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Cheaper
Average
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About
4.5
#2 of 3 lodges in Long Caye
Location
4.9
Cleanliness
4.6
Service
4.7
Value
4.3
Whether you are coming for the best diving in the world, snorkeling, research and education purposes or simply to unplug from the world, our goal is to make sure you enjoy your stay. Explore our beautiful island surrounded by "enchanted waters" as the name Itza in Mayan means. Lay back and relax or explore the island. Get inspired by a walk along the beach by picking up Mayan pottery or other relics from ship wrecks that are washed ashore. Relax and unwind from your daily work and stress and enjoy the tranquility of our island. Dive or Snorkel the UNESCO World Heritage Sites the Blue Hole and Half Moon Caye. Explore a colorful underwater world with beautiful reef systems. Hear the waves rolling on the beach in the night and let you wake up by a beautiful sunrise watched from your private balcony or even from your bed. Feel the sand under your toes, enjoy our barefoot island and book your holidays today with us. We are the only Lodge on the island directly at the beach with ocean view rooms and a sea breeze restaurant / bar.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
Stay anywhere else , even live aboards, and you can never touch the convenience and concierge diving offered by Itza Resort. If you need a pool, 3 -5 different restaurants to eat in and all you can drink…this is NOT the resort for you. If you believe in a sustainable, away from “people” place, This is your spot. Amazing, healthy reef, great vis Diving is a 3-5 min boat ride, less than 15min to the Blue Hole, 10 min to Half Moon Caye. This reef actually gives me hope for the ocean. Apex predators like Caribbean Reef & Great Hammerhead sharks, And Barracuda all the way down the chain to a huge amount of Blennies, Jawfish, and Nudibranchs. Amazing biodiversity. HUGE elephant ear and barrel sponges. Great Wall dives, swim throughs, and amazing amounts of critters in the sand. All guided by Mr Elvis and his amazing staff…he specializes in finding things that “aren’t there”!! A native Belizean, he knows more about this reef than anyone I’ve ever met. Oh, and I met the largest Loggerhead Turtle I’ve ever seen there! We ate food caught that day, and prepared by the Wonderful Heidi. And her banana muffins…. Cold beer, good drinks. Nay takes care of absolutely anything you might need. This resort exists in a way that all resorts should. Very little environmental impact, they are reclaiming eroded coastline in a sustainable way, water is reclaimed and thrice filtered rain water. Compostable toilets, solar power augmented by generators as needed. Right in front of the resort you can view spotted eagle,and southern stingrays, permit and Jacks… fly fish for your dinner! Kayaking is easy and included, they will take you and the kayak to whatever you want to see. Pelican Rookery…check! Red Footed Boobies & Frigate Rookery…check! Bird watching, sunrise views from your bed, sunset from the boat on night dives(done every night if you want to go), or on the “sunset dock” on the other side
I cannot say enough about the incredibly,genuinely personable staff. They go over and above to make sure your vacation is all you want it to be.
Downsides: It’s a taxi ride to the dock and a 1.5 hr boat ride to the resort (offset by proximity to the dive sites) there is NO AC. There are fans, and a good ocean breeze, but when there is no wind, there are lots of Mosquitoes. Come prepared with bug spray,long sleeves and pants, sunscreen, a hat and a water bottle. Composting toilets and no breeze can become a bit “ripe”. (When I told them it was becoming ripe, the emptied the toilet that day) Overall, this is one of the best Caribbean dive vacations I’ve had in a long time. And I’ve been diving and doing photography since 1980.
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Date of stay: May 2022Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
People make all the difference and that’s why we had a fantastic time at Itza resort. Everyone was wonderful to us, Wendy was quick to reply to queries and handled our booking efficiently, she is wonderful in person too. Elvis and George were waiting to take us out to Long Caye and Gilroy made sure we always had plenty of good food, often exceptionally so. Nayeli always showed a friendly face, taking care of us during our meals. We felt more like friends than guests, it made a big difference. Elvis and I had a lot of common interests and that’s always good, he is knowledgeable and professional and did a lot to ensure we enjoyed the stay, they all did.
We were the only two guests, Covid has destroyed tourism in Belize. As a result we had personal service and a lot of flexibility. The focus of the trip was snorkeling and Elvis took us out whenever we wanted and we went to a lot of different spots, he and George made sure to point out anything of interest we hadn’t spotted yet and took great care of us. Overall a great experience in the water, some great snorkeling.
Long Caye is mostly mangroves so bugs can be expected, mosquitoes and sand flies, pack bug spray and something to take the itch away. They do what they can at the resort but short of DDT there is nothing anyone can do, just be aware and be prepared.
My only suggestion would be using some system to warm the water for the showers, there are options that don’t need electricity, or not much. I don’t expect a lot in such a remote location, the challenges are enormous, but I did not particularly enjoy the very cold showers. I knew it was an Eco resort and what we were getting into, it’s not a complaint aimed at anyone at the resort. The weather was fairly cool and a warmer shower would have really felt good when we returned from snorkeling. First world problems ...
Included in the snorkeling package is a trip to the Blue Hole. It’s highly recommended even though the coral in some places is obviously suffering from the volume of traffic. Do pack rash guard shirts to prevent sunburn but wetsuits were not needed.
We would have no hesitation in going back to Itza resort or recommending it, we had a great time. Thank you Elvis, Wendy, Gilroy, Nayeli, George and Chris!
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Date of stay: January 2021Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Very comfortable, modest accommodations. Relaxed and casual. The manager, Elvis, is also the Scuba Instructor. He has a patient and knowledgeable instructor.
Water is filtered rain water. Electricity is solar and generator. This is not the resort of the perfect hair and makeup. This is a resort to appreciate life and nature.
The Chef, Gilroy, delighted us with the most delicious Belizian dishes. Ari, the housekeeper and waitstaff went above and beyond at personalizing our needs. The diving and snorkeling were beyond my expectations. This was a trip of a lifetime. My husband and I are in our mid 60's. Itza is a gem.
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Date of stay: February 2020
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:The sea view rooms are cooler due to more breeze.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My husband and I recently spent a week at Itza Resort. When I say I wouldn’t change a thing about this trip, I mean it. Everyone at Itza was nothing short of amazing. This is an eco-resort right by the best diving in Belize, and a very quick boat ride from the Blue Hole. If you need anything at all, just ask and they will do everything they can to get it to you. Hippie, our dive guide, was just great. Every dive was easy, relaxing, and beautiful. The reefs are full of life and he and Jeff made diving so easy. We barely lifted a finger.
If you are debating which of the two dive resorts to stay out, stop and choose Itza. They have an amazing ocean view with each meal and being right on the beach you get the constant sea breeze that helps keeps the mosquitoes away. (If you walk back to the other resort, this is a HUGE problem.)
Also, the food was fantastic (thank you Gilroy!), we were never hungry. Nayeli was always smiling and ready to help. She went out of her way to make sure we had a special anniversary, decorating our room and making sure dinner was perfect. The resort wasn’t very busy due to covid so I feel like we got an opportunity to get to know the people that worked there and some of the local residents that stopped by. That was a huge bonus for us. Everyone here was just incredible and you can tell they all love what they do. We are looking forward to going back.
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Date of stay: July 2021
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:get an ocean view room on the 2nd floor
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Our trip was the escape of a lifetime from an otherwise dreary 2020. After months of being cooped up by the quarantine and pandemic, we manage to get to this tiny island 50 miles (2 hour boat ride) from Belize! Despite being delayed by Hurricane Eta and chased out by Hurricane Iota, we had perfectly calm weather and sunshine. It was so flat that it looked like a lake!
This resort has capacity for 62 guests and we were the only two! By the end of the week, we felt like we were family!! We will never forget our new friends and days of jokes and laughter.
Elvis is a fantastic dive master. He took excellent care of us, (we being fairly newly scuba certified just a few months previous), and always helped us feel calm. Devon and Chris also took us on dives that were excellent as well. We had lots of help with equipment and he made the dives fun and exciting. We shared a lot of laughs. Nayeli waited on us house and foot and was a perfect housekeeper and waitress! Wendy took such good care of us by organizing the trip and the accommodations. She was always around with a smile!
We even got to do some unexpected fishing in—I had never fished before—and I was unexpectedly handed a rod and reel before one of our dives! I caught two Barracuda, a Needlefish and a Jack! Imagine my wonder and surprise!
Elvis introduced us to his pet fish Rufus, a Nassau Grouper that he rescued seven years ago by removing a spear in his head. I kid you not, Elvis calls him with his “shell phone” (rapping a conch shell on his tank), qand Rufus showed up and wouldn’t leave Elvis’ side the entire dive!
I was terrified before doing my first night dive but Elvis assured us that it was just like a regular dive but with flashlights. It was amazing! We fed coral, saw an octopus, and played with a puffer fish. It was magical and we saw many things that we never would have seen during the day.
We swam with turtles, saw countless stingrays, met the reef sharks Jolly Roger and Big Bertha. It was amazing!
The staff at the resort were helpful and very friendly! The place was clean and the food was delightful—Thanks Gilroy! We made friends and felt like family.
Can’t recommend Itza Resort highly enough! Long Caye is a magical place.
And you wouldn’t believe the send off that a group of Pilot Whales and dolphins gave us on the boat ride back to Belize. Astounding!
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Date of stay: November 2020Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
When we arrived they wanted to put us in the wrong room category at first. And told us we had booked this one. So either they wanted to downgrade us on purpose or they don't have their bookings under control at all. None of the people who travelled with us got their room correctly as booked. After a discussion, we were given a completely different room. This one was nasty. In the toilet were the remains of previous users. The romm was covered in dust, dirt and tufts of hair everywhere. The next day, other guests who didn't go diving cleaned the entire accommodation and our room as well. So it was reasonably habitable, but still repulsive. We found mice droppings in the bed. The sheets had probably not been changed for a long time. It often happened that local fishermen who had the rooms right next door had long parties. They also barbecued in front of the accommodation so that the smoke and the smell of food penetrated into our rooms. All around the accommodation was also a lot of garbage lying around. Other guests who have been there before told us that they had problems with overbooking eversince.
The diving was OK, but completely overpriced and the reef is almost completely dead. They told us that the coral bleaching gets worst form year to year. Don't get me wrong the spot is nice for diving but I've seen alot better ones.
Bring enough food yourself. The portions are rather small, not very tasty and the overall quality of the food is low.
The boat that takes you to the island is very small, we got completely wet and also some of our luggage. So better be prepared.
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Date of stay: February 2024Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip:Try the other accommodation on the island or just take a boat trip from the main land to visit...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elvis and his crew are truly lovely people who made our stay special in every possible way. Our flight from NY arrived late but Elvis kindly held the boat for us. Upon arrival we were greeted with huge smiles and delicious cocktails (panty rippas!!). We dove every day and the diving was awesome: tiny groups, top equipment, and pristine reefs 5-10 mins away from the lodge full of reef life. The food was delicious: varied every day with big breakfasts, snacks after dives, and delicious lunches and dinners catering for vegetarians and carnivores alike. Our room was gorgeous: high ceilings, all in wood, with a hammock in the terrace to watch the frigate birds and pelicans gliding and fishing all day, and the sea breeze and sound of the waves pulling us to sleep each night in our large comfy bed. I hope to be able to come back and that the reefs will be just as pristine!
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Date of stay: December 2022Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Our stay at the Itza in December 2021 was remarkable: never have I felt as well cared for or in more capable hands at a dive resort. Elvis, the captain, primary divemaster, and operations manager, is a unique person with a personal story like few people one can meet. He was a great host and genuinely concerned that we have the best experience we could possibly have. Jeff, our dive master and primary underwater guide, was both patient and knowledgeable above and below water. He did an excellent job in making sure we were well briefed before every dive. This level of attention wasn't limited to the dive staff, everyone at the resort was friendly and helpful. The new chef Douglas' food too was phenomenal. I'm extremely grateful for the easy reef access (less than 5 minutes in some cases!) that Itza affords its visitors as well as the amazing staff, not to mention the freshest seafood possible. The sea breeze at night too is an extra special part of this paradise you'll just have to experience to understand! We will absolutely be back someday!
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Date of stay: December 2021
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Upper level gets great sunrises.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Long Caye is remotely inhabited with only two resorts, and handful of homes accessible only by footpath. They are all inside mosquito infested areas, except for Itza, which has a constant cooling wind blowing on the property. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, with a safe. Staff are extremely friendly and accommodating. The food is really good and plentiful (3x a day + 2 snacks). Internet only available in main dining/lounge area.
Diving is amazing. Elvis (the effusive, if wry manager) took us on a turtle encounter, where I was next to (as in 1' away) from a feeding turtle! Lots of rays, sharks, and coral is in relatively good shape. A day trip to Half Moon Caye with the frigate bird sanctuary is worth it.
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Date of stay: April 2022
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip:2nd floor rooms have a nice view, and good breeze from the ocean
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I had an amazing stay at the Itza Resort on Long Caye, Belize in October 2022. The entire staff was amazing, including Doug the Chef, Chris the boat captain, Mario and Jeff our Dive Masters, and Nye our hostess with the mostess! Elvis runs the operation and is super friendly, loves to sing, and makes sure that everyone is taken care of and enjoys their stay. I was there for some scuba diving with two close friends, and it was the best dive trip I have ever been on. We are all advanced divers and have been to many sites around the world, and Itza is at the top of the list for a great diving experience. The location is amazing as you are so close to the Blue Hole, Half Moon Caye, and dozens of incredible dive sites, most of them less than 15 minutes from the resort. The diving exceeded all of my high expectations!
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Date of stay: October 2022
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
You only carry your gear the first day, to the meeting area; they deal with it after that. It's not a cattle boat, nor is there much current so entry is casual. My group just jumped in the water with mask and fins and geared up in the water. Otherwise, back roll. The gear is stored on the boat until the last day, but you can keep it in your room if you like. There is a shower just outside the meeting area that you can use to rinse stuff off. They are profesional but pretty laid back.
Hi Louis B.
The lowdown is Itza is up and Running better than ever, We have a full service dive shop available that can handle up to 40 divers. The reefs are in really good and healthy condition.
You can get to us via our website or email.
Thank you.
Light House Reef has some of the best diving in all of the Caribbean. The visibility is often way better than Turneffe.
We had some issues in the past concerning our boats,which was mainly due to bad fuel we have since fixed our boats and now working Great and having no problems.
You are more than welcome to visit us at any time and get some packages available, please send us an email for this matter.
Thank You!
There are more places to choose from in the Long Caye area.
PRICE RANGE
$167 - $171 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
FORMERLY KNOWN AS
Itza Resort
LOCATION
BelizeBelize CayesLighthouse Reef AtollLong Caye
NUMBER OF ROOMS
12
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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