Belize is an idyllic tropical destination with miles of idyllic beaches and offshore islands – it makes the ideal holiday spot. Explore its best island destinations to find your ideal vacation!
Ambergris Caye, also known as La Isla Bonita, is at the center of the tourism industry in Belize. For an uncrowded beach experience head north towards Tranquility Bay.
Ambergris Caye: Located off the Belize northeastern coast
Ambergris Caye is Belize’s most beloved island, home to resorts, tiki bars, and restaurants. As the country’s most visited barrier island and most frequently visited spot, its popularity remains relatively unassuming and draws travelers year after year – some who even never leave!
Though there are numerous activities on the island, most visitors spend their time relaxing on its pristine beaches. The northern portion offers white-sand beaches while central and southern sections feature more rugged terrain with coral sand; all three types offer snorkeling and diving opportunities as well as swimming and relaxation opportunities.
San Pedro Town is Ambergris’ main city and offers a diverse range of hotels, restaurants, shops, and beach bars. At its northern end is also an expansive marina featuring water sports activities such as sailing and windsurfing.
The eastern side of the island offers more seclusion while still boasting resorts and private villas, plus a small wildlife sanctuary that cares for injured birds and mammals.
Hol Chan Marine Reserve lies directly across from San Pedro on Belize’s Barrier Reef and provides home for colorful fish and marine life, including stingrays and sea turtles.
Placencia Peninsula lies in the southern region of Belize Island and boasts the longest stretch of public beach. Here can be found Seine Bight, Maya Beach, and Placencia Village beaches featuring unspoiled nature, peaceful small hotels, and jaw-dropping views over sapphire waters.
Hopkins is known as one of the friendliest villages in all of America and serves as a cultural center of the Garifuna people. Notable features of Hopkins include its idyllic beaches and laidback lifestyle; plus live music events, festivals, and sporting competitions held year-round.
Caye Caulker: Known for its laid-back atmosphere
Belize lies south of Mexico along the Caribbean Sea and features both a diverse mainland area and hundreds of islands, Caye Caulker being one of the more laidback cayes in Belize that lives up to its motto of “Go Slow”. A visit here allows travelers to experience authentic tropical beauty without forgoing comfort.
Visitors will find an assortment of hotels on the island, from budget options to luxury accommodations. With its quaint vibe and proximity to Belize Barrier Reef, visitors are sure to have an enjoyable sun and sea experience here. Additionally, this popular hub for snorkeling and scuba diving adventures.
Caye Caulker Marine Reserve, featuring top-rated dive spots like Shark Ray Alley where divers can swim with nurse sharks and stingrays, is the most sought-after tour on the island. A number of local operators can also arrange snorkeling tours of this marine reserve.
Caye Caulker offers visitors an extraordinary opportunity to interact with manatees up-close and personal, through various tours that include boat rides out to their sanctuary and feeding time with these charismatic sea mammals.
The Great Blue Hole is another must-see attraction on Belize Island. This massive sea sinkhole, popular among divers worldwide, can be found at the center of Lighthouse Reef and boasts an incredible diameter of nearly 1000 feet and a depth of around 400. As one of Belize’s most spectacular natural attractions, its visit should not be missed!
Caye Caulker can be reached from San Pedro on Ambergris Caye or Phillip S. W. Goldson International Airport in Belize City via regular ferries, Maya Island Air, Tropic Air flights or San Ignacio as a quick means of access. San Ignacio also makes for an excellent base from which to explore Belize’s jungle and Maya ruins.
South Water Caye: Located in the Belize Marine Reserve
South Water Caye in Belize’s Marine Reserve stands out as an idyllic representation of tropical islands with crystalline waters that offer incredible snorkeling and diving opportunities. As one of its keys draws, this picturesque spot also features sugar sand beaches as well as incredible snorkeling spots that offer unforgettable diving opportunities.
This island is ideal for travelers seeking more intimate reef experiences as it is less crowded than larger caye islands in Belize. Additionally, its excellent restaurant draws in both day-trippers and overnight visitors alike; those staying on the island have full access to its marine reserve while day visitors are limited to certain parts of it.
Cayo Espanto may be smaller than other Belize Islands, but that doesn’t stop it being an idyllic destination for snorkeling and beach vacations. Boasting six beachfront villas and one overwater bungalow located among its palm-studded island, it provides the ideal retreat from urban living while still remaining close enough for easy exploration of Belize’s historical treasures and wildlife.
Placencia in Belize’s south is a beloved beach getaway with miles of pristine beach stretches and luxurious resorts, beach bars, top restaurants – such as Francis Ford Coppola’s Turtle Inn with design, decor and wine list straight out of his mind – beach bars, and wine list to fit every palette. Visitors looking for adventure on their vacations will also find hiking through jungle paths and climbing Mayan ruins plus sea kayaking adventures and whale shark encounters all season round – the southern region also provides hiking through jungle trails before climbing Mayan ruins plus kayaking tours where whale shark encounters take place seasonally!
Caye Caulker is one of Belize’s most charming island communities, boasting its tranquil atmosphere and array of vibrant guesthouses, restaurants, and bars. Known for its affordability and laid-back vibe, visitors come here for swimming, snorkeling and fishing activities as well as hanging out on its beaches. However, its main draw is undoubtedly its proximity to Belize’s famed Barrier Reef which can be seen from almost every pier – an irresistible draw for water enthusiasts!
Laughing Bird Caye: within a National Park
Laughing Bird Caye, located off Belize’s famous Placencia Peninsula, is both a marine reserve and a popular snorkeling location. Dubbed by its original namesake Laughing Gull Caye due to the large colonies of laughing gulls nesting here once, and now host to other species like sea lizards and turtles as well as park rangers living on this Caye who ensure its continued protection.
Visitors love exploring Laughing Bird Caye’s underwater ecosystem, with shallow waters ideal for beginners who wish to discover the Great Blue Hole. More experienced divers can venture further out to experience one of Jacques Cousteau’s top 10 dives around the globe – one that makes diving truly exciting.
Laughing Bird Caye offers more than its famed underwater paradise: visitors can also experience wildlife up close on land. Birdwatchers and animal enthusiasts will delight at birding here; exotic species such as Island Leaf-Toed Gecko have taken up residence here as a result. To experience local culture first-hand, visitors should attend one of the Maya Theater performances or browse its art galleries for an immersive cultural experience.
San Pedro is the hub of Ambergris Caye. Here you’ll find the budget to luxury accommodations that offer all kinds of classic Caribbean activities – snorkeling, sailing, and more. This vibrant city makes an excellent starting point to discover its surroundings – such as the jungle and Mayan ruins of Cayo District.
Punta Gorda, on the other hand, represents Belize’s Central American side. Situated near its western border and boasting thick jungles with Mayan ruins teeming beneath them; adventure seekers enjoy its kayaking, hiking, and snorkeling opportunities; while it is popular among those looking for solitude.
