South Water Caye in Belize is a tranquil island escape, situated 14 miles off the coast of Dangriga Town and atop the Belize Barrier Reef. The island is home to pristine natural beauty, with a quiet, secluded location within the country's largest marine protected area. South Water Caye offers the perfect opportunity for marine exploration, snorkelling, island hopping, and uninterrupted relaxation. For those seeking accommodation, there are several resorts to choose from, including the Pelican Beach Resort and the Blue Marlin Beach Resort. These resorts provide guests with a range of activities, from snorkelling and kayaking to beach volleyball and hammock testing. With its eco-friendly cottages, stunning sunsets, and diverse marine life, South Water Caye is an ideal destination for travellers seeking solace, relaxation, and a unique tropical experience.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Hotels | Blue Marlin Beach Resort, Pelican Beach Resort, Blue Creek Rainforest Lodge |
Location | 14 miles off the coast of Dangriga Town, atop the Belize Barrier Reef |
Size | 3.5 acres |
Activities | Snorkelling, island hopping, kayaking, bird watching, beach volleyball, hammock testing |
Price | From $47 |
What You'll Learn
Pelican Beach Resort
Location
Accommodations
The resort offers eight Belizean-style cottages with hammocks and white picket fences, adding a homely touch. The cottages feature electric fans, a fridge, and a porch. Additionally, there are five rooms in the Pelican's Pouch building, with a basin, toilet, and access to communal showers. All accommodations come with a queen bed and either another queen or two single beds.
Dining
Meals are served on an outdoor terrace in the Pelican Pouch building. The food is variable, with delicious local lobster but less impressive shipped ingredients such as ham and bread. The wine selection is limited, and the bar is basic. Breakfast is served à la carte and includes cooked eggs, fruit, and toast.
Amenities and Activities
The island is known for its stunning natural surroundings, including coral gardens just offshore and the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary. The nearby town of Dangriga offers cultural experiences, with authentic Garifuna artists, food, history, and museums to explore.
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Blue Marlin Beach Resort
Accommodation
- Seafront Private Cabanas
- Seafront Family Cabanas
- Sea View Standard Rooms
- Garden Family Suites
All rooms include air conditioning, hot and cold water, mini-fridges, hammocks, yoga mats, coffee service, ceiling fans, drinking water, and local furnishings and artwork.
Dining
The resort provides freshly prepared, home-cooked meals, including seafood, poultry, pork, beef, and vegetarian dishes. The chefs are happy to accommodate special dietary needs and serve delicious, locally inspired meals using the freshest ingredients.
Activities
- Scuba diving
- Snorkelling
- Fishing
- Island hopping
- Kayaking
- Beach volleyball
- Paddleboarding
- Hiking
- Mayan ruin tours
Reviews
The resort has received excellent reviews on TripAdvisor, with many guests praising the comfortable accommodations, delicious food, and friendly and accommodating staff. The snorkelling and diving experiences, led by knowledgeable guides, are also highly recommended.
Contact
For more information or to make a booking, visit their website or contact them via the details provided on their website.
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Snorkelling at South Water Caye
Several popular snorkelling spots, including Twin Cayes, Carrie Bow Caye, and Angel Reef, lie within the South Water Caye Marine Reserve and are just a short boat ride away. South Water Caye is also one of the few places in Belize where you can snorkel right offshore, making it perfect for swimmers of all ages and experience levels.
Here's what you can expect to see when snorkelling at South Water Caye:
Pristine Coral Reefs
The barrier reef is made up of over 90 different species of coral, providing homes for hundreds of different types of marine life. You will find an abundance of both hard and soft coral, all colourful and in great health.
Sand Bores
Between Carrie Bow Caye and Wee Wee Caye are the sand bores—structures that rise from the seafloor to the water's surface. These provide nesting grounds for local birds, and the surrounding waters are home to several marine animals, including rays.
Diverse Marine Life
Colourful tropical fish like Creole Wrasse and Angel Fish populate the waters. You also have the chance of seeing Southern Stingrays, sea turtles, eagle rays, and even dolphins. The mangrove islands are the perfect place for witnessing manatees, jellyfish, and maybe even seahorses.
If you choose to go night snorkelling, you'll glimpse a different world of nocturnal creatures like lobsters, tarpon, octopus, and eels.
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Island hopping
South Water Caye: A Tropical Paradise
Nestled in the Caribbean Sea, just 14 miles off the coast of Dangriga Town, lies the pristine natural beauty of South Water Caye, Belize. This quiet, secluded island is the perfect destination for those seeking a tranquil escape. With its white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, and lush tropical foliage, it's no wonder that South Water Caye is one of Belize's best-kept secrets.
Pelican Beach Resort: Your Home Away From Home
Pelican Beach Resort, a family-owned eco-friendly resort, makes up three and a half acres of South Water Caye. The resort offers a range of accommodations, from seaside cottages to rooms with stunning sea views and cooling trade winds. The staff at Pelican Beach Resort will go above and beyond to ensure you have a memorable stay, from organizing excursions to simply providing a warm and friendly welcome.
One of the best ways to explore the area is by island hopping. Just a stone's throw away from South Water Caye is its sister island, Carrie Bow Caye. Here, you can discover the beauty of the Belize Barrier Reef and explore the hundreds of species of fish and coral that call it home. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even try snorkeling at night!
Relax and Unwind
If you're looking to unwind and relax, South Water Caye is the perfect place. Spend your days lounging in a hammock, reading a book, and enjoying the breathtaking views. Take a stroll along the beach, go kayaking or bird watching, or simply spend the day doing some good old-fashioned beach volleyball. And don't forget to watch the stunning sunrise and sunset from the comfort of your cottage veranda.
Indulge in Local Cuisine
When it comes to dining, Pelican Beach Resort offers delicious, fresh, and local cuisines with a decorative flair. Indulge in the catch of the day, freshly prepared by the resort's skilled chefs. And don't forget to try the tropical cocktails, expertly crafted by the resort's friendly bartenders.
Explore the Marine Life
South Water Caye is a haven for marine life enthusiasts. The surrounding waters are teeming with a diverse array of fish, coral, and other marine creatures. Grab your snorkel and explore the nearby South Water Caye Marine Reserve, or take a boat trip to the research island to spot manatees and a variety of bird species. You might even be lucky enough to witness the magical sight of turtle tracks and baby turtles!
So, whether you're seeking relaxation, adventure, or a chance to connect with nature, South Water Caye and Pelican Beach Resort have something for everyone. With its stunning natural beauty, friendly staff, and abundance of activities, it's the perfect destination for your next island-hopping adventure.
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Beach volleyball
Rules and Gameplay
The sand court measures 16 m by 8 m, with a net that is 8.5 m long and 1 m wide. The net height is slightly lower for women's competition. The ball should be spherical, water-resistant, and flexible, with a circumference of 66-68 cm and a weight of 260-280 g.
Strategy and Techniques
Hotels in South Water Caye, Belize
If you're looking to play or watch beach volleyball in South Water Caye, Belize, there are several hotels that offer this activity. Here are some options:
- Pelican Beach Resort: This resort features a private beach and offers various activities, including volleyball, kayaking, and snorkelling. It also provides well-prepared Belizean cuisine and serene waterfront cottages.
- Blue Marlin Beach Resort: This all-inclusive resort offers a relaxing atmosphere, comfortable accommodations, delicious seafood, and excellent diving experiences with skilled dive masters.
- IZE South Water Caye: This family-friendly hotel offers cultural and educational experiences, delicious food, and activities like snorkelling, yoga, and paddleboarding. Its remote location is perfect for an active beach vacation.
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Frequently asked questions
Some popular hotels on South Water Caye, Belize, are the Pelican Beach Resort and the Blue Marlin Beach Resort.
South Water Caye is perfect for outdoor adventure activities such as snorkelling, diving, kayaking, and fishing. You can also play volleyball, relax in a hammock, or go stargazing.
South Water Caye is located in Southern Belize, just off the coast of Hopkins in Stann Creek. It is a small island, spanning only fifteen acres, and attracts travellers seeking a tranquil and relaxing atmosphere.
The primary way to get to South Water Caye is by chartered boat from Dangriga Town, which takes about 40 minutes. Day trips can also be organised from Hopkins and Dangriga.
While I cannot find specific names of restaurants on South Water Caye, past travellers have mentioned enjoying the local cuisine and fresh seafood offered at their hotels.