Backpackers PARADISE

Sarteneja is unique in Central America for its long tradition in boat building. Before only accessible by the sea it was a major harbor for trades because Sarteneja was a eden for agriculture with tons of oranges, pineapples, supplying the whole country to Punta Gorda.

In the 50’s, Peter Young, arriving from Caye Caulker which was before tourism the major place for boat builders with Belize city, move to the village and start the boat building tradition in Sarteneja. He teach the new generation (the past generation from now) the art of  building wooden boats with flat bottom that are able to sail in very shallow water.

Boat builders now remember the time when the resource of wood was still available around. But this time passed and soon lobster fishing became the main activity.

Sarteneja was the most important fishing community in Belize with a consequent wooden boat building industry able to supply fishermen.

Article from the Belize Times written by E. Pridgeon about Juan Guerrero.

Visit the pitures gallery, more than 600 pictures of traditional boats !

Juan Guerrero, master boat builder of Sarteneja

Sustainable boat building with Edward and master boad builder Cristobal Verde

Documentary film project

Drawing by Jacques Bon, French sailor visiting Sarteneja

Drawing by Véronique from Québec