The Snake Cayes, located approximately 20 miles off the southern coast of Belize, are a stunning cluster of four small islands—West, Middle, East, and South Snake Caye—nestled within the Port Honduras Marine Reserve. Despite their foreboding name, which stems from the boa constrictors that once inhabited the islands, the Snake Cayes are now better known for their sugar-white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and exceptional biodiversity. Unlike the rest of Belize’s offshore islands, these cayes are not part of the Belize Barrier Reef, but instead rise from a limestone ledge with their own coral systems, offering a unique underwater experience for snorkelers and nature lovers.

West Snake Caye is the most visited, popular for its postcard-worthy scenery and ideal conditions for snorkeling, swimming, and grilling fresh seafood on the beach. Bird watchers flock to Middle Snake Caye to observe nesting colonies of Bridled Terns and Brown Noddies, while East Snake Caye—once called Lighthouse Caye—still features the remnants of two historic lighthouses. South Snake Caye is the least frequented by tourists but is a favored spot for local fishermen. Altogether, the Snake Cayes offer an unforgettable escape into the wild beauty and quiet charm of Belize’s southern waters.