Goff’s Caye is one of our favorite islands because it reminds us why postcards were invented. The 2-acre island sits right on the barrier reef so you can snorkel straight from the shore, or simply relax in the water on the sandbar with an icy cold Belikin beer. Dolphins frequent the waters and we’ve on occasions spotted a manatee, amongst the other kaleidoscope of marine life. Look out for the graceful spotted eagle rays, there are several who come to visit the boats to check on any scraps from the catch of the day!

Bluefield Range is a mangrove cluster teeming with wildlife which makes for a fantastic kayaking destination. Kayak through the tiny channels, look out for manatees and even take some bait and a fishing line and see if you can catch dinner.

South Water Caye is a pristine 12-acre private island that is one of the most beautiful and exclusive islands in Belize. South Water Caye sits on the reef on the north side of South Water Cut, which is a ¼ mile wide gap in the reef. Grunts, black groupers, snappers, and moray eels all hide out in the overhangs and making for a spectacular snorkeling experience. Sundowners are a must at the Blue Marlin Lodge, one of favorite little bars in all of Belize.

Man-O-War Caye is a designated bird sanctuary. From afar it looks like any other tiny mangrove island, but as you journey closer to shore the frenzy of activity becomes apparent, with birds soaring in the sky above in every direction… and the guys strutting their stuff (or inflating their red gular pouches) for the ladies during breeding season. The three different types of mangrove vegetation provide a perfect sanctuary to a variety of indigenous bird species, including Pelicans, Brown Booby birds, and the Magnificent Frigate birds (also known as Man-O-War birds).

Tobacco Caye is a 5-acre palm-fringed coral island perched on the barrier reef, which makes it a great place to snorkel or dive from the shore, plus its central location means it is within 10 minutes by boat to some of the best snorkel sites in all of Belize. There are a couple of small laid-back resorts and a tiny beach bar serving fresh coconut water and icy cold rum cocktails with hammocks to lounge in. 39 local islanders call this rock their home and it’s a great place to learn about their way of remote island life.

Placencia was once a sleepy seaside village that is slowly growing up into a small popular beach town, with a collection of local hangouts and some more international and upscale spots, making it a great stop off point for those wanting to indulge in a spa treatment, have dinner on shore, check out the local arts and crafts shops and lots more. The main street has won the Guinness World Record award for being the narrowest main street in the world, this makes it a popular photo op! The mixology at Rumfish Y Vino is not to be missed and our favorite cocktail is the ginger mojito.

Ranguana Caye is a remote island on the barrier reef home to a tiny resort with colorful wooden structures, plus a fun beach bar that is welcoming of sail boats and day visitors. The resident parrot ‘Charlie’ is a star attraction, along with the tall swaying palms and pristine white sands of the island.

8 Pelican Cayes is a great anchorage on our journey north or south, as this hidden away collection of mangrove islands are surrounded by some of the most impressive coral heads in the country and teem with incredible marine life. Furthermore, there is a tiny bar hidden away that runs on solar panels and a generator, which makes for a fun pit stop after a day on the water and is not surprisingly called ‘Hideaway Caye’, as if you’d blink, you’d miss it.

North Long Coco is one of our favorite islands as it’s a fisherman and snorkelers mecca, with a maze of sand bars, coral reefs, and deep channels in between. There are some palapa structures over the water that make for a perfect place to enjoy an al-fresco lunch and 9 times out of 10 not a soul to be seen for miles around.

Enjoy a day sail back to Belize City for a late afternoon departure.