The Snake Cays

Belize, Belize

---

The Snake Cays are a small group of four islands—West, Middle, East, and South Snake Caye—located about 20 miles off the southern coast of Belize, near Punta Gorda in the Toledo District.

Despite their name, which comes from boa constrictors once found there, the cays are now known for their sugar‑white sand beaches, clear turquoise waters, and rich marine and birdlife. The islands lie within the Port Honduras Marine Reserve and host their own coral formations on a limestone ledge, offering good snorkeling among fan, brain, and other corals, along with encounters with crabs, lobster, fish, and seabirds.

West Snake Caye is the most popular stop for swimming and beach picnics, Middle is favored by birdwatchers for tern and nody nesting colonies, East still has old lighthouses, and South is mainly used by local fishermen; access is typically by private boat or water taxi from Punta Gorda.