The Secrets Of Belize's Cayes: A Tropical Paradise Unveiled

Belize is a breathtakingly beautiful Caribbean nation with over 239 miles of coastline. It has many coral reefs, cayes, and islands in the Caribbean Sea. The Belize Barrier Reef is the longest in the western hemisphere, stretching approximately 200 miles. The reef and its islands have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996.

Belize's islands are known as cayes, pronounced keys like the Florida Keys. The cayes are small islands surrounded by extensive coral reefs. Most cayes are uninhabited or home only to local fishermen, but the largest, Ambergris Caye, is the most developed with some lovely beachfront properties. Ambergris Caye is a favourite among travellers, boasting a variety of water-related activities, including windsurfing, sailing, jet-skiing, snorkelling, and scuba diving.

Other popular cayes include Caye Caulker, Tobacco Caye, and South Water Caye. Caye Caulker is a laid-back island popular with backpackers, while Tobacco Caye and South Water Caye offer remote and stunning locations with abundant marine life.

Ambergris Caye: the largest Belize caye, with a busy, boisterous village atmosphere

Ambergris Caye is the largest island in Belize, stretching about 25 miles long and never more than a few miles wide. It is the most visited spot in Belize, with plenty of hotels, bars, restaurants, attractions, shops, and dive and snorkel sites. The island's biggest settlement is San Pedro Town, a busy and boisterous village that is home to most of the island's restaurants, bars, stores, and hotels.

Golf carts are the main form of transportation on the island, and the preferred mode of transportation for expats. The island has grown significantly since 2010, with recent estimates suggesting there are at least 20,000 current residents. The increase in tourism, infrastructure, and amenities has led to a higher cost of living for Belize.

Ambergris Caye offers a variety of water-related activities such as windsurfing, sailing, jet-skiing, snorkelling, and scuba diving. It is also known for its bird watching, fishing, and delicious Belizean cuisine. The island is home to a variety of resorts, amazing restaurants, and lively nightlife.

One of the main attractions on Ambergris Caye is the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, which offers world-class snorkelling and diving sites just minutes from the island. The first stop is Hol Chan, where snorkelers can see tons of fish, rays, eels, and sometimes even a manatee. The second stop is the famous Shark-Ray Alley, where snorkelers can jump in and swim with a tangle of sharks.

Another popular spot on Ambergris Caye is Secret Beach, located on the west side of the island. Once a deserted stretch of beach, it is now packed with beach bars and restaurants. The water here is calm and crystal clear, perfect for kids and adults alike.

Whether you're looking for stunning natural beauty, exciting water sports, or a bustling social scene, Ambergris Caye has something for everyone.

Caye Caulker: a smaller, laid-back version of Ambergris Caye, popular with backpackers

Caye Caulker is a small island located between Belize City and Ambergris Caye. Known for its laid-back vibe and slower pace of life, Caye Caulker has become a popular destination for backpackers and travellers seeking a more relaxed vacation. With its sandy streets, colourful wooden houses, and tranquil atmosphere, Caye Caulker embodies the authentic Caribbean island experience.

In contrast to the bustling Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker offers a simpler and more quaint environment. The island is best explored on foot or by bicycle, as it has very few vehicles and golf carts. The local motto, "Go Slow", encapsulates the relaxed attitude of the island and its residents.

Caye Caulker is significantly smaller than Ambergris Caye, spanning only 5 miles in length compared to Ambergris Caye's 25 miles. This size difference contributes to the laid-back atmosphere of Caye Caulker, as visitors often feel a sense of familiarity and community during their stay. The island's charm and affordability make it particularly attractive to backpackers and budget-conscious travellers.

While Caye Caulker may have fewer bars, restaurants, and entertainment options than Ambergris Caye, it still offers a diverse range of activities. The island is known for its excellent snorkelling and scuba diving sites, including the famous Hol Chan Marine Reserve and the Great Blue Hole. "The Split", a channel dividing the north and south islands, is a popular spot for swimming and socialising at the beach bar, The Lazy Lizard.

Caye Caulker is also renowned for its friendly and welcoming locals, who are always happy to help visitors and ensure they feel at home. The island's low-key vibe and stunning natural surroundings make it an ideal destination for those seeking a tranquil and authentic Caribbean experience.

Tobacco Caye: a tiny island in southern Belize, with 186 miles of reefs

Tobacco Caye is a tiny island in Belize, located about 10 miles (16 kilometres) east of Dangriga. It is a mere 200 feet wide and 400 feet long, with a year-round population of only around 20 to 30 people. The island is situated within the South Water Caye Marine Reserve, which is part of Belize's national system of protected waters. This means there are some restrictions on fishing in the area.

The island is believed to have derived its name from the early cultivation of tobacco in the region. The earliest known European chart to indicate Tobacco Caye was created by British geographer J. Speer in 1771. In 1998, the island was ravaged by Hurricane Mitch but has since been rebuilt.

Despite its diminutive size, Tobacco Caye offers a range of attractions and activities for visitors. The island is a favourite destination for scuba diving, snorkelling, kayaking, paddle-boarding, and exploring the nearby islands. Tobacco Caye is surrounded by pristine waters and is situated within the Belize Barrier Reef, providing incredible diving and snorkelling opportunities. The Belize Barrier Reef is the largest in the Western Hemisphere after Australia and is home to a diverse array of marine life, including over 500 species of fish and a thriving turtle population. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Tobacco Caye is an ideal place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the Caribbean. The island features local restaurants and bars, and its warm, clear waters are perfect for swimming. The temperature on the island remains pleasant year-round, with bright, sunny days and cool sea breezes. Tobacco Caye is also known for its stunning sunrises and sunsets, which can be enjoyed from the local dock or the comfort of a hammock on the deck of a cabana.

Accommodation options on Tobacco Caye include the Tobacco Caye Paradise lodge, which offers over-the-water cabanas with colourful, fun vibes and breathtaking views. The lodge provides meals served family-style, fostering a sense of community among travellers. For those on a budget, there are also basic guest rooms located within walking distance of the water, featuring a shared bathroom and a beautiful deck overlooking the sea.

Getting to Tobacco Caye is easy, with a 20-30 minute boat ride from Dangriga Town. Water taxis are available daily from the riverside near the main bridge in Dangriga, typically leaving between 9 am and 1 pm.

St. George's Caye: a peaceful getaway with a luxurious resort, a short water taxi ride from Belize City

Belize is a breathtakingly beautiful Caribbean nation with over 239 miles of coastline and the longest barrier reef in the western hemisphere. With over 450 islands and islets, it can be hard to decide which ones to visit. The Belize islands are known as cayes, pronounced "keys" (like the Florida Keys).

St. George's Caye is a peaceful getaway, just a short 20-minute water taxi ride from Belize City. It is host to the luxurious St. George's Caye Resort, an adults-only secluded private island paradise. The resort offers a range of accommodation options, from oceanfront to over-the-water or nestled in the gardens. Each room features a comfortable king-size bed, Belizean hardwoods, air conditioning, an en-suite bathroom, and a covered porch with a hammock.

The resort provides a private island experience with no public transportation, roads, or crowds. It offers super-easy travel, with complimentary airport transfers and boat rides to and from the island. It is a secluded and safe retreat, with the closest island resort to the mainland, making it ideal for those seeking relaxation or adventure.

Guests at St. George's Caye Resort can enjoy a range of activities, including kayaking, diving, and relaxing by the pool. The resort also offers access to jungle adventures and is known for its world-class diving and snorkelling spots just a few minutes away. The food at the resort is highly regarded, with a farm-to-table experience offering traditional Belizean, Caribbean, and Latin cuisine, as well as European and American favourites.

St. George's Caye is also of historical significance. In the 18th century, it was home to the largest settlement in Belize, then known as British Honduras. The Battle of St. George's Caye, fought in its waters in 1798, marked the end of Spanish claims to the land, and is now a nationwide public holiday celebrated every year on September 10th.

Lighthouse Reef and the Great Blue Hole: one of Belize's most amazing attractions, with some of the world's top scuba sites

Belize's islands are known as cayes, and the country boasts around 200 of these, studding the Belize Barrier Reef, the world's second-longest. One of the most amazing attractions in Belize, and even Central America, is Lighthouse Reef and the Great Blue Hole. This giant marine sinkhole, located around 80km from the Belize coast, is a popular destination for scuba divers, who are attracted by the crystal-clear waters and myriad species of marine life, including tropical fish and coral formations.

The Great Blue Hole was made famous by Jacques Cousteau, who named it one of the world's top ten scuba sites. It stretches 300–318 metres across and reaches depths of 124–125 metres. The depths and rock formations, including stalactites and stalagmites, are intriguing to seasoned divers. The site is not for beginners, however, as it involves descending to a depth of 135 feet, which is considered an advanced dive.

The Great Blue Hole is part of the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The exceptional clarity of the water allows the darker hole to stand out against the lighter waters of the reef. The reefs around the hole are teeming with life, but the poor circulation of oxygen and lack of light at the bottom create an inhospitable environment for most life forms.

Most people make the dive on day trips from Ambergris Caye or Caye Caulker, but it is also possible to stay in basic cabins on Lighthouse Reef's Long Caye.

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