Exploring the Cayes from Southern Belize
Belize is renowned for its stunning cayes, pronounced “keys,” with the most famous being San Pedro (Ambergris Caye) and Caye Caulker, situated north of Belize City. However, if you’re exploring the southern part of Belize, such as Placencia or Hopkins, you’ll discover other captivating cayes closer to the mainland. Here are some of the cayes you can visit while enjoying your stay in Southern Belize:
Southern Belize is renowned for its picturesque cayes (islands), each offering unique charms and attractions, particularly their proximity to the Great Blue Hole, a world-famous diving destination.
1. Glover’s Reef Atoll
- Size: Glover’s Reef is one of the largest atolls in Belize, covering approximately 86 square miles (224 square km).
- Famous For: Known for its pristine coral reefs, abundant marine life, and excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a marine reserve.
- Proximity to Blue Hole: While not directly adjacent, Glover’s Reef offers diving and snorkeling adventures comparable to those near the Blue Hole.
2. Tobacco Caye
- Size: Tobacco Caye is quite small, measuring only about 3 acres in size.
- Famous For: Its laid-back atmosphere, rustic charm, and excellent snorkeling right off the beach. It’s a budget-friendly destination for backpackers and eco-travelers.
- Proximity to Blue Hole: Tobacco Caye is farther south compared to the Blue Hole but offers similar marine experiences with nearby reefs.
3. South Water Caye
- Size: South Water Caye is approximately 15 acres in size.
- Famous For: Its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and being part of the South Water Caye Marine Reserve, which is ideal for snorkeling, diving, and kayaking.
- Proximity to Blue Hole: South Water Caye is closer to the Blue Hole compared to Tobacco Caye and offers excellent diving excursions to this iconic site.
4. Laughing Bird Caye
- Size: Laughing Bird Caye is a tiny island, covering only about 1.8 acres.
- Famous For: Its protected status as a national park and marine reserve, boasting vibrant coral reefs, diverse marine life, and stunning underwater visibility.
- Proximity to Blue Hole: It’s located further south but is still within reach for diving trips to the Blue Hole and surrounding reefs.
Proximity to the Blue Hole:
- General: The Blue Hole is located approximately 43 miles (70 km) off the coast of Belize and can be accessed via boat from various points along the coast, including some of the cayes mentioned above.
- Diving Excursions: Many tour operators offer day trips and diving expeditions from the cayes to the Blue Hole, often combined with visits to nearby reefs and atolls for a comprehensive marine experience.
These cayes in Southern Belize offer distinct experiences, from intimate island getaways to world-class diving adventures near the iconic Blue Hole, making them popular destinations for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
