Public domain, -Luyten-, via Wikimedia CommonsAnchorage· Xcalak· Mexico
Xcalak Anchorage
18° 16.4′ N · 87° 49.9′ W · approximate
A calm reef lagoon off the last village before Belize: crystal-clear water inside the barrier reef, moorings or good holding near the dive boats, and only a little swell even when the trades blow 20 knots.
Practical
Coordinate is approximate: placed inside the reef, roughly 400 m off the beach near the town pier (Xcalak Caribe Lodge beach at 18.27186, -87.83496 and Noonsite's dock-approach waypoint 18 16.36'N, 87 49.50'W); not sounded. Reports: January 2009 - mooring buoys just north of the pier, free, secure through a 20-knot blow (Noonsite report). 2015 - anchored in front of the XTC dive base, holding good near the moored dive and fishing boats, dinghy at XTC's dock (Noonsite comment). The rebuilt town dock has 6 ft at the end with steps halfway down the north side; XTC offers limited dockage (Noonsite). Safe depth through the reef entrance about 8 ft. No fuel dock or bank in Xcalak; the nearest bank is Chetumal (Wikivoyage).
Best for
Staging stop for Belize and Banco Chinchorro trips
Season
Trade-wind season; avoid entering in big swell