Why these Two Cayes Are Among Travel + Leisure Readers’ 5 Favorite Islands

by Khaila Gentle

Travel + Leisure readers have chosen their favorite resorts, cities, islands, national parks, and more for 2023, and Belize has been getting some well-deserved love. A T+L World’s Best Awards hall of famer, the ever-popular Ambergris Caye is number two on the list of Readers’ 5 Favorite Islands in Mexico and Central & South America for this year. Meanwhile, embodying the phrase “big things come in little packages” beautifully, the island of Caye Caulker sits at number three. What makes Belize’s two northern islands so alluring to Travel + Leisure readers? Keep reading to find out.

Travel + Leisure Readers’ 5 Favorite Islands in Mexico and Central and South America of 2023

2. Ambergris Caye: Belize

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 85.70

Belize’s biggest island is well-known as the place to go for superlative diving and snorkeling, notes Travel + Leisure. This is especially true thanks to the island’s proximity to the Belize Barrier Reef and the Great Blue Hole. Enjoy watching the waves lap against the world’s second-longest coral reef right off the coast of this 25-mile-long gem.

3. Caye Caulker: Belize

Reader Score: 83.88

Paddle boarding in Caye Caulker. Photo by the Belize Tourism Board
Photo by Kevin Quischan

Ambergris Caye’s calmer – and much smaller – cousin, the island of Caye Caulker radiates its popular “go slow” motto. One Travel + Leisure reader praised the island for its laid-back vibe, friendly people, and great food. Meanwhile, another recommended tarpon feeding, and simply kicking back and enjoying “cheap and delicious barbecued lobsters on the beach.”

Similar: These Belize Resorts Are All 2023 Tripadvisor Travelers Choice Winners

About Travel + Leisure’s Worlds Best Awards

sunset San Pedro roeming belize ambergris caye

Ambergris Caye, Belize. Photo courtesy ROEming Belize

The T+L World’s Best Awards lists the best of the best in hospitality, all chosen by reader votes. The awards encompass a wide range of categories, including cities, resorts, transportation, islands, national parks, and even tour operators.

It’s one of the travel industry’s most trusted rankings. Readers vote based on a number of characteristics that they can rate as excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor. They chose their favorite islands based on natural attractions/beaches, activities/sights, restaurants/food, people/friendliness, and value.

Similar: The 3 Belize Resorts That Made Travel + Leisure Readers’ Favorite Resorts in Central America

While the number one spot went to the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador, Isla Mujeres in Mexico and Roatan in Honduras rounded out the top five list.

Keep an eye on our blog and social media channels as we continue to share on how Belize has done in the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2023.

Featured Photo by Belize My Travels / Kevin Quischan PhotographyRead the full list of Travel + Leisure Readers’ 5 Favorite Islands in Mexico and Central and South America of 2023 here. 

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