Camping and Snorkelling on a Remote Island: Rendezvous Caye

Discover everything you need to know about Rendezvous Caye, a tiny tropical island paradise in Belize.

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Rendezvous Caye is a tiny private island on the Belize Barrier Reef and one of the most beautiful islands in Belize. A sandy islet about the size of a football pitch, this small patch of paradise totally flies under the tourist radar. We visited Rendezvous Caye as part of a 3-day, 2-night Belize Barrier Reef sailing tour and had the island all to ourselves. If you’re looking for remote castaway vibes near Belize City, we’ve included everything you need to know about visiting Rendezvous Caye, whether by tour, cruise excursion, or private charter, in this guide.

About Rendezvous Caye

Rendezvous Caye (Island) is a small, sandy coral islet set along the Belize Barrier Reef. An expansive reef system, the Belize Barrier Reef stretches 180 miles (290 km), is a protected reserve and UNESCO World Heritage site. It is part of the larger Mesoamerican Reef, which extends 625 miles (1000 km), all the way from Mexico to Honduras, and is the second-largest barrier reef in the world, after Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.

The island is uninhabited except for minimal infrastructure and the local watchman. Fringed by palm trees, the island is home to pristine white sand and clear, turquoise waters, making it a popular stop for day tours and snorkelling excursions and one of the best things to do in Belize.

Where is Rendezvous Caye?

There are actually multiple islands in Belize called Rendezvous Caye, which can be a little confusing. This Rendezvous Caye sits along Belize’s Barrier Reef, roughly halfway between Belize City and Dangriga. The island lies about 16 nautical miles from Belize City, which is around 30-45 minutes by boat. It is also accessible from nearby coastal towns like Dangriga.

Rendezvous Caye Map

We’ve highlighted the location of Rendezvous Caye and nearby islands on the map below.

Why visit Rendezvous Caye?

Visiting Rendezvous Caye offers travellers a rare chance to experience a pristine Belizean island and its marine beauty with minimal crowds. Unlike larger, over-touristed islands, Rendezvous Caye remains mostly undeveloped, with just a handful of structures, no permanent population, and no loud bars or mass tourism. It provides a private island experience without the huge price tag of staying on a resort island.

How to get to Redezvous Caye

Rendezvous Caye can only be accessed by boat. The journey from the mainland takes around a 30-45 minute boat ride, depending on the weather and sea conditions.

From Belize City

Belize City is the closest mainland port to Redezvous Caye. Reach out to the tourism terminal or enquire with local tour operators for transfer options and prices to Redezvous Caye.

From Dangriga

It’s possible to arrange boat transfers from Dangriga, another coastal town with excellent links to Belize’s islands, including Tobacco Caye.

From the dock, you can arrange a water taxi or a scheduled boat service to Rendezvous Cay for around $20 USD, depending on the service provider and demand.

By sailing

We visited Rendezvous Caye as part of Ragga Sailing Adventures’ sailing tour from Caye Caulker. We enjoyed a blissful 3 days sailing along the Belize Barrier Reef, stopping for snorkel breaks, eating fresh seafood, and sleeping on remote islands, including Rendezvous Caye.

You can also arrange a private sailing tour, choosing where to visit in your own customisable Belize itinerary. Stopping at Rendezvous Caye for the day and having the island all to yourself costs about $600 USD.

If you’re sailing your own yacht and have arranged to visit Rendezvous Caye, you might need to anchor behind Middle Long Caye or Blue Field Range, about 3 miles away, before transferring in a tender. Coral heads and shallow reefs are scattered around the area, so local charts and a lookout on the bow are essential. Before anchoring or coming ashore, be sure to check with the Belize Port Authority or a local marina for anchoring regulations and permissions and coordinate with the island caretaker or tour operator.

By cruise

If you’re on a cruise that docks in Belize City, Rendezvous Caye is often offered as a shore excursion. The cruise line will typically handle the boat transfer directly from the ship to the island, as well as inclusions like lunch and snorkelling gear.

By private charter

For a more personalised experience, consider hiring a private boat charter to Rendezvous Caye from Belize City or Dangriga. These transfers can be arranged through local tour operators, and prices can vary widely, depending on group size and season. Prices typically start around $100 USD for a basic trip and can go up to $600 or more.

The best things to do on Rendezvous Caye

Most people visit Rendezvous Caye simply to relax, enjoying a slow-paced day of lounging on the island and not doing a lot.

Here are the best things to do on Rendezvous Caye:

Snorkelling on Rendezvous Caye

The highlight is really the underwater, with some of the best snorkelling in Belize just steps from the shore. You’ll see colourful coral gardens, reef fish, and marine life like stingrays or sea turtles. You can bring your own gear, but many tours include masks, snorkels and fins, as well as a guide who can help point out interesting parts of the reef. We saw a yellow stingray, a spotted moray eel, and some huuuuge stingrays (seriously, we had no idea they could grow this big!).

Wildlife on Rendezvous Caye

You can see some of Belize’s animals here, and you may spot birds like ospreys in the sky and marine life like stingrays in the shallows.

We were met by a stingray in the shallows as soon as we arrived. It was super curious, coming in really close and shallow. Our guide said it was possible the ray had come from Stingray Beach in Caye Caulker and was used to human contact due to being fed there (which can disturb natural behaviours and cause long-term consequences for the species). We’ve covered the ethical impacts of feeding sharks and stingrays in Hol Chan Marine Reserve, and the same applies here.

While it might be tempting to touch a stingray (and there are loads of videos of people petting them on social media), it can be quite harmful, transferring bacteria or causing stress. Stingrays have a venomous, sharp spine located on their tails, called a barb. They primarily only ever use it as a defence mechanism, for example, if they feel threatened, like by being accidentally stepped on or startled by being touched. If you see a stingray, it’s best to simply admire it from a distance without disturbing it.

We were also treated to a stunning sunset, where an eagle ray swam in the shallows and around the dock for a long while – a magical sight.

Sustainability on Redezvous Caye

As a tiny coral island, Redezvous Caye is especially vulnerable to overtourism, reef damage, and waste pollution. Sustainability here depends on traveller behaviour and tour operator practices.

Whenever possible, it’s best to choose a locally owned operator with a clearly stated sustainability ethos. Look for those who support conservation efforts, limit group sizes, and educate travellers on respectful behaviour. It’s best to politely let your guide know in advance that you’re seeking a hands-off experience. This not only sets clear boundaries but can also encourage more ethical practices industry-wide.

Lastly, remember to Leave No Trace. Avoid collecting any natural materials such as sand, shells, coral, or stones. These play vital roles in the ecosystem, and removing them, even in small amounts, can harm biodiversity.

By treading lightly and choosing ethical experiences, we can ensure that reefs, shorelines, and wildlife habitats survive and thrive for generations of travellers to come.

Camping on Redezvous Caye

Camping on Rendezvous Caye is a rare opportunity to sleep on a remote coral island, under a blanket of stars, surrounded by the sound of gentle waves lapping on the shore. Some local tour operators (including Ragga Sailing Adventures) offer overnight trips with basic camping gear and meals included.

It’s crucial to camp responsibly: pack out all waste, use biodegradable toiletries, and avoid light pollution to protect nesting sea turtles and reef life. Reusable items like cutlery, water bottles, and headlamps, and avoiding single-use plastics, are recommended. Fires are usually not allowed, so check regulations in advance.

Food and drink on Redezvous Caye

There are no restaurants or shops on Rendezvous Caye, so all food and drink must be brought in, either by your tour operator or yourself. Many day tours and camping packages include a simple Belizean meal, such as grilled fish, rice and beans, fresh fruit, and water. Alcohol is permitted, but be mindful of your surroundings, especially if others are seeking a peaceful or family-friendly experience. There’s no potable water on the island, so bring enough for the entire stay, or use a portable water filter. All food waste and packaging must be taken with you, as there are no bins or compost systems.

Facilities at Redezvous Caye

Rendezvous Caye is intentionally undeveloped, so onsite facilities are extremely limited, with no running water or electricity.

There are no shops, restaurants, or hotels on the island. There are two toilets on the island, but no running water. Bring hand sanitiser and biodegradable baby wipes.

There are a few metal picnic shelters (previously palm-thatched palapas) for shade and plenty of sun loungers, chairs, and tables.

Mobile signal is patchy, and there is no Wi-Fi, making this a true escape from modern life. Most visitors arrive on a guided tour or private boat, where essential items like water, meals, and snorkelling gear are brought in.

The island can comfortably fit about 100 people without feeling too crowded, but it is better experienced on a small-group sailing tour where it feels like you’re the only ones for miles.

When to visit Rendezvous Caye

The best time to visit Rendezvous Caye is during Belize’s dry season, which runs from late November to early May. These months offer the most reliable weather, calm seas, and excellent visibility for snorkelling and swimming.

December to April is peak season, with more visitors and higher tour prices, while shoulder months like November and May often bring fewer crowds and milder conditions. If you’re looking to avoid both peak tourism and wet-season storms, February to April tends to be the sweet spot

The wet season from June to October gets heavier rainfall, especially in the afternoons, and a higher risk of tropical storms, though brief showers often alternate with sunshine. Always check the marine forecast before booking a trip, as tours can be cancelled due to rough seas or weather. Regardless of when you visit, bring sun protection, reef-safe sunscreen, and prepare for minimal shade on the island.

Our experience on Redezvous Caye

We arrived at Rendezvous Caye in the afternoon, and from the moment we stepped onto the sand, Rendezvous Caye felt like a slice of paradise. Our tour group had the island entirely to ourselves, and it truly felt like castaway vibes. We were met by a curious stingray in the shallows, and later witnessed an ethereal eagle ray dancing in the sunset. An osprey was nesting on the island, too, so we got a really good look at it hunting.

We greatly enjoyed the snorkelling, favouring the edge of the reef where it drops off into deeper waters. We saw quite a few fish, a yellow stingray, a spotted moray eel, and several ginormous southern stingrays.

In the evening, we enjoyed a delicious feast of local cuisine and a little party, hosted by our operator. At night, we camped under the stars and listened to the waves lapping at the shore. As there’s minimal light pollution, we could see so clearly and spotted a few shooting stars.

Is Redezvous Caye worth it?

If you’re seeking a peaceful island escape with clear turquoise water, soft white sand, and easy snorkelling right from shore, then Rendezvous Caye is absolutely worth it. It’s one of the best places in Belize to escape modern life and offers a rare opportunity to experience the Belize Barrier Reef without crowds or commercialisation.

However, with pretty much no development, the island is best suited to travellers who value simplicity and nature over luxury or nightlife. Some people (particularly those who booked cruise ship excursions) have been disappointed by expectations not aligning with reality, bad weather, crowds, and unethical practices, such as touching wildlife.

Is Redezvous Caye safe?

Rendezvous Caye is generally considered safe for travellers. It’s a calm, low-traffic island that welcomes small groups, tour guests, and occasional campers.

The biggest safety considerations are environmental: the sun is strong, there’s minimal shade, and the shallow reef has sharp coral, so reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and water shoes are smart choices. Avoid standing underneath palm trees as falling coconuts can be a hazard.

Currents are usually mild, but always ask your guide about safe snorkelling zones and avoid venturing too far alone. While the shallow waters are suitable for beginner snorkellers, it’s best to avoid swimming if you’re not confident and to ensure you use a life vest if you need one. The area off the beach is calm and shallow, while the area to the north around the wall) tends to be deeper and rougher.

Because the island is remote, there’s no on-site medical assistance, so it’s best to bring a basic first aid kit, stay hydrated, and let someone know your plans if you’re travelling independently. For overnighters, pack a headlamp, eco-friendly bug repellent, and any prescription medications you may need.

What to pack for Redezvous Caye

You’ll need to bring everything you need for the day, while keeping your footprint light to protect this tiny paradise. Here’s what to bring to Redezvous Caye:

Tips for visiting Redezvous Caye

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip to Rendezvous Caye, we’ve listed some top tips:

Read next:

3-Day Belize Barrier Reef Sailing Trip Review

18 Most Beautiful Atolls and Islands in Belize

The Ultimate Guide to Snorkelling in Belize

Tobacco Caye Travel Guide: Tropical Island Paradise

How to Visit South Water Caye Marine Reserve

Gladden Spit and Silk Cayes Travel Guide

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