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The Cayes
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Explore Belize’s Cayes for coral reefs, island villages, diving, seafood, sailing and relaxed Caribbean days across Ambergris Caye and beyond.

The Cayes are Belize’s scattered Caribbean islands, reef-fringed sandbars and low mangrove islets stretching along the country’s coast. They are not a single administrative district, but a travel region united by the Belize Barrier Reef, warm shallow waters and a maritime culture shaped by fishing, seafaring and tourism. Ambergris Caye, the largest island, lies in the north and is anchored by San Pedro, while smaller islands extend south towards the offshore atolls and reef systems.
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San Pedro is the Cayes’ busiest settlement, with a broad range of accommodation, restaurants, dive centres and water excursions. Its streets and lanes lead from a lively town waterfront towards quieter southern and northern stretches of beach, although the island’s coastline is varied rather than uniformly sandy. Caye Caulker, closer to Belize City, has a more compact settlement and a slower pace, with sandy lanes, small guesthouses, casual restaurants and easy access to snorkelling and sailing. Its well-known Split is a narrow waterway separating the principal inhabited areas and a popular place to swim and watch the sunset.
Beyond these two islands, the character of the Cayes becomes markedly more remote. South Water Caye and Tobacco Caye offer small-island stays close to coral reefs, while Glover’s Reef and Lighthouse Reef are largely approached by organised boat trips or liveaboard vessels. Lighthouse Reef includes Half Moon Caye and the Great Blue Hole, a deep marine sinkhole renowned among experienced divers. Turneffe Atoll, the largest coral atoll in Belize, is an extensive network of mangroves, flats and reefs with limited development and important marine habitats.
The sea governs daily life here. Snorkelling, scuba diving, fly-fishing, kayaking, sailing and wildlife excursions are central experiences, with coral gardens, seagrass beds, mangrove channels and open-water drop-offs each supporting different ecosystems. Reef visits are also an opportunity to understand the conservation work protecting Belize’s marine environment, including marine reserves and no-take zones. Conditions vary by season, wind and location, so excursions are best chosen with local operators familiar with the water.
Food in the Cayes reflects Belize’s Caribbean and coastal identity: fresh fish, lobster when legally in season, conch, shrimp, rice and beans, stewed dishes, ceviche and grilled seafood appear alongside Creole, Mestizo and international influences. Evenings are generally relaxed, centred on waterfront restaurants, beach bars, live music and small-town social life rather than large-scale clubbing. The Cayes reward an itinerary that combines one of the lively inhabited islands with time on the water and, where logistics permit, a quieter caye or protected reef environment.

When is the best time to visit The Cayes?

Best: January–March · 27–29°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January (best)2775
February (best)2870
March (best)2965
April3070
May31105
June31175
July31185
August31195
September31205
October30185
November29145
December28105

Getting to and around The Cayes

How to get there

International visitors normally arrive through Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport on the Belize mainland, outside the Cayes, and continue by domestic flight or road transfer to a water-taxi terminal in Belize City. Regular water-taxi services connect Belize City with San Pedro on Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker, with onward connections sometimes available to other islands or coastal destinations. San Pedro and Caye Caulker also have domestic airstrips served by scheduled internal flights from mainland Belize and between the islands, although routes and baggage conditions can change. Access to smaller cayes, including South Water Caye and Tobacco Caye, generally requires a pre-arranged boat transfer from the mainland or a nearby coastal town.

Transportation

Water taxis and small domestic aircraft are the main links between the mainland and the larger inhabited cayes. San Pedro has golf carts, bicycles, taxis and some private vehicles, while Caye Caulker is compact enough for walking and cycling to cover most visitor areas. Golf carts and bicycles are also used on parts of Ambergris Caye, but road surfaces and weather can vary away from the main settlement. Smaller islands usually have no public transport and may offer only walking or accommodation-based boat transfers. Boat excursions are the practical way to reach marine reserves, offshore atolls and dive sites; sea conditions can affect departure times.

Top city travel guides in The Cayes

The cities of The Cayes, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Best attractions in The Cayes

The Cayes’ principal attractions are marine rather than monumental. Ambergris Caye provides access to Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley, where guided snorkelling and diving trips explore coral, seagrass and shallow marine habitats. Caye Caulker is a convenient base for reef excursions and kayaking, while its Split is a familiar swimming and waterfront gathering point. South Water Caye Marine Reserve, Tobacco Caye and nearby reef islands offer smaller-scale stays and easy access to coral environments, although facilities and transfer arrangements are limited. Farther offshore, Glover’s Reef and Turneffe Atoll are important destinations for diving, fly-fishing, kayaking and wildlife observation. Lighthouse Reef Atoll is associated with Half Moon Caye Natural Monument, a protected island with notable seabird habitat, and the Great Blue Hole, whose deep marine geology attracts experienced divers. Visitors should treat these places as living ecosystems rather than adventure playgrounds: currents, visibility, weather and conservation rules shape each excursion. On the inhabited cayes, additional attractions include fishing villages, waterfront walks, local galleries, boat trips through mangroves and the everyday activity of markets, docks and small restaurants.

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Best landmarks in The Cayes

The Cayes’ most recognisable landmarks are shaped by water, reef and settlement. The Split on Caye Caulker is a narrow channel dividing the island’s inhabited areas and has become one of its best-known geographic features. San Pedro’s waterfront, pier-lined streets and low-rise townscape express Ambergris Caye’s evolution from fishing village to Belize’s principal island tourism centre, although much of the built environment is contemporary. Offshore, the Great Blue Hole at Lighthouse Reef is the region’s defining natural landmark: a near-circular marine sinkhole whose dark blue profile contrasts with the surrounding shallow reef. Half Moon Caye, also within Lighthouse Reef, is notable for its protected island landscape and seabird habitat. The reef flats, mangrove islands and channels of Turneffe Atoll form a less immediately visible but geographically significant landmark, representing one of Belize’s largest marine atoll systems. In the southern Cayes, the low wooded profile of South Water Caye and Tobacco Caye demonstrates how small settlements occupy narrow strips of land surrounded by extensive protected waters.

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Best restaurants in The Cayes

Dining in the Cayes is closely connected to the sea and to Belize’s broader Caribbean, Creole, Mestizo and Central American influences. Grilled fish, shrimp, conch ceviche, rice and beans, stewed chicken, fresh salads and seafood tacos are widely encountered, while lobster appears during the legally permitted season rather than year-round. San Pedro has the widest range, from casual grills and cafés to hotel restaurants and more elaborate dining rooms, with menus that combine Belizean ingredients and international styles. Caye Caulker is known for informal waterfront eating, grilled seafood and relaxed cafés, while smaller cayes usually depend on set menus or pre-arranged meals at guesthouses and lodges. Local fruit, coconut, hot sauces and freshly prepared seafood add regional character, and rum-based drinks are common in island settings. Ask whether seafood is locally caught and check seasonal restrictions before ordering conch or lobster; responsible sourcing matters in a region where fishing communities and marine conservation are closely linked.

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Best bars in The Cayes

Evening life in the Cayes is generally informal and waterfront-focused rather than built around large nightclubs. San Pedro has the broadest choice of beach bars, rum bars, hotel lounges, restaurants with music and occasional venues offering dancing or live performances. Caye Caulker has a compact evening scene centred on casual bars, small restaurants, sunset gatherings and music, with activity varying by season and day of the week. On South Water Caye, Tobacco Caye and other smaller islands, nightlife usually means drinks at the accommodation, conversation with other travellers, stargazing or an early night after time on the water. Breweries, cocktails and Belizean rum feature alongside soft drinks and fresh juices, but alcohol is not necessary to participate in island social life. Confirm the return arrangements before joining an evening boat trip, and remember that remote-island services, sound levels and closing times are considerably more limited than in San Pedro.

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Best nightclubs in The Cayes

Evening life in the Cayes is generally informal and waterfront-focused rather than built around large nightclubs. San Pedro has the broadest choice of beach bars, rum bars, hotel lounges, restaurants with music and occasional venues offering dancing or live performances. Caye Caulker has a compact evening scene centred on casual bars, small restaurants, sunset gatherings and music, with activity varying by season and day of the week. On South Water Caye, Tobacco Caye and other smaller islands, nightlife usually means drinks at the accommodation, conversation with other travellers, stargazing or an early night after time on the water. Breweries, cocktails and Belizean rum feature alongside soft drinks and fresh juices, but alcohol is not necessary to participate in island social life. Confirm the return arrangements before joining an evening boat trip, and remember that remote-island services, sound levels and closing times are considerably more limited than in San Pedro.

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Best shops in The Cayes

Shopping in the Cayes is concentrated in San Pedro and Caye Caulker, where small boutiques, craft stalls, art galleries, beachwear shops and convenience stores serve both residents and visitors. Purchases commonly include locally made jewellery, carved items, paintings, woven goods, hammocks, reef-themed artwork and Belizean food products such as hot sauces, chocolate and rum. San Pedro offers the broader retail selection, including practical diving and beach equipment, while Caye Caulker’s shops are more compact and informal. Smaller islands generally have little or no independent retail, so bring toiletries, specialist equipment and suitable snacks before travelling there. Seafood should not be bought casually from unregulated sources, and shells, coral and other marine material should never be removed as souvenirs. For a more meaningful purchase, look for clearly identified Belizean-made crafts and ask about the maker or materials rather than assuming that every island-themed item originated locally.

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The Cayes essentials

Currency and Payment
The currency is the Belize dollar, written BZD. The Belize dollar is fixed at two to one against the US dollar, although visitors should confirm the exchange rate used by an individual business and check change carefully. Cards and contactless payments are commonly accepted by established hotels, dive centres and larger restaurants in San Pedro and Caye Caulker, but smaller establishments, boat operators and remote island accommodation may prefer cash. Carry Belize dollars in small denominations for tips, local transport, snacks and purchases on less developed cayes, while notifying your bank before travelling to avoid card restrictions.
Safety
Take ordinary precautions with valuables, especially around busy waterfronts, transport terminals and accommodation areas, and use secure storage where provided. The most distinctive risks are environmental: strong sun, dehydration, boat movement, slippery jetties, changing sea conditions and coral cuts. Follow dive and snorkelling briefings, use flotation equipment when advised and never stand on coral or approach marine animals. On Ambergris Caye, allow for uneven roads and cautious driving by golf-cart users; on smaller islands, respect private areas and accommodation boundaries. During hurricane season, monitor official weather information and follow instructions from local authorities or accommodation staff.
Emergency Situations
Belize uses 911 for police, fire and ambulance emergencies. On the water, notify the boat captain or excursion operator immediately and follow their emergency procedures; they are responsible for coordinating assistance with the relevant authorities. Dive operators should have established protocols for missing divers, decompression concerns and medical evacuation, so check what support is included before booking. Medical facilities and emergency resources are more limited on the smaller cayes than in mainland Belize or San Pedro, making travel insurance with medical and evacuation cover particularly sensible for diving, sailing and remote-island stays.
Do's and Don'ts
Do follow marine-reserve rules, keep clear of coral and wildlife, and take all rubbish back from uninhabited or lightly developed cayes. Do ask permission before photographing residents, private homes, fishing activity or children, and dress respectfully away from beaches and resort areas. Tipping is customary for good service in Belize, particularly for guides, boat crews and restaurant staff, but the amount is discretionary. Do not remove shells, coral or other marine life, and do not assume that a quiet-looking beach or mangrove island is open for unrestricted access. Queue politely for boats and allow local passengers and crews space when boarding.
Local Tips
San Pedro offers the broadest choice of accommodation, dining and excursions, while Caye Caulker is easier to explore without a vehicle and suits visitors seeking a smaller settlement. Arrange transfers to South Water Caye, Tobacco Caye and other outlying islands before arrival because services are limited and often tied to accommodation. Water visibility and wind vary by season, so choose activities flexibly rather than planning every day around a single snorkelling site. Ask guides about conservation contributions, fishing seasons and weather conditions, and remember that the Cayes are separated by water even when they look close on a map.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloHola[O-la]
GoodbyeAdiós[A-dee-os]
YesSí[See]
NoNo[No]
Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada[Por fa-vor/De na-da]
Thank youGracias[Gra-thias]
Excuse me/SorryPerdón[Per-don]
How are you?¿Cómo estás?[Ko-mo es-tas]
Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?[Bee-en. E tu]
Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?[A-blas in-glez]
I don't understandNo entiendo[No en-tien-do]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor[Me gus-ta-ria ver el me-nu, por fa-vor]
I don't eat meatNo como carne[No co-mo car-ne]
Cheers!¡Salud![Sa-lud]
I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor[Me gus-ta-ria pa-gar, por fa-vor]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!¡Ayuda![A-yu-da]
Go away!¡Vete![Ve-te]
Call the Police!¡Llama a la policía![Ya-ma a la po-li-cia]
Call a doctor!¡Llama a un doctor![Ya-ma a un doc-tor]
I'm lostEstoy perdido[Es-toy per-di-do]
I'm illEstoy enfermo/enferma[Es-toy en-fer-mo/en-fer-ma]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...[Me gus-ta-ria com-prar]
I'm just lookingSolo estoy mirando[So-lo es-toy mi-ran-do]
How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?[Cuan-to ques-ta]
That's too expensiveEso es muy caro[E-so es muy ca-ro]
Can you lower the price?¿Puedes bajar el precio?[Pwe-des ba-har el pre-cio]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?¿Qué hora es?[Ke o-ra es]
It's one o'clockEs la una[Es la u-na]
Half past (10)Y media (10)[Y me-dia]
MorningMañana[Ma-nya-na]
AfternoonTarde[Tar-de]
EveningNoche[No-che]
YesterdayAyer[A-yer]
TodayHoy[Oi]
TomorrowMañana[Ma-nya-na]
1Uno[U-no]
2Dos[Dos]
3Tres[Tres]
4Cuatro[Cua-tro]
5Cinco[Sin-co]
6Seis[Seis]
7Siete[Sye-te]
8Ocho[O-cho]
9Nueve[Nwe-ve]
10Diez[Dyez]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está un/una...?[Don-de es-ta un/una]
What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?[Cual es la di-rec-ción]
Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes mostrarme (en el mapa)?[Pwe-des mos-trar-me en el ma-pa]
When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?[Cuan-do es el pro-xi-mo]
A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (a ....)[Un bo-le-to a]

History of The Cayes

Maya Maritime Networks

Long before European settlement, Maya communities on the Belize mainland used the coast, lagoons and offshore islands as part of extensive trading networks. The cayes provided access to marine resources, salt, shell, fish and transport routes along the Caribbean coast. Archaeological evidence on the mainland and in coastal zones shows the importance of maritime exchange to Maya societies, although most of the low-lying cayes have not preserved large monumental settlements. Their position between the coast and open sea continued to make them strategically useful long after the Classic Maya period.

British Logwood and Coastal Settlement

From the seventeenth century, English-speaking logwood and timber cutters established a lasting presence in what became British Honduras. The cayes formed part of the coastal world that supported these activities, providing anchorages, fishing grounds and routes for small craft. Settlement remained scattered, and the islands were also used by fishers and maritime traders. British influence helped shape the English language and legal traditions that remain important in Belize, while the wider coastal population developed through interaction among Maya, African-descended, European and mixed communities.

Sailing, Fishing and the Colonial Coast

During the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, the cayes were closely tied to sailing, coastal transport and fishing rather than mass tourism. Residents harvested fish, conch and turtle, cultivated coconuts in suitable locations and supplied the mainland and passing vessels. San Pedro developed as a fishing settlement on Ambergris Caye, while smaller cayes supported modest communities or seasonal activity. These maritime occupations created practical knowledge of currents, reefs and weather that continues to influence the islands’ culture and local economy.

Coconut Production and Changing Island Economies

Coconut cultivation became significant on parts of the Belizean coast and cayes during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, producing copra and linking island communities to regional trade. Hurricanes, disease, changing prices and the limitations of small-island agriculture restricted its long-term importance. Fishing remained central, especially the harvesting of lobster and conch, but processing, transport and market access gradually changed the character of island livelihoods. Many present-day food traditions and boat-based practices reflect this earlier dependence on the sea.

Hurricane Hattie and Modern Belize

Hurricane Hattie struck Belize in 1961, causing catastrophic damage along the coast and prompting the colonial administration to move the capital from Belize City to the inland site of Belmopan. The storm also affected coastal and island communities, reinforcing the vulnerability of low-lying settlements to hurricanes, storm surge and flooding. For the cayes, the event remains part of a broader history of rebuilding after severe weather. Hurricane preparedness, sturdy construction and seasonal monitoring are consequently important aspects of contemporary island life.

From Fishing Villages to Marine Tourism

International interest in Belize’s coral reef, clear waters and diving expanded markedly in the late twentieth century. San Pedro and Caye Caulker developed accommodation, restaurants, water-sports businesses and transport links, while smaller islands and offshore reefs attracted specialist divers, anglers and conservation projects. Tourism did not replace fishing everywhere, but it became a major economic force and brought new pressures, including coastal construction, waste management and demand for freshwater. The modern Cayes therefore combine older maritime livelihoods with a service economy focused on marine recreation.

Marine Conservation and the Belize Barrier Reef

The growth of marine tourism coincided with stronger efforts to protect coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass and fish populations. Marine reserves and protected areas were established across the Belize Barrier Reef and offshore atolls, including Hol Chan, South Water Caye, Glover’s Reef, Turneffe Atoll and Lighthouse Reef. The Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1996. Conservation remains an evolving process, balancing livelihoods, tourism and the ecological sensitivity of a reef system exposed to warming seas, storms and coastal development.

The Cayes in Photos

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to The Cayes, Belize

Discover The Cayes like never before with Evendo, your 100% free app-based travel guide covering attractions, restaurants, tours, and more.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities
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Evendo is a free, comprehensive travel guide app designed to help you explore The Cayes, Belize with ease. Discover top attractions, restaurants, and book tours right from your phone.

  • History of The Cayes and travel essentials
  • Curated local tips for an authentic experience
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Welcome to Evendo, the ultimate travel companion for your trip to The Cayes, Belize. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, Evendo's extensive and detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities ensures you make the most of your stay.

Discover famous spots like the Great Blue Hole, a world-renowned dive site, or enjoy the vibrant local culture at the San Pedro Town. Savor delicious meals at top-rated restaurants such as Elvi's Kitchen and Hidden Treasure Restaurant.

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Additionally, Evendo offers features like the history of The Cayes, travel essentials, curated local tips, easy navigation through the app and the destination, and a 'Near Me' feature to see what's around you at any given time. And the best part? It's 100% free with no in-app purchases or hidden costs.

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