Snake Cayes
Belice, Belize
Local Pick
At a glance
Ideal for
Families With TeenagersFor HerFor HimCouples
Type
BeachesOutdoor ActivitiesToursWater ActivitiesWater Sports
Known for
swimming, snorkeling and diving opportunities
Features
BeachfrontNatureRelaxationOutdoor Area
Price
$$$$ Premium
Local tip
The Snake Cayes consists of a group of four small islands - West Snake Caye, Middle Snake Caye, East Snake Caye, and South Snake Caye.
Snake Cayes
The Snake Cayes consists of a group of four small islands - West Snake Caye, Middle Snake Caye, East Snake Caye, and South Snake Caye. The name was inherited from an abundance of boa constrictors that once lived on one of the islands. These cayes are not a part of the barrier reef system, but instead lie on an isolated coral ridge growing on a limestone ledge that extends several miles into the inner lagoon of the Belize Coastal Zone.
School of fish
Most of these cayes are swampy mangrove ranges, but a few have enough high ground to support significant numbers of coconut trees and other vegetation. The endangered manatee and hundreds of sea birds live in this area. Great swimming, snorkeling and diving can be done off the islands as well. At least three diving sites have been established by tour guides.
West Snake Caye Beach
East Snake Caye was first known as 'Lighthouse Caye' many years ago. A lighthouse was built on the island to help fishermen navigate their way after sunset. Today, two lighthouses are located on the caye. A new lighthouse was recently constructed beside the old one.
Middle Snake Caye lies in a preservation zone and is known for its bird life. This is a major nesting site for the Brown Noddy and the Bridled Tern. South Snake Caye has no beach, but local fishermen dive the area for fresh lobster and troll for barracudas.
West Snake Caye
West Snake Caye is the most popular for swimming, picnicking and snorkeling. The south west side of the caye has a wide clean coral beach made of pure white sand. The beach tends to shift depending on the time of year. Just off the beach, a small thatch roof palapa is hidden among the tall mangroves. The island also has a small inland lagoon.
The Snake Cayes consists of a group of four small islands - West Snake Caye, Middle Snake Caye, East Snake Caye, and South Snake Caye. The name was inherited from an abundance of boa constrictors that once lived on one of the islands. These cayes are not a part of the barrier reef system, but instead lie on an isolated coral ridge growing on a limestone ledge that extends several miles into the inner lagoon of the Belize Coastal Zone.
School of fish Most of these cayes are swampy mangrove ranges, but a few have enough high ground to support significant numbers of coconut trees and other vegetation. The endangered manatee and hundreds of sea birds live in this area. Great swimming, snorkeling and diving can be done off the islands as well. At least three diving sites have been established by tour guides.
West Snake Caye Beach
East Snake Caye was first known as 'Lighthouse Caye' many years ago. A lighthouse was built on the island to help fishermen navigate their way after sunset. Today, two lighthouses are located on the caye. A new lighthouse was recently constructed beside the old one.
Middle Snake Caye lies in a preservation zone and is known for its bird life. This is a major nesting site for the Brown Noddy and the Bridled Tern. South Snake Caye has no beach, but local fishermen dive the area for fresh lobster and troll for barracudas.
West Snake Caye West Snake Caye is the most popular for swimming, picnicking and snorkeling. The south west side of the caye has a wide clean coral beach made of pure white sand. The beach tends to shift depending on the time of year. Just off the beach, a small thatch roof palapa is hidden among the tall mangroves. The island also has a small inland lagoon.
