Silk Cayes

About this place

The Silk Cayes are three small sand islands, North, Middle and South Silk, in the Gladden Spit and Silk Cayes Marine Reserve in the central part of Belize's barrier reef. They lie 36 km off the coast at Placencia and are known for the bright clear water around them, one of the best known day trips by boat for snorkellers and divers. The reserve covers about 10,510 hectares, was declared in May 2000 and is managed by a community group, the Southern Environmental Association, under the Fisheries Department. Since 2003 it has been divided into zones, including a no-take zone around the islands. A special zone protects the feeding site of whale sharks, which gather near Gladden Spit during fish spawning seasons. From a distance an island looks like a few palms on white sand, ringed by pale green water turning to deep blue. Frigatebirds and gulls wheel overhead, and a nesting colony of terns has been recorded on North Silk. Reefs stretch underwater, while near Gladden Spit the shelf drops steeply to great depths. You arrive by boat from Placencia or Hopkins on a tour, depending on the sea, and the crossing can be tiring. The islands have little shade and no services, so bring a hat, reef-suitable sunscreen and water. Do not touch the coral or disturb the birds. Ask the operator about whale shark seasons, which are limited and not guaranteed.