Cayes Belize: A Tropical Paradise

Belize is home to around 400 cayes, which are small islands surrounded by coral reefs. The cayes are a must-visit destination for those seeking turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, and underwater exploration. The largest of these islands, Ambergris Caye, is a thriving tourist destination with a variety of restaurants, bars, hotels, and resorts. For a more laid-back alternative, Caye Caulker, a smaller island with a go slow mantra, is popular with backpackers. Other notable cayes include St. George's Caye, with its luxurious resort and rich history, and Tobacco Caye, a tiny island with warm waters and palm trees. With so many cayes to choose from, Belize offers something for everyone, from secluded relaxation to exciting water sports and exploration of marine life.

Ambergris Caye

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. Golf carts are the main form of transportation along the sandy roads.

There are plenty of things to do on Ambergris Caye, including:

• Exploring Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley for snorkelling and diving
• Visiting Secret Beach, a must-see spot with calm, crystal-clear waters and beach bars and restaurants
• Enjoying the lively downtown area of San Pedro, with its shops, bars, restaurants, and endless beach bars
• Taking a ferry to Caye Caulker, a laid-back island with a mix of hostels, cafes, and swimming spots
• Partaking in social activities and events, such as karaoke, trivia nights, and the World Famous Chicken Drop
• Visiting the green iguana sanctuary in the middle of San Pedro

Caye Caulker

In terms of accommodation, Caye Caulker offers a range of options, from hostel-style accommodations to boutique properties with modern amenities. The island has resisted major commercialisation, and lodging options tend to be simple and geared towards travellers seeking a laid-back outdoor experience.

The best time to visit Caye Caulker is during the dry season, from January to April, although this is also the busiest and most expensive time. The island also comes alive during its annual Lobster Fest, usually held in June, and during the Easter season, which falls in March or April.

St. George's Caye

The history of St. George's Caye is also significant. 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. This battle is celebrated annually on September 10th with St. George's Caye Day, a nationwide holiday.

The island offers a variety of activities, including kayaking, diving, and relaxing by the pool. It is an ideal destination for those seeking a quiet and safe getaway, with private dwellings owned by affluent residents.

South Water Caye

The island boasts a rare sandy beach at its southern end, along with pristine natural beauty and idyllic scenery. It is home to hundreds of species of fish and coral, making it perfect for marine exploration. Snorkelling is a memorable experience, as the caye is located inside one of Belize's largest marine reserves. The nearby South Water Caye Marine Reserve also offers diving, kayaking, and fishing opportunities.

For accommodation, South Water Caye features eco-friendly cottages and beach resorts, such as the Pelican Beach Resort and Blue Marlin Beach Resort. These resorts provide a down-to-earth environment, allowing guests to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings without worrying about complicated itineraries or dress codes. The resorts cater to their guests' needs, offering personalised services and authentic Belizean hospitality.

Lighthouse Reef and the Great Blue Hole

Belize is home to over 200 islands or cayes, but one of the most amazing attractions in the country is Lighthouse Reef and the Great Blue Hole. Located about 80 kilometres from the coast of mainland Belize, Lighthouse Reef is a small atoll that is part of the Belize Barrier Reef system, one of the world's most pristine marine ecosystems. The Great Blue Hole is a giant marine sinkhole within Lighthouse Reef, stretching 300 to 318 metres across and reaching depths of over 120 to 125 metres.

The Blue Hole was made famous by Jacques Cousteau, who declared it one of the top scuba diving sites in the world. It offers crystal-clear waters and the opportunity to see myriad species of marine life, including tropical fish, nurse sharks, giant groupers, Caribbean reef sharks, and Blacktip sharks. The unique geologic features of the Blue Hole include limestone stalactites and stalagmites, which were formed before rises in sea level. The contrast between the darker hole and the lighter waters of the reef makes it distinctly visible even from space.

Dive excursions to the Great Blue Hole typically consist of one dive in the Blue Hole and two additional dives in nearby reefs. SCUBA diving in the Great Blue Hole is for advanced divers, as it involves descending to depths of 135 feet. Most people make the dive on day trips from Ambergris Caye or Caye Caulker, but there are also basic cabins available on Lighthouse Reef's Long Caye for those who want to stay longer.

Half Moon Caye, a natural monument within Lighthouse Reef, is another attraction in the area. This small caye has been designated as a Natural Monument and is home to a bird sanctuary where magnificent frigatebirds and red-footed boobies nest.

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