Lionfish are an invasive species in the Caribbean and they are voracious eaters, potentially devastating to the health of coral reefs. The dive team at St. George's Caye Resort is doing our part to rid the reef of these fast-breeding fish – and many guests who are experienced divers join our dive masters and "spear hunt" underwater! It's exciting and a fun way to control the lionfish population and a unique diving experience you can't find just anywhere. Learn more about Lionfish Dive Safari. 

SIGN UP NOW FOR "SAVE THE REEF" LIONFISH TOURNAMENT 

To step up our efforts to control the lionfish population, we are hosting a one-week Lionfish Tournament on October 8-15, 2016. To encourage participation, all tournament dives are half-price!

Divers can bring their own team, or join a team when they arrive. There will be fun prizes for the largest lionfish, smallest lionfish, and the most caught in one day. Come join the fun, help the reef, and maybe win a prize!

Two more direct flights to Belize City (BZE) from North America have been announced, making it even easier to get to our beautiful Central American country!

The world-class snorkeling and diving on the barrier reef, the Mayan ruins and jungle adventures, and the really friendly native people have all made Belize a popular travel destination over the past few years. Belizeans love showing off their country and the natural beauty, history, culture, food, and adventures.

But for a long time one of the barriers for people getting to Belize was the high cost of airfare. We are thrilled that is less and less of an issue as more airlines add routes to Belize such as Southwest Airlines and West Jet out of Canada!

We are finally seeing affordable airfare to Belize which means it's time for you to come and visit. Right?

You’re dreaming about a tropical vacation and you soon find yourself spending hours searching the internet for the perfect little room on the beach. As you explore exotic destinations near and far (Bali! Belize! Hawaii!), drooling over the tropical rooms, some of them over the water, you will no doubt come across a wide array of descriptions, features, and amenities. You will notice that rooms may be called bungalows, cabanas, casitas, huts, etc. – with descriptions such as “private thatch cabana,” “thatch casita,” “romantic beach bungalow,” “over water casita,” “overwater bungalow,” “private cabana over the water,” “rustic beachfront cabana,” and more.

If you are like us, you start wondering, “What is the difference between a cabana and a bungalow? Why all these different terms?”  I just want a quiet, peaceful, relaxing setting on the beach, with a clean room by the water where I can sip my drink, get five-star service, and enjoy some SCUBA diving and snorkeling...

CABANA vs. BUNGALOW vs. CASITA

Of course you can go to your dictionary, or ask Siri – and you'll get the basic definition for “bungalow” and “cabana” and “casita.” But the fact is there is no one definition for these rooms and no one enforcing rules on what resorts call their rooms! Even identically appointed rooms at two different resorts can be called a cabana by one place, and called bungalow by another.

But the good news is: you don’t need to worry about it!

It’s not what the room is called that matters, but whether the features and the amenities fit what you want:

• Do you want to stay in a regular hotel room, or something exotic and different?
• Do you need air conditioning? TV? Room service? What other amenities are important?
• Do you want to be on the beach, or are you looking for the “over the water” experience?
• Do you want to be on a private island, or in a touristy area with beach bars?

As you explore your options (here is a great site: http://www.overwaterbungalows.net), look at the pictures, read room descriptions thoroughly, and it can even a good idea to contact the resort and ask them to confirm that the pictures on their website are current and accurately portray the condition of the rooms now, especially if you will be visiting a remote location that is less regulated.

When planning a trip to Belize, guests often ask about the best available activities, both in the ocean exploring the Belize Barrier Reef and on the mainland exploring the jungles.

"I’ve got only 7 days, how much can I fit in?"

The answers is: a lot! Especially with our island's convenient location only 7 miles from Belize City and less than a mile from the Belize Barrier Reef - making both ocean and jungle adventures very easily accessible.

"What can I do that I’ve never done before? Can I learn to do something new, like sailing, snorkeling, or kayaking?" 

Belize offers a variety of adventures from zip-lining through the jungle canopy and cave-tubing down a river, to ocean activities like diving, snorkeling, and sailing. At our resort there are many opportunities to learn a new hobby or try something new - our local guides and friendly staff are here to help!

We're blushing!

Thanks to the reviews from our wonderful guests, St. George's Caye Resort has earned the 2016 Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor. This is the sixth year in a row (wow!) and we are honored to be recognized as one of the best island resorts in Belize. 

Huge thanks to all of the guests who took the time to share their experience and help other travelers discover our secluded island retreat for divers, honeymooners, and adventure seekers. We think our slice of paradise is pretty special and we're glad you agree! Your reviews are the best thanks we can receive. 

Most of the credit goes to the incredible staff of St. George's for providing our guests with unparalleled experiences and the ultimate in Belizean hospitality. We are especially thrilled by how many times guests specifically name the members of our staff who made their trip special. We strive to make you feel like a part of our island family when you are here. Thank you for recognizing the people who added something extra to your time in Belize.  

As anyone who has stayed with us can agree, the staff goes above and beyond to ensure you have a memorable and relaxing Belize vacation.

Here to scuba dive the Belize Barrier Reef? Let our friendly dive masters with decades of experience on the nearby reef show you their favorite spots where you'll see lots of sea life and no other divers.

Visiting Belize for a romantic island honeymoon in an overwater bungalow? Let us pamper you with coffee and juice delivered to your room each morning, a private romantic dinner outdoors, and tropical flower petals on your bed.

As a fellow commonwealth nation, we see a lot of Canadians in Belize, both as tourists and as ex-pats who've made Belize their new home. Especially in the winter months, known as "high season" in Belize, we tend to have many Canadian visitors seeking sunshine, warm waters, and world-class scuba diving, snorkeling, and fishing on the Belize Barrier Reef.

But ever since the decline of the Canadian dollar, we've had fewer and fewer Canadian guests. And this makes us sad. We love friendly Canadians!

So, to help more Canadians afford a 2016 trip to Belize, Cap'n Ron has rolled out a new special offer for Canadians only!

For trips now through December 17th you get full value for your Canadian dollar. That means your room rate is in Canadian dollars instead of US dollars, saving you 20%, 30%, or more on a private thatch cabana in paradise! You can choose from Overwater bungalows on the sunset side, beachfront cabanas on the sunrise side, or a garden cabana nestled in the center of the resort. 

Interested in an all-inclusive resort package? You can get the special room rate in Canadian dollars combined with any of the Adventure, Dive, Romance, or Relaxation Packages we offer.

Combine this great room rate with the incredibly affordable airfares to Belize City from many North American cities, and your dream trip to Belize in 2016 could become a reality!

Recently we've had guests ask, "Why do you offer a Teacher Bonus?"

So here is Cap'n Ron to elaborate on why education is so important to him and St. George's Caye Resort.

The value of a good education is universally acknowledged in the western world – opportunity for better jobs, ability to make better life decisions, more awareness of the world, more understanding of and compassion for others, etc. Sometimes, however, people who are fortunate enough to have access to quality education take it for granted. We sometimes don’t see, or we forget that a significant number of people don’t have this advantage.

I ask myself, “What if the next Jonas Salk, Martin Luther King, Albert Einstein or Nelson Mandela never has the chance to achieve anything because she or he did not have the opportunity for education?” Our world is so much the poorer for not having met the great achievers, the great potential contributors who do not get to blossom due to a lack of educational opportunity.

Students Must Pay to Attend High School in Belize

In the United States, Canada and Western Europe, education is considered a right and governments take responsibility for making education available. In Belize, education is provided for everyone through the elementary level only. Beyond elementary, there is a cost – for tuition, books, uniforms, as well as transportation and meals – that is beyond the reach of a significant percentage of the population. The result is that thousands of young people never get the chance to attend middle school, high school and beyond. Statisticians will tell us that there are great achievers in that group of uneducated people who just didn’t have the opportunity.

Scholarship Program at St. George's Caye Resort

As a successful private island resort, St. George’s is dedicated to helping identify the achievers and supporting their education – hoping to see more young people achieve their potential. Our staff not only takes pride in showing guests the Blue Hole, Mayan ruins and other jungle adventures, the Hol Chan Marine Reserve and other Belize landmarks, but they also fund and operate a scholarship program, currently putting six students through school in Belize.

Is someone special in your life graduating from high school or college?

Reward your hard-working scholar with a trip abroad to experience adventure, culture, and post-school relaxation. We know we’re a little biased, but we think a Belize vacation with jungle and ocean adventures is a fantastic way to celebrate a notable accomplishment!

GIVE THE GIFT OF ADVENTURE

Cap’n Ron and the team at St. George’s Caye Resort are big supporters of education because education brings opportunity (read about the scholarship program funded by our staff). We want to help you spoil your graduate, so get in touch and we'll help craft the perfect graduation trip to Belize, complete with private thatch cabana, friendly service, and endless ocean views. 

FOR THE DIVER IN YOUR LIFE

Is your graduate certified to dive? Then they will love diving the pristine, crowd-free sites just a few minutes way from St. George’s Caye on the amazing Belize Barrier Reef. Dive with sharks, rays, turtles, grouper, barracuda, and more. Divers can even spear-hunt the invasive lionfish and our kitchen will cook up their catch that night. We can also arrange bucket-list dive trips to the world-famous Great Blue Hole and Lighthouse Reef. It’s certain to be a dive trip they will never forget! 

Cap’n Ron, owner of St. George’s Caye Resort, is a music lover and has hosted musicians for house concerts on a number of occasions at his home in Portland, Oregon.  Resort manager Barry is a huge fan of Blues music and spent part of his career (before moving to Belize to manage St. George’s!) working with Grammy-award-winning Blues pianist Pinetop Perkins.

Both Cap'n Ron and Barry felt our private island resort offered a unique and intimate atmosphere for live acoustic music, so after reaching out to some industry connections, we hosted our first Blues 'n Belize with Doug MacLeod and Phil Wiggins in November 2015.  (Read more about the inaugural event: Blues in Belize :: A Private Island Blues Experience)

“My heart was full the entire week, full with the wonderful music of Phil and Doug and their generous teacher spirit, full with the beauty of St. George's Caye, full with the welcoming spirit of the staff and guests, with the other-world beauty of the reef. I must add that my stomach was full with the delicious meals prepared by Ernesto. I believe that we all felt the magic at some point during that special week.”
– Marc P., guest at Blues ‘n Belize 2015

If you're like me, when you travel, you want to get in as much FUN time as you can. The actual travel part -- the planes, trains, and automobiles -- can be fun but it's not FUN fun. Especially when you're heading to a secluded island paradise and you want to get on the beach as soon as possible! 

When planning how to get the most beach time on your Belize vacation, you need to take into account the location of the island and the transfer times required after you arrive in Belize.

• How many hours will it take you to get there and back?

• Do you need to take a plane and then a boat?

• How much will it cost?

• Does the resort offer transportation?

Popular excursions like Cave Tubing, Zip Lining and exploring the ancient Mayan temples are thoroughly enjoyed by our guests, and to many visitors are a “must-do” while in Belize. And we can't blame them -- they're a lot of fun! Many of our packages include one or more of these popular Belize Adventures. 

Excursions to these popular jungle sites are provided in a number of ways by tour operators: 1) Some operators function only on the mainland and provide services at bare-minimum standards; 2) Some tour operators use busses and take 20, 30 or more people at a time; 3) And then there is the St. George’s Caye Experience -- We not only provide boat transfers as part of our tours; we take only small groups from the resort and our top-notch professional guides give personalized tours during which everyone can hear the information. 

Our premium service costs a bit more and that has been mentioned several times in online reviews. Although we will not diminish the quality of our tour experience in order to offer the cheapest prices, we are sensitive to how much a vacation can cost, and so we are always seeking ways to reduce costs and pass the savings on to our guests. 

GOOD NEWS!

Cap'n Ron has just reduced the prices for our most popular tours -- by over 20% when we have 4 or more guests participating! 

In a time when our world often seems continuously chaotic, unfair, mean and full of bad news - I'd like to offer you some hope and faith in humanity. 

Specifically, I’d like to introduce you to Carlos Reyes and his family. If they don't give you a glimmer of hope for humans - I don't know what will! :) Meet St. George's Caye Resort Team Leader, Carlos Reyes. A 20 year veteran of Caye living Carlos knows every square inch of St. George's and is an integral part of the Resort's success. Behind the scenes he is often unseen and unheard - but we cannot function without him! 

At four years old Carlos was brought to Belize by his parents from civil war torn El Salvador. They were immigrants fleeing a less than ideal situation in their home country. Actually it was a scary place full of violence, gun fights and fear. Sound like a familiar recent story you might have heard on the news? Well, it is not too far off. 

With not much other than their family and a few backpacks Carlos, his three brothers and sisters and parents were offered hope in a community named Valley of Peace; a village in Belize set up just for El Salvadorian immigrants. His family knew how to farm and live off the land and pretty much do any job they could to make a living. His parents went on to have seven more children - thriving in a peaceful, humble atmosphere.

Scholarships for Belize Higher Education

One of the ways we show our gratitude and reinvest in Belize is through educational scholarships for students who would not be able to attend school otherwise.

In 2013-14 we sponsored one young lady - paying her school tuition, books, transportation and food - allowing her to attend high school. Many students in Belize stop attending school in 6th form (or 8th grade) because high school fees and books are often too expensive for families to afford. All money to support her was given by the staff of St. George's and matched in donations by the management and owner.

Read first year scholarship recipients letter thanking staff.

Many people ask about flights to Belize. What's the best route to take? Who has the best prices? When do flights arrive and depart? 

So we've put together the 411 on getting to Belize by air this Fall 2015 and into 2016. 

Belize will have a whopping 66 flights per week coming from the United States.

The four major airlines offering daily service from the United States into Belize are American Airlines, Delta Airlines, United Airlines, and soon Southwest Airlines. Tropic Air, Copa, and Avianca/Taca will get you here from Mexico, Panama and other Central American Countries. 

By March 2016, Belize will have 528 international nonstop flights per month from 16 foreign airports and 7 airlines including the newest ones Copa Airlines and Southwest Airlines!  - Via Tropic Air Facebook Page

Honeymooners are flocking to Belize in record numbers. Belize is easy to get to - and hard to leave! You can have empty beaches all to yourself, you can dive the Barrier Reef or the Blue Hole, zip through the jungle or fish or snorkel or just do nothing at all! And it's right at your doorstep.

World's Best Honeymoon Destinations

A recent article published by The Telegraph - a UK based newsroom - name 50 best places in the world for honeymoon travel. And Belize certainly made the list! As one of the top places to honeymoon in the world - Belize's own St. George's Caye Resort offers an unforgettable private island experience. Perfect for Honeymooners.

“Everything has its beauty, but not everyone sees it.” 

                                                Andy Warhol 

 

Leonel is like a breath of fresh air. He embodies the Belizean spirit. His smile is contagious and you can't help but want to take him home with you. Because Leonel  sees the beauty. He sees the beauty in people. And he sees the beauty in art. St George's Caye isn't complete without Leo's beautiful outlook. 

When you arrive to St. George's Caye Resort Leo is one of the first team members you'll meet. You will mostly find him mixing your favorite cocktails and making sure your beer is ice cold. But Leo also loves to entertain. He's full of fun card tricks and bar games that will leave you scratching you're head. But don't ask him how he does it - because he won't tell. Sworn to secrecy by a fellow magician Leo takes his oath seriously and won't share the tricks of the trade.

Enjoy our famous St. George’s Caye pampering while taking advantage of our special summer education prices to meet a teacher’s budget.

June – July 2015 only :: Limited space, reserve by April 30  MAY 27th!

Know an Educator that could use a great Summer vacation? Are you a teacher in need of a Summer escape? As our thank you to Educators world-wide we are extending huge discounts to you! You work hard all year long teaching our children and educating our young adults. You DESERVE a great Summer getaway. Look no further...

Up to 50% OFF Private Cabana

Choose any cabana – over water, oceanfront, or garden – and get up to 50% off the nightly room rate!

20% OFF cultural and historical tours

Explore Mayan ruins, visit museums – get 20% off all cultural and historical tours (because they’re educational!)

10% OFF diving and adventure tours

Indulge in fun activities like diving, snorkeling, and jungle zip-line at 10% off list prices

We're sorry big terrycloth cotton towels - but we're breaking up with you. Your soft, I'll give you that. Your luxurious feel is not to be forgotten. But you're bulky, hard to carry around and you take too long to dry in this humid Caribbean climate. It's not you - it's us. We still love you and take you snorkeling with us - but in the intimacy of our bathrooms we're going to have to part ways. 

 Introducing stylish, colorful Turkish cotton pestemal towels

Imagine you and your friends sitting out by the beach fire. Guitars and harps in hand. The warm breeze is blowing to the rhythm of your beat. The stars have come out to watch and listen. The moon even rising to the occasion. You stop only momentarily to refuel with warm BBQ off the grill. And the jam continues until the last breath of fire. The next morning with the sunrise you'll tell stories of creative genius and drunken stupidity over coffee and fresh squeezed juice. You'll trade tales of heartbreak and inspired lyrics during breakfast. You'll bathe in the Caribbean Sea for even more inspired lyrics. Imagine no more…

Led by Doug MacLeod and Phil Wiggins - we would like to invite you to the first Blues in Belize Experience -hosted by St. George's Caye Resort. Five sun filled, soul filled, days of music, stories, lessons and lots of Blues love. This intimate gathering has only 30 available spots. Your accommodations will be thatch roofed cabanas on a tiny residence island in Belize. Picturesque privacy in paradise! Each morning coffee and juice delivered to your porch. Family style meals with oceanfront dining makes meals conducive to group conversation. 

A once in a lifetime opportunity - don't miss out!

Full details are available on our website. 

When you stay with us, you’re staying at a socially responsible resort. We are stewards for the reef, ocean, and natural resources that surround our island. We provide Belizeans with stable jobs and a living wage. We treat each other and our guests with respect. And everyone at St. George’s Caye Resort shares a commitment to giving back to our community.

Our Belizean staff sponsors educational scholarships in their home villages; resort manager Barry is an active participant in the local Rotary; and Cap’n Ron joined the board for Full Basket Belize, a nonprofit that awards scholarships and community grants and our gift shop supports local artisans. We also regularly donate resort stays to charity auctions across the US. Read on to learn more about how we’re giving back – and how you can help.

ST. GEORGE’S SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

We take good care of our employees and, in turn, they share their prosperity with their home villages. In 2014 we launched a formal scholarship program to support high school students from the villages our employees call home (in Belize, free education ends after 8th grade). Thanks to the participation of every single member of our staff, we’ve expanded this program from offering one scholarship a year to three. Read about the first year for our first scholarship recipient in the Island Blog.

Successful First Year for St. George’s Scholarship Winner 

FULL BASKET BELIZE

Cap’n Ron, owner of St. George’s Caye Resort, has been visiting and doing business in Belize for more than fifteen years – and in that time has supported students and young entrepreneurs. To broaden his impact, Cap’n Ron joined the board of directors for Full Basket Belize(FBB), a volunteer-run nonprofit that provides scholarships and community grants countrywide. At times we run specials where we donate a percentage of our proceeds to FBB—you can join our email list to hear about these opportunities. Or at any time visit www.fullbasketbelize.org to learn more and make a contribution.  

Hot off the press! A children's book not to be missed. Spin the Globe children's book series has released its latest edition featuring Belize. In Spin the Globe: The Incredible Adventures of Frederick von Wigglebottom - Turtles of the Reef (italic), the main character Frederick travels to the sandy island paradise of St. George's Caye Belize. 

A Fun Introduction to Belize 

In Belize, Fredrick meets two native children who introduce him to the unique culture and history of Belize. "Tonight the globe stops on Belize, the Pearl of the Caribbean." says author Edward Moldenhauer. "Frederick grabs his trusty journal and prepares to explore St George's Caye. Together with K'ayab and Hayá, Frederick releases two sea turtles back on the coral reef at the Great Blue Hole. He learns about the diverse Belizean, Mayan and Garinagu cultures and the animals of the reef and jungle." 

Turtles of the Reef  features our very own Captain Ron and another little surprise so be sure to check out the book! The series aims to entertain and enrich our knowledge of people and places around the World. Like many good children's stories Spin the Globe Series began as bedtime tales the author told to his children. Makes a unique gift!

SCUBA diving in Belize will spoil your eyes forever. The pristine reef, the crisp clear waters and the abundant marine life will astound even the most seasoned diver. Dolphins often come to play. Curious turtles swim past. And up close the reef is teeming with miniature marvels.

On Good Morning America, Frommer’s Travel Guide lists Belize as one of 15 Most Tantalizing Travel Destinations for 2015!

Pauline Frommer, editorial director of the Frommer's Guides, says, "We are suggesting Belize this year" she begins "This is a  life affirming destination" also adding Belize has "Glorious pristine rain-forests, gorgeous nature, incredible water sports but it also has Mayan Ruins. You're going to be climbing to the top of the Pyramids, you're going to be swimming into caves where ancient artifacts are calcified to the floor. They should be in museum's but they can't be moved."

Now that Belize has caught your attention - let St. George's Caye Resort be your guide! From diving the famous Blue Hole to climbing the Mayan Temples in Cayo to relaxing and enjoying the local Rum - our staff is ready to serve you! A private island experience close enough to Belize City for easy transfers to Belize International Airport. Join us in paradise and experience the Magic of St. George's Caye!