Silk Caye Belize
A tiny island paradise near Placencia, Belize, offering world-class snorkeling and diving with abundant marine life.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Calm seas, clear water
Silk Caye Belize
Best Time
Calm seas, clear water
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A tiny island paradise near Placencia, Belize, offering world-class snorkeling and diving with abundant marine life.
"Fantastic snorkeling spot with an active reef and lots of fish on the outer side."
Book Tours from Placencia
Most visitors access Silk Caye via boat tours from Placencia. Book ahead to ensure availability!
Snorkel Gear Included?
Check if your tour includes snorkel gear. Many do, but it's good to confirm to avoid extra costs.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Vibrant Coral Reefs
Around the island
Explore a lively underwater world with colorful corals and a dazzling array of tropical fish. A true snorkeler's dream!
Marine Life Encounters
Surrounding waters
Swim alongside sea turtles, nurse sharks, rays, and countless fish species in their natural habitat.
Tranquil Island Escape
The island itself
Relax on pristine sandy shores, enjoy the shade of palapas, and soak in the serene beauty of this secluded gem.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Getting to Silk Caye
Best Time for Snorkeling
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Tours from Placencia
Most visitors access Silk Caye via boat tours from Placencia. Book ahead to ensure availability!
Snorkel Gear Included?
Check if your tour includes snorkel gear. Many do, but it's good to confirm to avoid extra costs.
Beware of Jellyfish
Some jellyfish sting! Ask your guide about safe vs. non-stingy varieties.
Sun Protection is Key
The sun is intense! Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Tours from Placencia
Most visitors access Silk Caye via boat tours from Placencia. Book ahead to ensure availability!
Snorkel Gear Included?
Check if your tour includes snorkel gear. Many do, but it's good to confirm to avoid extra costs.
Beware of Jellyfish
Some jellyfish sting! Ask your guide about safe vs. non-stingy varieties.
Sun Protection is Key
The sun is intense! Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
Accurate Map Location
The online map pin might be off; Silk Caye is near Placencia, not Belize City.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Silk Caye is overwhelmingly praised as a fantastic snorkeling and diving spot with abundant marine life, including turtles and sharks. Visitors love the clear waters and the island's natural beauty. Some reviewers note that online map pins can be inaccurate, and caution is advised regarding jellyfish.
"Fantastic snorkeling spot. Great little active reef around the base island with lots of fish on the outter side. Good spot of sea grass with larger fish. We saw 3 nurse sharks, 2 loggerhead turtles, and a pretty big ray."
Graham Stanford-Hudspeth
"Silk Cayes is indeed a great place, but the spot on the map is not Silk Cayes. The real Silk Cayes is about 36 kilometers from Placencia, not next to Belize City."
Pablo eS
"Amazing place to snorkel! So many jellies!! The ones that look like watermelons are not stingy ones where as the glowing and brown ones are!"
Enzo Novak
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way to reach Silk Caye is by taking a boat tour from Placencia. Several tour operators offer day trips that include transportation, snorkeling, and often lunch. The journey typically takes about an hour.
No, Silk Caye is a small island and is not accessible by car. You must take a boat tour from the mainland, usually from Placencia.
The boat ride from Placencia to Silk Caye usually takes around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the boat and sea conditions.
There are no direct flights to Silk Caye as it is a small island. Flights would be to Placencia, and then you would take a boat tour.
From Belize City, you can take a domestic flight to Placencia (about 45 minutes) or a bus (around 3-4 hours). Once in Placencia, you'll arrange your boat tour to Silk Caye.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You don't typically buy individual entry tickets for Silk Caye itself. Instead, you purchase a day tour package from a tour operator in Placencia, which covers the boat trip and often snorkeling gear and lunch.
Tours to Silk Caye generally operate during daylight hours, typically departing in the morning and returning in the late afternoon. It's best to confirm specific timings with your chosen tour operator.
The cost of a day trip to Silk Caye can vary depending on the tour operator and what's included. Expect to pay anywhere from $70 to $150 USD per person for a comprehensive tour.
Yes, it is highly recommended to book your Silk Caye tour in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to ensure availability and get your preferred departure time.
While there isn't a separate entrance fee for the island itself, the cost of your boat tour from Placencia covers access and the experience.
🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience
Silk Caye offers fantastic snorkeling with an active reef around the island and abundant marine life on the outer edges. You can see many fish, sea turtles, nurse sharks, and rays.
Visitors frequently spot sea turtles, nurse sharks, various species of rays, and a wide variety of colorful tropical fish.
Yes, Silk Caye typically has palapas for shade, and some tours provide lunch. There are also basic toilet facilities available.
Yes, Silk Caye is also a great spot for diving. Divers can explore coral walls and encounter marine life like nurse sharks.
Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a towel, swimwear, and a waterproof bag for your belongings. If you have your own snorkel gear, you might prefer to bring it.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Many Silk Caye day tours include a delicious lunch, often featuring fresh local cuisine. It's advisable to confirm this when booking your tour.
Yes, you can typically bring your own snacks and drinks. However, most tours provide lunch, so it's often not necessary. Remember to pack out all your trash.
Silk Caye is a small, protected island and does not have permanent restaurants. Food is usually provided as part of a tour package.
Lunches on Silk Caye tours often include fresh seafood, rice and beans, and local Belizean dishes.
In Placencia, you'll find a variety of restaurants and bars. @ellascoolspot and @bigdockbar are popular spots mentioned for food and drinks.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning underwater shots of marine life, the vibrant coral reefs, and the picturesque white-sand beaches with crystal-clear turquoise waters.
A GoPro or waterproof camera is ideal for capturing underwater scenes. For above-water shots, a standard camera or smartphone with good zoom capabilities will work well.
Absolutely! With patience and a good waterproof camera, you can get incredible shots of sea turtles, sharks, rays, and schools of fish.
Generally, there are no specific restrictions on photography, but always be respectful of the marine environment and other visitors. Avoid using flash directly on marine life if it seems to disturb them.
Mid-morning to early afternoon offers the best natural light for both underwater and above-water photography, with the sun high in the sky.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pro-tip for families: Pack plenty of reef-safe sunscreen, hats, and rash guards to protect sensitive skin from the strong sun. Bringing waterproof toys or a floating mat can also enhance the fun. While the marine life is a huge draw, keep an eye out for jellyfish and teach children to observe from a distance. The overall experience is one of natural beauty and gentle adventure, making it a memorable trip for the whole family.
🐠 Snorkelers & Divers
Divers will appreciate the coral walls and the opportunity for drift dives. The clarity of the water often provides excellent visibility, making for incredible photographic opportunities. If you're passionate about the underwater world, consider booking a tour that specifically caters to divers or offers extended snorkeling sessions. Remember to use reef-safe sunscreen to help protect the delicate ecosystem you're there to enjoy.
🏖️ Beach Lovers & Relaxation Seekers
While the focus is often on marine activities, don't underestimate the simple pleasure of lounging on the beach, listening to the gentle waves, and enjoying the breathtaking scenery. It's an ideal spot for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle, offering a true taste of Caribbean bliss.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Silk Caye's Marine Ecosystem
Conservation efforts play a crucial role in preserving the health of Silk Caye's reef. The island is a protected area, and responsible tourism practices are encouraged. Many tours emphasize the importance of not touching the coral or disturbing the marine animals. The active reef around the base of the island is particularly noteworthy, while the outer edges often attract larger fish and marine mammals. This makes Silk Caye a dynamic and rewarding destination for anyone interested in marine biodiversity.
When planning your visit, remember that the jellyfish population can vary. While some are harmless, others can sting. It's wise to consult with your tour guide about identifying different types and taking necessary precautions. The seagrass beds in the vicinity also serve as important feeding grounds for larger species, adding another layer to the rich underwater ecosystem you can explore.
Planning Your Day Trip from Placencia
When booking your tour, it's beneficial to inquire about the specific inclusions. Some tours might offer multiple snorkeling sessions, including a stop at Shark Ray Alley for a chance to see these magnificent creatures up close. Others might focus on a more relaxed pace, allowing ample time for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the island's tranquility. The journey itself is part of the adventure, offering scenic views of the Caribbean Sea.
It's important to note that while online maps might sometimes show an inaccurate pin for Silk Caye, the actual island is located approximately 36 kilometers from Placencia. Booking with reputable operators ensures you reach the correct destination and have a well-organized and enjoyable experience. Consider booking in advance, especially during peak travel times, to secure your preferred tour.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit