Tobacco Caye is situated close to the Dangriga shoreline within the critical location of Belize, which is undoubtedly a tranquil paradise. This Caribbean islet is a mere 12 miles away from the seashores of Dangriga, accessible via a 40-minute boat journey. Certainly, the environment of this island is harking back to paradise. It seems as though the isle is perched upon a mattress of crimson seashells, surrounded by the most pristine waters you have ever beheld.
Visitors to the central coral reef of Belize are far fewer in variety compared to those at the northern reef. However, Tobacco Caye, located in a coveted area in the Great Barrier Reef, gives first-rate opportunities for scuba diving and snorkeling. The crystalline waters that envelop the island shimmer with colorings of azure and turquoise. The island itself is diminutive, and one ought to walk across the entire circumference in about 5 minutes. Basking within the beauty of the beaches and the translucent sea, relaxing in hammocks below swaying palm timber, one is engulfed in an ecosystem brimming with incredible allure.
Though small in size, Tobacco Caye holds terrific significance for the ones fortunate enough to experience its beauty!
Tobacco Caye Location
| Name | Tobacco Caye |
| Country | Belize |
| District | Stann Creek |
| Coordinates | 16°53′54″N 88°3′43″W |
| Area | 3 acres (1.2 hectares) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 |
| Population | about 20 |
| Airport | N/A |
Things to Do on Tobacco Caye
Dive into the largest barrier reef in the Northern Hemisphere
Tobacco Caye is situated within the South Water Caye Marine Reserve, supplying countless possibilities for diving. The island helps prepare for diving and visiting sports. The youths are erudite, bringing incredible delight to their network. The Belize Barrier Reef is a UNESCO World Heritage site, boasting a colorful population of sea turtles. Furthermore, the reserve is domestic to over 500 species of fish!
To the south lies a coral arrangement, where you can swim and view the perfect coral intaglio. It is advisable to engage the services of a boatman who can transport you further south (1 kilometer) to a location where marine life thrives in even greater abundance.
Swimming
This is the sole physical activity you can engage in without the need for a yoga mat. While the island is predominantly covered in sand, the water's edge is adorned with rocky outcrops instead of sandy beaches. Several piers ensure more accessible access to the open sea.
Learn about life on the island
When you travel to an island destination, you commonly get to see its heavenly side. Whereas Tobacco Caye is, in fact, a heaven, it moreover offers you an interesting opportunity to lock in an island presence.
Life on Tobacco Caye actions at a leisurely pace. Everything revolves across the solar, the ocean, and the hashish. Most locals upward push with the solar and take pleasure in the smoke, after which they head out for fishing. When the sun is absolutely up, anyone takes every other smoke break, busy tending to guests or tidying up the island. Afternoons and evenings are a time to revel in existence or take guests diving. Spending time collectively and letting time bypass this is of utmost significance.
Witnessing the island residents gutting fish can be pretty exciting. At sundown, at the western pier in front of the Tobacco Caye bar, local fishermen are making ready their catch (or the fish stuck by means of fishing lovers) and cleansing them right at the pier, attracting a small crowd of onlookers. While fish guts may not be the most appealing, it is fascinating to peer at the array of creatures that accumulate to banquet on them—raptors, rays, or pelicans. You can also spot various chook species, yellowtail snappers, or maybe moray eels, all eager to take a chunk.
Kayaking
Kayaking and Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP) are available for your enjoyment on the island. You have the opportunity to rent the equipment at Tobacco Island Paradise. The rental fee is $35 per day or $10 per hour.
Eating place
The solitary dining establishment in this area is the eating place affiliated with Reef's End Lodge, the lodge. The majority of its buyers partake within the conviviality of communal tables, synchronously indulging in their repasts… The resounding chime of the dining bell typically resonates at the smash of dawn, the zenith of midday, and the arrival of twilight.
The epicurean offerings at Reef's End Lodge are, on the whole, priced at 20 BZ for the delectable fare, even as libations are obtainable at 10 BZ.
Nestled behind the Gaviotas rooms lies a quaint emporium, replete with a collection of imported cuisine along with confections, carbonated elixirs, batteries, and even Starbucks' famous iced coffee.
In proximity to the bar, Tabak Caye Lodge bestows its guests with the benefit of a petite save. Within its confines, a choice of fastidious fare awaits, along with the delectable duet of fried chicken and crispy fries, priced between the variety of 7 and 12 BZ.
Stays on Tobacco Caye
For the ones looking for greater consolation, we extraordinarily endorse Reef's End Lodge. With its bar, it serves as the "hub" for tourists. Additionally, Jerome operates Cala de Gill, which serves as a hub for the middle-class lodges that shape the coronary heart of island life. Jerome, together with his culinary ardor, has grown to become his "terrace" into a meeting spot for locals and site visitors alike.
Prepare for Tobacco Island
How to get to Tobacco Island
The most cost-effective way of attaining Tobacco Island is by departing from Dangriga. Typically, there's only one small vessel available each day, but it's far imperative to seek advice from the residents or make transportation preparations via your esteemed accommodation. Captain Canine, a liked parent, is our preferred accomplice for the voyage to and from the island—the fare for one-manner journey quantities to approximately $40. Regrettably, no vessels go away or arrive at dusk.
What do I need to bring?
Upon the island, there exists solely a diminutive pavilion. Hence, it is incumbent upon you to come prepared with all that you require. Nevertheless, the stalls within offer a limited selection of crisps, confections, tobacco, and libations.
Where to get the money?
Regrettably, on the island, there is an absence of automated teller machines, rendering cash withdrawals unfeasible. The cost of living on the island swiftly escalates; thus, it is advisable to ensure you possess an ample supply of cash.
When is the best time to visit Tobacco Island?
One would be wise to avoid the predicament of being stranded on a miniature island during the tempestuous hurricane season from June to November. However, due to the potential excessive pricing of tobacco, it is advisable to consider the months of May and October instead!
Other notice
Upon your arrival to the island, kindly put off your sandals. During your vacation on the island, you shall traverse barefoot, relishing the feeling of sand between your feet. If you own adeptness in swimming, I implore you to indulge in the aquatic depths surrounding the island. Upon your return, the hammocks shall stay as tranquil retreats. The island lacks roads, vehicles, or even pedestrian pathways.
Regarding gastronomic delights: In order to safeguard the marine life of Belize, fishing sports are a challenge to seasonal regulations to ensure species restoration. Therefore, it's far more beneficial to refrain from consuming non-seasonal offerings, including lobster and conch.
Sunscreen is paramount to guard the precise marine existence of Belize, and it's vital to carry sunscreen as it is reef-pleasant continually. Please peruse our coral-safe sunscreen guide for further facts.
Deliver a Lifestraw Go straw to eschew the intake of bottled water and reduce waste production.
