Mexico to Belize – Doing a few long hops with a stop at Banco Chinchorro

There is the possibility of some unsettled weather hitting the north western Caribbean next week. We have decided to move further south away from it. It is getting closer to the end of the sailing season anyway, so getting south seems like a good idea.

We have enjoyed our visit to Mexico. Isla Mujeres has been a pretty island to visit with great connections to the mainland and its sights. We had planned to see more of the Mayan ruins on the Yucatan Peninsula but we have just run short of enough time. We have spent most of it getting caught up with family and friends. After months of ‘internet isolation’ it was wonderful to see smiling faces back home.

Seeing more Mayan ruins here lost their strong appeal when other cruising vessels told us that Guatemala had the best preserved examples by far. The ruins in Mexico were dried bricks in comparison we were told. Even so the humans were glad they had a chance to see Tulum and a bit of Cancun.

So today they are planning on checking out of Mexico, here at Isla Mujeres, and head off with first light tomorrow south. The humans have planned to make a long run down the Mexican coast to Belize. They are going to try and stop at Banco Chinchorro. This is one of only four atolls in the Northern Hemisphere. It seems a shame to sail by one of the natural wonders of the world. They have also heard the snorkeling is very good here.

From Banco Chinchorro the humans plan to sail to northern Belize entering it’s protective barrier reef at long cay break to anchor up at Cay Caulker. This Cay is just north east of Belize City and they have heard it is a great place to check into the country. You have to catch a ferry north to San Pedro to check in, but you avoid official inspections of your vessel, confiscating your food and slapping on pet import fees. My humans are so cheap.

From here the humans are hoping to have the remainder of the fair weather to explore the coastline of Belize. But first thing they need to do is get this boat ship shape. How quickly they have all their bikes and junk unpacked and scattered about. The seals on the water maker have gone, another reason they have not gotten too far, so tools are everywhere as well. I can see this day filled with Mexican officials, stocking up on fresh food, water and tidying up this mess ready for the sea.

I get back to you when we hit Belize!