You may think coronavirus has canceled your beach vacation for good. However, Belize’s blue skies and warm temperatures almost all year round make it an idyllic location with a seemingly endless summer. Although, Belize is not your ordinary beach destination. The 185-mile Belize Barrier Reef hugs the country, from north to south, and protects over 200 cayes dotting the coastline. And in Southern Belize, the most pristine and uncrowded beaches await. If you are looking for where sand meets the sea, these small and undeveloped islands in the South make for the perfect day out. Get ready to pack your flippers and hit the sand at one of these stunning beaches of Southern Belize.
The Silk Cayes
Diving the Silk Cayes with Splash Dive Center. Photo by Carolee Chanona
The Silk Cayes are part of a network of uninhabited, undeveloped islands that form the Gladden Spit/Silk Cayes Marine Reserve. Though small, the island serves as the perfect base to enjoy Southern Belize, have a picnic, and bask in the sun. Up for an adventure? Go snorkeling. The Gladden Spit and Silk Cayes Marine Reserve (GSSCMR) is bustling with schools of fish and marine life as it covers roughly 26,000 acres of aquatic habitat. This tropical paradise makes for the perfect day out either from Hopkins or Placencia. Besides, the Silk Cayes are located roughly 22 miles East of Placencia or 30 miles East of Hopkins village.
Moho Caye
Moho Caye is a true paradise. On the island, you’ll find the simplicity of what an island should be — sun, sand, the sea, palm trees, and hammocks. Located 12 miles east of the Placencia Peninsula, it is a short 35-minute boat ride away, which makes it perfect for a day trip. Powdery-white sandy beaches allow you to walk straight into the crystal clear water. Moho Caye is located on the fringe of the Laughing Bird Caye National Park, where you can enjoy some of the best snorkeling in Belize. Not to mention, fly fishing is also very popular around the flats of this southern beach of Belize.
Laughing Bird Caye
Photo Courtesy: Diana Zetina
If you want to experience amazing diving and get your fix of enjoying a beautiful white sandy beach, Laughing Bird Caye is the place to be. Located 11 miles from the coast of Placencia, this stunning island is surrounded by breathtaking marine life. Receiving its name from the laughing gulls which once nested on this now-submerged atoll, this beautiful national park offers spectacular wall dives and ocean drop-offs perfect for advanced divers to explore the diverse marine environments.
Coral Caye
Photo Courtesy: Coral Caye
This is a very intimate island away from the hustle and bustle of the outside world, where your only neighbors will be the friends you travel with and the various species that inhabit the island. Located 8 miles out of Placencia Village; Coral Caye was once a fishing camp but has now been renovated to suit your luxury needs. They offer two cottages – Coral Cottage and the Seahorse Cottages, and the Great House. These can accommodate anywhere from two to ten guests. Coral Caye comes with caretakers that provide your morning coffee, fresh fruit, breakfast, lunch, and fresh-caught seafood dinner. For an extra fee, you can experience al-fresco massages, hire a private chef, pre-order grocery items, or make a special treat for any occasion.
Ray Caye
Photo Courtesy: Ray Caye
Ray Caye is a secluded island surrounded by small beaches that can be found in southern Belize. This island transmits a pure romance, making it perfect for a wedding, honeymoon, or a couples’ getaway. But that’s not all; you can also host yoga retreats, family/friends getaways, and so much more. This island hosts the Main House where guests can have their own room and a private deck; Oceanfront Cabañas open into small private beaches around the island. Facilities on the island include their restaurant ‘Lionfish Grill’ that serves Western and Belizean cuisine, as well as a full bar service for tropical cocktails. They also have their own PADI dive shop, with use of free kayaks and paddleboards.
Blue Marlin Lodge
Photo Courtesy: ROEming Belize Travel Agency
Blue Marlin Lodge, a boutique dive resort located on the beautiful South Water Caye, makes for the perfect tropical getaway. Enjoy the tranquil island vibe as you stay in a private cabana with sweeping views of the Caribbean Sea. Located atop the Belize Barrier Reef, snorkeling, diving, and fly-fishing adventures are seemingly at your doorstep. Vacationing at Blue Marlin Lodge ensures you’ll have an unforgettable experience with thrilling island adventures and make memories for a lifetime.
Getting There with Splash Dive Center
The best way to experience these islands is on a private or group charter. Visit Splash Dive Center to book your beach day today! However, if you’re looking for more than a day trip, visit these resorts in the South for the best of the beach and sun.
