There’s something about sailing that captivates a starry eyed dreamer like myself. It can take you places you never dreamed of going as you discover secluded coves and treasured ports. And my sailing adventure through the Cayes of Belize was no exception.

Raggamuffin Tours out of Caye Chaulker was the base for this leg of my adventure. They offer snorkeling excursions, day sails, and the more popular overnight sailing trips. All tours are captained and crewed by experienced licensed tour guides and Captains, and all equipment and food are provided. I opted for the overnight trip designed as an island-hopping adventure for all those want to experience this uninhabited Caribbean paradise. The trip is ‘simple’ camping with nights spent on beautiful Rendezvous Caye and Tobacco Caye.

Caye Caulker, Belize

With a total of 15 of us on board the Ragga Queen we set sail under clear skies and light winds for Placenia. Over the course of 3 days and 2 nights we island hopped through the more remote parts of Belize’s reef, the  second largest barrier reef in the world, to experience some of the best snorkeling and fishing in the area.

Not long after leaving dock we throw in the fishing lines and within no time we get lucky and we’re reeling in supper….a 4 foot barracuda which was promptly cleaned and fillet for the night’s meal. And with no set itinerary and timeline to meet we frequently stop to swim, snorkel or just to relax and get to know our fellow wanna-be sailors. As the day starts to come to an end we sail into Rendezvous Caye where we make camp for the night and the ‘happy juice’ rains.

This night the heat of the small tent was too much for me so as the birds start to sing and the sun rises I make my way to the beach and grab a lawn chair to try and catch a few more winks while listening to the gentle lapping of the sea against the shore and the faint sound of the local radio station, Love FM, coming from the sail boat. How do you describe paradise?

Day 2 starts with a hearty breakfast prepared by the 3 man crew before we set sail for another idyllic day of sailing, snorkeling and swimming. We stop at Colson’s Reef for some snorkeling before sailing into Tobacco Caye to again build our tent city for the night. Having 1 night already under my belt and knowing how hot the tents can get I choose to sleep on the wharf under a clear sky and a blanket of stars.

Stop one! Rendezvous Caye , Raggamuffin Tours

Morning comes early when you’re sailing, and the day begins by packing up our camp and we set sail through a picture postcard of turquoise waters and deserted palm treed cayes.

As we approached Placencia I was sad to see this adventure come to an end. This group of people, mixed in age and nationalities, had grown on me over the past several days, but now it was time to bid farewell as each of us went in our own directions to continue our individual adventures. But it reminds me how small the world really is as connecting with people you wouldn’t normally come across in normal life leave footprints of unforgettable memories.

So, would I do the Raggamuffin again? Absolutely! Swimming, snorkeling, cooking over an open fire, drinking and laughing; the sun was shining, the skies were blue and life couldn’t have gotten any better. Thanks Captain Jerry and crew for sharing your slice of paradise to this starry eyed dreamer.

Fun on the wharf!

Does a sailing adventure interest you? Contact me to start planning your high seas getaway.