Half Moon Caye
Island Coral cay and bird sanctuary on Lighthouse Reef
Half Moon Caye sits on Belize’s Lighthouse Reef Atoll as a protected reserve with a colonial-era lighthouse and red-footed booby colonies; divers and snorkelers use it as a base for reef excursions.
Half Moon Caye is a small coral cay at the southern edge of Lighthouse Reef Atoll, off the coast of Belize. It is a protected natural area known for seabird colonies and coral reef habitats and is part of the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System World Heritage Site.
The cay supports a prominent nesting population of red-footed boobies and other seabirds and is adjacent to fringing coral reef popular with snorkelers and divers. Visitors typically arrive by boat from Belize City or nearby cayes to visit the bird colonies and reef areas.
Half Moon Caye sits on Lighthouse Reef Atoll in the Caribbean Sea, about 80-100 kilometres offshore from the Belize mainland, within Belize District waters.
- Protected status: Part of Lighthouse Reef Atoll and the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is managed for conservation and ecotourism.
- Wildlife and activities: The cay is known for a large colony of nesting red-footed boobies and for nearby coral reef snorkeling and diving sites.
How to Get to Half Moon Caye #
Access is by boat from Belize City or San Pedro; licensed tour operators and dive shops run day trips and overnight visits to the cay within the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System.
Tips for Visiting Half Moon Caye #
- For diving and birding, book through certified operators in Belize City or San Pedro who include park fees and know local sites.
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen and follow local guidelines to protect coral.
- The island is a protected area-respect nesting sites and marked zones.
Best Time to Visit Half Moon Caye #
Dry season offers the calmest seas and best visibility for diving around marine protected areas; green season is quieter but still rewarding.
Weather & Climate near Half Moon Caye #
Tropical climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 23°C to 31°C. Heavy rainfall (2008 mm/year), wettest in October.
January
January is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 23°C. Significant rainfall (187 mm).
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February
February is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 23°C. Regular rainfall (100 mm).
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March
March is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 24°C. Moderate rainfall (72 mm).
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April
April is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 25°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm).
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May
May is hot with highs of 31°C and lows of 26°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm).
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June
June is the hottest month with highs of 31°C and lows of 26°C. Significant rainfall (172 mm).
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July
July is hot with highs of 31°C and lows of 26°C. Significant rainfall (179 mm).
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August
August is hot with highs of 31°C and lows of 26°C. Significant rainfall (154 mm).
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September
September is the hottest month with highs of 31°C and lows of 26°C. Significant rainfall (189 mm).
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October
October is hot with highs of 31°C and lows of 26°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (297 mm).
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November
November is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 24°C. Heavy rain (269 mm).
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December
December is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 23°C. Heavy rain (259 mm).
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