Tobacco Caye: A Tropical Escape Just Off The Coast Of Belize City

Tobacco Caye is a tiny island off the coast of Hopkins and Dangriga, Belize. It is located approximately 10 miles off the shore of Dangriga, which is reachable by boat, plane, bus, or car from Belize City. The boat ride from Dangriga to Tobacco Caye takes around 30-45 minutes. Visitors can also fly to Dangriga from Belize City in 15 minutes, take a 3.5-4 hour bus ride, or drive for 2 hours.

Travel options from Belize City to Dangriga

Tobacco Caye is a tiny island off the coast of Hopkins and Dangriga, known for its relaxed vibe and over-water cabins. It is located 16 kilometres (10 miles) off the coast of Dangriga.

By Plane

There are numerous flights into and out of Dangriga Airport (DGA) from Belize City. Maya Island Air and Tropic Air fly directly between the two cities, with flights taking around 15 minutes. The price of a one-way ticket starts at $95, and the cheapest round-trip flight is around $165.

By Car

If you're driving, head west on Cemetery Road, which becomes the George Price Highway. Take this highway to Belmopan, then connect with the Hummingbird Highway heading south. About 10 kilometres before reaching Dangriga, the Hummingbird Highway connects with the Southern Highway. Follow the signs into Dangriga. This route should take around 2 to 2.5 hours.

Alternatively, you can take the unpaved Manatee Road, which turns off the George Price Highway just past the Belize Zoo. The Manatee Road passes through lowland swamps and mangroves, eventually rejoining the Hummingbird Highway about 17 kilometres outside of Dangriga. This route is shorter but slower due to the road conditions.

By Bus

James Bus Line offers regular service between Belize City and Dangriga, with buses departing roughly every half-hour between 6:30 am and 5:30 pm. The trip takes about 3 hours, and the fare is BZ$20 (approximately US$10).

By Boat

There are no regularly scheduled boats between Belize City and Dangriga. However, it is possible to charter a boat by inquiring at the docks in Belize City. The cost for a boat that can carry 4 to 8 passengers is around BZ$400 to BZ$600. This option provides a more direct route, as the two cities are only 58 kilometres (36 miles) apart by water.

Travel options from Dangriga to Tobacco Caye

Tobacco Caye is a tiny island off the coast of Hopkins and Dangriga, Belize. It is known for its relaxed vibe, over-water cabins, and scuba diving. Here are the travel options from Dangriga to Tobacco Caye:

By Boat

The most common way to get to Tobacco Caye from Dangriga is by boat. The boat ride takes around 30-45 minutes, and there are a few options for transportation:

• Community boats: These boats require a minimum of 4 passengers and typically depart Dangriga around 11:30 am. The cost is usually around $30-35 USD per person one way.
• Charter boats: These can be arranged if community boats are not available or if you need a specific time. The cost for a charter boat is typically $150 USD for up to 4 passengers.
• Private boat charter: This option allows you to depart at your chosen time and will only transport you and your group. The cost for this option is typically higher than a community or charter boat.

By Plane

If you are coming from further away, you can fly into Dangriga Airport (DGA). There are daily domestic flight services to Dangriga from Belize International Airport and other parts of Belize. From there, you can arrange a boat transfer to Tobacco Caye.

By Bus or Car

If you are already in Belize, you can also reach Dangriga by bus or car. The bus ride from Belize City takes around 3 hours, and the drive time is approximately 2 hours. Once in Dangriga, you can arrange a boat transfer to Tobacco Caye.

It is important to note that Tobacco Caye is a remote destination, and there is no regular ferry service. Transportation to the island is typically not included in standard reservations, so it is recommended to coordinate your travel in advance. Additionally, keep in mind that the boats may depart from different docks, and taxi expenses to the docks are usually not included in the reservation.

Tobacco Caye's location and size

Tobacco Caye is a tiny island off the coast of Hopkins and Dangriga, Belize. It is located about 10 miles off the shore of Dangriga, in the Stann Creek district of Central Belize. Tobacco Caye is one of the smallest islands in Belize, measuring just 120 metres long and 60 metres wide, with a total area of just over three acres.

The island is known for its low-key vibe, remote location, and over-water cabins. It is situated inside the South Water Caye Marine Reserve, which spans over 100,000 acres of protected marine area. Tobacco Caye is also one of the few cayes that sit directly on the Belize Barrier Reef, the world's second-largest barrier reef.

To get to Tobacco Caye, travellers must first reach Dangriga, either by air, boat, or bus. From Dangriga, it is about a 30- to 45-minute boat ride to the island. There is no regular ferry service, but boats generally depart from Dangriga in the morning to around noon. The cost of the boat ride can vary depending on factors such as the number of passengers and luggage.

Once on Tobacco Caye, visitors can enjoy the warm waters, palm trees, and starry night skies. The island is known for its scuba diving and snorkelling spots, with the opportunity to see stingrays, coral, and tropical fish. It is a remote and relaxing destination, perfect for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path tropical paradise.

Things to do on Tobacco Caye

Tobacco Caye is a tiny island off the coast of Hopkins and Dangriga, Belize. It is located about 12 miles from Dangriga and is a 30-45 minute boat ride away. Tobacco Caye is known for its laid-back vibe, warm waters, and stunning natural scenery. Here are some things to do on Tobacco Caye:

Go Diving at the Barrier Reef

Tobacco Caye is located within the South Water Caye Marine Reserve, which offers incredible diving opportunities. Belize has the largest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere after Australia, and Tobacco Caye is a great base to explore it. Local guides can take you on diving trips and explain the diverse marine life, including the thriving turtle population.

Snorkelling

Tobacco Caye offers some of the best snorkelling opportunities in Belize. You can borrow snorkelling gear and venture out from the Reef's end or book a guided tour to explore nearby spots. The marine life includes a diverse range of fish and other sea creatures.

Get to Know the Local Stingrays

Tobacco Caye is home to several large stingrays. You can see them up close as they follow fishing boats or by going to the western side of the island, where fishermen clean their catches. You can even carefully touch them, as they feel like wet silk.

Day Trip to Nearby Cayes

Take a day trip to nearby cayes such as South Water Caye or Glover's Reef. Local boat owners are usually happy to show you around. These remote islands offer a chance to explore pristine waters and untouched nature.

Understand Island Life

Engage with the local community and learn about island life. Tobacco Caye has a close-knit community, and locals are happy to invite you to share a meal. Spend time with them, join in their activities, and learn about their way of life.

Relax and Enjoy the Scenery

Take time to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Tobacco Caye. Swing in a hammock, read a book, or simply admire the stunning views of the Caribbean Sea. The island is the perfect place to unwind and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Tobacco Caye Paradise accommodation

Tobacco Caye Paradise is a small Belizean-owned lodge with six private beach cabanas on stilts over the water. The cabanas are brightly painted in Caribbean colours and have wonderful decks over turquoise tropical waters. Each deck has a hammock and a view of the Caribbean Sea. The cabanas have private bathrooms and rainwater-fed showers. While there are no electric or water utilities on the island, rainwater is collected and electricity is generated through solar power and a generator if necessary. Delicious meals are served in the dining hall, where guests can socialise.

The lodge offers budget accommodation for backpackers, with rooms that are clean, comfortable and charmingly rustic. There are also family rooms available.

The island is tiny, and it takes just a minute or two to walk across. There is no lively nightlife, five-star accommodation or large crowds of tourists. However, it is perfect for those seeking a remote, relaxed and quiet atmosphere, with warm waters, palm trees and starry skies. Tobacco Caye Paradise is the only accommodation option with a significant number of overwater bungalows, so it is important to book in advance.

The lodge is located on a five-acre islet that is part of the South Water Caye Marine Reserve, a 17,878-acre offshore wonderland for divers, snorkelers and kayakers. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has received Gold Standard Certification from the Belize Tourism Board.

The meal plan is compulsory and costs $45 per night, including lunch, dinner and breakfast. Alcoholic and carbonated drinks are not included. The food is traditional Belizean and served in a buffet style.

There are various extended stay specials, such as 10 nights for $895, 15 nights for $1295 and 20 nights for $1745. These prices include accommodation in a beach cabana, daily meals and taxes.

The charge for WiFi service is $5. Netflix and Disney+ users are advised to download movies prior to arrival as streaming is not possible.

Boat transfers to and from the island are not included in the accommodation price and must be arranged separately.

Frequently asked questions