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anoldent from Asheville, NC, USA CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

Half Moon Caye

Island

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 Caye CaulkerSan PedroPlacenciaBelize CityCaracolHalf Moon Caye
In this guide

Half Moon Caye essentials

Website: belizeaudubon.org (Belize Audubon Society & national park info)
Hours: National park areas accessible during daylight hours; specific islands have varying restrictions
Admission: Park fees may apply for National Park access; moto or visitor fees vary (check Belize Parks & Wildlife listings)
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About Half Moon Caye

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.
When to Go

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.

Dry season
December-April · 24-30°C
Calmer seas and better visibility for diving; peak tourist season.
Green season
May-November · 25-31°C
Fewer visitors and warm water; sudden showers are possible.

Weather & Climate near Half Moon Caye

Climate

Tropical climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 23°C to 31°C. Heavy rainfall (2008 mm/year), wettest in October.

Air Quality: AQI 34 Good
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
31°
Warmest Month
23°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January - 23° - 28° 25° 187 mm - - 3.1 m/s - -
February - 23° - 28° 25° 100 mm - - 3.5 m/s - -
March - 24° - 29° 26° 72 mm - - 3.8 m/s - -
April - 25° - 30° 28° 47 mm - - 4.0 m/s - -
May - 26° - 31° 29° 83 mm - - 3.6 m/s - -
June - 27° - 31° 29° 172 mm - - 3.6 m/s - -
July - 26° - 31° 28° 179 mm - - 3.5 m/s - -
August - 26° - 31° 29° 154 mm - - 3.0 m/s - -
September - 26° - 31° 29° 189 mm - - 2.7 m/s - -
October - 26° - 31° 28° 297 mm - - 2.7 m/s - -
November - 24° - 29° 27° 269 mm - - 2.7 m/s - -
December - 23° - 28° 26° 259 mm - - 2.8 m/s - -
Getting There & Around

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.