Lonely Planet Belize

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• Publisher: Lonely Planet
• Year: 2019
• Print ISBN: 9781786574923
• eBook ISBN: 9781788685009

Northern Cayes

Ambergris Caye

Caye Caulker

Other Northern Cayes

Cayo Espanto

Turneffe Atoll

Lighthouse Reef

Half Moon Caye

Long Caye

Northern Cayes

Why Go?

Daydream a little. Conjure up your ultimate tropical island fantasy. With more than 100 enticing isles and two amazing atolls, chances are that one of Belize’s northern cays can match this dream and make it a reality.

If you imagined stringing up a hammock on a deserted beach, there is an outer atoll with your name on it. Pining to be pampered? You can choose from an ever-growing glut of ritzy resorts on Ambergris Caye. San Pedro is prime for dancing the night away to a reggae beat, while Caye Caulker moves at a slower pace.

But the islands are only the beginning: only a few miles offshore, the Belize Barrier Reef flourishes for 190 awe-inspiring miles, offering unparalleled opportunities to explore canyons and coral, to come mask to snout with nurse sharks and stingrays, and to swim with schools of fish painted every color of the palette.

When to Go

Dec–Apr Peak tourist season, with warm, wonderful weather and much higher prices for accommodations.

Jun–Jul Opening of lobster season, which is celebrated with much fanfare on Ambergris and Caye Caulker.

Aug San Pedro holds Belize’s biggest street party, the International Costa Maya Festival.

Best Places to Eat

A Hidden Treasure, San Pedro

A Hibisca by Habaneros, Caye Caulker

A Wild Mango’s, San Pedro

A Robin’s Kitchen, Ambergris Caye

A Il Pellicano, Caye Caulker

Best Places to Stay

A Matachica Beach Resort, Ambergris Caye

A Jungle Cocoon, Caye Caulker

A Ak’bol Yoga Resort, Ambergris Caye

A Sea Dreams Hotel, Caye Caulker

A Caye Casa, San Pedro

Northern Cayes Highlights

1 Ambergris Caye Availing yourself of the amazing aquatic activities – from sailing and paddleboarding to snorkeling and diving.

2 Caye Caulker Relaxing in a hammock or at the beach, resetting your internal clock to the island’s languid rhythms.

3 Lighthouse Reef Descending into the darkness of the Blue Hole Natural Monument and exploring the nearby reefs and swim-throughs.

4 Shark Ray Alley Snorkeling alongside a wriggling pile of nurse sharks and stingrays.

5 Half Moon Caye Spying a rare red-footed booby on this castaway-cool cay.

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Table of contents

• Table of Contents
• Welcome to Belize
• Belize’s Top 22
• Need to Know
• First Time Belize
• If You Like…
• Month by Month
• Itineraries
• Diving & Snorkeling
• Belize Outdoors
• Travel with Children
• Regions at a Glance
• Belize District
• Northern Cayes
• Northern Belize
• Cayo District
• Southern Belize
• Tikal & Flores, Guatemala
• Understand Belize
• Belize Today
• History
• Ancient Maya
• People of Belize
• Rhythms of a Nation
• Belize Cuisine
• Wildlife
• Land & Environment
• Directory A–Z
• Transportation
• Behind the Scenes
• Our Writers