Located in the north of Belize and visible from the southeastern shore of Ambergris, the country’s largest caye, Hol Chan and Shark-Ray Alley may be Belize’s most popular dive and snorkel spots. Crowds can be problematic, but at a mere 30 meters deep and with Finding Nemo-esque underwater views, the positives outweigh the negatives, especially for diving newbies and snorkelers.

Belize has roughly 386 km of coastline and approximately 450 islands and islets that stud the Belize barrier reef – the largest in the western hemisphere. The islands are known as cayes, pronounced “keys” and the most popular ones are Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker. If you are looking for a soul-stirring experience, below are eight exquisite and picturesque islands to visit in Belize:

San Pedro is “La Isla Bonita” that Madonna made famous and is a tourist mecca that boasts great beaches and plenty of dive shops where you can enjoy the sun, sand, and sea. Placencia Peninsula is a lovely little Belizean seacoast village in Southern Belize with sixteen miles of white sandy beaches and is a favorite destination for diving and snorkeling. Caye Caulker is a small island with a rare combination of rustic, laid back charm and comfortable amenities that has very little resemblance to the more hustle and bustle Caribbean hot spots.Travelers report that it’s “not for the party animal,” and appeals especially to backpackers, painters, divers and snorkelers.

I cannot even say in words how powerful it will be to be with the river and jungle and ceremonies during this time. To be there on the solstice and join in the prayers would indeed merge my dreamworld with this reality. I’d be able to share the experience with my mate, my children, my clients, my sister midwives, and everyone I meet. I sincerely believe the energy of the place and the moment would benefit so many others besides myself.

This trip would not be for me as much as it would be for him. He works so hard and has so little time to relax and be with nature, where his heart is truly at peace. This is something that I know Belize can supply in abundance! He has heard so many stories from my father about growing up in San Ignacio, fishing on the Cayes, relaxing in hammocks and logging in the jungle forests.

In January of this year, the BTB was proud to share with you that Trip Advisor, the world’s largest internet travel website, had ranked various hotels in Belize as some of the top 25 hotels in the world.

Set out in the Caribbean Sea 21 miles northeast of Belize City and protected by the Belize Great Barrier Reef hugging its shores, Caye Caulker is the second largest of the 200 or so small islands, or cayes dotting the coast of Belize.