Why Honeymoon on South Water Caye
Most Belize islands put a lot of water between you and the reef. On Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker, snorkeling means a boat trip. On South Water Caye, the reef is the front yard. That changes the rhythm of a honeymoon. You can snorkel before breakfast, nap through the midday heat and go back in at golden hour when the fish are busy.
The island is also quiet in a way that bigger places cannot match. There is no traffic, no nightlife and very little to buy. Evenings mean a drink on the dock and dinner with the other guests.
For couples who like the water, it feels like having a private island without the private-island price. For couples who need variety, a few nights here pair well with Hopkins or Placencia on the mainland.
When to Go
Late December through April is the prime time. Skies are mostly clear, the trade winds keep the heat in check and visibility underwater is usually at its best. March and April tend to have the calmest seas, which matters on an island where everything depends on boat crossings.
May is hot and still fairly dry. The wet season runs from June into November, with the heaviest rain and the highest hurricane risk from August through October. Some lodges close for part of that period. Crossings from Dangriga can be rough or delayed on windy days in any season, so leave a buffer before international flights home.
Lobster season usually runs mid-June to mid-February. In spring, whale shark trips to Gladden Spit run from the southern coast and can sometimes be arranged from here.
Where to Stay
The island has only a few places to stay, so book early for the dry season. Most stays are all-inclusive packages that cover your room, three meals and boat transfers, with snorkel and dive trips either included or added.
- Pelican Beach Resort runs a set of cottages and rooms on the island, with transfers from its sister hotel in Dangriga.
- IZE Belize, an educational lodge that also hosts student groups, has simple cabins on the beach and offers a straightforward base for snorkelers.
- Blue Marlin Beach Resort focuses on diving, with cabanas over the water and on the sand.
Rooms are comfortable but not luxurious. Think wooden cabanas, hammocks and verandas facing the sea. Ask about air conditioning, hot water and power hours when you book, since these vary. If you want plunge pools and a full spa, look at Ambergris Caye or the private islands off Placencia.
Romantic Things to Do
- Snorkel from the beach. The best coral sits along the reef crest on the south and east sides, but check currents with your lodge first and always swim together.
- Dive the wall. The outer reef drops steeply into deep blue water, with sponges, sea fans and the chance of eagle rays and turtles.
- Kayak or paddleboard to the Pelican Cayes, a cluster of mangrove islands whose underwater roots are covered in sponges and soft coral.
- Take a boat past Man-O-War Caye, a bird sanctuary where magnificent frigatebirds nest and males puff up red throat pouches in the breeding season.
- Visit Tobacco Caye, an even smaller island nearby with a backpacker feel, for a change of scene and a cold drink.
- Do nothing at all. A hammock over the water and a good book counts as an activity here.
Getting There and Around
Fly into Belize City (BZE), which has nonstop flights from several US hubs. From there, take a small domestic plane to Dangriga (DGA), a flight of about 20 minutes. Or drive the Hummingbird Highway in about two to two and a half hours.
Your lodge's boat will meet you in Dangriga for the crossing, which typically takes 40 minutes or so depending on the sea. Boats usually run on a set schedule, so coordinate your flight times with the lodge before you book. Crossings in the afternoon can be bumpier when the wind picks up.
Once you arrive, you walk everywhere. There are no vehicles on the island. Trips to other cayes, the reef wall and the mangroves run by boat from the lodges. Pack light in a soft bag, since luggage travels in an open boat and may get splashed.
Food and Drink
Meals are served at your lodge, usually at set times and often family style. Expect fresh fish, rice and beans, stewed chicken, fried plantains and fruit, with lobster on the menu in season. Breakfasts lean toward fry jacks, eggs and local coffee.
Dietary needs can usually be handled if you tell the lodge before you arrive, since supplies come from the mainland by boat. The same goes for special requests such as a private beach dinner or a cake for your first night.
There are no restaurants to wander to, though a quick boat ride to Tobacco Caye opens up a beach bar or two. Lodges keep a bar stocked with Belikin beer, rum and fruit juices. Prices for extras are higher than on the mainland, so ask what the package includes.
Honeymoon Tips
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen and a rash guard. You will spend hours face down in the water under a strong sun.
- Pack insect repellent. Sandflies can appear when the wind drops, especially at dusk.
- Carry cash for tips and bar tabs. Card machines may not work if the connection drops.
- Expect patchy phone signal and slow Wi-Fi. Many couples find this a feature.
- Bring any medicine you need. The nearest pharmacy and clinic are back in Dangriga.
- Don't touch or stand on coral. The reserve has rules to protect it. Lodges collect the marine reserve fee for you.
- The US State Department rates Belize at Level 2, exercise increased caution, mostly because of crime in parts of Belize City. On the island, the main risks are sunburn and strong currents.
