What are the main atolls in Belize?

Belize has three of the four atolls in the Western Hemisphere: Turneffe Atoll, Glovers Reef Atoll, and Lighthouse Reef Atoll.

Is there cell service or Wi-Fi on the outer cayes?

Most larger resorts offer Wi-Fi, though some remote cayes have limited service or offer a deliberately unplugged experience.

How deep is the Great Blue Hole?

The Blue Hole is over 400 feet deep. Divers typically descend to 100–130 feet to see ancient stalactites and reef sharks, while snorkelers explore the coral ring near the surface.

Can beginners join this tour?

Yes, snorkelers are welcome with basic swimming ability. Divers must be certified. Due to the distance and open-sea conditions, this tour is best for guests comfortable on boats and in the water.

What marine life can I see?

You may spot reef sharks, sea turtles, eagle rays, groupers, parrotfish, and angelfish—plus a wide variety of coral species and sometimes dolphins.

What’s included in the price?

The tour includes boat transport, breakfast, lunch, snorkel or dive gear, park entry fees, and guide services. We do not publish prices online—custom quotes are provided based on group size and departure point.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Children aged 10+ with good swimming skills may join as snorkelers under adult supervision. We recommend this tour for families with older children or teens.

Bring a towel, swimsuit, dry clothes, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, camera/GoPro, and optional seasickness medication. A full gear list is provided upon booking.

How far is the Blue Hole from San Pedro?

The boat ride takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours each way, depending on sea conditions. The full trip duration is about 10–12 hours.

Can I book this tour privately?

Yes! We offer private charters for couples, families, photographers, or dive groups. Contact us to customize your experience.

Atolls and Outer Cayes Belize invite you to explore remote coral islands, luxury resorts, and vibrant marine life.

Atolls and Outer Cayes Belize: Dive, Relax, Explore

Q: How do you get to the outer cayes?

Access is typically by boat from coastal towns like Dangriga or Placencia, or by domestic flights to cayes with airstrips such as Ambergris, Caye Caulker, and Lighthouse Reef.

Q: What wildlife can I expect to see?

You may see sea turtles, eagle rays, dolphins, nurse sharks, red-footed boobies, frigatebirds, and a wide variety of reef fish and marine life.

Belize’s Most Pristine Island Escapes Discover Belize’s coral-ringed atolls and remote cayes, where the sea meets the sky, nature thrives, and marine adventures await in unspoiled tropical beauty.

Atolls & Outer Cayes Photo Gallery

Half Moon Caye in Atolls and Outer Cayes, Belize, with white sand beach, turquoise waters, and red-footed booby bird habitat

Peacock flounder camouflaged on the reef at Half-Moon Caye, Lighthouse Atoll, part of the Atolls and Outer Cayes, Belize

Scenic island with white-sand beaches and turquoise Caribbean waters — a perfect destination featured in Belize vacation packages for couples.

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Atolls & Outer Cayes Key Takeaways:

Home to three of only four atolls in the Western Hemisphere.
Hundreds of remote cayes and coral islands stretch along the coast.
World-renowned diving, snorkeling, fly fishing, and wildlife viewing.
Rare marine biodiversity: 70 coral species, 400+ fish species.
Includes iconic sites like the Blue Hole, Turneffe, Glovers Reef, and Caye Chapel.

Why Visit the Atolls & Outer Cayes?

Scattered like a string of shimmering pearls along Belize’s Caribbean coast, the Atolls and Outer Cayes offer some of the world’s richest and most remote marine ecosystems. These islands, both inhabited and untouched, create sanctuaries for rare wildlife and playgrounds for discerning travelers seeking diving, sailing, relaxation, and seclusion.

Here, luxury travelers find barefoot elegance and private island living. Adventure-seekers dive walls that plunge thousands of feet, snorkel over coral gardens, and fish flats teeming with bonefish and tarpon. Birdwatchers and nature lovers explore pristine sanctuaries, far from crowds, and close to nature.

1. CAYE CHAPEL – PRIVATE ISLAND LUXURY

Just 12 miles off Belize’s mainland, Caye Chapel is a 265-acre private island offering ultra-luxury with the Four Seasons Caye Chapel Resort and the Caye Chapel Golf & Ocean Club. It features:

The only 18-hole golf course in Belize
Beach clubs with pools, cabanas, and oceanfront dining
A vibrant, exclusive community for refined living
Easy airstrip access for seamless arrival

2. COCO PLUM CAYE – SECLUDED NATURAL CHARM

Located 30 minutes by boat from Hopkins, Coco Plum Caye is part of a three-island range, offering:

Intimate cabanas at the all-inclusive Coco Plum Island Resort
Kayaking to nearby snorkel sites and Man-O-War Caye bird sanctuary
Dolphins, manatees, and vibrant reef life just offshore
A tranquil, romantic setting ideal for couples

3. GLOVERS REEF ATOLL – MARINE BIODIVERSITY HOTSPOT

Once a pirate hideout, Glovers Reef is now a UNESCO-designated Marine Reserve with:

Over 750 coral patches within the lagoon
Remote eco-lodges, diving cabins, and thatched huts
The Middle Caye research center is operated by the Wildlife Conservation Society
Wall dives, shipwrecks, kayaking, and fly fishing

4. LIGHTHOUSE REEF ATOLL – HOME OF THE BLUE HOLE

The easternmost atoll, Lighthouse Reef, is iconic for:

The Blue Hole: a 410-foot-deep marine sinkhole famous worldwide
Half Moon Caye: Belize’s first protected natural monument
Red-footed booby bird colonies, nesting turtles, and coral gardens
Upscale dive resorts with villas and airstrip access

5. TURNEFFE ISLAND ATOLL – ANGLERS' & DIVERS' PARADISE

Located 25 miles east of Belize City, Turneffe is Belize’s largest atoll:

Over 70 world-class dive sites, including “The Elbow.”
Flats fishing, wall diving, and snorkeling in clear lagoons
Turneffe Flats and Turneffe Island Resort offer luxury lodging
Two historic lighthouses mark its northern and southern tips

6. SOUTH WATER CAYE – EASY ACCESS TO DIVE WALLS

Just 30 minutes from Dangriga, South Water Caye is:

Set atop Belize’s barrier reef for near-instant dive access
Home to Silversides and Black Beauty wall dives
Within Belize’s largest marine reserve (185 square miles)
Home to the Smithsonian Institute’s Carrie Bow Caye field station

7. TOBACCO CAYE – RUSTIC & VIBRANT ISLAND LIFE

A small five-acre island near South Water Caye Marine Reserve:

Excellent shore diving and world-class fly fishing
Accessible by daily boat from Dangriga
Relaxed vibe with eco-lodges like Reef’s End Lodge
Permit, bonefish, and tarpon-rich flats nearby

8. RANGUANA CAYE – THE EDGE OF PARADISE

A postcard-worthy 2-acre private island 18 miles from Placencia:

Three beach cabanas for overnight stays
The Edge of Paradise Bar & Grill
Snorkeling, sea turtle hatchings, and yacht moorings
A popular catamaran day stop for Southern Belize explorers

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Curious which island is right for your next escape?

Speak with a Belize-based travel planner to explore your options, customize your itinerary, and get advice from experts who live here.

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NAVIGATING BELIZE'S OUTER ISLANDS

Most cayes are accessible via private boat or commuter flights
Airstrips available on Ambergris, Caye Caulker, Lighthouse Reef, and Caye Chapel
Charter boats and catamarans available for multi-day island hopping

ISLAND TYPES & EXPERIENCES

Caye / Atoll	Highlights
Caye Chapel	Luxury private island, Four Seasons Resort, golf
Coco Plum Caye	Romantic cabanas, bird sanctuary, reef access
Glovers Reef	Eco-lodges, coral lagoons, marine reserve, diving
Lighthouse Reef	Blue Hole, Half Moon Caye, villas, booby birds
Turneffe Atoll	Diving, fishing, luxury lodges, remote reefs
South Water Caye	Easy dive access, marine reserve, research stations
Tobacco Caye	Shore diving, fly fishing, rustic island life
Ranguana Caye	Private cabanas, sea turtles, day trips from Placencia

THE ISLANDS' TRUE RHYTHM

Wake with the sun and the sound of waves on the shore
Snorkel or dive alongside eagle rays and colorful reef life
Kayak at golden hour or watch seabirds soar above
Savor fresh catch of the day with your feet in the sand
End each day with stargazing and the lull of the sea

Budget Overview

Private island resorts: US $350 to $1,200+/night
Diving & fishing tours: US $100–$300/day
Private charters & transfers: US $50–$500 depending on distance
Meals & drinks: US $30–$100 per person/day

Packing Essentials

Reef-safe sunscreen
Swimwear, rash guards, towel
Hat, sunglasses, water shoes
Light clothes + windbreaker
Dry bag, reusable water bottle, waterproof pouch

PLAN YOUR ISLAND ESCAPE

Best Time to Visit

Dry Season (Nov–Apr): Best visibility for diving and calm seas
Wet Season (May–Oct): Fewer crowds, lush scenery, summer turtle hatchings

Booking Tips

Book atoll lodges well in advance (especially Dec–Apr)
Confirm transfer logistics (boat or flight) for outer cayes
Ask about seasonal conditions (sargassum, sea turtles, diving visibility)

Book with Confidence

Whether you’re diving world-class reefs, unwinding at a private island cabana, or sailing from caye to caye, Belize’s Atolls & Outer Cayes deliver unmatched Caribbean luxury and adventure.

FAQs About Belize’s Atolls & Outer Cayes

🔳Can you stay overnight on the outer cayes?

Yes. Many cayes offer overnight lodging, ranging from luxury resorts (Caye Chapel, Turneffe) to eco-lodges (Glovers Reef, Tobacco Caye).

🔳 What is the best caye for diving?

Lighthouse Reef is best known for the Blue Hole and Half Moon Caye Wall. Turneffe and Glovers also offer world-class dive sites.

🔳 How do you get to the outer cayes?

Access is typically by boat from coastal towns (Dangriga, Placencia) or by domestic flights to cayes with airstrips (Ambergris, Caye Caulker, Lighthouse Reef).

🔳 Is there cell service or Wi-Fi?

Larger resorts offer Wi-Fi, though service may be limited or intentionally disconnected. Some outer islands have little to no signal.

🔳 What wildlife can I expect to see?

Expect sea turtles, eagle rays, dolphins, nurse sharks, frigatebirds, red-footed boobies, and tropical reef fish throughout the atolls and cayes.

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