Island days, island ways:

Hello Sirenian Bay friends!

Another week, another adventure!

Here at Sirenian Bay the land-lubbers have been spending their days exploring the one-of-a-kind experiences our peninsula has to offer, and they’ve found plenty of great places to share.

One of their most recent outings involved a family trip across the tranquil waters of the Caribbean Sea to Hatchet Caye, a picturesque resort island known for its pristine white sands, gentle tides, and picture-perfect snorkeling and diving. They told me all about it when they returned to Sirenian Bay:

The getaway was a last-minute idea, and our family arrived without having booked accommodations – but with their fingers crossed that something would be available.

“Hatchet Caye is only about forty-five to sixty minutes from Placencia by boat, so we could easily head back in the evening if they were booked up,” says Brian. “The first thing I noticed when we walked up the dock was the crystal clear water, and I knew that whatever happened we were at least in for a beautiful day!”

The island manager greeted our group as we arrived, and encouraged us to settle in with a cool drink at the bar before touring the picturesque island.  

“The bar was more than a bar – it was a full restaurant with an incredible view of the ocean from every seat,” says Brenda. “From our first sip we knew that this was going to be a first class excursion!”

Having cooled down with a cocktail, then we explored the red brick path that took us around the island – and its impeccable landscaping and accommodations.

“We got lucky with the accommodations: there were a handful of beautifully appointed rooms available to choose from,” says Brenda. “When we saw them we knew that we were definitely staying! They were clean, airy, and spacious, and the views were wonderful.”

Once settled in, we explored the rest of the island and its activities – which included volleyball court, paddle boarding, kayaking, pedal boating, and snorkeling.

“We wanted to explore what the waters had to offer,” says Brian. “Silk Caye, which we’d visited a couple of years earlier, was just five minutes away, so we made that our first port of call – after some relaxing time in the hammocks and some cold drinks, of course!” 

We returned from our snorkeling expedition to enjoy a huge lunch, some great cocktails and lounging about in the hammocks, chairs, and beds stationed on the beach. A dip in the freshwater pool offered a handy post-meal pick-me-up.

The evening brought a volleyball challenge, with the game drawing a crowd of guests from all around the island.

“Other guests joined in, and when we saw the staff looking on, we knew another challenge was coming: staff versus guests!” says Brian.

With victory declared, everyone wound down with a pre-dinner sunset walk around the island. Some strolled along the pier, some explored the beach, and others simply enjoyed the view from the front porch of their cabana.

“Everyone had had an ‘unbelizeable’ time,” says Brian. “Over a fantastic dinner, we all agreed that we would definitely be returning – and that we’d be recommending Hatchet Caye to our guests!”

The group was also happy to learn that there was no island access fee at the resort: you only paid for food, drinks, and any accommodations used. 

 “The charges were very reasonable, and we’re looking forward to our next trip out!”

Considering an island getaway as part of your visit? Take a closer look at Hatchet Caye.

This is Hugh Manatee signing off for now – stay tuna-ed for the next installment from the Resort!

Photo credit:  Deb Elander-Hamrell