Frequently Asked Questions about Thatch Caye and your stay with us…
Where is Dangriga?
Dangriga, is the largest town in the Stann Creek District. It is 55 miles from Belize’s Capital, Belmopan and 105 miles from Belize City.
Where is Thatch Caye?
In Belize, a “caye” (pronounced key) is an island. There are different spellings, most commonly Cay or Caye. Thatch Caye a natural island complex that forms a 12 acre marine park in the Cocoplum chain just 9 miles from Dangriga in south-central Belize and only two miles from the second largest reef in the western world. Thatch Caye Resort is inside the northern boundary of the protected South Water Marine Reserve (Most maps show Cocoplum Caye)
How do I get to Thatch Caye Resort from Belize City?
Guests can choose from international flights provided by American Airlines, Continental Airlines, U.S. Airways, Delta, TACA or United to get to the Philip Goldson International Airport (BZE) in Belize City.
Once arriving in Belize City, most guests take a short commuter flight to Dangriga on Maya Island Air or Tropic Air. The cost of this local flight is approx. $109 per person and is not included in the package rates. We are happy to organize the local flight for you. At the Dangriga airport, a Thatch Caye Resort staff member will greet you and shuttle you or your party to our boat. Enjoy a short 20-minute crossing to Thatch Caye Resort!
Which airlines fly to Belize City (BZE)?
Please note: when visiting Thatch Caye Resort between December and January please book your international flight into Belize City for an arrival no later than 3:30 pm. The last Maya Island Air or Tropics Air flights depart Belize City for Dangriga at 5:00 pm.
Is international airfare included in the package rate?
No, the international airfare is not included in the package rate.
Am I responsible for booking my flight from Belize City to Dangriga?
Once you have made your reservations with us, we will be happy to make the appropriate local flight reservations for you, if you would kindly e-mail us your international flight itinerary. The cost of the local round trip flight to and from the international airport in Belize City and Dangriga is approximately $126 U.S. per person and flight time is approximately 20 minutes.
Is there internet service at Thatch Caye Resort?
Wireless Internet access is available in the reception area and guest units.
Is there electricity at Thatch Caye Resort?
Yes, just like in USA 110V with the same plugs, we have generators but prefer to run the caye from our deep cycle batteries, which store energy captured by Solar panels and Wind Generators. Air conditioning requires us to run Generators.
Can you drink the water on Thatch Caye?
Our water comes from the sky and is collected in cisterns. This rainwater is piped directly into our guest units and is fresh and fine for showering and hand washing. Drinking water is purified through a reverse osmosis filtering system for our kitchen and ice maker and 5 gallons of bottled drinking water are provided in all of our guest units. Water is as valuable as gold on tropical islands so, we use salt water in all our toilets to insure a reserve of fresh water during the dry season.
Is air conditioning available at Thatch Caye Resort?
If the Caribbean Sea breeze, along with ceiling and wall mounted fans, don’t keep you cool, air conditioning is available in our Casitas for an additional $50.00 US per day.
Are there bugs at Thatch Caye Resort?
You can expect to encounter mosquitoes and sand flies when traveling to the tropics. Thatch Caye substantially reduced the biting insect population by eliminating any swampy areas on the island, planting natural ground covers and placing mosquito traps in public areas. These efforts substantially decreased their populations in order to increase your enjoyment of our tropical island. For those who are sensitive to insect bites, we advise bringing an insect repellent.
What clothing do you suggest I bring to Thatch Caye Resort?
Belize is a very relaxed and informal country. Daytime on the Island calls for shorts, t-shirts, bathing suits, wraps, hats, and sandals.
The evenings can be a touch cool, depending on the time of year, due to the sea breezes and days spent in the tropical sunlight. Light slacks and long sleeve shirts and blouses or a windbreaker would keep most visitors perfectly comfortable.
From November to February, Belize is subtropical and can get quite cool due to Belize’s geographical location and topography. Often cooler air from the mountains of Guatemala can make its way down to the coast of Belize and this combines with a winter coldfront coming down from North America to lower temperatures into the 60′s (F), so please bring proper clothing and do not expect completely tropical weather at all times from November to February. Although the Cayes off Belize get less rain than the mainland, we still recommend a rain slicker for the unexpected downpour.
The same type of clothing applies while on tours to the mainland but, we’d suggest a good set of hiking or walking shoes with socks in place of sandals. If you’re not going off the beaten path, then sandals are just fine.
What is the Reservations Policy at Thatch Caye Resort?
Thatch Caye Resort requires a 25% deposit at the time of confirmation. The balance is due 30 days prior to arrival. Thatch Caye Resort accepts Visa, MasterCard and American Express.
What is the Cancellation Policy at Thatch Caye Resort?
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90 (or more) days before arrival – 100% refund of your deposit*
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61-89 days before arrival – forfeit 25% of deposit*
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31-60 days before arrival – forfeit 50% of deposit*
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30 (or less) days before arrival – forfeit 100% of payments*
Please note that a $100 Administration Fee* applies to all cancellations.
What is the time zone in Belize?
Belize Standard Time is 6 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT-6). Belize does not adjust for Daylight-Savings Time.
Do I need a passport to travel to Belize?
A valid passport is all that is required for citizens of the Australia, Britain, Canada, Hong Kong, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, United States, Venezuela, and CARICOM member states, as well as nationals of European Community. Belize requires citizens from certain other countries to have an entry visa. To see a complete list please click here!
What is the monetary exchange in Belize?
The Belize dollar has a locked exchange rate of two Belize dollars to one US. dollar.
Do I need to bring Belize currency?
No, US. dollars are accepted everywhere in Belize (US coins excluded). The majority of tourism facilities including hotels, restaurants and shops in populated areas accept Credit Cards & Travelers’ Checks. Street vendors and smaller establishments in remote areas may accept only cash.
Do I need any shots before traveling to Belize?
For additional information on Belize including travel and health information please visit the Government of Belize website.