A journey through the paradise islands and cayes of Belize: the hidden treasures of the Caribbean

Belize, located in Central America, is distinguished by a unique combination of pristine nature, Mayan heritage, and a deeply Caribbean cultural identity. Along its coast and offshore, the country boasts hundreds of islands and cayes that create a prime setting for diving, snorkeling, and relaxation, closely linked to the Belize Barrier Reef, the second largest in the world.

Ambergris Caye: the tourist heart of the country

Ambergris Caye is Belize's largest and most developed island, and one of the country's main tourist destinations. Its town, San Pedro, internationally known for its mention in the song "La Isla Bonita," boasts a concentration of restaurants, bars, and dive centers, in an environment where golf carts have replaced traditional transportation.
Its proximity to the coral reef makes it a strategic location for water excursions, especially to the Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley, where it's possible to swim alongside nurse sharks and rays. Ambergris Caye combines high-level tourist infrastructure with a distinctly Caribbean spirit.

Caye Caulker: The Art of Going Slow

A short boat ride away lies Caye Caulker, a smaller, more tranquil island, famous for its "Go Slow" motto. Its bohemian and relaxed atmosphere attracts travelers seeking simplicity and a direct connection with nature.
After Hurricane Hattie struck in 1961, the island was split in two, creating The Split, now one of the most iconic spots for swimming, sunbathing, and socializing. Caye Caulker is also a base for diving excursions to iconic sites like the Great Blue Hole.

Placencia and the southern cays: nature and isolation

The Placencia Peninsula combines golden-sand mainland beaches with access to small, pristine cayes in the south of the country. This region is renowned for its diving opportunities and whale shark watching, especially near the Gladden Spit Marine Reserve.
Among the most notable cayes are the Silk Cayes, ideal for snorkeling and relaxation, and Laughing Bird Caye, a National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its circular reef and its role as a seabird sanctuary.

The Great Blue Hole: an icon of world diving

The Great Blue Hole is Belize's most iconic landmark, even though it's not an island. Located within Lighthouse Reef Atoll, this underwater sinkhole, over 300 meters in diameter and 125 meters deep, is visible from the air and recognized worldwide. Its geological formations make it an experience reserved for experienced divers.

The distant atolls: the Caribbean in its purest form

Belize is one of the few Caribbean countries with true coral atolls far removed from the mainland. Among them are Turneffe Atoll, renowned for fly fishing and wall diving; Glover's Reef Atoll, one of the most pristine atolls and a World Heritage Site; and the aforementioned Lighthouse Reef Atoll, home to some of the most celebrated dive sites on the planet.

With offerings ranging from vibrant islands to remote enclaves of unspoiled nature, Belize's cayes and atolls provide a diverse array of unique experiences. Their constant proximity to the Great Barrier Reef and their focus on conservation solidify the country's position as a leading destination for ecotourism and adventure tourism in the Caribbean.