W
🚤 Boat Ride from Placencia: Approximately 40 minutes
⛵ Visiting Sailboats & Catamarans: Welcome
⚓ Mooring: Complimentary, subject to availability and conditions
🏝️ Accommodations: 4 overwater cabanas + 3-bedroom Purple Octopus Suite
🛏️ Total Bedrooms: 7
👥 Maximum Overnight Guests: Up to 22
🌊 Overwater Cabanas: Starting around US$345/night for two guests
🏴☠️ Private Island Rentals: Available
🍹 Restaurant & Bar: Open-air waterfront restaurant and bar
🤿 Snorkeling: Directly around the island
🛶 Water Activities: Kayaks and paddleboards
🛝 Island Attractions: 42-foot waterslide + overwater swings
⛵ Best For: Sailors, catamaran crews, marine enthusiasts, couples, families and groups
About King Lewey's Island Resort
King Lewey's Island Resort is a privately owned Caribbean island approximately 12 miles offshore from Placencia, Belize.
The island offers four overwater cabanas, a three-bedroom island suite, private island rentals, optional all-inclusive vacation packages, island dining, swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding and a distinctly Belizean island experience.
But King Lewey's isn't only for travelers arriving from the mainland.
It's also an island for people arriving from the sea.
Sailboats and catamarans regularly stop at King Lewey's, where crews can use available complimentary mooring, come ashore for lunch and drinks, enjoy the island or trade the boat for an overwater cabana for a night or two.
If you're planning a Caribbean sailing adventure through Belize, save one set of coordinates before you go:
16.601° N, 88.184° W
We'll see you on the island.
Planning a Sailing Trip to the Belize Islands
Planning a sailing trip to Belize opens up one of the Caribbean’s most distinctive cruising environments, with hundreds of tropical cayes, clear Caribbean water, reef systems, fishing, snorkeling and island-hopping opportunities along the Belize coast. Placencia, Belize is an especially useful jumping-off point for sailboats, catamarans and yachts exploring the islands and cayes of Southern Belize. Captains should plan routes using current nautical charts, weather forecasts, vessel draft and local navigational information, while international vessels should also verify current Belize customs, immigration and SailClear requirements before arrival. Sailors cruising from Placencia can add King Lewey’s Island Resort to their itinerary at approximately N 16° 36.060′ / W 088° 11.040′, about 12 miles offshore, where visiting sailboats and catamarans can use complimentary mooring when available, come ashore for the waterfront restaurant and bar, enjoy snorkeling and island activities, or spend a night or two in an overwater cabana before continuing their Belize sailing adventure. See our complete guide to Sailing Belize
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