Goffs Caye is the first interesting 1.2 acre of island located 12 nm south-east of Belize City, on the north side of the main channel entrance, just adjacent to English Caye Pilot Station. It sits just on the edge of the reef which runs right along parallel to the island and the water on the eastern side of the reef slides into the deep, deep blue. — {mprestriction ids=”1″}
It has been described by some as a tiny little island with a breathtaking view, a few straw huts and a few palm trees on it. It looks rustic like Gilligan’s Island. Goffs Caye is a popular destination for cruise ship passengers, and hence best avoided when cruise ships are in. It is also popular with Belizeans on the weekends. You may have the island all to yourself early mornings or late afternoons. It has a beautiful sandy beach. There is a warden during the daytime who will collect a charge per person.
There is a wooden dock for tying the tender. The warm, crystal clear water on the western side just off the dock averages four to six feet and the nice stretches of fine, white, sandy bottom makes it excellent for swimming. Many yachts carry out there check out dives here before heading out. The northern side of the island has corals. Snorkeling was also good here in the past, we have however been receiving many complaints as to the condition of the reef, reason being damages caused by the droves of cruise ship passengers which visit the island on a regular basis.
Absolutely, the toys can be put into the water, as this area doesn’t fall into any of the marine reserves.
Goffs Caye is very popular for passengers off the cruise ships. The cruise ships sell it aboard for snorkeling and swimming. The local tour operators also bring visitors from San Pedro and Caye Caulker here. Besides that, locals, mainly from Belize City are regular visitors mostly on Sundays and holidays.
As evening falls you will have the entire island to yourselves, excellent for an evening stroll after supper, or better yet, the Chef can set up camp for a beach BBQ.
Prior to taking your guests there during regular hours I would recommend downloading the weekly ship’s schedule from the Port of Belize Limited website at http://portofbelize.com/ to get a better idea if there are any cruise ships scheduled to arrive.
The anchorage here is exposed, but even so it can work for overnight anchorage if the weather isn’t too rough, but others may prefer seeking sheltered anchorage nearby under Water Caye.
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