Aquamarine waters, palm-fringed beaches, astounding marine life – the tiny islets along Belize’s coast are its pride and main attraction. Many tourists visit Belize to simply head for these islets for a slice of paradise.

Out of the 175 islands, some are inhabited and few are geared to tourism. The ones off the coast of Belize City are the most accessible with Caye Caulker and Caye Ambergris being the local favourites. The former is the perfect place to relax in – the pace of life is slow (the ideal place to laze in!) though the locals don’t believe in partying the night away while the latter is the place if you want some action.

Besides staking out on the beach, the waters surrounding the Cayes offer a variety of water sports. The barrier reef along the Caribbean coat of Belize is noted as one of the seven Underwater Wonders of the World.  The clear waters house an astounding variety of marine life and offer plenty of opportunities to those interested in discovering the underwater wealth of the country. The calm warm waters with high visibility are a diver’s paradise.

If it’s angling that appeals to you, there are plenty of opportunities to fish and sample your catch too! Flyfishing, trolling or spin fishing – you ask for it and the locals will arrange it for you.

Seafood dominates all menus. There are numerous restaurants and bars that fit every budget. Caye Ambergris offers the maximum in terms of nightlife. There are nightclubs and bars where you at dance the night away to live music. Entertainment on most other cayes is restricted to bars with music, a game of pool or a chat with the locals.

There are motor launches that run regularly to Caye Caulker and Caye Ambergris as well as other nearby islands. If you charter a launch, you can travel to not so popular islands that have an added attraction of being isolated.

Some of the coastal islands have an airstrip – Cay Caulker, Caye Ambergris and Caye Chapel are all reachable by air.

To get around the islands the option of renting bikes is available.

From luxurious condominiums to resorts, hotels and camping grounds, there are a variety of accommodations available on most cayes. Caye Ambergris, the top tourist destination of the country offers the maximum variety in terms of accommodations. Beachfront luxury resorts to guesthouses – take your pick.