Experience the Ultimate Yacht Charter off the coast of Placencia, Belize
Boutique Management of High End Yacht Charters
Experience the Ultimate Yacht Charter off the coast of Placencia, Belize
Boutique Management of High End Yacht Charters
New American Sailing Association affiliate School
Take your 101, 103, 104 and 114 courses in Belize
Learn to sail and receive your credentials while chartering with your family or friends! Call to customize and schedule your personalized classes.
About Placencia Yacht Charters
A Love Story Born on the Water
A little over a decade ago, Amanda was delivering a 53-foot Swan from Saddle Caye to Fort Lauderdale when fate intervened most beautifully. As the sun began its nightly descent over the Placencia Point horizon, she found herself at the Placencia Yacht Club with a drink in hand, watching one of nature's most spectacular daily performances unfold before her eyes.
In that moment, something magical happened. A little piece of Amanda's heart stayed behind in Placencia, and as anyone who has fallen in love with a place knows – once something captures your heart, it never leaves your head.
A Decade of Industry Excellence
During those ten years when Placencia held a piece of her heart, Amanda worked tirelessly to master every aspect of the marine industry. Her passion for the sea led her to embrace the liveaboard lifestyle, calling a sailboat home for over eight years while developing both her business acumen and seamanship skills.
This dedication to understanding boats from the inside out drove Amanda to earn her 50-Ton USCG Master's License and become a certified ASA (American Sailing Association) Instructor. These credentials reflect not just her professional commitment, but her deep personal connection to the art and science of sailing.
She cut her teeth as a broker for Denison Yachting, specializing in the sailboat niche where she developed deep expertise in sailing vessels of all sizes and configurations.
In 2016, Amanda's entrepreneurial spirit led her to establish South Florida Sailing, her own local brokerage firm, demonstrating her commitment to personalized service and local market expertise. Her reputation for excellence caught the attention of a charter company, where she transitioned to selling both catamarans and monohulls from all major manufacturers directly into Caribbean charter fleets.
Amanda's natural sales ability and deep understanding of charter operations quickly propelled her to become the leading sales agent for new boats entering these fleets. This unique position gave her invaluable insights into every aspect of the charter industry – from fleet management and maintenance to guest services and operational efficiency – all while maintaining her local used boat brokerage.
When COVID disrupted the yachting world, Amanda demonstrated remarkable adaptability by pivoting into the day charter industry using her personal vessels in Fort Lauderdale waters. This hands-on experience managing charter operations during challenging times provided practical knowledge that would prove invaluable for her future endeavors.
As the yacht sales industry rebounded post-pandemic, Amanda's expertise led to a leadership role as Americas Sales Director for one of the leading Charter Companies. In this managerial position, she acquired the vital tools and strategic insights needed to successfully launch and lead a premier boutique charter management company.
From Dream to Reality
Now, that decade of industry experience combined with her enduring love for Placencia has transformed into an extraordinary reality. Amanda has purchased a stunning piece of waterfront property featuring 240 feet of deep-water dock space on the coveted point lot of Placencia Caye.
This week marks a significant milestone as four electrical pedestals are being installed, complete with a special transformer to ensure single-phase electric delivers the full 110V that boats require. This attention to detail exemplifies Amanda's commitment to providing world-class marina facilities.
A Premium Fleet Experience
Currently managing three exceptional vessels, the Placencia Yacht Charters dock can accommodate four 50-foot boats:
- 2010 Hunter 49 Monohull - her personal vessel "Courageux"
- 2023 Fountaine Pajot MY5 Power Catamaran "Fasching"
- 2024 Lagoon 51 - "Bellissima" - For Sale with Current Yachts
With the Placencia Yacht Club positioned across the canal and additional empty lots available for rental, expansion possibilities are virtually limitless when demand requires more space.
Infrastructure and Support
Amanda's vision extends far beyond simply providing dock space. She has created a comprehensive infrastructure that includes:
Professional Maintenance Capabilities: A container full of parts, supplies, and tools has been shipped to handle repairs and maintenance for any boat system. No detail has been overlooked in ensuring vessels receive the highest level of care.
On-Site Management: A purpose-built house provides accommodation for a base manager, ensuring oversight and security for all vessels.
Legal and Business Framework: PYC has established a Belizean business account, secured work permits and residency for Amanda and staff, and created the proper legal structure to employ local workers with full benefits, including social security contributions.
Education and Training Excellence
Understanding that excellence requires continuous education, Amanda has established a Certified ASA (American Sailing Association) school, adding significant value for sailing enthusiasts looking to enhance their skills in this tropical paradise.
Additionally, she's hosting specialized training for Starke Products this July, educating local staff on professional-grade boat detailing, compounding, waxing, and cleaning techniques. With a container full of premium products dedicated to maintaining vessels in pristine condition, every boat in the fleet will showcase the highest standards of care and presentation.
Comprehensive Marine Services
Amanda has secured a professional diver for monthly hull cleaning and zinc inspection, ensuring optimal performance and protection for all vessels. This proactive approach to maintenance reflects her commitment to preserving both the boats and the marine environment.
Placencia Land and Sea Tours Partnership
Through a strategic partnership with a local Belizean entrepreneur, Mr. Alberto Logan, Amanda has created Placencia Land and Sea Tours, expanding service offerings to include:
- Week-long live-aboard charters
- Day charters
- Sunset excursions
- Comprehensive local touring experiences on land as well as sea
This partnership not only maximizes income opportunities but also provides PYC with trusted local oversight, ensuring seamless operations year-round.
Safety and Strategic Advantages
Placencia Caye offers exceptional safety from hurricane threats. When severe weather approaches, boats can be moved just 45 nautical miles up the Rio Dulce River, providing protection from hurricane conditions. This strategic advantage makes the location ideal for boat owners seeking both paradise and peace of mind.
The Current Yachts Connection
As one of the co-founders of Current Yachts, Amanda has helped pioneer an innovative new brokerage model that helps yacht sellers keep more of their equity. This revolutionary approach to yacht sales puts more money back in owners' pockets while providing exceptional service and results.
For boat owners working with Current Yachts to sell their vessel, this facility offers an attractive alternative to expensive dock fees and complex duty import taxes and tariffs. Vessels awaiting sale can be maintained in pristine condition while owners enjoy significant cost savings in a stunning tropical setting, with offering nearby haul-out facilities, local surveyors and easy, personalized showings.
Premium Fleet Philosophy
Amanda's vision is clear: create the nicest, cleanest fleet in the area. While not positioned as the cheapest option, every vessel represents exceptional value through superior maintenance, professional management, and uncompromising safety standards. All charter operations include experienced local captains who possess intimate knowledge of these waters, ensuring both safety and an authentic local experience.
Fleet Insurance Benefits
Recognizing the value of collective purchasing power, Amanda has arranged fleet insurance options, allowing all yacht owners to benefit from group discounts similar to those enjoyed by larger charter companies.
A Vision Realized
What began as a sunset drink at the Placencia Yacht Club has evolved into becoming one of Belize's premier marina and charter operations. Amanda Haley's decade-long dream has become a reality that benefits boat owners, charter guests, and the local community alike.
From that first magical evening when Placencia captured her heart, Amanda has created something truly special – a place where dreams of tropical boating adventures come true, supported by world-class facilities and unwavering commitment to excellence.
Drawing from her extensive experience across every facet of the marine industry – from yacht brokerage and fleet sales to hands-on charter operations and senior management – Amanda brings unparalleled expertise to Placencia Yacht Charters as a Premier Boutique Charter Management Company.
Welcome to Placencia Yacht Charters – where your heart will find its home on the water.