Raggamuffin Tours Belize: 3-Day Sailing Trip
There are moments while travelling when everything comes together. Moments you wish could last forever. Moments that, after they pass, make you think: nothing is going to top this. That is exactly how I felt after the three-day sailing trip with Raggamuffin Tours Belize in Caye Caulker. I still miss every second of it. I have a friend to thank for that; she told me firmly: “whatever you do in Belize, you have to book this tour.” She was right.
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This is not a luxury cruise. If five-star comfort is what you need, this is probably not the tour for you. But if you love adventure, camping on private islands, sipping rum punch, snorkeling and reggae on repeat: keep reading.
Day 1: Setting sail from Caye Caulker – Raggamuffin Tours Belize
On the morning of departure, I meet the group at the Raggamuffin Tours office in Caye Caulker: fourteen other travellers and three crew members, Linthon, Shane and Kevin, who I will spend the next few days with on the Ragga Empress. Our luggage goes under deck and we set sail for Dangriga. While we get to know each other, slather on SPF 50 and find our sea legs, Caye Caulker slowly disappears behind us. I am already going to miss it.
The first day we stop at several beautiful snorkeling spots. We swim past small jellyfish and spot stunning giant eagle rays. Kevin teaches us how to hunt for lobsters and back on board the first rum punch is poured. We can mix our own drinks. My personal favourite: a Panty Ripper, pineapple juice with coconut rum. Sugar heaven. Chef Linthon serves fresh lobster ceviche with nachos while Shane sings one reggaeton song after another in his own unique key, dancing in his Puma socks. The sun is hot. Back in the Netherlands they are dealing with a code red snow alert. I am never going home.
Night 1: Camping on Rendez Vous Caye – Raggamuffin Tours Belize
We arrive at Rendez Vous Caye, a private island, where we put up our tents for the night. Linthon cooks a delicious dinner, we enjoy rum punch and gaze at a sky full of stars. Because there is no artificial light here, we can see almost the entire Milky Way and catch numerous shooting stars.
At night a heavy storm rolls in. I am glad Kevin checked my tent pegs before dinner. There is no luxury here: you flush the toilet with a bucket of ocean water and there is no shower. Back to basics. My hair is slowly turning into full rasta territory and I love every minute of it. If you are travelling solo, this trip is perfect for meeting people. You are a small group for three days and friendships form fast. You can find more solo travel tips on my Instagram.
Day 2: Ragga Caye – Raggamuffin Tours Belize
The next morning we head to Ragga Caye. Because of wind and clouds we skip some planned snorkeling spots. Captain Kevin puts on his winter coat and a woollen hat. It is still 23 degrees, but apparently that qualifies as freezing. “This is winter for us!” he shivers. Ragga Caye is a true paradise. We throw our bags in the dorms, Shane shakes up cocktails, fresh lobsters go on the barbecue and Linthon gets cooking again.
Ragga Caye / Raggamuffin Tours Belize
Day 3: Snorkeling, crocodiles and goodbyes
The next day we head out to the snorkeling spots we missed the day before. We do not spot any manatees in the lagoon, but we do see a crocodile. Time to keep my feet firmly inside the boat.
After lunch it is time to say goodbye. I do not want to go back to the mainland. I want to stay on the Ragga Empress and return to Caye Caulker for the rest of the year. This is the hardest goodbye of my entire Belize trip. Saying goodbye after experiences like this always turns me into a sentimental mess. You know these moments will never come back. In three days we became a small family.
SLEEPING IN A TREETOP HOTEL IN BELIZE
Looking for turtles / Raggamuffin Tours Belize
Kevin, Shane and Linthon made this trip one to remember. The clear water, the food, the laughter and the realisation that you do not need much to be extremely happy: that is what Raggamuffin Tours Belize gives you. I think I am a Ragga Gal now.
Practical tips for Raggamuffin Tours Belize
Arrival in Dangriga
Arrange your pick-up for the arrival in Dangriga in advance. There are many taxi drivers at the dock and it gets chaotic fast. Our pick-up was arranged by Fernando at Ragga Caye, which made the whole arrival stress-free. Some of the drivers approaching you independently can be pushy.
What to pack
Everything you bring will get wet. Pack accordingly and leave valuables behind. Bring: a flashlight, a sweater (also useful as a pillow on the first night at Rendez Vous Caye, where pillows are not provided), a towel, swimwear, a spare set of clothes, a plastic bag for wet clothes, a poncho, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, DEET, long trousers and motion sickness pills if you need them. An underwater camera is highly recommended. Stay connected on the water with an eSIM from Saily, so you can share those sunset shots the moment you dock.
Price and booking
The three-day sailing trip starts from $600, all inclusive. Book directly through Raggamuffin Tours in Caye Caulker. If you are also planning to explore the jungle interior, the Blancaneaux Lodge by Francis Ford Coppola makes an unforgettable follow-up stay.
MY STAY IN CAYO DISTRICT – SAN IGNACIO
Raggamuffin Tours Belize: frequently asked questions
Is Raggamuffin Tours good for solo travellers?
Yes, it is one of the best tours in Belize for solo travel. The small group size means you quickly connect with other travellers. I met people on this trip that I still think about today.
How long is the Raggamuffin Tours sailing trip?
The trip runs three days and two nights, sailing from Caye Caulker to Dangriga. You camp on private islands along the way.
Is the trip suitable for non-sailors?
Completely. No sailing experience needed. The crew handles everything. Just bring your sea legs and an appetite for lobster.
ALL MY AMBERGRIS CAYE RECOMMENDATIONS
What is included in the price?
All meals, drinks (including rum punch), snorkeling stops and accommodation on the private islands are included. Tips for the crew are not included but very much appreciated.
Where does the trip end?
The trip ends in Dangriga on the mainland. Arrange your onward transfer in advance, ideally through the crew at Ragga Caye.
- For the best hotels in Belize go to Booking.com
- Find the best tours and activities at GetYourGuide.com
- Rent a car with Discover Cars
- Book flights at Trip.com
- Stay connected with an eSIM from Saily
MY STAY IN HOPKINS AND PLACENCIA
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