The Cayes Holidays

What is the best option for a Cayes holiday in Belize?

There are thousands of islands, or cayes, along the coast of Belize, but our favourite, Ambergis Caye, is tucked up in the north of the country, in the Caribbean Sea just off the tip of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. San Pedro Town is the place to base yourself, mainly because it's the only inhabited part of the island, and the waters offshore are superb for both snorkelling and, of course, diving.

Ambergris Caye is a little more than 25 miles long and just over a mile wide in some places. San Pedro Town is the only inhabited area on the caye and our featured hotels are located along the shoreline up to 25 minutes' boat ride from here, or on a small neighbouring caye. This is a great base from where to go on diving tours or to take lessons, to go on organised snorkelling trips and to go fishing. Ambergris Caye is also a good starting point for any sailing trip.

About four miles off the southern tip of Ambergris Caye is the Hol Chan Marine Reserve; one of the most popular diving and snorkelling sites. Due to its protected status, what was once a depleted fishing area has now been allowed to re-generate, providing an important refuge for marine life along the northern section of the Belize Barrier Reef.