The Belize Cayes
The cayes (pronounced ‘keys’) are islands and/or mangroves located between the mainland and the barrier reef, on the barrier reef, and on or within the barrier reef perimeters of the offshore atolls. Although the mangrove cayes are normally uninhabitable for humans, they do provide an ideal habitat for birds and marine life. The island cayes, which are distinguishable by their palm trees, have provided the foundation for the development of many fine resorts to serve watersports enthusiasts and marine naturalists.
Ambergris Caye, with its many beaches and the fishing village of San Pedro, is the most popular tourist destination. Along with the other Cayes, it is a paradise for divers with access to one of the most unspoilt coral reefs in the world; Hoi Chan Marine Reserve is a popular dive site where southern stingray and nurse sharks can be observed in shark ray alley. Situated 58km (36 miles) north of Belize City, it is accessible by daily scheduled air flights and boat transfers. Caye Caulker has an extensive underwater cave system which has made it popular with divers, whilst those who wish to explore the reef without getting wet can see photographs of reef fish at the museum. On Half Moon Caye at Lighthouse Reef is the Red-Footed Booby Bird Sanctuary, founded in 1982 to protect the booby and other birds and animals. There are many other Cayes with facilities for those interested in fishing, diving and seeing wildlife.
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