Tobacco Caye, Belize
Snorkel or dive directly from the shore into the Belize Barrier Reef
A slice of heaven is to be found at this hidden Central American Caribbean island paradise.
One of the biggest decisions to make on Tobacco Caye (pronounced key) is when to go snorkeling. The small one-acre island sitting atop the Belizean Barrier Reef is completely surrounded by the Caribbean Sea. The allure of Tobacco Caye is its proximity to the reef; more popular Cayes like Ambergris and Caulker don’t have “snorkel-in/out” or “dive-in/out” access. Here, there are no boats waiting to ferry you to a dive point, just put on your flippers, snorkel and mask whenever you want and you’re ready to explore the reef.
Tobacco Caye is full of resorts, but here resort means a few beach cabanas and a restaurant, that’s it. There are no spa services, no shops except the dive shop, no restaurants and the south end of the island is full of engines in various stages of repair.
It's a great relaxing getaway that's a little difficult to get to, but once you do, you might end up staying longer than you originally planned.
Getting there:
Houston is a gateway city to Belize with daily non-stop flights for around $400 on Continental and Taca Airways; flights are only two and a half hours.
Tobacco Caye takes patience and time to get to. There are buses from Belize City that go via Belmopan around 3 to 4 hours, around BZ $10. Also there are daily flights from Belize City to Dangriga, U.S. $54 one way on Tropic Air or Maya Airways.
From Dangriga you can catch a boat from the front of the Riverside Café, morning departures are more frequent, prices are U.S. $35 per person, takes 30 minutes.
Where to Stay:
Unless you go during high season, which is Christmas week through New Year’s Day, you can pretty much have your pick of where to stay. Most of the resorts offer some sort of discount if you stay longer than a certain number of nights, just ask them.
Tobacco Caye Lodge tel: 011-501-520-5033 or 011-501-227-6247, U.S. $100 a night for 2 people includes all meals. They also own the beach bar and employee Joe rakes the beach almost daily.
Gaviota Coral Reef Resort (not to be confused with Gaviota Reef Resort) another eco-lodge using solar power, tel: 501-509-5032, the most popular rooms are the cabanas over the ocean, U.S. $35 per person/night, all meals included.
What to do:
Besides snorkeling or diving, you can relax on a hammock, read books, play volleyball and just relax. There are no shops besides the dive shop. If there are enough people interested, boat excursions for diving and snorkeling will go to Glover’s Reef. There is the beach bar for drinks; Belikin Beer is BZ $5 or other bars at Gaviota Reef Resort or Ocean’s Edge Lodge offer loud techno music and pool.
Practical Information:
The Belize dollar is pegged 2 to 1 U.S. dollar. U.S. dollars are used interchangeably, for instance if you pay U.S.$20, you will get back your change in Belize dollars.
Belize is on Central Standard Time.
Health concerns:
The World Health Organization claims parts of Belize are malaria zones, so it’s wise to start a malaria prophylactic before your trip.
Good bug spray with a high percentage of DEET is also advisable.
Imodium or anti-diarrhea drugs are also handy, these are available in Belize but might not be available when you need it.
Other Carrbean island info: Bonaire, Dutch Antilles
