South Water Caye Belize
Frequently Asked Questions
At anchor offshore: the six-hectare caye has no pier. Landing is by tender, often barefoot, straight onto the shore.
Only a few pocket ships and expedition vessels stop here. It is a confidential call, out of reach of the big cruise ships.
Because the drop-off begins practically at swimming distance. You enter the water on the south side and immediately float over a garden of elkhorn coral, sea fans and barrel sponges. No boat, no schedule, no guide required.
Angelfish, turtles and stingrays above the coral. Biologists consider this stretch one of the best preserved on the Belize barrier reef.
Stay in the inner lagoon, calm and shallow. Expedition ship teams generally supply the gear and supervise entries into the water.
Morning, before the trade wind picks up: the surface often stays glassy and that is when regulars go in. Late afternoon, the low light turns the reef flat into a copper mirror.
Nearly 47,000 hectares of seagrass, mangrove and coral formations, one of the country's largest protected areas and part of the UNESCO World Heritage site covering the Belize reef.
Almost none. No roads, no vehicles: sand paths link a few discreet lodgings, hammocks and a handful of tables serving the catch of the day.
Reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and reef shoes. By midday, the shade of the coconut palms becomes the most sought-after commodity on the island.
Never stand on the living bottom, keep your distance from turtles, and take out any rubbish you come across. Rangers patrol the area regularly and will remind you if needed.
