Tobacco Caye: Belize's Paradise

Tobacco Caye is a tiny island in Belize, located around 10 miles (16 kilometres) east of the city of Dangriga. It is a remote tropical island, sitting on the Belize Barrier Reef, with a year-round population of only 30. Tobacco Caye is the perfect destination for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path, idyllic tropical paradise, without the high price tag. The island is just 120 metres (400 ft) long and 60 metres (200 ft) wide, easily fulfilling the 'deserted tropical island' criteria.

Tobacco Caye Paradise is a popular place to stay

Tobacco Caye Paradise is a small, Belizean-owned lodge with six private "over-the-water" beach cabanas. All the cabanas face north towards the Belize Barrier Reef and have wonderful decks perched over turquoise tropical waters. Each deck has a hammock with amazing views of the Caribbean Sea. The cabanas are clean, comfortable, and charmingly rustic, with private bathrooms and rainwater-fed showers. While there are no electric or water utilities on the island, the resort collects rainwater and generates its own electricity from solar and generator power. Wi-fi is also available. Delicious meals are served in the dining hall, where guests can socialise and share their daily adventures.

In addition to the overwater cabanas, Tobacco Caye Paradise also offers more affordable, budget accommodation for those on a tighter budget, such as backpackers. The resort provides a range of activities for guests, including snorkelling, kayaking, and scuba diving. It is also Gold Standard Certified by the Belize Tourism Board and is part of Belize's Safe Corridor.

Reviews for Tobacco Caye Paradise are overwhelmingly positive, with guests praising the charming over-water cabanas, the range of activities, the cleanliness, and the warmth and attentiveness of the staff. Many guests also mention the beauty and tranquillity of the island itself, with its golden sunrises and sunsets, palm trees, and private, community feel.

Tobacco Caye Paradise is the perfect place to stay for those seeking a tropical island getaway with a balance of comfort and affordability. It offers guests the chance to experience the private island lifestyle without the hefty price tag.

The island is tiny, with a small permanent population

Tobacco Caye is a tiny island in Belize, just three acres in size, with a permanent population of only around 20 to 30 people. This makes it the perfect destination for travellers seeking a remote and tranquil tropical island experience. The island is located 16 kilometres (10 miles) off the coast of the city of Dangriga in central Belize and is accessible only by boat. The boat ride from Dangriga takes around 30 to 45 minutes, depending on weather conditions.

Due to its small size, Tobacco Caye can be walked across in just a few minutes. The island is home to a handful of rustic yet comfortable accommodations, including Tobacco Caye Paradise, which offers the only overwater bungalows on the island. These colourful cabins feature private bathrooms and balconies with hammocks, offering stunning views of the Caribbean Sea. Other accommodation options include Windward Lodge, Reef's End Lodge, and Joe Jo's By The Reef, each with their own unique charms and amenities.

One of the unique aspects of Tobacco Caye is the lack of restaurants. Instead, each accommodation provides a mandatory meal plan, typically costing around $40 to $50 USD per person per day. Guests dine family-style, enjoying delicious home-cooked meals and the opportunity to socialise with fellow travellers.

Despite its diminutive size, Tobacco Caye offers a range of activities for visitors. The island is situated on the Belize Barrier Reef, providing easy access to some of the best scuba diving and snorkelling spots in the world. Kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and fishing are also popular pastimes. For those seeking a more relaxed experience, there are plenty of hammocks dotted around the island, providing the perfect spot to unwind and take in the breathtaking surroundings.

With its pristine waters, vibrant marine life, and laid-back atmosphere, Tobacco Caye is an ideal destination for those seeking a peaceful and affordable tropical getaway.

It's easy to get to Tobacco Caye from the Belize mainland

Tobacco Caye is a tiny island off the coast of Hopkins and Dangriga, Belize. It is easily accessible by boat from Dangriga, which is well connected to other destinations in the country by bus or car. If you are coming from Ambergris Caye or Caye Caulker, you first need to get to Belize City and travel overland from there.

• Belize City – 2 hours
• San Ignacio – 2 hours
• Belmopan – 1.5 hours
• Hopkins – 0.5 hours
• Placencia – 1 hour

There are also flights to Dangriga, but it is a short drive, so a bus or car is a more sustainable option.

Once you’re in Dangriga, you need to take a boat for about 30-45 minutes to Tobacco Caye. There is no regular ferry service to the island, so your accommodation will help you organise boat transport. Usually, a boat departs from Dangriga before lunchtime, and one returns from the island in the morning, but it depends on the needs of the guests and island staff.

Your accommodation will let you know the boat departure times in advance. It is recommended to remain flexible on your arrival and departure time and not have a flight to catch immediately after your visit, as boat schedules change frequently.

If you are joining a scheduled boat with your accommodation, you can expect to pay around $35 USD per person. If you need to charter a boat for a specific time, this will cost approximately $150 USD for up to 4 passengers.

There are lots of water-based activities to enjoy

Tobacco Caye in Belize is a tiny island off the coast of Hopkins and Dangriga, with a year-round population of around 25 to 30 people. It is known for its laid-back vibe and over-water cabins. There are indeed lots of water-based activities to enjoy on Tobacco Caye, which is located right next to the South Water Caye Marine Reserve, part of the Belize Barrier Reef. Here are some of the water-based activities on offer:

Scuba Diving

The Belize Barrier Reef is the largest in the Western Hemisphere after Australia's Great Barrier Reef, and Tobacco Caye is an excellent base for exploring it. Local guides can take you on amazing diving trips and explain all about the marine life. The reef is home to more than 500 species of fish and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a thriving turtle population. Tobacco Caye Paradise offers scuba diving packages starting at US$790.

Snorkelling

Tobacco Caye also offers some of the best snorkelling opportunities in Belize. You can borrow or rent snorkelling gear and venture out from the Reef's End, or book a guided tour to explore nearby spots. The marine wildlife, including diverse fish species and stingrays, won't disappoint! Snorkelling gear can be rented for a small fee from Tobacco Caye Paradise, which also offers guided tours to various spots, with local tours starting at US$45 per person.

Fishing and Spear Fishing

You can also try your hand at fishing or spear fishing around the Caye. A fishing permit is required if you want to venture beyond the marine reserve and catch your own dinner.

Kayaking and Stand-Up Paddleboarding

Kayaks and stand-up paddleboards are available for rent on the island. You can explore the sheltered waters and clear surroundings by paddling around the island. Tobacco Caye Paradise offers kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals starting at US$35 per day or US$10 per hour.

Swimming

Although Tobacco Caye doesn't have sandy beaches, there are plenty of places to swim, including piers and rocky banks. The western side of the island is a great spot to swim and see the local stingrays, as fishermen clean their catches of the day there, attracting the rays.

The island is known for its relaxed, laid-back vibe

Tobacco Caye is a tiny island in Belize, about 10 miles (16 kilometres) east of Dangriga. It is known for its relaxed, laid-back vibe, with a population of just 20-30 people and a handful of rustic but comfortable accommodations. The island is easily walkable, taking just a few minutes to stroll across its entire length.

The island is the perfect destination for those seeking a remote and tranquil tropical paradise without the high price tag. It is located right on the Belize Barrier Reef, offering world-class scuba diving and snorkelling opportunities. The clear, calm waters are teeming with marine life, including spotted eagle rays and giant Caribbean stingrays.

Accommodations on Tobacco Caye contribute to the island's relaxed atmosphere. Tobacco Caye Paradise, one of the most popular places to stay, offers overwater bungalows with private bathrooms and balconies equipped with hammocks, perfect for unwinding and taking in the breathtaking views. Other options include Windward Lodge, with its beachfront cabins and hammocks overlooking the ocean, and Reef's End Lodge, featuring an overwater bungalow and cabins set on a sandy beach.

Meal plans are mandatory at the accommodations, with delicious, home-cooked food served family-style. The lack of restaurants on the island adds to the communal vibe, as guests dine and socialise together.

In addition to water activities, Tobacco Caye offers plenty of opportunities for relaxation. Hammocks are abundant, inviting guests to unwind with a book or simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings. The island also boasts a couple of bars, perfect for watching the sunset with a drink in hand.

With its slow pace of life, Tobacco Caye is the ideal place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and embrace the laid-back island lifestyle. Whether you're swinging in a hammock, snorkelling with rays, or simply soaking in the stunning natural scenery, Tobacco Caye is sure to leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

Frequently asked questions