Best Beaches in the World: Pelican Beach in South Water Caye

January 23, 2017
by Belize Hub +

National Geographic recently published a post entitled “21 Best Beaches in the World” and Pelican Beach in South Water Caye in southern Belize made the list.

In describing South Water Caye, National Geographic quoted guidebook writer Lebawit Lily Girma of Moon Belize:

Pelican Beach, South Water Caye, Belize: “It’s the only place in Belize where you can swim safely to the reef within minutes and explore the South Water Caye Marine Reserve, full of colorful coral, angelfish, blue tang, sea turtles, all in less than 20 feet of water.”

Other beach destinations around the world that made it in the list include: Spain, Florida, Mexico, North Carolina, California, England, Iceland and France. To read the full article click here: http://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/top-10/top-beaches-world/

South Water Caye is located directly atop the Belize Barrier Reef a few miles offshore from Stann Creek District in southeastern Belize. It is in the center of the South Water Caye Marine Park, a protected reserve where fishing and industrial activity is prohibited. Approximately 15 acres in size, South Water Caye is home to some of the best snorkeling and diving in the country.

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With gorgeous panoramas of the Caribbean, sugar sand white beaches and gorgeous snorkeling and diving opportunities nearby, South Water Caye is one of the most beautiful islands in Belize. Because the island is in the middle of a protected nature reserve, it is very easy to see an abundance of colorful marine life all along the shoreline.

While it is possible to do a day trip to South Water Caye from the mainland, the best way to experience the island is by staying a few days. Visitors can splash or snorkel in the crystal clear waters at the shore or suit up for some outstanding deep-water diving just a short distance offshore. There is a small nature reserve at the south end of the island which is used by sea turtles for building nests.

South Water Caye has no airport so the only way to get there is by water taxi or private boat. Depending on the weather, it takes approximately 45 minutes to arrive at South Water Caye from Dangriga or other coastal locations in Stann Creek District.