Lebawit Lily Girma - Moon Belize Cayes: Including Ambergris Caye & Caye Caulker

South Water Caye

On my connecting flight to Ambergris Caye, the plane was full and I was seated next to the pilot. In a matter of minutes, the cockpit views of Belizes Caribbean coastline overshadowed my angst about flying in a puddle jumper. Surrounded by a vast expanse of sapphire and jadesea and reefwe soared over one speck of land after another. Mangrove clumps gave way to larger plots brimming with white sand and coconut trees. Today, these same aerial views still take my breath away.

Belizes cayes are everyones deserted island fantasy come true. While the Belize Barrier Reef is the countrys best-known asset, more than 200 islands are scattered along the countrys shoreline. They range from uninhabited plots to coral isles offering cozy cabanas, postcard-worthy beaches, and utter seclusion. Others, like Laughing Bird Caye National Park, are protected sites where rangers stand ready to receive day-trippers.

The Northern Cayes are the most visitedAmbergris being the only caye with paved roads and carsnot least for their wide array of tourist amenities and proximity to Belize City. Those who venture off the tourist trail and head south, just an additional one- to two-hour journey, are rewarded with the most spectacular Caribbean scenery. Tobacco Cayes rustic, overwater cabanas, Ranguana Cayes charming cottages, and Glovers Reefs adventure campsites all offer idyllic island getaways. Renting an entire caye is a distinct possibility on Coral Caye or remote Lime Caye.

pelican at Ranguana Caye

snorkeling at Caye Caulker Marine Reserve

a boat at the Silk Cayes

A stones throw from the cayes, a symbolic white line of surf signals the reefs entrancea happy sight for divers and snorkelers who find their bliss in marine reserves teeming with giant corals, sponges, and colorful fish.

Regardless of your chosen island, spend your days alfresco: sailing, feasting on fresh catch, swimming alongside rays and turtles, gazing at blue skies. Or master the sweet art of doing nothing.

waters teeming with coral formations

diver hovering at South Water Caye.

Billy Barquedier National Park

Diving and Snorkeling: The Belize Barrier Reef, the second longest in the world, is filled with over 300 species of fish and myriad opportunities for novice and expert divers and snorkelers. Explore the countrys nine marine reserves and three coral atolls (

Caye Hopping: Belizes offshore plots range from vibrant, populated islands such as Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye to isolated escapes such as South Water Caye and diving-friendly favorites like the Silk Cayes.

Belizean Cuisine: Local dishes and drinks are a treat, from Kriol ().

Fishing: Belize is a major destination for anglers who head here every year for The Grand Slam ().

Half Moon Caye National Monument: Home to more than 4,000 red-footed boobies and 120 other species, this crescent-shaped island on Lighthouse Reef Atoll also offers a spectacular beach and offshore dive sites, including the Blue Hole ().

Beaches: Experiencing an idyllic stretch of sand is part of the Belize experience ().

Dreamy Getaways: Whether youre interested in a romantic rendezvous (), Belize has enticing options.

Glovers Reef Atoll: This 80-square-mile coral ring offers dive sites with stunning visibility and marinelife, not to mention excellent fishing ().