In addition to having some of the finest stretches of white sand in Belize and near 180-degree sea views from anywhere on the island (all six hectares of it), South Water Caye is part of the South Water Caye Marine Reserve, the largest protected marine park in the country. With luxury cabanas and dozens of hammocks swaying among coconut palms, Pelican Resort (pictured in distance) is the perfect place to be lazy.
South Water Caye —
In addition to having some of the finest stretches of white sand in Belize and near 180-degree sea views from anywhere on the island (all six hectares of it), South Water Caye is part of the South Water Caye Marine Reserve, the largest protected marine park in the country. With luxury cabanas and dozens of hammocks swaying among coconut palms, Pelican Resort (pictured in distance) is the perfect place to be lazy.
Courtesy Lebawit Lily Girma
Sitting atop the Belize Barrier Reef -- a 300-kilometer-long series of reefs that hugs the Belize coast -- Tobacco Caye is a favorite among younger travelers and those seeking stunning snorkeling and seclusion on a budget. Accommodations tend to consist of wooden cabanas. Wearing nothing but swim gear and falling asleep under starry skies is the most popular pastime.
Tobacco Caye —
Sitting atop the Belize Barrier Reef -- a 300-kilometer-long series of reefs that hugs the Belize coast -- Tobacco Caye is a favorite among younger travelers and those seeking stunning snorkeling and seclusion on a budget. Accommodations tend to consist of wooden cabanas. Wearing nothing but swim gear and falling asleep under starry skies is the most popular pastime.
Courtesy Lebawit Lily Girma
Eighteen kilometers off the coast from Placencia in southern Belize, tiny Laughingbird Caye is one of the most photogenic islands in the Caribbean. A national park with World Heritage Site and mini-atoll status, it's a top choice among tour operators who bring divers and snorkelers here to explore the caye's unique coral formations. Picnic benches and grills make it an ideal barbecue spot, though overnight stays aren't permitted.
Laughingbird Caye —
Eighteen kilometers off the coast from Placencia in southern Belize, tiny Laughingbird Caye is one of the most photogenic islands in the Caribbean. A national park with World Heritage Site and mini-atoll status, it's a top choice among tour operators who bring divers and snorkelers here to explore the caye's unique coral formations. Picnic benches and grills make it an ideal barbecue spot, though overnight stays aren't permitted.
About 40 kilometers off the coast from Placencia, Silk Caye is said to be the most photographed island in Belize. What it lacks in size it makes up for in diving and snorkeling splendor, with marine life that includes stingrays, barracudas and lobsters. It's not far from Laughingbird Caye, making it possible to visit both islands in the same day.
Silk Caye —
About 40 kilometers off the coast from Placencia, Silk Caye is said to be the most photographed island in Belize. What it lacks in size it makes up for in diving and snorkeling splendor, with marine life that includes stingrays, barracudas and lobsters. It's not far from Laughingbird Caye, making it possible to visit both islands in the same day.
Courtesy Lebawit Lily Girma
A national landmark and Belize's first capital is a little-known getaway. A 20-minute water taxi hop from Belize City, St. George's Caye is home to one luxury resort (St. George's Caye Resort), which offers water sports from kayaking to diving to sitting by the pool. The rest of the island is lined with private villas and docks owned by affluent Belizeans and part-time residents. Celebrated nationwide on September 10, St. George's Caye Day commemorates a 1798 battle in which British forces repelled a Spanish invasion.
St. George's Caye —
A national landmark and Belize's first capital is a little-known getaway. A 20-minute water taxi hop from Belize City, St. George's Caye is home to one luxury resort (St. George's Caye Resort), which offers water sports from kayaking to diving to sitting by the pool. The rest of the island is lined with private villas and docks owned by affluent Belizeans and part-time residents. Celebrated nationwide on September 10, St. George's Caye Day commemorates a 1798 battle in which British forces repelled a Spanish invasion.
Courtesy Lebawit Lily Girma
Proximity to both the mainland and Barrier Reef (a few hundred meters away) makes Ambergris Caye (the largest island in the country) the destination of more than 50% of Belize tourists. The primary town of San Pedro is the best party spot in the country. There are only a few good stretches of beach here. The draw is the chance to hang with fellow travelers and sample the best of mestizo-influenced cuisine while puttering around the island on a rental golf cart.
Ambergris Caye —
Proximity to both the mainland and Barrier Reef (a few hundred meters away) makes Ambergris Caye (the largest island in the country) the destination of more than 50% of Belize tourists. The primary town of San Pedro is the best party spot in the country. There are only a few good stretches of beach here. The draw is the chance to hang with fellow travelers and sample the best of mestizo-influenced cuisine while puttering around the island on a rental golf cart.
Courtesy Lebawit Lily Girma
Ambergris Caye's laid-back neighbor and Belize's second-most-visited island couldn't be more different. More bicycles than golf carts cruise its sandy streets, reggae fills the air and residents and visitors abide by the local "go slow" motto. Generally thought of as a backpacker haven, the island has only a handful of luxury hotels. It's most popular among those seeking smaller crowds and an explicitly "Caribbean" vibe.
Caye Caulker —
Ambergris Caye's laid-back neighbor and Belize's second-most-visited island couldn't be more different. More bicycles than golf carts cruise its sandy streets, reggae fills the air and residents and visitors abide by the local "go slow" motto. Generally thought of as a backpacker haven, the island has only a handful of luxury hotels. It's most popular among those seeking smaller crowds and an explicitly "Caribbean" vibe.
Courtesy Lebawit Lily Girma