The southern atoll and a small caye on the reef itself, reached from the Garifuna coast.
Glover's Reef is the southernmost atoll: a lagoon dotted with patch reefs, ringed by a wall, with a few small cayes and very simple places to stay. South Water Caye sits right on the barrier reef, closer to shore, with a handful of lodges and a reef you can swim to from the beach.
Both are reached by boat from the coast around Dangriga and Sittee River, which is why they pair so well with a few nights in Hopkins. This is the end of the River to Reef route.
Reef from the beach
On South Water Caye you can snorkel the reef crest without getting in a boat.
Patch reefs by kayak
Glover's lagoon is good for paddling between coral heads on calm days.
Marine reserve
South Water Caye and Glover's Reef are part of the UNESCO reef system; fees apply.Check before you travel
Birds
Frigatebirds and boobies on Man-O-War Caye, on the way out from Dangriga.
Simple lodges
A few rooms, family-run kitchens, and the generator going off at night.
The Garifuna coast
An hour back to Hopkins for drumming and hudut.
Boat and flight times are ranges and depend on the weather and the operator. How we get around
We choose places to stay for the setting, the people running them, and how they fit your plans.
Places to stay out here are small and simple, and some are basic. We choose carefully and tell you what the room is like, including the bathrooms.
In the windier months the crossing to Glover's can be uncomfortable, and in rough weather lodges may delay boats by a day.
The biggest caye: restaurants, a golf-cart town, and the reef a few minutes offshore.
A small caye with sand streets, wooden docks and no hurry at all.
