We are pleased to announce that we are now open. By design, Blackbird Caye Resort is remote, providing the perfect place for social distancing and to enjoy complete privacy.
Please read through the current protocols for arrivals to Belize. A recent negative PCR COVID test result (96 hours or less) is required or you’ll be subject to a rapid test upon arrival at the International airport. A vaccination record that has been completed within 14 days or more before entry is also accepted. The local government may change these arrival protocols, so we encourage you to revisit the page as your arrival date approaches or email us at info@blackbirdresort.com.
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.
MAY-ke Your Way To Belize
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.
Before breaking in the complimentary kayaks, make sure to enjoy a delectable lunch at Blackbird Restaurant. Year-round, our culinary team prepares the freshest in-season fish and fruit; right now bonefish, permit, and tarpon are dominant nearby. Some must-try fruits when you make it over to Belize include Mamey, Soursop (Guanabana), and Starfruit. As you paddle over the reefs and alongside the mangroves, you might notice island natives; the snowy egret, the great blue heron, and mangrove swallow are just a few types of birds out of about 60 that you may spot around this time of year. If you choose to explore the underwater spectacular that awaits off the coast, you’ve picked a perfect time to travel! Snorkeling or scuba diving between April and June is the best time of year due to calmer winds increasing visibility in the already clear water. No matter how you choose to appreciate the many ecosystems of Turneffe Atoll, Blackbird Caye is your stop for ultimate beachside bliss.
Dive Into Spring
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.
Swimming down into the depths can feel like going back in time; artifacts that stretch through the ages, making the ocean floor their home. Just after World War II, this vintage chip was built to transport sugar and store molasses. Just off the coast, you can explore around this sunken maze, swimming alongside the exocitc underwater wildlife. The wreck is located 1 mile east from Blackbird Caye, and is one of the largest shipwrecks to explore in the Caribbean! If you didn’t vacation with your own boat and equipment we have you covered.Guests can receive scuba certification with PADI-approved classes, and rentals include wetsuits, dive computers, and selecting from one of four vessels. With 70 dive spots to explore, you’re going to need a week in paradise!
Expand Your Explorations Underground, Mayan Ruin Style
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.
Expand Your Explorations Underground, Mayan Ruin Style
One of the most impressive and newest sites to explore is the Actun Tunichil Munkal cave, or ATM for short. There lies actual sacrificial human remains, artifacts, and altars. Crystal Maiden, the sites’ crystalized human skeleton, glimmers from centuries of built-up crystal carbonate. Not only do these caves offer trails, but some also offer fun on the water. The weather now in Belize averages in the 80s, so canoeing down Barton Creek Cave is both fascinating and refreshing, especially when you reach the waterfalls. Traveling with a group of kids? We promise they’ll never forget tubing down these rivers, with multiple excursions to pick from. Just hop on one of the free boat transfers to Belize City and the adventure out from there!
Fiesta de Carnaval Returns
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.
Fiesta de Carnaval takes place the week before lent, as Christianity and its many sectors take the dominant religion in Belize. Brace yourself for an array of rehearsed group dances, parades through town, live music, culturally representative demonstrations, and a true favorite, colorful powder fights. Another important traditional aspect is incorporating paint however you can; whether it’s on your face, a painting, or a mural, the streets come alive with vibrant color all week. Each day of the week represents a different theme; day one is dedicated to the color white and children, day two is for the colors red and blue, while day four is when the festival highlights Juan Carnaval, who according to legend, was murdered by his jealous wife after adulterous acts. As everyone dresses in black, a Juan Carnaval doll is burned to represent the redemption of purity in the community before lent. Then on the last day, the streets get rowdy with paint and powder fights!
Carnaval de San Pedro is free and welcoming for all, as this tradition has now been around for 150 years, with tourists traveling from around the world to this popular city for the fun that Carnaval brings. We recommend NOT dressing your best and sparing your nice clothes. If you’re looking to immerse in the culture during your stay, take advantage of our Saturday shuttle and head to Belize City. From there, many companies will be offering shuttles to San Pedro!
Make your trip to Belize a once-in-a-lifetime experience by planning around the Fiesta de Carnaval!
A Belizean NYE
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.
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.
Belize celebrates big. No matter what direction you look up in, prepare to be in awe with the beauty of fireworks lighting up the sky. The louder and brighter the bang- the better. You can’t forget your 12 grapes to represent 12 wishes, 12 months, and a better year to come. Trouble in your romantic paradise? Belizeans say to use a broom in your right hand at the stroke of midnight to rid you of bad love luck. A bountiful New Year’s dinner is a must in Belizean culture, as cooking is a familial, bonding experience. Families gather for popular rice & bean turkey dishes, paired with “relleno”- usually green peppers stuffed with cheese.
Eat, drink and dance the night away for a tropical finale to 2021. Pack your bags because Blackbird Caye is your destination for a warm welcome to the new year.
A Tropical “I Do” In Paradise
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!
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!
Forget the stress of destination weddings with our ground, water, and air transfers. Our team of dedicated wedding planners are ready to assist you in every way. Blackbird Caye weddings are intended to be intimate; we offer private elopements, or you can invite up to 36 guests to sleep in luxury with our cabana-style accommodations. Enhance the experience with flowers, photography, entertainment, and more. Between the Custom, Beautiful Beginnings, and Superior Wedding packages, we guarantee you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for. Head to our wedding site now for full details on how to get the process started for your dream day!
Garifuna Settlement Day is Back
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.
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.
November 19th is a full day of celebration; descendants on the mainland celebrate with parades, drumming, dancing, and more to honor the exiled Afro-indigenous population from St. Vincent that arrived along the shore on this day, 1832. The Garifuna settled in Dangriga, a city that is still home to most of the 7% that make up the population in Belize today. They have a diverse language and even have their own black, yellow, and white striped flag to recognize their nation and identity.
As you sip your morning coffee with the view of the water, remember to dance the night away by the sea tonight in honor of this momentous day and those who embraced the coast before you.
Celebrate an Entire Month of Independence in Belize
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.
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. Belizeans will be celebrating all month long because September 21st marks their thirty-eighth year of becoming an independent nation. Now if that sounds young to you, it's because it is. Belize only gained its independence from Great Britain in 1981, the most ironic part about Belize gaining their independence in September is that it is the same month that Great Britain won a Naval Battle over the Spanish to gain Belize as part of their colony in 1798. So although the actual Independence Day on the 21st, Belizeans will begin celebrating on the 10th with music, vibrant clothes, sparkles, feathers, dancing and a whole lot of fun! No matter what day of the week or where you are staying in Belize it is sure to be a party.
Viva La Villas
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.
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. Although the season is wrapping up, our newly renovated Beach Villas are now ready for your suitcases! Wake up to the sunrise with a beachfront view of the sea, while sipping your morning coffee on the porch. After a long day of diving, swap the sea view for a living room mid-day nap in our Deluxe Cabanas. Our Superior and Triplex cabanas also surely have what you and the crew are longing for. Ocean lovers, pack your bags for a scuba diving or snorkeling trip of a lifetime, including roundtrip airport transportation and three meals a day. It's always a good time to escape to the atolls. We’ll be waiting!
Bring On The Blue Hole
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.
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. We could go on for a while about its otherworldly scale and beauty, but the fact that legend Jacques Cousteau included it amongst his favorite ten in the world says it all. Designated as a UNESCO site, this bucket-list locale rests 50 miles from land’s end with an expedition out here revealing crystal-clear teal and turquoise waters that border a seemingly bottomless expanse of blue. Globally recognized for its unmatched diving (and for good reason—it’s challenging even for expert divers), a visit to Blue Hole still includes something for every type of adventurer. From calm snorkel tours for the easygoing to exhilarating skydiving sure to keep pure thrillseekers on the edge of their seat, there’s countless ways to discover this unbelievable wonder. Looking for a homebase while you see the Blue Hole yourself? Visit us at Blackbird Caye Resort soon and stay in the middle of Belize beauty.
Oh “Mayan,” What A Sight To See
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.
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.
But, when you’re here, there’s one spectacle that’s simply “un-Belize-able”—the Mayan Ruins. Although off the beaten path a few hours away from our resort, we think venturing out and embarking on a tour is a must! As the pyramids are to Egypt, so the Mayan Ruins are to Belize. Created around the same time, without the technology we have today, they have somehow withstood the test of time while embodying the values that represent the people of Belize—strength, pride, and resilience.
Today, there are several companies that organize day trips, where you can see and learn about the Mayan Ruins—swing by our front desk and we’ll help plan an unforgettable adventure during your stay at Blackbird Caye Resort.
Finally, A Little Elbow Room
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.
At roughly 40 kilometers or 25 miles off the coast of Belize, Turneffe Atoll—home of Blackbird Caye Resort—is pretty far from civilization. When you’re here, you’ll awake to the sound of the ocean instead of the city and stroll on white-sand beaches instead of sidewalks.
It goes without saying that there’s a lot more elbow room here, with only a handful of inhabitants calling our island paradise home. Even then, you can almost guarantee that half of them are underwater at any given time—we’re set in the middle of some of the most highly sought-after dive destinations.
One of which coincidentally speaks to all this space—The Elbow. While only available to visit during calm conditions, due to its location at the intersection of two currents, this advanced drift dive is well worth the wait. As you descend, you’ll quickly spot all the colorful and diverse marine life that awaits below the surface, including nurse sharks, moray eels, and a kaleidoscope of coral. Spend some time going with the flow and admiring all the natural beauty before coming to the surface. After your dive, relax under a tropical canopy of swaying palms—with plenty of elbow room around you, of course.
Colors, Corals, and More: Dive The Aquarium
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.
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. We promise—it’s nothing like the ones back home.
Sitting 13 miles east of Turneffe Atoll, this chunk of Long Caye is prized for its biodiversity. Brain corals, gorgonians, and sea plumes dot the shallow end of a tabletop reef; parrotfish, Creole Wrasse, and sergeant majors lead the way toward a steep dropoff.
It only gets better from there: A sheer wall, crusted with coral, stretches towards the depths. Groupers and barracudas cruise by, adding to the liveliness of this unique ecosystem. Needless to say, there’s a lot to see; and with visibility reaching 80 feet, you’ll have your chance to see it all. All that’s left to do is prep your dive gear.
Something to Belize in
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.
Sandy toes and sun-kissed cheeks set the tone for 2021. Welcome to Blackbird Caye Resort, where you can relax in a hammock or learn something completely new at your own leisure. Here in Belize, we are blessed to be placed in such a perfect position geographically—Mother Nature has graced us with both the sea and the jungle. While on your stay with us in Central America, we have all the resources to teach you how to scuba dive for the very first time or simply give you a refresher course; but also guide you on the nature above surface-level too, by birding or taking excursions inland to see the natural habitat above sea-level. Let your fins thrive or spread your wings to fly. No matter which direction you go, the Black Bird Resort will be here to lift you up and even teach you a thing or two about the place we call home.
Believe Us When We Say You Should Travel to Belize
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!
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!
Spend at least one day lounging on the beach. Eat the local food, sip fresh juices, and soak up the view and the sun — everyone needs a total veg day in paradise.Plan a day to dive deep into the history of Belize. There are close to a thousand archeological Mayan sites around the country and they are all spectacular to see.A day on the water is also a must! Belize has fantastic snorkeling, the iconic blue hole, and other wonderful underwater areas to explore. Get wild and check out the Jaguar Reserve — it happens to be the only one in the entire world!
Celebrate Carnaval in Ambergris Cay
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.
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. If you’ve never heard of Carnaval lets us explain.
Belize is primarily Roman Catholic, which means that celebrating Easter and Lent is extremely important, but before Lent begins, the country celebrates with the Fiesta de Carnaval as a way to indulge in eating, drinking, dancing and overall partying before the forty-day ritual begins. The Carnaval is celebrated all around South America, but we celebrate ours here in Ambergris Cay on February 23rd. If you plan on attending, you should be ready to dance and celebrate with local Belizean's and tons of visitors from out of town. Help us bring in the next forty days the right way during your stay in Belize!
Deck the Halls at Blackbird Caye Resort
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.
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. The Belize Barrier Reef is crawling with gorgeous tropical fish this time of year, and the water happens to be just right for swimming. Another winter highlight is the Ambergris Caye Boat Parade—this fun spin on a traditional holiday parade is great to watch with the entire family. Sit back, relax, and see all of these gorgeous boats that have been transformed into the best holiday sea show you will ever watch. Christmas and New Years are two busy days in Belize and happen to be agreat time to get completely immersed in the Belizean culture. Celebrate alongside locals and tourists for a week full of holiday spirit you won’t soon forget!
Can You Belize We Celebrate Thanksgiving Too?
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.
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. Just like our northern neighbors, we love a good stuffed bird with different accompaniments such as rice and peas and potato salad. Although it seems like an unlikely place to celebrate your usual Thanksgiving festivities, spending your holiday in Belize may be just what the doctor ordered.
Spend your morning of thanks walking the shores of the sandy coastline thinking about all the goodness that 2019 has brought to you. Once you've said your morning gratitudes, enjoy a light breakfast surrounded by all of your loved ones. It is truly a special treat to have everyone in one place with nothing on the agenda but to spend time together relaxing. Swim at the pool, go snorkeling, or just catch some rays before it’s time for your annual Thanksgiving Dinner celebrations. Ending all in time for the most important part of the day—your post-dinner hammock nap.
Conch on During Harvest Season
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!
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! Conch is a mollusk that is typically found in the Caribbean waters. This particular sea creature lives in a gorgeous pink shell and has soft, white meat. The shell is often used as a decorative piece around the home, sometimes used in building materials, and can even be found in jewelry. But the best part about the conch is the meat. Because of its mild flavor and chewy texture, Conch is prepared in many different ways and appeals to many different palettes. Have it fried, grilled, in soup, or even ceviche it—conch truly takes on the flavors of the Caribbean.
Here in Belize, the season for harvesting conch has gotten shorter and shorter because of over-fishing. But sustainability and responsible ocean practices are important to us and have made us monitor the season a little more closely. If conch hunting piques your interest, be sure to stay in the know on our local practices so that you can thoroughly enjoy the experience of conch harvesting while still be responsible and mindful of our beautiful, bountiful ocean.
