Information
Landmark: Tobacco CayeCity: Punta Gorda
Country: Belize
Continent: North America
Tobacco Caye, Punta Gorda, Belize, North America
Overview
Tobacco Caye, a tiny gem off Belize’s southern coast, sits within the South Water Caye Marine Reserve-a UNESCO World Heritage Site-where turquoise water laps gently at its sandy shore.This five-acre island, with its easygoing vibe, crystal-clear shallows, and vibrant coral reefs, draws nature lovers, snorkelers, and anyone eager to leave the noise of daily life far behind.Just 10 miles off the coast from Dangriga, Tobacco Caye feels both close and wonderfully remote, its quiet shores set within the dazzling Belize Barrier Reef-the world’s second-largest reef system.Beneath the turquoise surface, coral gardens burst with color, sheltering parrotfish, rays, and the occasional sea turtle, drawing snorkelers, divers, and underwater photographers from all over.With no cars and mostly solar power, the island moves at an easy pace, offering just a handful of places to stay and an intimate, eco-friendly vibe.A small local community greets visitors with warm Belizean hospitality and freshly caught seafood.Step off the beach into clear water to snorkel the nearby reef crest or sea grass beds, dive the South Water Caye Marine Reserve with a local guide, or paddle a kayak along the shimmering horizon.Hammocks sway in the shade for lazy afternoons, while fishing trips and pier casting invite a quieter thrill.You can reach the island by boat in 30 to 45 minutes from Dangriga.You can reach Tobacco Caye by water taxi or private charter, and many places to stay will even arrange your ride from the mainland.The island has just a few eco-lodges and small guesthouses-like Tobacco Caye Paradise and Reef’s End Lodge-simple but welcoming, often with meals included.Expect fresh-caught seafood, Belizean favorites, and sweet slices of pineapple served at long communal tables, where conversation flows as easily as the sea breeze.Visit between November and April for calm water and plenty of sun.Because the caye sits inside a marine reserve, guests are asked to travel lightly on the environment-think reef-safe sunscreen and packing out trash.Nearby, you can kayak through mangroves in the South Water Caye Marine Reserve, dive the vibrant walls of Glover’s Reef Atoll, or explore Dangriga, the Garifuna cultural heart on the mainland.It’s a small slice of Belize where adventure, quiet, and natural beauty meet.You might spend your days snorkeling over bright coral, gliding alongside a curious sea turtle, or dozing in a hammock while palm fronds whisper overhead, but whatever you choose, this small island serves up a rare kind of paradise.
