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St. George's Caye
St. George's Caye is a small, historic sand island located just 7 miles off the coast of Belize City. During the 18th century, it served as the very first capital of the British settlement in what is now Belize. The island earned its greatest fame through the 'Battle of St. George's Caye' in September 1798, when a small force of British loggers (the Baymen) and their slaves defeated a vastly superior Spanish fleet. This victory, still celebrated today as a national holiday on September 10th, cemented British control over the territory. A tiny museum and several historic cannons on the island commemorate this heritage. Today, the island is completely free of public transportation, cars, and massive tourist groups, offering a quiet, rustic charm. St. George's Caye is largely utilized by Belizean families who maintain private vacation homes built on stilts over the water. For travelers, there are only a few small, highly private lodges that specialize in diving, fishing, and total relaxation. The sea around the island is shallow and incredibly calm, providing excellent conditions for swimming, stand-up paddleboarding, and light kayaking tours through the mangroves. Because the island is so close to Belize City, it can be reached by water taxi in just 20 minutes. This proximity makes St. George's Caye a first-rate first or last stop for visitors who want to avoid long transit rides deep into the mainland. The best time to enjoy the island is from December to April. Anyone who prefers history and absolute silence over the loud nightlife of San Pedro will find their little Caribbean paradise here.
- Location: Belize
- Top sights: Capture of Cayo Cocina · Battle of St. George's Caye
- Nearby: Caye Caulker Village (5 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb–Apr.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 25 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 27 | 26 | 25 |
| Rain mm | 115 | 58 | 46 | 34 | 127 | 224 | 152 | 167 | 184 | 250 | 184 | 132 |
Geography
Facts
- 7 miles from Belize City
- First capital of the British settlement
- Site of the 1798 naval battle
- Free of cars and public roads
- Popular for family vacation homes
- Only a 20-minute water taxi ride
- Houses a small historical museum
- Calm waters perfect for swimming
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town St. George's Caye (2)
Frequently asked questions
St. George's Caye: where is it located?
St. George's Caye: what is there to see?
St. George's Caye: when is the best time to visit?
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