Hotel at a Glance: Blackbird Caye Resort

The Mesoamerican Reef is the Western Hemisphere’s largest barrier reef. Within its colorful corals dwell a rich tapestry of marine life: dolphins, manatees, and hundreds of species of tropical fish. Named one of the world’s best diving resorts in 2015 by Sport Diver magazine, Blackbird Caye Resort has a front-row seat to this spectacular display from its setting on a private island just off the coast of Belize. Oceanfront cabanas with private screened-in porches are a 10- to 15-minute boat ride from more than 70 snorkeling and dive sites and just 45 minutes from Belize’s famous Great Blue Hole.

• Book a snorkeling or diving excursion: The resort offers three daily dives, two daily snorkeling trips, and one weekly trip to the Great Blue Hole (additional fees apply).
• Three meals a day are included at the resort’s palapa-style restaurant: you’ll get buffets for breakfast and lunch and your choice of two entrees for dinner. You can also purchase snacks and cocktails onsite.
• Lounge by the ocean: Blackbird Caye Resort overlooks a 2-mile-long private beach nestled amid coconut trees. You can grab a kayak or standup paddleboard to take out on the water.
• Spot fish from two whitewashed docks that extend into the Caribbean Sea. You might see bonefish, barracuda, stingrays, and nurse sharks.
• Getting here: Complimentary round-trip airport pickups and drop off are available, as well as boat transfers to the resort from Belize City on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons. Travel on other days can be arranged through the hotel for an additional fee.

Turneffe Atoll, Belize: Scuba Diving and Snorkeling

One of more than 400 islands off the coast of Belize, Turneffe Atoll is accessible via a 90-minute boat ride from Belize City across the Caribbean Sea. The 30-mile-long coral atoll is considered the most biologically diverse: it’s made up of lagoons and mangrove forests home to loggerhead turtles, saltwater crocodiles, and endangered Antillean manatees.

From Turneffe Atoll, vistors can explore the other paradisiacal settings in the Belize cays. The Lighthouse Reef atoll is part of one of the world’s largest barrier-reef systems. Many popular scuba-diving trips head to the iconic Great Blue Hole here. The 480-foot-deep limestone sinkhole forms a nearly perfect circle in a brilliant shade of navy blue where divers can see stalactites and stalagmites in an underwater cave.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the best way to travel to the hotel from the airport? The best airport to fly in/out of is Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (airport code: BZE). Complimentary round-trip ground and boat transfers to and from the resort on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Travelers must arrive in Belize City by 2:30 p.m. to make the island transfer that day which usually occurs between 3:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. Upon your arrival in Belize City, Blackbird representatives will take you to the appropriate location for your transfer. Arrivals to Belize City after 2:30 pm will not receive complimentary boat transfers and will have to purchase private air charter directly from the airport to the island.

2. Is there an additional occupancy fee, or do I have to purchase another voucher? The voucher covers two guests. Please contact the property to add additional occupants.

3. Will I be approached to attend a timeshare sales presentation? Customers are never obligated to attend a sales presentation. If you are approached and decline a presentation, you will not lose the value of your voucher or have to pay additional fees.

4. Which activities and amenities are included in the resort credits? Two snorkeling trips per day and freek kayak usage are included in this rate. Resort credits are not offered with this deal.

5. Are dinner reservations required for restaurants? Is there a dress code? For information regarding your dining options, please click here.

6. Flights out of Belize on day of departure must be after 12:30 p.m.