Belize Cayes
The cayes are a vast collection of enticing islands and atolls strewn between mainland Belize and the Barrier Reef. Shrouded by mangrove forest or fringed with lofty palms, the sloping shelves of fine sandy beaches are gently lapped by the warm crystalline waters of the Caribbean Sea, conjuring up the quintessential vision of paradise.
Many of the cayes reside undisturbed, nestled in the vibrant guardianship of the Barrier Reef with whimsical names attributed to a distinguishing feature such as beauty; ‘Bread & Butter Caye’, its inhabitants; ‘Laughing Bird Caye’, or early founders; ‘St. George’s Caye’.
The Northern Cayes are by far the most developed with few failing to be enamoured by the laidback Caribbean ambience of Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker. Transport is by foot, golf cart or bicycle and tomorrow is merely ‘another day’.
Aside from the appeal of spending lazy afternoons cradled in a hammock slung effortlessly between coconut palms, snorkelling and diving pose the greatest attraction here. Dive with nurse sharks and sting rays in the depths of Shark Ray Alley, situated 4 miles southeast of San Pedro Town (Ambergris Caye) in Hol Chan Marine Park, or head to Turneffe Flats, an irresistible gateway to the Lighthouse Reef, regarded as one of the world’s most highly recommended dive sites. This outermost reef system gives easy access to Half Moon Caye and the famous Blue Hole. Less developed than the Northern Cayes, the Southern Cayes are home to Belize’s third atoll; Glovers Reef Atoll. Less crowded and largely unexplored, this oval-shaped atoll encircles a shallow lagoon dotted with more than 700 patch reefs.