The northern cayes
Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker are the islands most visitors stay on. They are reached by water taxi from Belize City and lie close to the barrier reef, with Hol Chan and Shark Ray Alley nearby.
The atolls
Further out, the three atolls rise from deep water: Turneffe, the largest; Lighthouse Reef, home to the Great Blue Hole and Half Moon Caye; and Glover's Reef in the south. A few island lodges offer stays for divers and anglers.
The southern cayes
Off Dangriga and Hopkins, Tobacco Caye and South Water Caye are tiny islands right on the reef, with simple lodges. Off Placencia, boats visit Laughing Bird Caye, the Silk Cayes and Ranguana Caye for snorkelling and beach days. See the barrier reef map.