The Cayes Of Belize: A Comprehensive Overview

Belize is a breathtakingly beautiful Caribbean nation with over 239 miles of coastline. It is home to the longest barrier reef in the western hemisphere, which stretches for roughly 200 miles. The Belize Barrier Reef has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996.

Belize has around 450 islands and islets, known as cayes, that dot its coastline. The largest of these is Ambergris Caye, which is also a pene-exclave as it is geographically separated from the rest of the country. Ambergris Caye is a popular destination for travellers, offering a range of water-related activities such as snorkelling, scuba diving, windsurfing, sailing and jet-skiing.

Other notable cayes in Belize include Caye Caulker, a laid-back island that is popular with backpackers; Tobacco Caye, a tiny island that is a favourite spot for observing marine life; and St. George's Caye, the site of a historic colonial battle that is celebrated annually on 10 September.

Ambergris Caye: the largest Belize caye, known for its water sports and scuba diving

Ambergris Caye is the largest of some 200 cayes that dot the coastline of Belize. It is the largest island in Belize, stretching along the Belize Barrier Reef all the way to Mexico's Yucatan peninsula. The island's biggest settlement is San Pedro Town, a busy, boisterous village home to the majority of the island's restaurants, bars, stores, and hotels.

Ambergris Caye is a fantastic destination for water sports, especially snorkelling and scuba diving. The calm waters are full of dense coral and lush reef growth with visibility up to 150 ft. The reef is only a quarter-mile from the beach of Ambergris Caye, making diving easily accessible.

One of the most popular dive sites is the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, which is only a ten-minute boat ride from town. The reserve includes barrier reef, seagrass flats, and mangrove areas, and is home to tarpons, grunts, and snapper. Experienced divers can fin out to the drop-off where spotted eagle rays and schools of barracuda can often be seen.

Just south of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, a site known as Shark Ray Alley has become a hotspot for Southern stingrays and nurse sharks, drawn to the area by fishermen that clean their catch. Other fish attracted to the food include horse-eye jacks, silver porgy, blue runners, and Caribbean Ballyhoo. Here, snorkelers can swim amongst dozens of these docile stingrays and slow-moving sharks in crystal-clear water as they gather in anticipation of an easy meal.

Mexico Tunnel is another famous site, featuring a 40-metre-long 'tunnel' between two spurs in the reef. Despite the name, this tunnel is really more of a gully, providing a great experience for beginner divers, as well as those with more experience.

With its stunning coastlines, crystal-clear water, and laid-back locals, Ambergris Caye has everything you could ask for from a Caribbean island getaway.

Caye Caulker: a backpacker's paradise with a laid-back, Caribbean vibe

Caye Caulker is a backpacker's paradise with a laid-back, Caribbean vibe. This small island off the coast of Belize is known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant culture, attracting solo female travellers and backpackers alike. With a population of only around 2,000 people, Caye Caulker exudes a "go slow" attitude, making it the perfect place to unwind and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Caye Caulker is easily accessible by boat or ferry, and it is recommended to book your accommodation in advance as the island tends to be quite popular. The island offers a range of budget-friendly options for accommodation, food, and activities, making it a great choice for those travelling on a shoestring budget.

The island boasts crystal clear turquoise waters, surrounded by the second-largest living coral reef in the world, making it a prime spot for snorkelling and scuba diving. "The Split", located north of the town, is a popular swimming spot, while the Lazy Lizard bar provides the perfect place to enjoy a drink and take in the stunning views.

Caye Caulker is also known for its friendly and welcoming locals, who are always happy to help travellers navigate the island. The island's nightlife is vibrant, with bars and reggae bars offering a variety of entertainment options. However, it is important to note that Caye Caulker is not a party island, and the nightlife is more laid-back compared to other destinations.

When it comes to food, Caye Caulker has something for everyone. You can find traditional Belizean cuisine, such as rice and beans, stewed chicken, and fresh seafood, as well as international options like European, Indian, and Chinese cuisine.

In terms of safety, Caye Caulker is generally considered a safe place, but it is always important to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings. Petty theft and pickpocketing can occur, so it is essential to keep an eye on your belongings, especially in popular tourist spots. Additionally, it is recommended to avoid walking alone at night and stick to well-lit areas.

Overall, Caye Caulker is a backpacker's paradise, offering stunning natural beauty, a laid-back atmosphere, and a range of budget-friendly options. It is the perfect place to relax, unwind, and explore the wonders of the Caribbean Sea.

Tobacco Caye: a budget-friendly, tiny island with a population of around 25

Tobacco Caye is a tiny island off the coast of Hopkins and Dangriga, with a population of around 25. It is one of the most remote cayes in Belize, with limited attractions but amazing natural beauty. The island is known for its low-key vibe and cool over-water cabins. It is located right next to the South Water Caye Marine Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The best way to get to Tobacco Caye is by boat. It is a 30-minute boat ride from Hopkins or Dangriga. Boats from Dangriga do not have a set schedule but typically leave daily between 9 am and 12 pm. For a smaller group, the cost is $80 for the whole boat. From Tobacco Caye, boats to Dangriga usually leave in the early afternoon.

On Tobacco Caye, you can enjoy some of the world's best scuba diving and snorkelling right off the shore. The island is also a great place to relax and enjoy the slow pace of life, with hammocks under the palm trees. There are a few guesthouses and bungalows on the island, including Tobacco Caye Paradise, which has bright, Caribbean-coloured overwater bungalows. The island has a laid-back, community feel, and there are a couple of bars where you can enjoy a sunset drink.

The best time to visit Tobacco Caye is during Belize's dry season, from January to April, when sunny days and clear blue skies can be expected. From May to August, there is a chance of rain, and the wet season from September onwards brings a higher risk of tropical storms.

Tobacco Caye is the perfect destination for those seeking a budget-friendly, remote island getaway with stunning natural attractions and a relaxed atmosphere.

St. George's Caye: a peaceful getaway with a luxurious resort, celebrating a Spanish colonial battle victory

St. George's Caye is a peaceful getaway steeped in history. It was the first capital of the settlement from 1650 to 1784 and was the scene of a great sea battle against the Spanish in 1798, now celebrated as St. George's Caye Day. The caye was divided into two parts during the devastating hurricane "Hattie" in 1961.

The luxurious St. George's Caye Resort offers an intimate private island experience with ultimate privacy, relaxation, and rustic beach elegance. The resort features 12 beautiful thatch cabanas and three private suites in an oceanfront villa. Each room has a comfortable king-size bed, Belizean hardwoods, air conditioning, an en-suite bathroom, and a covered porch with a hammock. The resort offers world-class diving and snorkelling less than five minutes away.

St. George's Caye is the perfect place to relax and unwind. The secluded adults-only retreat has no public transportation, roads, cars, or crowds. The resort offers a super-easy travel option, greeting guests at the airport and escorting them to the island via private van and boat at no additional cost.

The peaceful getaway is also a food lover's paradise. Guests at St. George's enjoy a farm-to-table experience with everything from traditional Belizean, Caribbean, and Latin cuisine to European and American favourites. The meal plan includes made-to-order breakfast and expertly selected set menus for lunch and dinner.

St. George's Caye is also a great place to celebrate special occasions. The resort offers stunning island settings for weddings, including the beach, dock over the water, garden, or rooftop. Whether it's an intimate gathering or a large group, St. George's Caye Resort can accommodate your needs.

St. George's Caye is a tranquil and historic destination, offering guests a unique blend of relaxation, adventure, and cultural celebration. With its luxurious accommodations, world-class diving, and delicious cuisine, it's the perfect place to unwind and explore Belize's rich history.

Half Moon Caye: a natural monument and bird sanctuary, part of the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System World Heritage Site

Half Moon Caye is an island and natural monument of Belize, located at the southeast corner of Lighthouse Reef Atoll. It is part of the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System World Heritage Site, which was established in 1996 by the United Nations World Heritage Committee.

Half Moon Caye was the first nature reserve to be established in Belize under the National Park Systems Act in 1981 and the first marine protected area in Central America. It is also Belize's oldest site of wildlife protection, having been designated a bird sanctuary in 1924 to protect the habitat of the red-footed booby birds. The littoral forest, composed primarily of the orange-flowered siricote tree, provides an endangered and fragile habitat that supports one of the only viable breeding grounds for the red-footed booby colony in the western Caribbean. The booby colony supports the forest’s stability by providing guano as fertiliser. The island is also a habitat for the endemic Belize leaf-toed gecko (also known as the Belize atoll gecko) and Allison's anole lizard.

The south-eastern part of Half Moon Caye serves annually as a sea turtle nesting ground from May to November for the loggerhead, hawksbill, and green turtles, all endangered species.

The island can be reached from Belize City or San Pedro and visited as a day trip. Tours are run from the larger hotels. Other accommodation options include a live-aboard yacht or a resort on the Northern Two Cayes.

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