Frequently Asked Questions
Your guide to Thatch Caye Resort
Island Essentials
Planning your island getaway should be as effortless as the experience itself. Browse answers to our most frequently asked questions about traveling to Belize, getting to Thatch Caye, accommodations, dining, and more. If you need anything else, our team is always happy to help.
Traveling To Belize
Belize follows Central Standard Time (CST) year-round and does not observe Daylight Saving Time. During the U.S. winter, Belize shares the same time as Central Time. During the U.S. summer, Belize aligns with Mountain Time.
Yes. All visitors must present a valid passport to enter Belize. Travelers from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, most European countries, and several others do not need a visa for short visits. Travelers from some countries may require a visa, so we recommend checking Belize's entry requirements before traveling.
Belize uses the Belize Dollar (BZD). The exchange rate is fixed at 2 Belize Dollars to 1 U.S. Dollar (2 BZD = 1 USD).
No, U.S. dollars are widely accepted throughout Belize (excluding U.S. coins), making it easy for most travelers. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and larger businesses, while cash is recommended for small vendors and remote areas. ATMs are available in most towns and cities.
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect your vacation against unexpected delays, cancellations, or medical emergencies. Travel insurance provides valuable peace of mind before and during your stay. Muy’Ono Resorts offers plans through Generali Global Assistance.
Policies & Reservations
A 50% deposit is required to confirm your reservation, with the remaining balance due 30 days before arrival. We accept all major credit cards.
Standard reservations may be cancelled or modified without penalty up to 31 days before arrival (excluding holiday dates). Holiday reservations with arrival dates between December 18 and January 3 may be cancelled or modified without penalty up to 91 days before arrival.
Cancellations or modifications made within the penalty period will result in a 100% forfeiture of payment. No refunds are provided for early departures or cancellations during a stay. In the event of inclement weather, reservations may be rebooked within 12 months (exclusions apply for rebooking during holiday dates).
You can pay your final bill in U.S. dollars, Belize dollars, or with any major credit card. Please note that we do not accept personal checks or U.S. coins. Because we're located on a private island, we may have limited ability to provide small amounts of change.
All rates and activities include a service charge. Additional tipping is optional, though 10–15% is customary in Belize. If you choose to leave a gratuity, you can do so with cash or add it to your credit card during checkout.
Check in begins upon your arrival at the resort via boat transfer from the mainland. If you arrive on the earlier boat, your room may not be ready until 3pm, but you’re welcome to start enjoying the resort’s amenities while we prepare your accommodations.
Check-out is by 11am, though your departure time may vary depending on your onward travel plans or flight schedule. Our team will provide your departure transfer details during your stay to ensure a seamless journey back to the mainland.No. Thatch Caye is a smoke-free island, and smoking is not permitted anywhere on the property.
No. Thatch Caye welcomes guests of all ages, making it a wonderful island destination for couples, families, and small groups.
Only certified service dogs are welcome. If you're missing your furry friend at home, our friendly island dogs are always happy to keep you company.
Location & Getting Here
Thatch Caye is a private, 12-acre island located in the Coco Plum Range of southern Belize, about nine miles off the coast of Dangriga. The resort is surrounded by the protected South Water Marine Reserve and only four miles from the Belize Barrier Reef.
Fly into Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) in Belize City. From there, travel to Dangriga by commuter flight or ground transfer. Once you arrive at Pelican Beach Resort, you'll board a complimentary 35-minute boat transfer to Thatch Caye. Visit our Getting Here page for more information.
If you're taking a commuter flight to Dangriga, we recommend arriving in Belize City no later than 3pm. If you're using the Muy'Ono Explorer ground transfer, plan to arrive by 11:30am.
Boat transfers typically depart from Pelican Beach Resort in Dangriga. While you wait, you can enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi, a beachfront restaurant and bar, restroom facilities, and beach access.
Scheduled departures from Pelican Beach Resort are generally 2:30pm and 4:30pm daily, though times may vary.
The complimentary boat transfer takes approximately 35 minutes.
Your stay includes the complimentary boat transfer between Pelican Beach Resort and Thatch Caye. Guests arriving by commuter flight also receive transportation between the Dangriga airstrip and Pelican Beach Resort.
Return boat departures are coordinated around guests' departing flights and transportation schedules. Our team will confirm your departure time during your stay.
About The Resort
Yes, as with any tropical island, you'll encounter some insects, though most are not a major nuisance. Sand flies (also known as no-see-ums) are most active when there is little wind, and mosquitoes are typically less common on the island than on the mainland. Complimentary bug repellent is available in the Coco Lounge, and we also provide a bottle for guests joining mainland excursions.
Belize has a relaxed island atmosphere, so casual, lightweight clothing is ideal. We recommend packing shorts, t-shirts, swimsuits, sandals, hats, and sun protection for daytime, along with a light sweater, long sleeves, or a windbreaker for cooler evenings. If you're planning mainland adventures, comfortable walking or hiking shoes are recommended. A lightweight rain jacket is also a good idea year-round.
Absolutely! Thatch Caye welcomes guests of all ages. Depending on your family's size, we recommend accommodations like the Penthouse, which includes an additional bed, or adjoining Overwater Bungalows for extra space. Be sure to pack child-friendly sunscreen and bug repellent, and always supervise children around the water.
Yes! Thatch Caye is an incredible destination for group getaways, wellness retreats, corporate retreats, family reunions, elopements, and destination weddings. We also offer private island buyouts, giving your group exclusive access to the entire island for an unforgettable Belize experience.
Yes. Thatch Caye features Barefoot Beach, along with other places to swim and relax, including the Natural Swimming Cove near the Starfish Bar and the tranquil waters at Serenity Point. Explore all of our amenities here.
For reservations, call 1 (877) 418-2562. While you're in Belize, you can reach our front desk by phone or WhatsApp at +501 614-3911, or email info@thatchcayebelize.com anytime.
Yes! As part of the Muy'Ono Resorts Collection, you can combine your stay with another award-winning Belize resort through our Beach & Jungle Packages. Pair your private island escape with a luxury treehouse, beachfront villa, or rainforest lodge for the ultimate Belize vacation.
Rooms, Amenities & Services
All accommodations have electricity and use the same 110-volt outlets found in North America. To encourage guests to disconnect, rooms do not include TVs, telephones, or Wi-Fi. Complimentary Wi-Fi and a television with local and international channels are available in the Coco Lounge, while Wi-Fi is also available at the Starfish Bar and Barefoot Beach. We offer Wi-Fi extenders for rooms for an additional fee per night.
Yes. Every accommodation includes a private bathroom with hot water. Please note that our hot water heaters are small, so the amount of hot water available at one time is limited.
Yes. All accommodations feature air conditioning as well as ceiling or wall-mounted fans for added comfort.
Cell service is generally available but can be inconsistent due to our remote island location. We recommend checking with your wireless provider about an international plan before traveling. If needed, guests may use the resort phone or connect using Wi-Fi in the Coco Lounge.
Yes. Friends and family can contact the resort by phone or WhatsApp at +501 614-3911.
Daily housekeeping is included. Laundry service is not available.
Island's Choice gives you more flexibility to travel on your preferred dates. If the same room type isn't available for your entire stay, you'll be accommodated in different room categories as needed, so you can enjoy your ideal travel dates without missing out.
The Coco Lounge gift shop offers travel essentials and island souvenirs, including sunscreen, bug spray, aloe gel, toiletries, snacks, Belizean hot sauces, apparel, hats, rash guards, cigars, and more.
Food & Beverage
Yes. Every stay at Thatch Caye includes our all-inclusive package within the nightly rate.
Your stay includes three chef-prepared meals daily, happy hour snacks, and unlimited local beverages.
Snacks such as nuts and homemade cookies are typically available throughout the day in the Coco Lounge. You'll also enjoy daily happy hour snacks, and additional snacks are available for purchase in the gift shop.
Our all-inclusive bar features a selection of Belizean spirits, including Copalli Rum, 1 Barrel Rum, 5 Barrel Rum, Crystal White Rum, Extra Mature Rum, Coconut Rum, Hyper Vodka, and other locally produced favorites. Imported liquors like tequila and whiskey are available at an additional price.
Fresh drinking water is provided in every guest room and available throughout the resort in the Coco Lounge through five-gallon dispensers. Each guest receives a reusable water bottle to enjoy during their stay and take home as a keepsake.
Shower and sink water comes from a combination of rainwater collection and desalination systems and is safe for bathing and brushing your teeth. Because fresh water is one of our most valuable resources, we encourage guests to use it thoughtfully during their stay.
Absolutely. Our culinary team is happy to accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and most other dietary needs. Please let us know before your arrival so we can prepare accordingly.
Yes, visitors are welcome to enjoy food and beverages on the island. Please contact us 24 hours in advance for dining reservations.
While traditional room service is not available, we offer special romantic dining experiences, including breakfast in bed and private candlelit dinners in Honeymoon Palapa.
Activities & Excursions
Your all-inclusive stay includes complimentary activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkeling gear, and a Hobie Cat, along with beach games like volleyball, cornhole, ping pong, Jenga, and slacklining. Guests can also enjoy our island amenities, including gym, walking trails, bicycles, and yoga mats and blocks available in the Coco Lounge.
No. Excursions and spa services can be arranged after you arrive, subject to availability. Simply stop by the front desk in the Coco Lounge to book your experience 24 hours in advance.
Thatch Caye is surrounded by incredible marine life. Right from the island, you may spot rays, nurse sharks, tarpon, manatees, eels, starfish, and colorful tropical fish. Birdwatchers can also see brown pelicans, herons, frigatebirds, cormorants, mangrove warblers, and other native species.
Yes. Our island gym features free weights, driftwood barbells up to 150 pounds, and a pull-up bar. While we don't have a full-service spa, massages and body treatments can be enjoyed in your overwater bungalow or at Serenity Point.
Yes. Whether you're a first-time diver or working toward your certification, we offer SCUBA diving tours for every experience level. Our Discover SCUBA program is perfect for beginners with no prior certifications. The Open Water Referral program allows students to complete their final open water dives in Belize after finishing classroom and pool training at home.
Tours canceled by guides or captains due to weather or operational circumstances will be rescheduled or refunded. Land and snorkel tours canceled more than 48 hours in advance incur no charge. Cancellations within 48 hours may incur fees. Fishing tours require 30 days notice for cancellation.
All cancellations must be received in writing. Before 90 days, 100% of the deposit may be transferred to another date/angler or refunded. Between 45 and 90 days, 50% of the package may be transferred to another date or angler or refunded. Less than 45 days may not be transferred or refunded.
The unused portion of this package, by the guest's choice, is not refundable. Trips cancelled or shortened as a result of inclement weather and/or acts of nature, including hurricanes, or due to airline delays, strikes, or political unrest are not refundable. We strongly encourage all guests to purchase travel insurance.
