The Snake Cayes lie in the Port Honduras Marine Reserve, located north of the town of Punta Gorda. Established in 2000, the reserve is recognized for its high biodiversity and serves as habitat for a wide range of endangered species, including the West Indian Manatee, the Morelet’s crocodile and the American saltwater crocodile. The reserve is managed by the Toledo Institute for Development and the Environment (TIDE) and their work in protecting it has successfully reversed the decline in species, coral degradation and the sea grass beds.
There are 135 small mangrove islands in the area, including the Snake Cayes, which are located on a fringe coral reef system and are home to abundant species of coral (including brain, fan and fire coral), lobster, sponges and crabs, and numerous fish, including grunts, parrot fish, trumpet fish snapper, blue tang, angel fish and yellow-tail damsel fish.
Snake Cayes Is Made Up Of 4 Islands
The Snake Cayes is made up of a group of four small islands: West Snake Caye, Middle Snake Caye, East Snake Caye and South Snake Caye. The name was inherited from an abundance of boa constrictors that once lived on one of the islands. These cayes are not a part of the barrier reef system, but instead lie on an isolated coral ridge growing on a limestone ledge that extends several miles into the inner lagoon of the Belize Coastal Zone.
Snake Cayes Supports Birds And Vegetation
Most of these Cayes might be swampy mangrove ranges, but a few have enough high ground to support significant numbers of coconut trees and other vegetation. The endangered manatee and hundreds of sea birds live in this area. Great diving, snorkeling and fishing can be done off the islands as well. At least three diving sites have been established by tour guides.
• East Snake Caye was first known as Lighthouse Caye some years ago. A lighthouse was built on the island to help fishermen navigate their way after sunset. Today, two lighthouses are found on the caye. A new lighthouse was recently constructed beside the old one.
• Middle Snake Caye is located in a preservation zone and is known for its bird life. This is a major nesting site for the Brown Noddy and the Bridled Tern.
• South Snake Caye has no beach, but local fishermen dive the area for fresh lobster and troll for barracudas.
• West Snake Caye is the most popular for swimming, picnicking and snorkeling. The south west side of the caye has a wide clean coral beach made of pure white sand. The beach tends to shift depending on the time of year. Just off the beach, a small thatch roof palapa is hidden among the tall mangroves. The island also has a small inland lagoon.
Tour Operators Offer Snake Cayes Day Trips
If you are looking for an interesting day trip to cap off your Belize vacation, then going to the Snakes Cayes would be a great idea. The Snake Cayes are a mere 17 miles northeast of Punta Gorda and 45 minutes by boat. Tour operators out of Punta Gorda and Monkey River Town offer day trips to these places.