view of the beach area with palm trees, chairs, and a building
Blog

The Blackbird Blog

There’s more to the Belize Barrier Reef than the Great Blue Hole. From stunning seascapes to isolated islands, Blackbird Caye’s staff picks take a deep dive into the beauty enveloping our Turneffe Atoll resort — all that’s left is to do is explore.

Blackbird WINS 6 Awards! Scuba Diving’s 2024 Readers Choice

Exciting News from Blackbird Caye Resort! 

We are thrilled to announce the news with our guests and friends! Blackbird Caye Resort has been honored with not one, not two, but SIX awards in Scuba Diving Magazine's Best of 2024 Readers Choice Awards!

The Best of Belize: Blackbird Caye Resort

We are thrilled to share the exciting news that Blackbird Caye Resort has received the prestigious 2023 TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice Award, recognizing it as one of the top 10% of hotels worldwide and one of the best boutique resorts in Belize.

The Ultimate Paddling Paradise

Blackbird Caye Resort is a paradise for those who yearn for an active getaway. Whether you're a seasoned kayaker or a beginner looking to dip your paddle into the world of adventure, look no further.

Our Star is on the Rise!

In the world of sustainable tourism, Blackbird Caye is leading the way. When you visit our resort, you can take pride knowing that you’re playing an important role in the sustainable management of one of the largest, most biologically diverse atolls in the Caribbean.

Tis the Season! A Foodie Christmas in Belize

If you're lucky enough to be visiting Belize in December, be prepared for sunny weather, perfect diving conditions, and food traditions that take center stage. A caveat: while Belizeans describe the weather in December as cool, it’s all relative. In the Caribbean, this translates to nighttime temps in the sixties and sunny days in the eighties (near perfect, in other words).

No Worries Atoll- Diving into the Phenomena of Ring-shaped Coral Islands

So, what is an atoll? An atoll is a ring-shaped island, including a coral rim encircling a lagoon. There may be coral islands or cayes (small, low-elevation, sandy islands) on the rim. Since coral only grows in warm waters, atolls are unique to warm tropical or subtropical oceans and seas.

The Wit is a Hit with Divers!

Just 0.75 miles northeast of Blackbird Caye sits the Witconcrete ll, a legitimate piece of wartime and Belizean history– and Belize’s only wreck dive site. Fully concrete (375 ft in length, 56 ft width and 38 ft height), she was built during WWII in Philadelphia, and operated as a supply ship until being sold to Belize Sugar Industries, who used her for sugar transportation around the US Gulf Coast and Eastern Seaboard. Finally, she was stationed and used to store molasses before being gifted in May 2021 to Turneffe Atoll Sustainability Association (TASA).

September Celebrations are Finally Back!

September is a month filled with holidays and celebrations in Belize. Festivities commemorate the Battle of St George’s Caye on September 10 and Independence Day on September 21. The people of Belize commemorate the month carnival style with parades, vibrant costumes, dancing, music and jam-packed revelry!

Time travel is possible

A whole other world awaits in the rest of the country- nearly half of which is covered by rainforest. At one time mainland Belize was at the heart of Mayan civilization, traceable through more than 600 archaeological sites- repositories of a vanished world.

Belize on the Fly

There are just four coral atolls in the Western Hemisphere and ours - Turneffe Atoll - is the largest and also the best known for its variety of saltwater fishing.Though abundant in its offerings, the permit and bonefish fishing stand out above the rest.

Lobsterfest Fun Returns

The warm, clear, waters off the coast of Blackbird Caye are prepping for a busy summer, but starting June 15th, you’re going to want to head to the mainland for crustacean celebrations as the communities in Belize welcome the lobster season frenzy.

MAY-ke Your Way To Belize

A tropical escape to the Western Caribbean requires some time to explore the environment, taking in the local beauty. Whether you’re enjoying fresh culinary or paddling along the clear waters of the coast, Blackbird Caye is your home to a true Belizean experience this May.

Dive Into Spring

The Caribbean waters are warming up and welcoming you for a perfect exploration day at sea, marking off different dive spots on your vacation itinerary. Spring into the season by checking out our newest dive spot, The Witconcrete Wreck.

Expand Your Explorations Underground, Mayan Ruin Style

This world belonged to many ancient civilizations before we walked the Earth, and many of those civilizations left behind relics and ceremonial caves waiting for us to explore and marvel at. There’s something about tapping into the ancient history of a region that makes traveling even more worth it. Step into and under the streets of Belize, where "Xibalba", the Mayan underworld, awaits.

 

Fiesta de Carnaval Returns

If you find yourself at Blackbird Caye this February, brace yourself for a week-long blend of the Caribbean and Spanish cultures. Not to be confused with the traditional Carnival that takes place in September, the Carnaval de San Pedro (Fiesta de Carnaval) has Belizeans flocking to the streets of San Pedro on Belize’s biggest island, Ambergris Caye. 

A Belizean NYE

Year after year in the U.S., we celebrate our holidays with a slew of traditions attached. This New Year’s Eve, ring in 2022 on the tropical shores of Blackbird Caye Resort as you partake in popular Belizean holiday musts.

A Tropical “I Do” In Paradise

Warm tones, cold air, fire pits- all aspects of winter weddings. However, here in the tropics, winter feels more like an idea than an actual change of season. Add another reason to celebrate during the holidays. Swap your heels for sandals and your champagne toast for a pina colada; it’s time to plan the beach wedding of your dreams here at Blackbird Caye!

Garifuna Settlement Day is Back

Spending the week in a tropical escape can have one detached from the world and its realities. This November during your stay, take a moment to ground and reflect on the cultural origins of Belize’s indigenous community on Garifuna Settlement Day. 

Celebrate an Entire Month of Independence in Belize

September is truly the month of Belizean Pride! If you are planning a visit to Blackbird Caye in the next few days, it is safe to say you hit the celebratory jackpot. 

Viva La Villas

The sound of the waves hitting the Blackbird Caye shore is calling to you this summer. Are you and your BFFs planning an active getaway to the Caribbean? Looking for some honeymoon adventure? With two packages to choose from and tropical sleep accommodations- we’ve got you covered.

Bring On The Blue Hole

As lovers of underwater exploration, we spend almost all of our time rewriting and rediscovering our top dive site lists. But, even after all those hours in awe beneath the surface, there’s still one destination that continues to stay in the first position—the Blue Hole.

Oh “Mayan,” What A Sight To See

The beauty of Belize isn’t fully understood until you’ve seen it firsthand—diving in crystal-clear waters, trekking through immersive, larger-than-life rainforests and witnessing the golden sun settle below the horizon.

Finally, A Little Elbow Room

At roughly 40 kilometers or 25 miles off the coast of Belize, Turneffe Atoll—home of Blackbird Caye Resort—is pretty far from civilization.

Colors, Corals, and More: Dive The Aquarium

It may not be as popular as the Great Blue Hole or Half Moon Caye Wall, but no Belizean vacation is complete without a visit to The Aquarium.

Something to Belize in

From diving, to beach combing, to taste-testing favorite local bites, your escape to Blackbird Caye Resort will be nothing short of amazing. 

Believe Us When We Say You Should Travel to Belize

Belize is such a dynamic country, there is a little bit of everything for any kind of traveler. In order to hit all of the important points of Belize, you need a plan, and we have just the one for you. If you are traveling with a group of travelers that have various interests, keep on reading! 

Celebrate Carnaval in Ambergris Cay

Ask any Belizean the best time to visit the town of San Pedro, and undoubtedly they will tell you it is the month of February. Not only is the weather to die for and the crowds less invasive, but we are also rearing up for Fiesta de Carnaval. 

Deck the Halls at Blackbird Caye Resort

It’s no secret that December in Belize is a delightful time to visit—which is why we wanted to give you the breakdown of all the fun things to do this month. If you find yourself washed up on our sandy shores, it's crucial that you book a winter snorkeling excursion. 

Can You Belize We Celebrate Thanksgiving Too?

It may come as a surprise, but did you know that Thanksgiving in Belize is as big of a holiday as it is in Canada and the United States. 

Conch on During Harvest Season

October 1st is a greatly anticipated date around the ocean in Belize. It’s officially conch harvesting season! Pack your flippers and your mask, because Skipper, we are going on a delicious adventure!