Hotel at a Glance: Blackbird Caye Resort

The Mesoamerican Reef is the Western Hemisphere’s largest barrier reef. Within its colorful corals dwell a rich tapestry of marine life: dolphins, manatees, and hundreds of species of tropical fish. Named one of the world’s best diving resorts in 2015 by Sport Diver magazine, Blackbird Caye Resort has a front-row seat to this spectacular display from its setting on a private island just off the coast of Belize. Cabanas with private screened-in porches are a 10- to 15-minute boat ride from more than 70 snorkeling and dive sites and just 45 minutes from Belize’s famous Great Blue Hole.

• Book a snorkeling or diving excursion: The resort offers three daily dives, two daily snorkeling trips, and one weekly trip to the Great Blue Hole (additional fees apply).
• Three meals a day are included at the resort’s palapa-style restaurant: you’ll get buffets for breakfast and lunch and your choice of two entrees for dinner. You can also purchase snacks and cocktails on site.
• Lounge by the ocean: Blackbird Caye Resort overlooks a 2-mile-long private beach nestled amid coconut trees. You can borrow a kayak or standup paddleboard to take out on the water. Rentals are included with your stay.
• Spot fish from two whitewashed docks that extend into the Caribbean Sea. You might see bonefish, barracuda, stingrays, and nurse sharks.
• Getting here: Complimentary round-trip transfers are available from Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons. Travel on other days can be arranged through the hotel for an additional fee.

Turneffe Atoll, Belize: World-Class Scuba Diving and Snorkeling

One of more than 400 islands off the coast of Belize, Turneffe Atoll is accessible via a 90-minute boat ride from Belize City through the Caribbean. The atoll extends for 30 miles along the Caribbean, making it one of the Western Hemisphere’s largest coral atolls. It’s also considered the most biologically diverse, made up of lagoons and mangrove forests home to loggerhead turtles, saltwater crocodiles, endangered Antillean manatees, and other exotic wildlife.

From Turneffe Atoll, you can explore the other paradisiacal settings in the Belize cays. About an hour away, the Lighthouse Reef atoll is the site of Half Moon Caye Natural Monument, home to a diverse assortment of both underwater and land creatures. Rare red-footed boobies nest on the cay for about 10 months out of the year, spending the other 2 months playing shuffleboard in Naples.

The atoll is a part of one of the world’s largest barrier-reef systems, and you can explore this natural wonder on a scuba-diving trip. Many popular trips head to the iconic Great Blue Hole. Located in the middle of Lighthouse Reef, the Great Blue Hole is a 480-foot-deep limestone sinkhole that forms a nearly perfect circle in a brilliant shade of navy blue. Divers can see limestone stalactites and stalagmites hanging off the walls of the underwater cave.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the best way to travel to the hotel from the airport? The best airport to fly in/out of is Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (airport code: BZE). Complimentary round-trip ground and boat transfers to and from the resort on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Travelers must arrive in Belize City by 2:30 p.m. to make the island transfer that day which usually occurs between 3:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. Upon your arrival in Belize City, Blackbird representatives will take you to the appropriate location for your transfer. Arrivals to Belize City after 2:30 pm will not receive complimentary boat transfers and will have to purchase private air charter directly from the airport to the island.

2. Is there an additional occupancy fee, or do I have to purchase another Groupon? The Groupon covers two guests. Adding occupants above standard is the full Groupon voucher price for each additional guest 13 or older; 50% of Groupon price for each additional kid 7–12; kids 6 or younger stay free.

3. Will I be approached to attend a timeshare sales presentation? Groupon customers are never obligated to attend a sales presentation. If you are approached and decline a presentation, you will not lose the value of your Groupon or have to pay additional fees.

4. Which activities and amenities are included in the resort credits? Resort credits are not offered with this deal.

5. Are dinner reservations required for restaurants? Is there a dress code? For information regarding your dining options, please click here or call 866-909-7333.