Reported by Brian Simm:

After 30 days in Belize, you need to extend or sign out. For those heading south, the possible checkouts are Big Creek from Placencia or Punta Gorda. The latter is a rolly anchorage in the trade winds and so we chose to stay in the popular sheltered anchorage of Placencia town.

You can not now take a boat or dinghy to the port of Big Creek, you will be turned away by security so: –
– water taxi to Mango creek $US 12 return for 2.
– taxi to take you round the offices $US 12.50
– immigration, environment charge $US 7.50 for 2 and boarding charge ( without leaving office) $US 45.00.
– post office to check that you are up to date with your daily fee.
– Customs for Zarpe, 24 hours to leave.
All painless but allow 3 hours or so, the best time is 10.00AM water taxi and back for lunch.

Placencia and the southern islands are popular with the large cruising community who keep their boats up the Ria Dulce in Guatemala. The estimate is c. 1000 yachts in the area.

Brian Simm
Scraatch, 56 ft Sundeer.

When clearing in or out, you will be asked the time you are departing or arriving. be sure to give them time within business hours otherwise they will charge you an overtime fee – even though you’re in their office during business hours. i.e. don’t say you’re leaving at dawn; say you’re leaving at 9:00 a.m.. and you can check out a day in advance if you ask nicely.