Belize is the perfect place to enjoy a beach vacation. In fact, there are as many beach resorts as there are unspoiled rainforests. With hundreds of miles of Caribbean coastline in addition to islands like Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker in the Caribbean Sea, finding a beach resort is easy. There are gorgeous beaches in Placencia and even near Hopkins, as well as the very popular San Pedro. However, both Ambergris Caye, which is where San Pedro is located, and Caye Caulker are becoming increasingly popular. Although just a short boat ride from Dangriga, smaller islands (and their island resorts) may be overlooked by travelers, like South Water Caye. Yet the Blue Marlin Beach Resort on this lovely island in the South is the perfect place to experience adventure.
What Makes South Water Caye Special
South Water Caye provides one of the most tranquil island escapes in all of Belize. Here, it’s great to just take off your shoes and relax, yet there are also many opportunities for adventure. The island itself is located in a fantastic location. It is just 14 miles from the coastal town of Dangriga and is in the center of the Belize Barrier Reef. It is the largest protected marine area in the country and provides a home for hundreds of species of fish as well as varieties of coral. For those who crave island hopping, Carrie Bow Caye is close by and easily accessible.
At the Blue Marlin Beach Resort, visitors can enjoy snorkeling right off the beach from this island resort as well as planning a variety of adventures on the mainland at Dangriga, or even offshore with deep-sea fishing and scuba diving. Kayaking and other water sports are available as well as chances for bird watching. And of course, the sunsets are amazing.
Enjoy Cozy Accommodations
The Blue Marlin Beach Resort encourages guests to relax in cozy, home-style accommodations. There are garden suites and cabanas as well as standard rooms, all with sea views. All accommodations include amenities such as A/C, a mini-fridge, hammocks and yoga mats, a coffee service, a ceiling fan, plenty of drinking water, as well as local furnishings and artwork.
Snorkeling Adventures
The waters around the resort provide the perfect opportunity for both swimming and snorkeling. The resort provides morning and afternoon snorkel trips on boats with a professional guide as well as a captain so you can enjoy exploring the immense and beautiful reef. You will encounter lush corals as well as species such as eagle rays, moray eels, sea turtles, and octopus as well as varieties of colorful tropical fish.
Some of the Best Diving in Belize
The Belize Barrier Reef offers the best scuba diving in Belize. Blue Marlin Beach Resort has the distinction of being the only PADI-certified Dive Resort (R-2354) operating on South Water Caye for over 20 years. Their professional divemasters will ensure an exhilarating yet safe adventure. You will encounter schools of fish and nurse sharks, sea turtles, moray eels, manta rays, and eagle rays along with wall dives just a few minutes from your room.
These spectacular wall dives and ocean drop-offs can be enjoyed twice a day, using single tank boat trips. Because Blue Marlin Beach Resort is a full-service PADI resort, PADI certification can be completed here and special courses and specialty dives are possible. For example, many scuba divers dream of exploring the renowned Blue Hole.
Fly-Fishing Adventures
Blue Marlin Beach Resort is located on an angler’s paradise. It’s only 120 feet from the Belize Barrier Reef, so it’s one of the best destinations in Belize for flats fishing, landing your bonefish, permit, and tarpon. Additionally, the western shore of South Water Caye provides access to a large seagrass lagoon set in exquisite turquoise waters. Here you’ll discover teeming coral shoals and pristine flats. In this picturesque setting, the angler will find huge schools of bonefish. Tailing these large schools of bonefish will provide hours of action for your fly rod. Set your own pace – it is literally just a few steps to wade to prime fishing locations situated close to your room.
Come as strangers – leave as friends. Photo courtesy Blue Marlin Beach Resort
If the tide allows, the resort’s expert guide can take you to the mangrove flats. Here, you can catch a 10-pound permit and tarpon up to 75 pounds. As you can see, Blue Marlin Beach Resort offers the best opportunities for adventure while also providing the relaxation and privacy you crave. Come enjoy this island resort that beckons on paradise in beautiful Belize just 14 miles from Dangriga.
All images courtesy Blue Marlin Beach Resort.
