Blue Marlin Beach Resort

Snorkeling beneath the dock was probably better than any of our other snorkels. Every day we spotted nurse sharks, Eagle Ray, giant jacks, barracuda’s, tarpon, and more. The island feels like paradise, and I hope I can return soon. It’s Belizean owned, so I felt good about the money going to a good place and the way workers are treated. The bar and pool table look straight out over the water, and Eddie made excellent fresh juices and smoothies. We let him surprise us once, and he brought a delicious blueberry banana smoothie with homemade coconut cream. They were accommodating with dietary needs, too. For my birthday they made a tasty vegan cake. Thanks for such a great experience. This is definitely the best resort on the island.

We anchored at Blue Marlin Resort for two days during a bearboat charter last week. It was one of my favorite stops. The staff were first rate and went out of their way to help. We had a great meal and an exciting dive, and the protection for new paddle boarding was excellent.

We came by without a reservation after getting to South Water Caye, and Eddie and the team made us feel welcome right away. Since it was early in the season and we’d arrived on short notice, snapper and grouper were the only fish available. The dining palapa over the water was beautiful, and the bar staff were friendly and accommodating, so we trusted the chef. The fish was the best prepared I’ve ever had at a restaurant. The resort itself is gorgeous, with incredible wildlife off the dock. And Eddie made our dark and stormies by hand when there was no ginger beer, muddling fresh ginger with simple syrup, soda water, and a splash of coke. They were unforgettable.

The people are what made South Water Caye stay with me. From the first hello to the goodbye, everyone treated us like family, sharing their knowledge of Belize’s history, customs, traditions, and culture with real pride and warmth. My best friend had her birthday while we were there, and the team thought through every detail to make her feel celebrated. We didn’t have to worry about anything; every need and moment was handled with care, leaving us free to enjoy it all. The island is stunning, with clear turquoise water and soft white sand. I also appreciated the care taken to preserve it: the resort runs on solar power and makes its own fresh water. It felt meaningful to spend time somewhere that respects the environment. We arrived as guests and left feeling like family, and the place will always have a special place in my heart.