Ruqayyah Snyder
Bannister Island, also known as Bannister Caye or Starfish Island, is a privately owned man-made island located a few miles off the coast of Belize City. Surrounded by the Caribbean Sea, the island is known for its white sand beach and clear blue waters. Bannister Island offers a range of activities, including swimming, kayaking, snorkelling, and volleyball. The island also features a restaurant serving Belizean cuisine, bars, a kids' play area, and clean bathrooms and changing areas. Visitors can book tours or excursions to the island, which typically include transportation to and from the island, with some packages offering additional activities such as snorkelling at nearby reefs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Bannister Island |
| Location | A few miles off the coast of Belize City |
| Type | Privately owned man-made beach island |
| Surroundings | Caribbean Sea |
| Beach | Vast white sand beach |
| Water | Clear blue water; great for swimming, kayaking, and snorkeling |
| Facilities | Restaurant, bars, kids' play area, clean bathrooms and changing areas |
| Excursion duration | 4 hours |
| Excursion price | $63 including lunch (price subject to change) |
What You'll Learn
Bannister Island's location
Bannister Island, also known as Starfish Island or Banister Caye, is a privately owned, man-made island located a few miles off the coast of Belize City. Surrounded by the Caribbean Sea, the island is known for its white sand beach and clear blue waters.
The island is a popular destination for swimming, kayaking, and snorkelling, with a nearby reef offering opportunities for exploration. Bannister Island also features a variety of amenities, including a restaurant serving Belizean cuisine, bars, a kids' play area, and clean bathrooms and changing facilities.
To get to Bannister Island, visitors can book a shore excursion through their cruise line or with local tour operators. The island is typically accessed by boat, with water taxis and boat rides available from Belize City. It is also possible to combine a visit to Bannister Island with other activities, such as snorkelling at the Belize Barrier Reef or exploring nearby islands like Goff's Caye and Caye Caulker.
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How to get to the island
Bannister Island, also known as Starfish Island or Banister Caye, is a privately owned man-made island located a few miles off the coast of Belize City. It is surrounded by the Caribbean Sea and boasts white sand beaches and clear blue waters.
To get to Bannister Island, you can book a shore excursion through your cruise line or with a local tour operator. The island is a common stop on cruise ship itineraries, and the journey typically involves a short boat ride from the cruise port. Some cruise lines may include the excursion in their package, while others may charge an additional fee, usually around $55 to $63 for a four-hour visit.
If you are not visiting via a cruise, you can still access the island by water taxi or through a local tour operator. Water taxis are available for transportation to nearby Caye Caulker, which is located northwest of Belize City. From there, you can likely arrange transportation to Bannister Island.
Once you arrive at Bannister Island, you will find a variety of facilities and activities to enjoy. The island offers a restaurant serving Belizean cuisine, bars, a kids' play area, and clean bathrooms and changing areas. You can go swimming, kayaking, or snorkelling in the nearby reef. Bannister Island is an "exotic island of entertainment" and a must-visit destination when in Belize.
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The island's facilities
Bannister Island is a privately-owned man-made island located a few miles off the coast of Belize City. Surrounded by the Caribbean Sea, the island offers a range of facilities for visitors.
The island has a restaurant serving Belizean cuisine, with one visitor describing the food as "amazing". There are also a few bars, including a full bar, and one visitor mentions that the staff "danced with us".
For those with children, there is a kids' play area, and there are also clean bathrooms and changing areas. One visitor mentions that there is a nurse on the beach.
The island also has a volleyball court, and hammocks and beach chairs are available. There is a small gift shop, and kayaks can be rented for $10 for 30 minutes.
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Activities on the island
Bannister Island is a privately-owned, man-made island located a few miles off the coast of Belize City. Surrounded by the Caribbean Sea, the island is known for its white sand beach and clear blue waters. Here are some activities you can enjoy during your visit:
Swimming and Water Sports
The pleasant waters around Bannister Island are ideal for swimming. For those seeking more adventure, the island offers opportunities for kayaking and snorkelling in the nearby reef. You can explore the underwater world and discover an array of marine life, including starfish and conch.
Relaxing on the Beach
The vast white sand beach provides the perfect setting for relaxation. You can soak up the sun, enjoy beach walks, or simply admire the beauty of the surrounding Caribbean Sea.
Dining and Drinks
Bannister Island features a restaurant serving delicious Belizean cuisine. You can indulge in the local flavours and enjoy a variety of food options during your stay. The island also has several bars, allowing you to unwind with a refreshing drink while taking in the stunning ocean views.
Entertainment and Leisure
The island caters to visitors of all ages with a kids' play area, ensuring that families have a memorable time together. For those seeking entertainment, there is karaoke and occasional live performances, such as an Elvis impersonator.
Exploring the Island
You can stroll along the beach, collect shells, and admire the natural beauty of the island. Bannister Island also has a souvenir shop where you can purchase mementos of your trip. Additionally, there is a starfish and conch pool where you can get up close with marine life.
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Other nearby attractions
Bannister Island is a privately owned, man-made island a few miles off the coast of Belize City. Surrounded by the Caribbean Sea, it is known for its white sand beach and clear blue waters. The island is a great spot for swimming, kayaking, snorkelling, and other water activities. Bannister Island also has a restaurant serving Belizean cuisine, bars, a kids' play area, and clean bathrooms and changing areas.
Cucumber Beach
Cucumber Beach is not far from Bannister Island. It is a great place to relax, enjoy the sun, and take a dip in the sea.
Altun Ha Mayan Ruin
For those interested in history and archaeology, the Altun Ha Mayan Ruin is a must-visit. This ancient site offers a glimpse into the past with its temples, plazas, and artefacts.
Cave Tubing
Cave tubing is a unique and adventurous activity offered in Belize City. It involves floating through caves and tunnels in an inner tube, allowing you to explore the underground world.
Hol Chan Marine Park
The Hol Chan Marine Park is a protected area known for its diverse marine life. It is a great spot for snorkelling and diving, where you can see turtles, sharks, and a variety of fish species.
Lamanai Temples
The Lamanai Temples are ancient Mayan ruins located along the New River. A river cruise to these temples offers a chance to spot wildlife, including monkeys and birds, along with exploring the historic site.
Belize Barrier Reef
The Belize Barrier Reef is the second-largest coral reef system in the world. It offers excellent snorkelling and diving opportunities, with vibrant coral reefs and an abundance of marine life.
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Frequently asked questions
You can get to Bannister Island by boat. It is located a few miles off the coast of Belize City.
Bannister Island is a privately owned, man-made beach island surrounded by the Caribbean Sea. It has a vast white sand beach and clear blue water, making it a great place for swimming, kayaking, and snorkelling. The island also has a restaurant serving Belizean food, bars, a kids' play area, and clean bathrooms and changing areas.
Yes, there are several hotels near Bannister Island, including the Golden Bay Belize Hotel, Ramada Belize City Princess Hotel, and Fort George Hotel and Spa Belize.
