Belize is a very small country. As a matter of fact, Massachusetts has a larger land area than Belize. It also has the lowest population density all over the world. By 2007, there were barely 310,000 registered inhabitants. These things, however, brought charm to Belize. Because of its laid back atmosphere, interesting culture, and English-speaking people, there are thousands of individuals coming from different corners of the globe that flock the area to either visit the Mayan ruins or to go sailing in Belize.
If you want to enjoy a posh vacation, you may want to enjoy sailing in Belize, passing through Rio Dulce, Guatemala. It runs through a 30-mile stretch, including the famous El Golfete, which resembles like a small lake. For most of the time, it's going to be very peaceful cruise, save for the occasional appearances of manatees and sea birds in the area. Rio Dulce takes pride of its marine community. The villages such as Fronteras and El Relleno don't have any road that will take you to the nearest commercial town. But you can always dock your yacht and have time talking to the nice inhabitants.
You also don't want to miss out visiting Bay Islands, Honduras, which is highly popular not only for its delightful people but of the many islets that spell ultimate vacation. For instance, if you're looking for some privacy, you can bring your yacht or boat to Roatan, the most developed in the Bay Islands. It features a very long ridge and unspoiled beach, which is perfect for water sports, canoeing, and kayaking. Utila, on the other hand, is the most ideal destination for those who want to explore the barrier reef but aren't licensed divers yet. Getting your certification here will cost you very little. There are also several dive shops that you can choose from, so you know that you will always get the best deal in the end.
Sailing in Belize isn't the only thing you can do here. You can trek into the mountains and valleys of Belize or Guatemala until you can reach the Maya ruins at Tikal. There are countless monuments, temples, stelae, and tombs that are found all over the city. Copan Valley, which forms part of Tikal, has been called home by kings, sculptors, and other nobilities as early as 1200. The longest glyphic text can be found in the Hieroglyphic Stairway. It gives the story of the first 15 rulers of Copan.
How is the weather? Belize is positioned in the western Caribbean in the Gulf of Honduras. It has three or four different weather regions. The prevailing winds in most of the coastal waters are light and northeasterly but vary seasonally in direction and strength. The wind can be blowing 30 knots north wind in Ambergris Caye and 12 knots southeasterly 150 miles away in the Sapodilla Cayes at the same time. It is good to know where to go for good sailing and safe anchorage and at what time of year. If your are on a crewed charter, be sure your captain and crew are well versed in the seasonal changes. If you are bare boat chartering don't forget to ask your charter company about seasonal weather trends in the areas you plan to visit.
Virgin Islands Yacht Charter
France is a highly diverse country. Think of its climate alone. A combination of stormy summers, lesser rain, and colder winters exists inland. Close to the Alpine mountains, the temperature can even fall below freezing point. Meanwhile, people who are living in the southeast region will experience a French climate perfect for a little sailing in Mediterranean.
Yacht charter in France in the famous C'te d'Azur is in many ways more fitted to those who prefer to find their pleasures ashore. Sailing into such glittering places as St Tropez, Cannes or Antibes is an experience that is difficult to find anywhere else and it is worth the long diversion just to spend some time among the most beautiful collection of yachts in the world. Excellent facilities are at Antibes, in the St Tropez-Cogolin area and in Toulon. Many harbours east of Toulon charge from noon to noon, not on the basis of a 24 hour period from arriving. Also, there is plenty of charter yachts available in this area but crew experience could be tricky.
Close to the French Riviera is Cannes, a little city and commune located in the southern part of France. Besides hosting one of the prestigious art festivals in the world, the Cannes Film Festival, many tourists flock Cannes to enjoy its yacht marina. Taking a stroll means feeding your eyes with the loveliest docked sailing yachts and motorboats owned by some of the richest Europeans. When the weather seems fitting for a Mediterranean cruise, you can watch a majority of them gliding through the crystal blue waters of French Riviera. For the average tourists, however, you can find perfect view of them in Quai St. Pierre.
The principality of Monaco depends on its tourism for a bigger portion of its income. Every year, numerous tourists arrive in its ports to while away time in their casinos or to simply relax in its pleasant climate. Sailing in Mediterranean is most convenient in Monaco as it continuously improves its piers and harbors. This is to accommodate the growing number of cruise ships hoping to dock in there. Monaco is also very near to the French Riviera, which is sought after because of its splendid beauty.
The island of Corsica, off the Mediterranean coast offers a wide selection of ports and incredibly beauty. As with any France destination, it is ideal to visit Corsica outside of the peak summer season, as you will struggle to get space, even at anchorages. Perhaps unsurprisingly, it is a favorite holiday destination for sailors from nearby countries, as well as, of course, the French. West coast and East coast offer the best facilities and services, so if you require repairs head to either Ajaccio or Bastia.
Sailing through the famous C'te d'Azur means choosing either of the two fantastic Mooring locations: Nice or Hy?res. The glamour of Nice could be attributed to how the people were able to keep their long-standing customs and traditions. Day in and night, there are numerous activities you can explore. Cours Saleya, a very colorful Nice market, is filled with vegetables, fruits, and flowers. Drop by -Fran?ois Square for experience the lively fish market.
Hyeres, on the other hand, is a French coast lined with culture and fine cuisine. Its mountains meet the sandy and windy bays of the country. The place is also an invitation for a good look at the Golden Islands. It features unspoilt preserves of nature such as the Ile de Port-Cros and Ile de Porquerolles.
There is a system of winds that blow from the coast towards the centre of the sea. These winds have different names, depending on location: Scirroco, Ghibli, Khamsin, Meltemi, Etesian, Bora, and Mistral all blow from the land towards the sea. Prevailing winds are northerly and South Westerly, South Westerly (occasionally very strong to gale force) due to endless stream of low pressure cyclones arriving from the Atlantic Ocean. Winds along the Mediterranean coast and Corsica are more variable, but generally less severe.
Sailing in Mediterranean means bringing with you a lifetime of wonderful memories. It's more than just cruising along the river or the sea. It also implies meeting wonderful French locals and simply relaxing into France's beautiful midday sun.
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