Just a 35-minute boat ride from Dangriga, South Water Caye is an idyllic escape in Southern Belize. The 15-acre coral island is found within the South Water Caye Marine Reserve (SWCMR), Belize’s largest marine reserve at 117,875 acres. Additionally, the SWCMR is one-sevenths of Belize’s UNESCO World Heritage Site. Practically atop Belize’s barrier reef, South Water Caye has vast marine fauna, coral mounds, and vertical dive drops just minutes offshore. While its location makes it perfect for day trips from nearby coastal towns, South Water Caye’s quiet and peaceful atmosphere is best experienced for an overnight (or three).
South Water Caye Marine Reserve
The South Water Caye Marine Reserve (SWCMR) along with Gladden Spit Silk Cayes MR, Laughing Bird Caye MR and Sapodilla Cayes MR, make up the Southern Barrier Reef Complex. Designated in 1996, the SWCMR protects a total of 185 square miles of islands and their surrounding waters. Importantly, SWCMR was first recognized for its exceptional integrity of its marine ecosystems and its importance locally, regionally, and internationally. As such, this complex is considered one of the areas with the highest biodiversity in the entire Mesoamerican Reef region. Beside being Belize’s largest marine reserve, SWCMR is just 10 miles from the coastal towns of Southern Belize – perfect for day trips from Dangriga, Hopkins or Placencia. Notably, South Water Caye is located in the middle of the Marine Reserve.
Where to Stay
To truly experience the island, spend your days sunbathing in crystal-clear waters and lazying in colorful hammocks before welcoming the night stargazing. Peaceful panoramas and fuss-free accommodations are the beauty of staying at SWC.
Pelican Beach Resort
This charming island resort is located on 3 ½ acres of South Water Caye’s southern end. Described as “down-to-earth and unpretentious”, Pelican Beach Resort is a family-owned resort serving genuine Belizean hospitality since the 1970s. With all the amenities for your comfort, their SWC location is PCR Dangriga’s sister property, which handles all reservations on the mainland. SWC staff can then focus all efforts on their service, for instance.
Blue Marlin Beach Resort
This 5-acre, Belizean-owned retreat offers comfort and relaxation with any one of their 14 units. Named after the sport fish caught just in front of the island, Blue Marlin Beach Resort offers 180-views of the Belize barrier reef along with a full service PADI Dive Shop, island dining, relaxation, and top notch services.
What to Do
Staying on South Water Caye puts you within a 10-minute commute to exceptional diving. Specifically, for scuba and snorkel spots to meet colorful reef fish, graceful eagle rays, and curious groupers. Plus, both resorts offer dive trips out to the more remote sites east of the reserve, including Glover’s Reef Atoll. Alternatively, you can spend your day(s) swaying in hammocks strung between palm trees onshore the white-sandy beach. The benefit of an island getaway is its (welcomed) isolation. Not to mention, the Belize barrier reef is within an arm’s reach for all your snorkeling, swimming or sunbathing needs. If you’re looking for a tropical solitude, Belize’s laid-back South Water Caye will be waiting for you. Besides, this island is perfect for travelers seeking solace over crowds and relaxation over luxury.
Grid Photos Courtesy: Pelican Beach Resort - South Water Caye
