Why Long Caye Belize Should Be on Your Island Bucket List

If you’re searching for a tropical escape that feels off the grid but close to world-class adventure, Long Caye, Belize delivers. Surrounded by glowing turquoise water and teeming coral reefs, this secluded island sits inside the famous Lighthouse Reef Atoll—home to the legendary Great Blue Hole. Unlike its busier neighbours like San Pedro or Caye Caulker, Long Caye promises quiet beaches, epic snorkelling, and an authentic connection to nature.

Whether you’re a diver, nature lover, or just want to unwind in paradise, this Caribbean island deserves a spot on your Belize itinerary.

Where Is Long Caye Located in Belize?

Long Caye rests in the southern section of Lighthouse Reef, about 40 to 45 miles east of mainland Belize. Its remote location keeps it beautifully untouched, with crystal-clear water and unspoiled marine life all around.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Distance from Belize City: ~45 miles by boat
• Near the Great Blue Hole: Just 8 miles away
• Close to: Half Moon Caye, Turneffe Atoll, and reachable from San Pedro or Placencia via connecting routes
• East of the Belize Barrier Reef: Part of the second-largest reef system in the world

🗺 Pro tip: Look up a map of the Belize cayes to see where Long Caye sits in relation to popular destinations.

Travellers planning their Belize itinerary will find Long Caye strategically positioned for both peaceful retreat and access to major attractions, perfect for island hopping Belize. For a visual reference, numerous online resources offer maps illustrating Long Caye’s location within the Belizean context.

How Big Is Long Caye?

Though often described as a small island, Long Caye actually stretches farther than you’d expect. Depending on how it’s measured, the island spans:

• Roughly 650 acres
• Around 2.25 miles long
• 2 kilometres to 2 miles of beachfront

That’s plenty of space for beach walks, kayaking, and peaceful exploring—without the crowds.

It’s also the largest caye within Lighthouse Reef, giving it a unique status in this protected marine zone.

How to Get to Long Caye

Getting to Long Caye is part of the adventure. Because there’s no airport on the island, you’ll need to plan your trip by boat.

The journey typically takes 35 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the type of vessel and departure point. Travellers coming from other popular destinations like San Pedro might consider a combination of options, potentially involving a flight to Belize City followed by a boat transfer. Specific transportation services are available for those planning to stay on Long Caye.

Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Fly into Belize City

• Book your flight to Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport (BZE)
• From there, head to the port for your boat transfer

Step 2: Choose Your Boat Ride

• From Belize City: Most direct option; the ride takes 35 minutes to 2 hours depending on the boat
• From San Pedro or Caye Caulker: Combine a local flight to Belize City with a boat
• Transport Services:
  • Huracan Diving Ltd.: Offers charter and scheduled trips to Long Caye
  • Island Expeditions: Includes pickups as part of tour packages

🛥️ Charter boats are available if you miss the scheduled rides, but they come at a higher cost.

Why Long Caye Is Worth the Trip

Long Caye stands out as a destination for several compelling reasons. Its environment is remarkably pristine, largely due to its status as a protected area. This commitment to conservation ensures that visitors can experience the natural beauty of Belize in a relatively untouched state. A significant draw is the island’s close proximity to world-renowned dive sites, most notably the Great Blue Hole and Half Moon Caye.

The Caye enriches the experience shaped by eco-protection, rich marine life, and authentic seclusion. Here’s why people fall in love with it:

• Near top Belize dive sites like:
  • The Great Blue Hole
  • Half Moon Caye Wall
  • The Aquarium
• Protected waters: The surrounding reef system is part of a conservation area, so expect clean, living coral and rare species
• Low crowds: Perfect for people craving a quiet island without tourist overload
• Ideal for snorkelling, kayaking, and nature watching

Whether you’re a seasoned diver or first-time island traveller, Long Caye makes you feel like you’ve found your own slice of untouched Belize.

Start Planning Your Long Caye Adventure

Long Caye blends the best of Belize: natural beauty, world-famous diving, and the kind of peaceful vibe only a remote island can offer.

📌 Next Steps:

• Check available tours and accommodation
• Book a transport service from Belize City
• Plan time for diving, beach days, and sunset walks

Your Belize adventure truly begins on Long Caye. With its unique location, captivating natural beauty, and accessibility to incredible experiences like exploring the Lighthouse Reef and the Great Blue Hole, this island promises a memorable journey. Continue exploring our blog for more in-depth information on the exciting activities that await and the various accommodation options available to make your Long Caye escape a reality. Start planning your adventure to Belize today and discover the magic of this Belizean paradise!