About 14 miles offshore from the charming Garifuna town of Dangriga is South Water Caye, a picturesque island that could easily be mistaken for Neverland. Peppered with palm trees and blanketed in golden-hued sand steps away from the Belize Barrier Reef, South Water Caye makes it hard to leave. Thanks to Blue Marlin Beach Resort, you don’t have to.
Island resorts that don’t grace the silk-soft sand of Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye may be overlooked by first-time travelers. South Water Caye is the perfect example of a paradise lying in wait. While Blue Marlin Beach Resort has the essentials of island living — carefree vibes, barefoot fun, and a private beach — it also holds thrilling adventures up its sleeve. Blue Marlin creates a perfect balance between adventure and relaxation that results in one harmonious Belize vacation.
About South Water Caye
Aerial of South Water Caye, which constitutes the South Water Caye Marine Reserve. Image by Duarte Dellarole.
Many travelers may not know South Water Caye is actually a marine reserve. The area holds some of the most eclectic and vibrant marine life that is protected by the country of Belize. This makes it an ideal snorkeling location for day-trippers from the nearby coastal towns of Placencia, Hopkins, or Dangriga.
Adrenaline-Pumping Adventure
Stay & Sail at Blue Marlin
An island resort may conjure images of swaying palm trees, all-day lounging, and beach bumming — which is quite accurate for Blue Marlin Beach Resort. But there’s more to this Belize hotel than they let on. Being situated on a marine reserve has its perks, after all. Mainly the stunning snorkeling and diving adventures found moments away from the shore. What makes South Water Caye so special is that the snorkeling is beginner-friendly while offering underwater marvels for experienced divers as well. Blue Marlin’s licensed guides and boat captains offer an incredible experience for those wanting to see both the reef and nearby mangrove islands. Out here, you’ll spot corals, parrotfish, nurse sharks, sea turtles, moray eels, and more. Keep your eyes peeled for elusive manatees and dolphins as well.
Looking out onto Carrie Bow Caye from South Water Caye. Image courtesy Carolee Chanona
If you’d like a taste of above-water adventures, Blue Marlin also offers a Marine Reserve Discovery Tour where you’ll be introduced to the diversity and natural history of the iconic South Water Caye. Spot brown-footed boobie birds and many other bird species. As a bonus, the guides will take you to neighbor Carrie Bow Caye, a Smithsonian Research Station, where you’ll learn coral reef ecology.
Adventures for anglers are also easily found at Blue Marlin Resort. Whether you prefer deep sea fishing, reef fishing, or prefer the art of fly-fishing, the resort’s knowledgeable guides know all the best spots to catch a Grand Slam.
Restorative Relaxation
The perfect complement to an adventurous morning is a restful afternoon. Blue Marlin balances this beautifully as it is already in a paradisiacal location. You’ll relax almost without trying since just a glance outside your cabana’s window will bestow the tranquil scenery of the Caribbean Sea.
The home-style accommodations alone encourage guests to let go of all their worries and swing on multicolored hammocks. Even though it’s an island resort with the inklings of a deserted island, each room still boasts air conditioning, mini-fridges, and a ceiling fan.
To further the relaxation agenda, Blue Marlin has certified massage therapists on hand to treat you to some much-deserved pampering. You can relax either by the beach or on your own private veranda as skillful hands undo the kinks in your shoulders. Finish off the day with a restorative yoga session as the fiery Caribbean sunset dips below the horizon.
All-inclusive packages for all-inclusive fun
No traveler is the same, a fact reflected in the various packages Blue Marlin offers. Guests will be pleased to know they have their pick of a relaxation package, snorkeling package, fishing, or all of them combined. For group travel, Blue Marlin Beach Resort also offers packages for honeymooners or families looking to get together and celebrate. If you’re after a truly transcendent — and private — experience, you can buy out the whole resort! Check out their website to learn more.
