Thatch Caye is a private island paradise off the coast of Belize, offering cozy Caribbean overwater bungalows surrounded by crystal-clear waters and the incredible marine life of the Belize Barrier Reef.
It’s a small, all-inclusive resort with a relaxed, eco-friendly spirit and barefoot-chic kind of atmosphere.
Thatch Caye is the type of place that sees you slow down and disconnect whether that was the plan when you arrived there or not.
There’s little of the formality of a traditional luxury resort either; it all feels friendly and communal.
Meals, for example, can be social affairs, and, with a max of just 30 guests at any one time, it’s easy to get to know your fellow guests.
Days can be spent snorkeling, kayaking, yoga, meditation, exploring the island, or just enjoying the vibe.
If you’re a couple looking for complete, romantic seclusion it might not be the place, neither for those who want full on luxury.
For us though Thatch Caye offers a nice, rustic style Caribbean overwater bungalow experience, with its biggest strengths being its intimate scale, wonderful, desert island like setting, and relaxed wellness focus.
Thatch Caye Resort at a Glance
- Location: Private island off the coast of Belize, near the Belize Barrier Reef
- Accommodation: Cozy overwater bungalows and beach cabanas with a rustic desert island feel
- Best for: Those seeking an intimate eco-friendly escape like few others
- Meals: Fully all inclusive, organic dining featuring Belizean flavors, seafood, and fresh ingredients
- Activities: Snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding, diving, yoga, and island excursions
- Getting there: Domestic flight to Dangriga followed by a 25-minute speedboat transfer
Overwater Bungalows & Other Accommodation
Thatch Caye offers a choice of beach cabanas and overwater bungalows. The overwater accommodation is divided into Standard and Premium categories.
The Standard overwater bungalows are positioned close together just off the shore.
They are comfortable and charming, but they are not the best choice if privacy is your main priority, though booking multiple units makes them a great option for friends traveling together.
We’d recommend the Premium overwater bungalows for most couples on a romantic break.
Although the interiors are very similar to the Standard category, the private walkway makes them feel much more secluded and peaceful.
Both overwater bungalow categories provide around 320 sq. ft. of well-furnished space, including an outdoor terrace.
On shore, guests can choose between Standard, Premier, and Penthouse beach cabanas, with the Penthouse offering 441 sq. ft. of space and open ocean views from the terrace.
In keeping with the island’s philosophy, rooms do not have Wi-Fi or televisions, though both are available in the communal areas like The Grove and Coco Lounge.
Food, Facilities & Things to Do
Food is a central part of the experience, with three all-inclusive restaurants, cafes, and bars serving meals made with fresh ingredients, including produce from the resort’s organic gardens.
Breakfast is at Coco Lounge, while lunch and dinner at The Grove feature lots of fresh seafood and local Belizean flavors. And all enjoyed in a naturally communal atmosphere.
The island is small enough to explore entirely on foot in under an hour, featuring forest trails, local wildlife, and three small beaches.
Water activities are a major highlight, with direct access to the Belize Barrier Reef for snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, and diving.
The all-inclusive package covers three meals daily, local alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, roundtrip boat transfers from Dangriga, marine reserve access fees, and exclusive use of non-motorized watersports equipment.
Location: Getting There & Away
To reach Thatch Caye, travelers fly into Belize International Airport in Belize City, followed by a short domestic flight to Dangriga via Tropic Air.
A resort representative meets guests upon arrival to escort them to the speedboat transfer.
The final 25-minute journey by boat serves as an introduction to the trip, offering sweeping views as you approach the private island.
What Guests Say
“Boat transfer to the island was incredibly easy. The resort is beautiful. Easy snorkeling right off the beach in crystal clear waters with an abundance of ocean life, as well as kayaks and SUP boards to use….Bungalow above the water was an experience like no other!”
See all guest reviews on Booking.com
Our Verdict
Thatch Caye is a peaceful private island retreat focused on nature, relaxation, and wellness. The overwater bungalows are charming, rustic, and/but more hippy-chic than most.
We think Thatch Caye will be for those of you who appreciate a more personal resort where activities, good food, and a friendly atmosphere are all part of the package.
It’s a rustic, eco-friendly escape with a back-to-nature simplicity that’s central to its charm.
Tip: If privacy matters, we would choose the Premium overwater bungalows over the Standard units for a more secluded and romantic setting.
