ISLANDS AND ATOLLS
About
Abundant sunshine, gentle trade winds blowing, pristine turquoise waters makes Belize a nearly perfect tropical paradise. Belize boasts over 200 miles of coastline. There are more than 450 islands off its coast, spread out all around the beautiful barrier reef. In addition, three of the four atolls in the western hemisphere can be found in Belize waters (the fourth atoll, Banco Chinchorro, is in Mexican territorial waters). From sandy flats, to busy islands with lots of entertainment choices, every caye offers a unique experience. One of the reasons Belize has attracted so many visitors is the desire to scuba dive, snorkel, and fish in its beautiful Caribbean waters. The Meso-American Barrier Reef is the longest one in the Western Hemisphere and with world famous Belize dive sites like the Hol Chan, The Great Blue Hole and Shark Ray Alley, it’s easy to see why.
Every island in Belize’s waters has its own unique beauty and charm. With the easy accessibility of the barrier reef, there is always plenty to do. Whether you are a diver or just want the peace and quiet of a small private island, we are sure you can find what you’re looking for on the islands of Belize. Many have boutique resorts that make for the perfect getaway from the crowds. Others can be reached by sailing the southern Cayes for a week or two at a time
Islands in the North
Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker
These are the most popular islands in Belize. AC is the largest and most populated Caye, offering a vacationer a wealth of lodging, restaurant, and excursion choices. CC is its much quieter neighbor, about 10 miles to its south, where “Go Slow” is the motto of the village.
Among the reasons that they have become popular is due their proximity to the reef and the mainland. They are each about a 10 to 15-minute flight from the international airport. And, as they are only a few minutes away from world class scuba diving sites, these Cayes are the perfect base for divers and snorkelers alike.
Much is written about these two islands, here and elsewhere. As such, we will highlight some of the lesser known islands and atolls.
ISLANDS TO THE SOUTH
Ray Caye
Located on the edge of the Gladden Spit and Silk Cayes Marine Reserve in Belize, Ray Caye is literally a stone throw away from the Belize Barrier Reef making it an ideal location for world class fishing and diving trip.thatch
With nearly a mile of private shoreline and a limited number of guests at any time, it is easy to play, explore and relax in the Belize island lifestyle any way you want. We’re especially suited for a secluded and romantic honeymoon vacation. Come celebrate the art of island living with a year-round climate of sunshine, warm breezes, and clear Caribbean waters.
South Water Caye
South Water Caye is a tiny island and only 9 miles from the central coastal town of Dangriga. It is part of the South Water Caye Marine Reserve with 118,000 acres to explore. From the shoreline the reef is just steps away! It’s a diver’s paradise with arguably the most accessible diving in Belize.
Thatch Caye
While only 9 miles offshore, Thatch Caye feels a world away. Thatch Caye is the dictionary definition of paradise, a tiny strip of land with palm trees and spectacularly clear waters. There is a 30-guest resort here.
Ranguana Caye
Ranguana is the epitome of an intimate and secluded Caye, a truly private experience, located not from Placencia Village. Day visitors are kept to a minimum of 25 and there is space for 9 overnight guests. Enjoy the white sand shores, beautiful waters, and untouched vibe.
King Lewey’s Island
King Lewey's Island Resort is a slice of paradise just 12 miles off the coast of Placencia. Spend a few nights in one of the over-the-water Cabañas, come out from Placencia on a day trip or just stop in as you're cruising by in your boat for a delicious meal and some tropical island drinks.
THE ATOLLS
Before we move onto describing the abundant opportunities which exist in these magnificent turquoise waters, let’s answer the most often asked questions… What is an atoll and how is it formed?
The creation of an atoll can take many thousands of years. An atoll is a ring-shaped island formed of coral that surrounds a lagoon. As reef building corals thrive only in warm waters, atolls can only be found in the tropics and subtropics. Atolls begin after an underwater volcano erupts. This creates a volcanic mountain or seamount under the surface of the sea. As the seamount begins to build up and eruptions continue, it rises above the water and becomes an island. Corals eventually grow around the island and the ocean gradually erodes the island away, leaving behind a circular reef and a large lagoon.
Glover’s Reef Atoll
Named after a famous pirate, Glover’s Reef Atoll is a group of five (5) little islands surrounded by a giant expanse of coral reef. It is also near one of the deepest trenches in the world, which together make for a wide variety of dive sites. The Glover’s Reef Marine Reserve was established in 1993 and it was then designated by UNESCO as one of seven protected areas that together form the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System in 1996.
Turneffe Atoll
Turneffe Atoll is located southeast of Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker. It is the largest coral atoll in Belize and was officially declared a marine reserve on November of 2012.
Turneffe Atoll is home to an abundant range of marine life including more than 500 species of fish, 65 species of stony corals, sea turtles, manatees, dolphins, seabirds, and other wildlife.
The Lighthouse Reef Atoll
The Lighthouse Reef Atoll is the most remote of all the atolls in Belize. It is located approximately 50 miles southeast of Belize City. The atoll is home to the Great Blue Hole, Half Moon Wall and the Aquarium, as well as over 20 other world-class dive and snorkel sites. Within the atoll's lagoon are coral reefs which provide a home to over 200 remarkable fish species in an almost magical setting of different reef types; including shallow reefs, ledges, shelves and drop offs.