The Guide to Cayes and Atolls in Belize.

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Cayes and Atolls

Close to the magnificent Barrier Reef along the coastline of Belize, hundreds of coral and mangrove ilands known as cayes bask in the shimmering, clear turquoise and emerald green waters of the Caribbean. Ranging from isolated stretches of sand and palm trees to very large islands like Ambergris Caye.

Link: Big Google Earth Map with the Cayes

Google Earth with mapped Cayes:

Belize’s cayes offer excellent diving, fishing, scuba, snorkeling and swimming opportunities. For four atolls in the Western Hemisphere, three of them are located in Belize. Situated beyond the barrier reef these long coral isles surrounding lagoons are popular and idyllic destinations as well as ideal places for water sports.

AMBERGRIS CAYE

25 miles long, Ambergris Caye is the largest and most developed caye, with plenty of resorts, lodges and organized activities around the only town, San Pedro. Map: Ambergris Caye

CAYE CAULKER

The second largest, at five miles long by one half mile wide, with more budget-oriented lodges, and a good range of activities.
Map: Caye Caulker

GLOVER ‘S REEF

Glover’s Reef Atool

is a Marine Reserve, a World Heritage site. The most remote of the atolls, Glover’s Reef is about 70 miles southeast of Belize City. The far out location makes this one of the most pristine areas in Belize. Once the base of pirate John Glover, now boaters, divers and anglers flock to this isolated island .

Around Glovers Reef you find Northeast Caye

Long Caye

and the Southwest Cayes

Brilliant blue waters with excellent scuba diving, snorkeling, fly fishing, kayaking and camping are all available here.

LIGHTHOUSE REEF

The Lighthouse Reef Atoll

is a panorama of swaying palms, powdery white beaches, striking coral formations and turquoise waters. It is the only atoll with a private airstrip and the nearest atoll to the Blue Hole.

Looking from the air like a dark blue cavity in a field of turquoise, this almost perfectly circular underwater cave is Lighthouse Reef’s most spectacular natural wonder. The cave measures 300 meter in diameter and 160 meter deep, and was made famous by the French Jacques Cousteau, who explored the fascinating site in 1972.

At the southeast corner of Lighthouse Reef is the Half Moon Caye

Natural Monument, the country’s first national park It is home to reptiles, turtles and a large diversity of birds, including thousands of red footed boobies.

SOUTH WATER CAYE

Located less than half an hour by boat from the town of Dangriga, South Water Caye

is one of Belize’s most idyllic cayes. The 15-acre coral island, resting right atop the barrier reef is an excellent area for diving. International Zoological Expedition’s cottages and student dorms are based near the center of the island.

ST. GEORGE’S CAYE

The tiny, crescent-shaped St. George’s Caye

is the most historic of all the offshore cayes. It was here that the British established the territory’s first real settlement and where the Spanish made their last ditch effort to conquer Belize on September 10. 1798. Belizeans still commemorate this battle annually as St. George’s Caye Day.

TOBACCO CAYE

Located on the northern tip of the South Water Caye Marine Reserve the nine-acre Tobacco Caye

was used for years as a trading post and fishing camp. Now, because of its close proximity to the Barrier Reef it is a frequent destination for divers and anglers.

TURNEFFE ISLANDS

The Turneffe Atoll

is the largest of Belize’s three atolls. It is home to several small, pristine cayes accented with palm trees, white beaches and mangroves. Only a few hundred yards from the Barrier Reef, the islands offer excellent diving, snorkeling and fishing opportunities.

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