Tobacco Caye – Our paradise in Belize! Dip into the most turquoise waters, snorkel, dive, and chill out. Get your authentic Caribbean experience! The tiny Caribbean island lays just 12 miles off the shores of Dangriga- a 40-minute boat ride. Without a doubt, the setting of Tobacco Caye is paradisical. The tiny island, which seems to sit on pink Conch shells, is surrounded by some of the most pristine water you’ll ever see. Tobacco Caye might have been the most unique place we visited while backpacking Belize. Dani visited Tobacco Caye the year before and felt a special connection to the island and its 15 permanent inhabitants.
Belize’s Central Cayes are much less visited than the Cayes up North. However, Tobacco’s prime location within the Great Barrier Reef offers incredible diving and snorkeling opportunities. The crystal clear water surrounding the island shimmers in blue and turquoise. The island is so tiny; it will take about 5 minutes to circle the whole island on foot.
Tobacco Caye is small but holds so much for those open to it! It’s a place not made for everyone, but to us, it’s extraordinary. We have learned a lot about ourselves, also. Tobacco will always be calling for us!
Tobacco Caye is an island destination like no other. Why? Compared to other island destinations dominated by resorts and luxury, Tobacco Caye has maintained its authentic charm. If you are up to it, you’ll be able to participate in the island’s life. Its inhabitants will welcome you with open arms, and over some community meals and activities, you’ll be able to understand how the island life shapes its people.P.S The Caye may be tiny, but check out our “good to know” to make your experience extra amazing!
Dive into the biggest Barrier Reef of the Northern hemisphere
Tobacco Caye sits within the South Water Caye Marine Reserve and offers countless diving opportunities. Dives and excursions can be arranged on the island. The guys are knowledgeable and proud of their home. Belize’s Barrier Reef is a UNESCO world heritage site with a striving turtle population. On top of that, the reserve is home to more than 500 species of fish!
Home of the stingrays
Since none of us had a diving permit and fishing was not our thing, our water activities were limited to snorkeling. You can either borrow gear and venture out from Reef’s end by yourself or go on a tour. The marine life close by is super beautiful and diverse.
Tobacco Caye is also home to 7-8 giant stingrays. They follow the fisher boats when they come back and are marvelous to look at! Over at the western side of the island, fishers tend to clean their catches. Thereby they attract the local stingrays. It’s so cool to see them feast on fish leftovers. You can even carefully touch them. They feel like wet silk.
After exploring the nearby marine life (you should also go out at night!), you can explore nearby snorkeling sites with one of the island guys.
Day-trip to other nearby Cayes
One of our most fantastic day trips was to Southwater Caye. With Gustan, who has been living on a 100-year-old sailboat, we got to sail across the most beautiful water to visit the nearby Caye. It’s probably one of the most fantastic boat experiences ever!
If you ever feel like visiting nearby Cayes, you can always inquire about the local guys; they’ll do anything to show you around! Glover’s Reef, an even remoter island, is only a 45 min boat ride away.
My dear friend Captain Nolan is offering day tours to all nearby Cayes. He’s a soul of a person who knows the Cayes inside and out. Give him a call when around! His number is +501 615 6512.
Get an understanding of island life
Often, when traveling to an island destination. You only get to see the paradisical side of it. While Tobacco is paradisical, it also offers you a unique chance to engage in island life. With Jerome being our provider, we shared countless community meals and got to hear the stories and the gossip. We felt at home, included.
Life on Tobacco Caye is pretty slow. It’s all about the sun, the sea, and the ganja. Most locals rise with the sun, take a smoke, and go out fishing. By the time the sun is fully up, everyone has taken another smoking break and busses them with either providing for their guests or cleaning the island. In the afternoon and evening, its time to enjoy life or take visitors out for a dive. Spending time together and letting time pass is essential.
Tobacco Caye – a seafood haven
Locals dine on the menu of the sea. Jerome and the sea provided for most delicious food during our journey. As you walk across the island, you might feel like Tobacco Caye is settled on pink conch shells. But, if you take a closer look, you can tell by the whole that they’d been on the menu once, too. Tobacco Caye is genuinely tiny. It’s a tight community where everyone watches out for one another. During the week, island kids attend school on the mainland and stay with their mothers or relative. On the weekends, though, they’ll come and visit. You’ll hear laughter and giggling.
Lately, the local guys have set up a small fruit and barbeque stall on the island. Not only will you get the super fesh seafood but it is also prepared with lots of love. Make sure to support them and stop by!
Practical travel tips for Tobacco Caye
What is the best time to visit Tobacco Caye?
Hopkins experiences quite heavy rain from June to September as anywhere in the Caribbean. This time is also considered hurricane season. The high season starts in November till February. The best time to travel is, without a doubt, shoulder season in June so that you can visit Mango fest or November for Garifuna Day!
What shall I bring to Tobacco Caye?
There is only one small kiosk on the island. So bring everything you need. However, the booth only sells chips, sweets, cigarettes, and drinks.
How can I protect myself from sandflies?
Once you get to Hopkins, buy some handmade coconut oil to protect yourself from sandfly bites! They are especially active during morning and evening hours.
How to get to Tobacco Caye?
The cheapest way to get to Tobacco Cay is from Dangriga. Usually, there is one small boat per day, but make sure you check with the locals or arrange for transport with your hotel. Captain Doggy is our favorite person to take us to and from the island. He'll charge you around $40 one way. Unfortunately, there is no boat leaving or arriving after dark.
Where to eat on Tobacco Caye?
Can I drink tap water in Belize?
In the towns, the water is supposedly drinkable. But as you will spend a lot of time on the water and Cayes in Belize, bring a water filter or a self-cleaning bottle to be safe and avoid causing plastic pollution. The bottles will keep your water fresh and cool, too!
What's the biggest challenge for the conscious traveler?
Eating fish: To protect marine life in Belize, fishing is regulated by seasons to guarantee the species' time to recover. Therefore, make a point of not eating lobster or conch when not in season! Conch season runs from October to June. Lobster season is from July to February.
Sunscreen: Protect the unique marine life in Belize, and always wear reef-friendly sunscreen. Check out our guide to coral-safe sunscreens here.
Plastic: Bring your self-cleaning bottle to avoid causing trash by consuming bottled water.
Packing List Belize
Check out our packing list to prepare for all Belize has to offer. You’ll find anything from clothing to travel gadgets and eco-friendly toiletries.
Places to stay on Tobacco Caye
Gill’s Cove
By far our favorite stay on Tobacco Caye! Why? Jerome is truly a wonderful host who will go beyond to make you feel happy. He’s well-beloved in the local community; everyone feels welcomed at Gill’s Cove! The food is absolutely amazing, too. By the way: Jerome is currenlty constructing a very cool over-the-water buganlow which should be ready in November 2023! Make sure to check it out!
Winward Lodge
A newcomer to the Caye! Winward Lodge is much more upscale than Gill’s Cove. The beachfront cabins offer a private hammock, hot rainwater showers, and 24/7 electricity, as well as a restaurant and a bar.
Places to visit in Belize
A Small Country with a big personality!
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Hopkins | Belize’s Garifuna culture hub
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