There is no better way to experience the Caribbean Sea than by sailboat – combine this with deserted island accommodation on the largest growing barrier reef in the world and you have the Raggamuffin Overnight Sailing Trip in Belize. Raggamuffin was started by a Caye Caulker local who saw an opportunity to utilize his many years of sailing experience in a growing tourism industry. The company operates with a laid-back brand that is very much in island mode. This three-day experience is a great way to eat local and engage with the captain and crew of the boat. Part of the attraction to this ecotourism experience in Belize is the cross-cultural connection you’ll get by spending so much time with true locals while simultaneously connecting with the oceanic integrity of the Caribbean. Enjoy snorkelling twice each day in different locations with the option to also snorkel off private islands. You can also choose to go fishing off the boat while at sea, siesta in hammocks, and eat fresh catch.

Departing from Caye Caulker on the three-day sailing experience, you’ll set sail towards the Belize Barrier Reef, suntanning on the deck of the boat and taking in the fresh Caribbean air. Your crew is authentically local and true rasta men serve up some of the best food you’ll have in Belize. Fresh fish, shrimp, and other crustaceans are complemented with cocktails and drinks. Cuisine in Belize is highly underrated but it is some of the best food in Central America. Keep an eye out for visiting dolphins swimming next to the boat – this part of the ocean is truly alive and has some of the healthiest reefs and waters in the Caribbean. You’ll stop at snorkelling spot #1 for the trip. This is your chance to get up close and personal with the sea life while keeping a safe distance and not touching anything. Setting sail again towards your private island, relax with a book and tunes on the net at the bow of the boat until eventually, you arrive at Rendezvous Caye – your first private island of the journey. Camp is set up here for the night in tents with sleeping mats that Raggamuffin provides. There are a few huts here for the cruise ship passengers that visit during the day but not to worry, they’ll be all gone by the time you arrive so you can call it your own private island for the night. The crew will cook up another amazing feast with drinks and the undisturbed night sky will be yours to enjoy.

Waking up to the waves on the beach, you can take an optional ‘shower’ in the ocean before eating and setting off on more activities. Another day in paradise is complimented by more snorkelling and fishing, seemingly bottomless meals and beverages, and time spent lying in the sun. This experience is truly connecting with the environment with no option to plug-in. You’ll make your way to newly acquired Raga Caye. This is a new stop on the tour that takes travellers to another private island, but this time with the option to stay in the ‘Ragga Dormitories’ which have four bunks in a room. For an extra $100US / night, you can upgrade to one of three over-water bungalows with ensuite bathrooms and private verandahs. The hammocks are always available for anyone to use and provide a perfect spot for siestas after a big day at sea.

The third day is spent much like the others except after leaving Ragga Caye, you’ll head for mainland Belize to end at Dangriga (the trip previously ended in Placencia). From here you can catch a bus to almost anywhere you’d like in Belize. We went to Hopkins for a night before heading to Punta Gorda and taking a boat to Guatemala.

Travelling notes from Raggamuffin:

BUSES

Placencia – buses depart 4.30pm and 6.15pm (no 4.30pm departure on Sundays). This journey takes 2 hours.

Hopkins – buses depart at 5pm. This journey takes 1 hour.

Belize City – buses depart 4.30pm and 5.30pm. This journey takes 2.5 hours.

Cayo and San Ignacio (or even into Guatemala) – get the Belize City bus and change at Belmopan for the bus marked Benque Veijo. (2 hour journey).

Caye Caulker – bus to Belize City and either Ocean Ferry or San Pedro Belize Express water taxis. Please note, passengers will not be able to make the last boat back to Caye Caulker that same night if they take the bus.