3 Day Belize Sailing Trip with Ragga Sailing Adventures: Our Review

Everything you need to know about overnight sailing in Belize, plus our honest review of Ragga Sailing Adventures’ 3 day, 2 night tour.

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We enjoyed the most magical 3 days sailing along the Belize Barrier Reef with Ragga Sailing Adventures. A quintessential Belizean experience, there’s no better way to experience the best of the crystal-clear Caribbean Sea, from remote paradise islands to pristine reefs teeming with wildlife, than by sailing down the coast.

Imagine snorkelling by day, landing on remote islands (called cays) by night, sleeping by the sea, eating the freshest Belizean food, and basking in the sun on a stunning sailboat. If you love the sea and would like to visit breathtaking parts of the world that most people never get the chance to see, then the 3-day sailing trip in Belize with Ragga Sailing Adventures is definitely for you.

We read a bit about the tour before embarking upon the adventure ourselves and found most of the information to be quite outdated. So we’ve put together this complete guide to sailing Belize with our honest review of Ragga Sailing Adventures’ overnight tour to equip you with absolutely everything you need to know before you go.

Why sail in Belize?

Sailing in Belize is a magical experience, with a range of reasons that make it the most perfect activity for ocean lovers. Here are a few key highlights:

About Ragga Sailing Adventures

Previously known as Raggamuffin Tours, Ragga Sailing Adventures is a local tour company that specialises in unique sailing experiences in Belize. Based on the stunning island of Caye Caulker, the 3-day, 2-night trip adventures to more remote and inaccessible islands on the Belize Barrier Reef. This gives you the opportunity to leave the common tourist trail, sailing south from the busy waters off Caye Caulker and San Pedro, and entering a world of remote islands, pristine reefs, and glittering Caribbean Sea.

Founded by the lovely Charlie Jones, Ragga Sailing Adventures prioritises fun and safe ocean adventures. All captains and crew are experienced and licensed by the Belize Tourism Board and bring the energy with them to ensure you have an amazing time.

If you’re seeking pristine paradise islands, tropical island living at its best, and fun activities in and on the sparkling Caribbean Sea, then you need to join the 3-day, 2-night sailing adventure. It’s an unmissable Belize experience and one we’re going to share all about in this post.

Our experience sailing in Belize

Sailing Belize’s barrier reef with Ragga Sailing Adventures is one of the best travel experiences we’ve ever had. We felt totally spoiled the entire time, whether we were lounging on the catamaran, enjoying delicious meals, or snorkelling with marine wildlife.

It isn’t an uber-luxury experience (although it does feel it) but it’s a super smooth and authentic one. Literally everything is included from the moment you step onto the boat, including:

The only time you might wish to pay for an optional extra includes:

It’s hard to convey what an incredible experience this tour is, but we’ve broken down the main components to try to paint a picture of what the trip is like.

Briefing

The evening before departure, we met our crew and other travellers at the Ragga Sailing Adventures hut on Caye Caulker. We were provided with information about the upcoming weather forecast, what to expect over the 3 days, and a sheet of paper with useful information (most of which is in this post) about how to pack and when to be where the following day.

The weather has a huge influence over your trip and the team checks the forecast prior to sailing to ensure you have the best experience. The weather in Belize can be pretty changeable and this part of the briefing is key to managing your expectations if clear skies aren’t forecast for the whole three days.

We were introduced to our crew for the next day. The crew are integral to the trip, bringing the energy, keeping everyone safe and smiling the whole time, and just generally being total legends. We were lucky enough to travel with:

This was also the time to ask any final questions, finish off paying the amount owed, and get fitted for snorkelling equipment if you’d not been able to do so before the briefing.

Departure

We met at 8:00 AM to drop off our luggage – packed with everything we wouldn’t be needing for 3 days. As the crew packed the boat, we had 45 minutes free for breakfast. We opted for the nearby Ice and Beans, our favourite coffee spot on Caye Caulker.

At 9:00 AM, we boarded the boat and sat on the front deck for a briefing. Soon, we set sail and watched as Caye Caulker shrank into the distance, heading towards the stunning Barrier Reef.

The size of your group will depend on how many people have booked and may fluctuate depending on factors including the time of year and simply chance. Group sizes generally run between 14 and 24. Our group was on the larger side, but we had no idea once we set off, as we had so much space for everyone to spread out.

We were a pretty even mixture of families, couples, and solo travellers and, for some reason, about half the group were Dutch! Group demographic changes with every trip, so you never know who you’ll end up with, but one thing that generally unites the group is a love for the ocean, so it’s not hard to make new friends. Part of the fun is getting to know other like-minded travellers and swapping stories.

The boat

We were travelling on the stunning double-decker Ragga Phoenix, a 50-foot Fountain Pajot Saba 2019 catamaran.

Inside, there was a huge galley (indoor area where the kitchen was) for our day bags and a bathroom on each side of the galley.

At the front of the boat, a boom net for sunbathing between the hulls was the perfect place to spread out in the sun and two seats over the bow provided optimal wildlife watching vantage points.

The back of the boat had a large table in the shade, perfect for those who prefer to stay out of the sun but still want to take in stunning ocean views.

There was also an upstairs area where you could hang out under the sail and take in the views from up high.

Sailing on the Belize Barrier Reef

Several times a day, we were able to sail entirely on wind power. When the wind wasn’t favourable for a southerly direction, the motor was used to power us towards our destination.

Everyone quickly spread out in the sun, reading a book, chatting to other travellers, or singing along to upbeat reggae tunes.

The journey was super smooth and we never had a problem with seasickness. As you’re sailing within the Barrier Reef, the waters are lovely and calm, as they’re protected from the rougher waters out to sea by the reef.

The weather can be temperamental, but we enjoyed stunning blue skies and strong sunshine for most of our trip. We experienced one very brief patch of rain on the morning of day 1, with everyone sheltering under cover at the back of the boat, but it quickly cleared up again leaving us with stunning panoramic views.

The scenery we passed was beautiful. The waters were crystal-clear and we sailed past pristine mangroves, uninhabited islands, and shallow reefs.

Snorkelling

One of the highlights of the 3-day tour with Ragga Sailing Adventures is spending your days snorkelling. The tour hits some of the best snorkelling spots in Belize – some of which we’d been keen to visit so were thrilled they were included in the tour itinerary.

You can enjoy a mix of guided and self-guided snorkels. The guided snorkels with the experienced Ragga crew are great for spotting animals you’d likely miss on your own, as well as for learning the names and more information about specific fish and corals you’re seeing. The self-guided experience allows you to go off on your own a little, where you can practice skills like duck diving or simply just enjoy taking in the underwater views.

On day 1, we first stopped at Spanish Bay, a popular snorkel spot. Despite bad visibility, we managed to see a sting ray and lots of corals.

We skipped a second snorkel on say 1, heading straight for Rendezvous Caye where we’d find better visibility. You can snorkel right off the island, where the reef drops off and larger species can be spotted. We saw a yellow stingray, a spotted moray eel, and some huuuuge stingrays (seriously, we had no idea they could grow this big!).

On day 2, we added in an extra snorkelling spot to make up for the limited visibility on day 1. First, we enjoyed a guided snorkel around Colson, as our guide pointed out different fish and coral species. Then, we snorkelled the beautiful Caye Glory, where we saw 2 huge sting rays, a baby sting ray, and a huge lobster.

Our final snorkel spot on day 2 was at the stunning Tobacco Caye, where we could swim around and explore ourselves. Here, we saw two yellow rays, two sting rays, and a huge lobster.

We also had a beautiful snorkel spot on day 3, the pristine South Water Caye. We got super lucky here and saw an eagle ray, as well as two more sting rays.

Spearfishing and fishing

While snorkelling was one of our trip highlights, we can’t forget to mention fishing.

Fishing rods were set up at the back of the boat, and anything that was caught was cooked for lunch or dinner. This gave those interested the chance to reel in dinner themselves.

The chance to try spearfishing was also offered during the snorkel spots – again, anything that was caught was cooked and eaten. You could follow the guide, learning what to look for, which fish could be caught and which were protected, and how to use the speargun.

Camping on Rendezvouz Caye

Our first night was spent on the remote Rendezvous Caye. A tiny island that truly embodies the true spirit of being castaway in the Caribbean.

We were met by a sting ray in the shallows as soon as we arrived. It was super curious, coming in really close and shallow. It’s possible the ray had come from Sting Ray Beach and was used to human contact due to being fed there (one of the unethical activities in Caye Caulker). While it might be tempting to touch a ray, it can be quite harmful. Everyone kept their distance, simply admiring it from the shoreline. We were pleased with Ragga Sailing Adventures’ hands-off approach throughout the trip and they reiterated several times that we should be respecting wildlife and not touching or taking anything from the ocean.

After a demo, we set up the tents, adding our sleeping mats and belongings.

We had free time to snorkel in the calm waters, play volleyball on the beach and enjoy delicious ceviche.

We were treated to a stunning sunset and an eagle ray swam in the shallows and around the dock for a long while – a magical sight.

Dinner was a feast of coconut rice, shrimp curry, and baked barracuda that was caught that day, with sides. Then, the tables were cleared and the party started with dancing in the moonlight, a speaker system was set up and colourful lights turned the dock into a dancefloor. While alcohol is all-inclusive, the trip isn’t marketed as a party tour. It was made clear in the briefing that you could drink as much as you wanted but you were to respect others’ preferences at the same time.

We took some time to simply gaze at the stars as the sky was transformed into a blanket of twinkling constellations. Then, we fell asleep to the sound of the ocean lapping against the shore from the comfort of our tents.

Sunrise was worth setting an alarm for and we saw the sky turn deep orange from the comfort of our beds.

After packing away and soaking in the final views, we departed Rendezvous Caye.

Sleeping on Tobacco Caye

Night 2 was spent on the stunning Tobacco Caye, a pristine island with a handful of multi-coloured hotels and overwater bungalows. We were once again welcomed to the island by a beautiful eagle ray and sting ray putting on a graceful display in the shallows.

Ragga Sailing Adventures is partnered with The Winward Lodge and Joe Jo’s by the Reef to provide comfortable dorm or private rooms for the night. They also have their own building, the “Ragga Residences”, which serves as a base for food and fun on the island.

We enjoyed another bowl of fresh ceviche, took advantage of the facilities to shower and get our tech on charge and then an intense game of volleyball ensued, followed by free-flowing drinks.

Dinner was an absolute treat as we enjoyed the iconic BBQ lobster with a variety of sides.

Rum punch at South Water Caye

After snorkelling on our final day we pulled into one final stunning spot: South Water Caye. Situated in the middle of a large marine protected area, South Water Caye is home to hundreds of species of corals and fish. It’s a popular diving and snorkelling destination from the mainland so it’s a real bonus it’s included in the sailing trip.

We spent a few blissful hours lounging in the shallow, clear waters, drinking rum punch, and wading onto the island for a little look around.

Food and drink

Freshly prepared, authentic dishes were a highlight of the Ragga Sailing Adventures trip.

Breakfast was served on board each day after departing from the islands. We tucked into eggs, beans, breads, granola, yoghurt, fruit, pancakes and meat for those who eat it.

Snacks like crisps (chips) and cookies were offered throughout the morning and afternoon and you could always request something if you were hungry.

Rum punch came out about midday each day with juice as a non-alcoholic option.

Delicious lunches were served on board, between the snorkelling spots. We enjoyed Belizean delicacies like rice and beans, freshly caught fish, and plantains well as dishes like pasta salad, veg salads, and a make-your-own sandwich bar with bread buns and a variety of meat and non-meat fillings.

At about 4:00 PM each evening we’d enjoy a delicious bowl of fresh ceviche – shrimp or vegetarian – served with totopos (tortilla chips).

Dinner was always an impressive affair. On day 1 we were treated to Belizean-style coconut and shrimp curries with rice, fish, chicken, potato, broccoli, cauliflower, beans, and corn. On night 2, we were spoiled with freshly caught lobster, grilled BBQ style (a Belizean classic) and served with garlic butter – incredible. This was again accompanied by all sorts of delicious carbs and vegetables.

Disembarking

Leaving the boat was a sad but smooth process. After our final stop, we returned to Tobacco Caye to disembark and collect our belongings.

Then, we hopped in the speedboat tenders for the half-hour journey back to Dangriga. We waved goodbye as Ragga Phoenix headed back to Caye Caulker

Dangriga is a big port town in Southern Belize that is easy to then travel onto other destinations, including Hopkins, Placencia, San Ignacio, and Belize City.

How much does a 3 day trip with Ragga Sailing Adventures cost?

The overnight sailing trip costs $600 USD per person in high season (November 1st – May 31st) and $550 USD per person in low season (June 1st – October 31st).

It’s not a cheap trip but the value for money is so good. As we said earlier, everything is included in this price, from taxes to guided snorkelling and fishing equipment, camping gear, marine reserve fees, private island fees and all food and beverages. But the experience is honestly priceless.

The best time to sail in Belize

There are pros and cons to sailing in Belize at any time of year.

Generally, the best time to sail in Belize is between late November and May, during the dry season. This period offers calm seas, steady trade winds, and minimal rainfall.

While June to September (the rainy season) sees higher humidity and more frequent thunderstorms, you’re also likely to have less people booking on the tour so you will have a smaller group size. There’s also less boat traffic on the reef in general which can be an advantage for wildlife spotting at popular snorkel spots.

What to pack to sail Belize

Packing for a sailing trip in Belize means preparing for warm weather, strong sun, remote islands, sand, water activities, and occasional tropical showers. Here’s what we’d recommend you pack in your overnight bag:

Ragga Sailing Adventures FAQs

To make your experience as smooth as it can be, we’ve answered these frequently asked questions in case there’s anything you’re seeking a more thorough answer about.

Where do you sleep?

The first night of the trip is spent in tents on the tiny Rendezvous Caye.

The tents sleep two people, with plenty of space inside for two mats and your overnight bags. There are two doors at the front to allow airflow, keeping you cool at night, and protecting the inside if it rains.

Ragga Sleeping Adventures provides you with a sleeping mat each and two sheets, one for the mat and one to sleep under, although they don’t provide a pillow as they can blow into the ocean. The sleep mat can be rolled at one end to provide support for your head, or you can bring a travel pillow with you, or roll up your clothes or towel into a makeshift pillow.

The second night is spent on the beautiful Tobacco Caye where you have the option to sleep in a shared dorm or in a private overwater bungalow. Ragga Sailing Adventures is partnered with The Winward Lodge and Joe Jo’s by the Reef, two of the best hotels on Tobacco Caye. They also have their own building, called the Ragga Residences, where dinner and drinks are served.

What are the facilities like?

The facilities are fairly basic but totally adequate for a couple of days at sea.

What is the food like?

The food is one of the highlights of the trip. Each sailing adventure is accompanied by an onboard chef who prepares three delicious meals a day plus snacks.

The team are great at catering to dietary requirements and we found the vegetarian and vegan options quite tasty.

Some examples of the meals we enjoyed include rice and beans, roast vegetables, freshly caught fish, curry, BBQ lobster, pasta salad, veg salads, and sandwiches, as well as cookies, crisps (chips), sodas, juice, and free-flowing beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic).

What is there to drink?

Cold drinking water is available at all times on the boat and the islands. It’s a good idea to bring your reusable water bottle and fill it up from the dispenser as you go.

Tea and coffee are served for early risers at around 6:30 AM, but if you would like a hot beverage later on, then just ask! Fresh fruit juice and sodas are available throughout the day.

Rum punch starts free-flowing from around mid-morning to midday. In the evenings, a bar is set up with spirits (white and dark rum, tequila, vodka, and gin) and mixers (juice, tonic, and coke) that you can help yourself to.

Where does your luggage go?

Your luggage gets packed on the boat in a waterproof area. You’re instructed to pack a small overnight bag (small enough to fit into your tent) with the things you’ll need for the three days.

We’d recommend having a waterproof bag on board if you’re travelling with valuables or technology. While there are shelves and a dry area inside the galley, it’s easy for things to get splashed or dripped on as people retrieve their own belongings.

Is sailing in Belize with Ragga Sailing Adventures worth it?

Absolutely! Sailing down the coast of Belize with Ragga Sailing Adventures is one of the best experiences you can book in the country. In fact, it’s one of our favourite travel experiences we’ve ever had. There’s nothing comparable to cruising along the Barrier Reef, snorkelling in secret spots teeming with marine life, and sleeping by the sea on remote paradise islands. We’d highly recommend you add this activity to your Belize bucket list!