My friends and I sailed around Belize for 3 days on an all-inclusive private yacht. The price per person felt like an incredible value.
My friends and I spent three days and three nights on a private yacht in Belize for about $1,000 each. The experience was an incredible value for us.
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Anny Caba
- My friends and I booked a private yacht for three days and three nights in Belize.
- The total for eight was $1,004 a person, which included a skipper, a chef, meals, and fuel.
- The staff was amazing, allowing our group to relax and explore the Belize Cayes comfortably.
I've always dreamed of going on an international boat trip, swimming endlessly, eating fresh seafood, and watching the sun slip into the sea at night.
Unfortunately, many are extensive and expensive — a lot of bookings at sea I've lusted after are usually at least a week long and cost upward of $3,500.
This year, however, I finally decided to plan my own adventure for me and seven close friends. Having visited Belize twice, I knew it was the perfect destination.
With some extra planning and organization on my end, I was able to charter a private yacht for three days and three nights — and I was shocked at how great of a value it was.
Anny Caba
While researching for the trip, I discovered Dream Yacht Charter, a booking site that offers private luxury charters around the world.
Although the website didn't have many photos, it was straightforward to navigate. I could easily search the different models elsewhere online to find walkthrough videos that detail the specs, cabins, and amenities for each boat.
I was slightly concerned by some of the mixed reviews I read online about Dream Yacht. However, I ended up exchanging emails with a representative for over a month before officially booking, which made me feel better.
Anny Caba
When we selected our boat rental, we added a skipper (driver), a hostess (chef), a dingy, linens, and drinking water. Dream Yacht aggregated the local handling fees and taxes, so our total bill was $7,886 for three days and three nights.
To reserve, I had to put down a 30% deposit. Then, two months before the trip, I submitted the rest of the payment, guest information, food preferences, and allergies via an easy-to-use portal.
Finally, a week before sailing, the port manager and crew reached out to confirm our arrival time, menu, and route.
Anny Caba
Once we arrived, the boat was even better than we imagined.
The boat, a 2023 Bali 4.2 Catamaran, was sparkling and completely spotless. Everything except one A/C unit, one fan, and the blender were in perfect working condition — and none of those things impacted our trip.
We had four bedrooms and four bathrooms. They were all fairly small, but we barely spent any time inside beyond when we were sleeping. On the other hand, shared areas like the dining room and front deck were even more spacious than the photos I found suggested.
Our group of eight fit comfortably without ever feeling overcrowded.
Anny Caba
The crew consisted of two men: a captain and a chef.
For three full days, they worked around the clock and remained in great spirits — even after rainwater leaked into their cabins, costing them precious sleep.
The captain was a local Creole man who's been driving boats for 18 years. He knew the coast like the back of his hand, often recognizing islands miles away when they were barely visible on the horizon.
He cracked jokes, taught us about the history of the Belize Cayes, or the Islands of Belize, and knew exactly where to go and how to arrive safely.
He even offered to jump in the water as a snorkeling guide when we visited Silk Cayes Marine Reserve since a licensed guide was required to enter. This was not included in our package, nor did he charge us extra — it was simply a sign of his good character.
Anny Caba
The chef cooked from sun up to well past sundown.
He made incredible local dishes, including mouth-watering lobster tail, fresh conch ceviche, spicy coconut-curry soup, and a creamy avocado chocolate mousse.
Anny Caba
We woke up every morning beside islands so small we could walk across them within minutes.
Anny Caba
After breakfast, we filled our days with activities, like swimming around the colorful wildlife and dense corals of the Belize Barrier Reef.
We also kayaked (an activity we added to our rental during booking) on completely still water surrounded by thick mangroves.
Anny Caba
In the afternoons, we docked on privately owned islands with bars, pools, and games.
At night, the captain anchored, the chef whipped up something warm, and we stargazed as the boat swayed beneath our backs.
Anny Caba
The only thing not included in our original rental fee was fuel, as that cost can vary based on the group's activities. Since our voyage was brief and the catamaran we chose was more energy efficient, we barely used a quarter of a tank of diesel.
After refueling, the three-day/three-night trip cost us $8,032 total, or $1,004 a person.
Considering we would've spent a similar amount on a hotel stay, boat tours, snorkeling-gear rentals, taxis, and eating out, we felt the experience was a steal.
Anny Caba
It's hard to choose the best part of the expedition between the pristine landscapes, spectacular food, technicolor reefs, and attentive staff.
What I know for sure is I loved it and I'm already planning my next international private charter.
