Belize is a small Central American country known for impressive Mayan ruins, delicious street food, incredible biodiversity, and island paradises. Many tourists who visit Belize are particularly interested in the latter and set off for one of Belize’s 450 islands to experience the white sand beaches and turquoise waters.
Here are the ten most popular Belize islands to visit:
- Ambergris Caye
- Caye Caulker
- Tobacco Caye
- Turneffe Atoll
- Snake Cayes
- South Water Caye
- St. George’s Caye
- Glover’s Reef Atoll
- Ranguana Caye
- Thatch Caye
Let’s dive deeper into each of these islands and the best things to do on each one. If you’re planning a trip to Belize and want to experience island life, or if you dream about a future trip to Belize, keep reading!
1. Ambergris Caye
Ambergris Caye is the largest Belizean island and one of the most popular destinations in Belize for tourists, and it’s easy to see why. The island is close to the Belize Barrier Reef, the second-biggest coral reef in the world, making it an unforgettable snorkeling and diving spot.
Despite being a popular tourist spot, Ambergris Caye still has a laid-back island vibe, which makes it the ideal getaway for those seeking excitement, relaxation, and sunshine.
Things to do:
- Enjoy San Pedro Town. Going to the beach when you arrive on Ambergris Caye may be tempting, but San Pedro Town is also worth exploring. This town is the island’s largest concentration of stores and restaurants. For the best experience, rent a golf cart, the island’s primary source of transportation, and zoom around town in search of the best seafood (you’ll be hard-pressed to find anything less than absolutely delicious).
- Treat yourself at Belize Chocolate Company. This chocolate company is located in the heart of San Pedro and uses organic Belizean cacao to make treats you won’t soon forget.
- Go snorkeling! No visit to Ambergris Caye is complete without snorkeling. Because the Belize Barrier Reef is so close, you’ll be able to see diverse marine habitats and sea creatures such as sea turtles, sting rays, sea cucumbers, and nurse sharks. If you’re a certified diver, you won’t want to miss the Great Blue Hole.
2. Caye Caulker
Those seeking a relaxing island getaway that’s more secluded than what you’ll find on Ambergris Caye will love Caye Caulker, a tiny island without cars, and their only traffic sign instructs golf cart drivers to “go slow.” Go slow is the motto of this island, where if you walk too fast, you may get chastised by locals.
On this island, the days slink by to the beat of reggae, and you can easily spend day after day relaxing on the beach, eating seafood, sunbathing, and swimming.
Things to do:
- Get boozy at Sip N Dip. Go ahead and buy a bucket of beer and then relax on a swing in the sea, a hammock over the water, or an inner tube.
- Kayak around the island. Caye Caulker is tiny, so it’ll take a few hours to kayak completely around the island. There are several places where you can rent a kayak, and the water is flat and easy to navigate. Then, you can brag to your friends at home that you kayaked around an entire island; just don’t mention its size!
- Snack on jerk chicken. Jerk chicken is the island’s most popular food, so you’d miss out if you didn’t indulge. Don’t forget the coconut rice and rum punch!
3. Tobacco Caye
Tobacco Caye is a small and affordable island, so even those on tight backpacker budgets can enjoy this island paradise. This island is the perfect opportunity to disconnect and decompress, but this isn’t the best choice if you’re looking for luxury and busy nightlife.
This island is just over three acres long, which makes it the size of two football fields. There’s only a permanent population of twenty people and only three to five guesthouses, so if you’re seeking seclusion, Tobacco Caye may be your ideal destination.
Things to do:
- Go diving for a one-in-a-lifetime experience. If you’re certified to dive, you’re in luck. Tobacco Caye is an excellent opportunity to explore Belize Barrier Reef and search for island stingrays.
- Go fishing. If you acquire a fishing permit, you can try to catch your dinner or spear a lionfish.
- Admire the murals. Many of the buildings on Tobacco Caye boast Garifuna-inspired murals, so you can spend some time exploring the island and trying to pick a favorite mural.
4. Turneffe Atoll
This island is only twenty miles off the coast of Belize City, so it’s relatively easy to get to by boat or chartered plane. The island is part of the Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve, the largest reserve in Belize. This reserve is a good choice for travelers who don’t want to splurge on an overly-luxurious resort but also want something less rugged than the accommodations on more secluded islands.
Things to do:
- Visit the Elbow. The Elbow is a famous diving site off the coast of Turneffe Atoll. The steep drop-off is home to eagle rays, snappers, and more. Remember that the Elbow is a difficult diving spot because of the strong currents, so you should only go if you’re an advanced and experienced diver.
- Go fly-fishing. You can attempt to achieve a “Grand Slam” by catching a bonefish, a tarpon, and a permit in one day.
- Spend some time birdwatching. This island is home to more than sixty bird species, including osprey and the great-breasted mango.
5. Snake Cayes
The Snake Cayes comprises four islands: West Snake, Middle Snake, East Snake, and South Snake. The area got the name ‘Snake Cayes’ because, at some point, many boa constrictors lived on the islands. Don’t let that scare you, though! Nowadays, there are far fewer boa constrictors and more opportunities for relaxation and fun.
Unlike many other islands on this list, the Snake Cayes are inside the Port Honduras Marine Reserve and have fantastic coral that is not part of the Belize Barrier Reef. The only way to reach these secluded islands is by a private boat charter or water taxi.
Things to do:
- Enjoy the beach at West Snake Caye. If you’re seeking an idyllic beach landscape, including pristine aquamarine water and white sand, West Snake Caye is the best place to go. The other Snake Cayes are swampy and full of mangroves, so they aren’t as picturesque.
- Go kayaking from island to island. If you want to see all four islands, rent a kayak and make your journey! It is best to attempt this feat early in the morning because the waters get more choppy as the day continues.
6. South Water Caye
South Water Caye is one of the loveliest islands in Southern Belize. It is slightly larger than Tobacco Caye, but it has a similar feel and is best for travelers seeking solace. If you only want to visit for a day trip, you can arrange this from Hopkins or Dangriga.
If you plan on staying on the island, the best way to get there is by chartered boat from Dangriga. The boat ride is only forty minutes.
Things to do:
- Visit South Water Caye Marine Reserve. Depending on your preference and what you want to see, you can snorkel, kayak, dive, or fish in this reserve.
- Go fishing–sustainably! The inner and outer reefs of South Water Caye are great fishing spots, and an expert from the island can teach you how to fish without damaging the environment and the habitats of marine life. You can try deep-sea fishing or spearfishing.
7. George’s Caye
This island is just eight miles away from Belize City and only has a permanent population of twenty people. The town on the island, also called St. George’s, was the first capital of Belize before the massive growth of Belize City. The island is home to a few private residences and a resort called St. George’s Caye Resort.
Things to do:
- Stay at St. George’s Caye Resort. This resort is ideal for a rustic, private getaway and features twelve cabanas, each with a king-size bed, air conditioning, bathroom, and hammock. There are also overwater, oceanfront, and tropical garden cabanas for extra options.
- Learn how to windsurf. St. George’s Caye Resort features free windsurfing instruction with every reservation. If you want an adrenaline rush in one of the most beautiful places in the world, this is the way to go!
- Unwind at the Island Spa. The spa offers manicures, massages, pedicures, body scrubs, and facials. If you’d like to get pampered, the Island Spa has you covered.
8. Glover’s Reef Atoll
This remote atoll is popular for eco-tourists because the lagoon is home to a diverse marine ecosystem and forms part of the Glover’s Reef Marine Reserve, which protects over eight hundred patch reefs. These patch reefs are also a nursery and feeding ground for marine wildlife, including fish, sea turtles, sharks, and rays.
Things to do:
- Go snorkeling or diving. Glover’s Reef is home to more than five hundred species of fish and two hundred types of coral. Experienced snorkelers can venture to undersea walls and water channels to see what they find.
- Unwind with some yoga. If you visit Glover’s Reef Basecamp, there are complimentary yoga sessions you can enjoy while looking at the beautiful Caribbean sea view. It’s also a great form of exercise, which can help you feel better if you spend all day relaxing and drinking beer in a hammock.
- Try to catch a barracuda. If you go fly-fishing on Glover’s Reef, there’s a decent chance you’ll catch a barracuda! You can also catch tarpon and bonefish.
9. Ranguana Caye
This private island is only two acres big and is only accessible through private boat charters. You can also take a day trip to the island from Placencia. Only three cabanas are available for overnight visitors, each with a king-size bed, a twin bed, and a private bathroom.
The island is open all year, but you’ll need to make a reservation in advance to stay overnight. If there is any inclement weather, Ranguana Caye is inaccessible.
Things to do:
- Drink some cocktails at Bully’s Beach Bar. This popular spot on the island is ideal for enjoying delicious drinks and admiring the island’s beauty. You can also enjoy some delicious barbecue at the bar. If you’re feeling bold, try giving the shot ski a try.
- Go paddle boarding. This water sport is an everyday activity on this island because it’s a great way to be active, enjoy yourself, and socialize. Because there are only three cabanas, you’re likely to get to know anyone else on the island with you so that you can have a blast paddle boarding with your new friends!
What are the Best Islands to Visit in Belize for Beautiful Beaches?
When seeking the most beautiful beaches Belize has to offer, don’t miss out on a visit to Ambergris Caye. With its stunning white sandy beaches and clear turquoise waters, it’s a perfect destination for beach lovers. Another must-visit island is Caye Caulker, known for its laid-back vibe and picturesque beaches.
10. Thatch Caye
Thatch Caye is home to Thatch Caye Resort, which is an all-inclusive resort with overwater bungalows and island cabanas that has the island to itself. Only thirty guests are allowed at the resort at a time, so you’ll have the privacy and relaxation you need.
The peaceful atmosphere and beaches make it the perfect place to disconnect from the outside world. There’s only WiFi in certain areas, but I recommend taking a digital break and embracing tropical island living.
Things to do:
- Go on a lobster or conch hunt. The resort offers the opportunity to travel around the island and snorkel in search of lobster or conch that you’ll eat for dinner. Not only do you get the chance to see the incredible marine wildlife, but you also get to catch your dinner!
- Take the stargazer’s cruise. The resort offers an hour-long cruise around the island at night, so you can enjoy the night sky with a loved one while sipping champagne.
- Use the complimentary bicycles to ride around the island. The resort has ten bicycles available for rent, and with your bike, you can cruise around the private island and see everything it offers. The bicycles also allow you to feel the island breeze in your hair!
