Ranguana Caye, Private cay off Placencia, Belize

This private island near Placencia contains three cabanas, a boat dock, and direct reef access for snorkeling from its shore. The small property also includes a dining area and open spaces for relaxation between water activities.

The island was once called Cayo Renegado, and it is potentially believed to have been the base of the "renegade" Spaniard Diego el Mulato. This links the cay to the 17th-century origins of Belize, which are traced back to two different myths.

The dining facility serves daily meals prepared with local recipes and ingredients sourced from regional waters. Visitors experience Caribbean food traditions that reflect the area's long connection to fishing and island life.

The island accommodates small groups with overnight capacity for up to 6 people or day visits for up to 15 people, so booking ahead makes sense. Boat travel from the mainland takes about an hour, making an early start worthwhile to maximize your time there.

Visitors can watch sea turtles hatch during certain seasons and spot osprey and seagull nests on the shore. These wild creatures return regularly to the beaches, making the island an unexpected spot for observing nature.