Sarteneja is located at the northern tip of Belize, about a 2 1/2-hour drive from Belize City. It is a quaint fishing village where lobster and conch fishermen reside, and it’s a diamond in the rough. The local Belizean people are humble, and kind, and always have a smile on their faces. The sea is known for its changing hues of blue, turquoise, and green throughout the day, offering stunning views.

The village was home to the original fisherman’s cooperative, where fishermen from across Belize would come to sell their catch from the reef. You can still see their traditional wooden sailboats along the seashore. Every year, Sarteneja hosts the Easter Regatta, a major event where fishermen from all over Belize race their sailboats.

Advertisment

Sarteneja is a sleepy, quaint village, built on a large Maya settlement. The name Sarteneja means “where the sun sets on the water,” and it’s known for its breathtaking sunsets. Be sure to bring your camera — the sunsets here are said to be the most beautiful in Belize.

There are many unique sites and excursions in the area:

• Boat trips up the New River to the famous Lamanai Archaeological Reserve
• Boat trip to Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve, where you’ll pass through the Maya canal, cut through the island and mangroves, which allowed the Maya to meet merchant ships without canoeing around the whole island. This trip includes snorkeling, lunch, and beautiful scenery.
• Cerros Maya Ruins, just a short drive from Sarteneja, was once a thriving trade hub for merchants moving across Central America.
• Shipstern Nature Preserve, about 3 miles from Sarteneja, spans 31 square miles of tropical rainforest and is home to more than 300 species of birds. It’s a paradise for bird watchers and makes for a great day trip.

Water taxis are available for day trips to Corozal, where you can shop at the local farmer’s market, explore the town, and enjoy a nice lunch. Sarteneja is also known for good fly fishing right off its shores, as well as the world-class fly fishing at San Juan Flats, about an hour’s boat ride from the village.

Contact us if you have any questions or need assistance in planning your Sarteneja Belize vacation.