Hotel at a Glance: Isla Marisol Resort

You’ve got to take a boat to get to Isla Marisol Resort from mainland Belize; the tiny island it’s on lies more than 35 miles out in the Caribbean Sea. The resort’s remote location gives it the feel of a far-off desert island. The beachside resort cultivates an air of tranquility by limiting the number of guests to 32, yet the laid-back vibe doesn’t mean there’s a lack of things to do. You can roam the island to catch and release colorful bonefish off the pier, hike coconut-palm groves, and snorkel over live coral reefs.

• Notable nod: The resort received a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence in 2015.
• Three meals a day are included with your stay; chefs whip up a buffet breakfast and family-style Belizean entrees made with ingredients from local farms. There’s also a beachside barbecue on Friday.
• Sip tropical cocktails at the bar on the resort’s wooden pier, which extends more than 100 feet into the sea.
• Explore the sea: This deal includes a daily snorkeling adventure package, daily diving adventure package, or daily fly fishing adventure package.
• Boat transfers: Boats depart from the resort at 8 a.m. and from Dangriga at 3 p.m. every Wednesday and Saturday

Isla Marisol, Belize: Tiny Atoll with Stunning Dive Sites in Belize Barrier Reef

Isla Marisol sits about 35 miles southeast of mainland Belize and is the smallest of three coral atolls in the region. Just offshore, Glover’s Reef abounds with marine life and supports recreational activities such as snorkeling and fly-fishing. Glover’s Reef is part of the Belize Barrier Reef system—the second-largest in the world. Reefs seem to flower up from the ocean floor at the popular Pinnacles dive site; other dive sites are characterized by subterranean structures such as sheer vertical walls, deep canyons, and grottos.

Much of the coral around the island is located near the surface of the water, which makes it prime for snorkeling. You can head out your own as much as you like, or take guided day trips led by bilingual flounders. After a short boat ride across the calm Caribbean waters, peer down into the water—it’s so clear, you can see the ocean floor 40 feet below and watch as garden eels and barracudas glide beneath the waves.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the best way to travel to the hotel from the airport? Round-trip flights from Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) to Dangriga Town can be booked through Isla Marisol Resort for about $162 per person, round-trip.

2. Is there an additional occupancy fee, or do I have to purchase another Groupon? The Groupon covers two guests. An additional two kids may be added to the room. Kids aged 6–11 may be added for half the regular price; kids 5 or younger stay free.

3. Will I be approached to attend a timeshare sales presentation? Groupon 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 Groupon or have to pay additional fees.

4. Which activities and amenities are included in the resort credits? Resort credits are not included with the deal.

5. Are dinner reservations required for restaurants? Is there a dress code? Reservations are not required. Dress code is casual.

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