The Atolls and Outer Cayes

Belize

Resorts:

Turneffe Island Lodge on Turneffe Atoll
Blue Marlin Lodge on South Water Caye

Hundreds of idyllic Cayes, perfect for swimming, diving, snorkelling and fishing. The shimmering, clear turquoise and emerald green waters of the Caribbean surrounding the islets and barrier reef make swimming, scuba diving and snorkelling some of the best in the world. Anglers come from around the globe to cast on perhaps the most productive flats anywhere. Beyond the reef are Belize's 3 atolls: finger shaped coral isles surrounding lagoons. Belize is blessed with 3 of the 4 atolls in the Western Hemisphere and may of Belize's greatest diving sites are found around these enchanting atolls. Snorkelling is equally enchanting.

Turneffe Atoll is the largest of Belize's 3 atolls and the closest in distance to Belize City. It is home to pristine little Cayes cloaked in palms that encircle the crystal-clear lagoon waters. Spider-like mangrove limbs accented with brilliant red-and-yellow orchids abound in the lagoons. Inky blue waters plummet to thousands of feet not far outside the atoll. Only a few hundred yards from the reef, Turneffe offers world class fishing, diving and snorkelling. Although the atoll is best known for its wall-diving, many shallow sea gardens are excellent for snorkelling and diving inside the reef.

South Water Caye is perhaps Belize's most idyllic inhabited Caye. This amazing 15-acre coral island rests high atop the barrier reef. Drop-off diving is practically within swimming distance. Rarely visited by large groups of divers are Black Beauty and Silverside, two stand-out wall sites near South Water Caye. It is heavenly! Visitors are lulled into sleep by waves crashing onto the sugary white beaches at their doorstep.

St George's Caye is a tiny isle, where Spain made it last ditch effort to conquer Belize back in 1798. British settlers prevailed at the battle of St. George's Caye. Today the island is invaded for swimming, diving, snorkelling or just relaxing on the beach.