IZE is a unique and exciting travel destination and not just another hotel. While we welcome tourists looking only to relax and enjoy our incredible Southwater Caye location, alongside the world’s second largest barrier reef, our primary focus is education. We were the first organization of our kind within Belize, and have been in operation since 1970 offering educational and cultural excursions to both our Blue Creek rain forest and Southwater Caye marine biological field stations.Throughout the year, as well as adventurous travelers and tourists of all ages; students, scientists and educators visit our facilities to conduct ongoing research projects. Some of these projects are funded by the national science foundation which allows the opportunity for our guests to not only enjoy, but to participate and learn about the natural surroundings they are visiting, providing a rewarding and enriching travel experience set within some of the earth's most incredible ecosystems. We have dormitories for student groups or private cabanas for singles, couples and families and offer beautiful grounds, a full bar and restaurant as well as snorkeling and fishing tours.Our staff are some of the best in the country, who love what they do and where they do it, so when you come stay at IZE you may arrive a stranger, but you will depart as family.
A short 1/2 hour boat ride from Dangriga brings you to south water key. Ize is a ecological research station that also hosts non students in lovely casitas on the beach. Three incredible, fresh cooked local meals and non alcoholic beverages are included daily. There is a small bar on the dock to get local beer or mixed drinks. The snorkeling is incredible, and sand is soft and white. There are no large beaches on the island. We didn’t want to spend a lot of time on beach because there was shallow, reef protected water then snorkeling further out. Our guide Richie took us out when we got there to show us the reef and wildlife, and then on the most amazing snorkel adventure further out in the reef. Free use of kayaks is included with your stay. There is a classroom library attached to the dining hall that has every tropical ecology reef book or ID book that you could want. Wifi is available at the dining hall. The cabins are perfect with a lovely breeze, ocean sounds, good beds and a back porch with hammock and chairs. The manager and staff were friendly, informative and did a great job! Reef boy and pescado are the island mascots and a joy to be around. At the end of the adventure they take you back to Dangriga. We didn’t want to leave! Thanks IZE🌴🐚🐠
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Date of stay: February 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.
Response from Barbara K, Manager at IZE Belize
Responded Feb 25, 2020
Thank you Holly for coming to visit us and for leaving this very kind review. We hope we will see you back again in the not too distant future. Bring the kids next time (or not! - LOL!)
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We had the most amazing experience staying with IZE. I cannot say enough good things about the facility and the people. Our food was excellent and they were very good about dietary restrictions (my wife cannot have dairy). Ms. Sherry also makes the best lemon meringue pie! Jose provided us the most excellent service in the restaurant and did leave us wanting for more. He was also extremely friendly. We (me, wife, and 3 kids) spent most of our time snorkeling the reef right off of the beach, jumping in off the dock, or relaxing with a delicious island drink (Camilla makes an excellent lime colada. We booked a snorkeling experience where Noble (a most excellent guide) showed us another part of the reef which was a short bit ride over. His knowledge of the reef and all of its creatures was truly amazing. He also had an amazing knowledge of coconuts (all over the island) and was eager to share. Noble also educated us on the Garifuna people and culture which was also very interesting and inspiring. Our kids loved hanging out and playing with Aman who kept the place looking great and was there for anything we needed. Nesley kept our rooms very clean and was also extremely nice to all of us. We were also fortunate enough to be there when the owner/manager, Heather, was there. She treated us like family and we were very grateful for her hospitality. We could also tell she treated her employees fairly and with respect which showed in their attitudes and work ethics. There were other employees that we didn’t get to meet and wish we could have as the people who work at IZE were truly amazing and made our trip one of the most memorable experiences ever. We will definitely be returning soon! Thank you for everything IZE.
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Date of stay: May 2022Trip type: Traveled with family
Room Tip:We found Heather to be very helpful when it came to playing “travel guide.” If you have any...
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We had been trying to visit IZE South Water Caye for some time, so it was a real treat to finally be there for our family vacation! Jon was truly excellent in handling all our booking needs (and then some!). Heather was very welcoming and friendly, showed us around and gave many helpful tips throughout our stay. Nobel was an amazing wealth of knowledge; he took us on an interesting variety of snorkeling excursions and taught us the names of the different coral and fish that we were lucky to see. My favourite snorkeling spot was definitely 'the aquarium', which was aptly named, but that might possibly because that was the sunniest calmest outing for us. Captain Johnny kept us safe on the boat and braved the rain for us while we snorkeled. My teens loved being at the small safe location where they could freely wander- looking for what fish were by the dock, playing pool, looking for dogs Salsa and Ginger, or finding hermit crabs. Thank you to Miss Cherry and the rest of the ladies in the kitchen for your efforts in accommodating our dietary needs and keeping us well fed! We are already missing the breeze, sun, adventure, and warm hospitality!
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Date of stay: January 2023Trip type: Traveled with family
Room Tip:Bring snacks in case you get hungry between mealtimes.
Be sure to use some of the classroom...
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.
Response from Heather M, General Manager at IZE Belize
Responded Feb 7, 2023
We love having family groups visit! So thank you very much for being such an enjoyable family to host, and for taking the time to give us this very kind review.
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We (a Group of 6 People) Had Booked and Paid an accommodation at IZE southwater Cay, Belize, in 2019 for a 10-day Stay in 2020. Due to covid, we had to Postpone twice to 2021 and Then to 2022. Also, the IZE Station was closed during the Times we Had Reserved in 2020 and 2021 Due to covid. Shortly Before our Arrival in 2022, we were informed That we do Not have a reservation and it was questioned That we Had paid! In consequence, we Had no accommodation and lost more than 7,000 US Dollars! To this das, Inquiries to IZE to reimburse have Been either Declined or ignored. In summary, we can only warn to make reservations at the Place.
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Date of stay: June 2022
Service
Trip type: Traveled on business
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.
Response from Heather M, General Manager at IZE Belize
Responded Aug 9, 2022
You have never done business with our company!
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Each year, the Center for Environment and Society at Washington College sends their Chesapeake Semester students abroad to compare the Chesapeake Bay watershed to a different ecosystem. Belize has been a recurring choice for this experience due to the rich cultural, societal, and environmental learning experiences it offers. We spent the last 4 days of our 12 day trip at IZE's South Water Caye reserve and we couldn't have been happier with our stay! The island is absolutely beautiful, the living accommodations were comfortable and clean for both the students and instructors, the food was delicious, and our excursions were excellent. We were so lucky to enjoy breathtaking snorkels, boat rides, yoga sessions led by Heather, Garifuna drumming, paddleboarding, and so much more! However, what set our experience apart and made for such a memorable experience were the people! From the moment we met our guides at the dock, we were blown away by their kindness, personability, and expertise. These feelings only increased as we spent the remainder of the week getting to know the guides better as well as interacting with the rest of the island's staff. We formed such genuine connections and were fully immersed in the wonderful Garifuna culture. We couldn't have asked for a better cultural, educational, and just overall enjoyable experience. Having to leave the island was a bittersweet moment because of the relationships we formed. Our stay and the wonderful people we met will forever hold a special place in our hearts. Special shoutout to Heather, Noble, Omar, Anthony, Lloyd, the housekeepers, the kitchen ladies, the grounds crew, and anyone else we may have forgotten! Thank you IZE SWC!!
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Date of stay: December 2022
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled on business
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.
Response from Heather M, General Manager at IZE Belize
Responded Feb 7, 2023
All of us at IZE - Southwater Caye look forward to your annual visits as you always start our holiday off on such a positive note with the great groups of hard working students you bring to experience the barrier reef and other nearby eco systems. You're such an experienced and easy going group we never want to take that for granted, so our goal is to try and make each trip to IZE better than your last. I am so pleased to see that our wonderful staff made that happen for you this year! So, from guides to cooks, from captains to yard crew, from manager to head office staff, we all thank you very much and will look forward to your next visit.
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My family visited South Water Caye in mid-April and had a wonderful time. Everything - accommodations, excursions, IZE staff and meals - exceeded our expectations. We stayed four nights and wished we had booked another night or two. The staff, especially Heather, were very knowledgeable and personal. Heather even led some morning yoga classes for our group. We would highly recommend this for people seeking an active beach vacation.
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Date of stay: April 2022
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
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We stumbled upon this place while sailing. Definitely a feast for the eyes! This place is incredible. Remote, unspoiled, hard to describe in words. Heather the manager is the BEST….. hospital warm and beyond friendly. Get away and unplug in this Belize remote paradise ❤️
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Date of stay: October 2021Trip type: Traveled with friends
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.
Response from Heather M, General Manager at IZE Belize
Responded Oct 25, 2021
Thank you Jenny, such a pleasure to meet you and Levi. We hope to see you soon!
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What an awesome little island! Reef snorkeling just steps from my cabin and beautiful mangroves everywhere! Great food, strong drinks, and adventures all around the island. The ocean breeze was so peaceful in my open air room after a long day of relaxing.
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Date of stay: April 2017
Value
Rooms
Service
Trip type: Traveled solo
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 return here every year with my university students. The last two years I’ve had the pleasure of working with guides Dale Wesby and Dan “The Diver” Santos. They’re genial, joyful, and smart. Best guides I’ve had so far! And the food at IZE is always great.
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Date of stay: January 2018Trip type: Traveled on business
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.
Response from Barbara K, Manager at IZE Belize
Responded Feb 7, 2018
All of us at IZE - Southwater Caye look forward to your annual visits as you always start our new year off on such a positive note with the great groups of hard working kids you bring to experience the barrier reef and other nearby eco systems. You're such an experienced and easy going group we never want to take that for granted, so our goal is to try and make each trip to IZE better than your last. I am so pleased to see that our wonderful staff made that happen for you this year! So, from guides to cooks, from captains to yard crew, from manager to head office staff, we all thank you very much and will look forward to your next visit.
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My wife and I spent four nights at the South Water Caye Marine Field Station with IZE Belize and Fred Dodd and his team where the best at showing us the island and allowing us to sit in with the students a Bryn Mawr College during their experiments.
The facility is clean, safe and the food is great.
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Date of stay: March 2017
Rooms
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip:Private Cottages are excellent and he students have very nice dorms.
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.
Response from Barbara K, Manager at IZE Belize
Responded Apr 7, 2017
Thanks for taking the time to endorse us and help spread the word about our hidden gem. It was lovely that your visit coincided with that of the fascinating and charismatic owner of IZE, Mr. Fred Dodd, as well as the great group of students here from Bryn Mawr College. The kids were so great about sharing their passion and their marine research that it made it extra special for all of us.
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Please google IZE Belize to find our website (sorry, am unable to specify web address here for some reason?) From there you can contact our Head Office for rate info and to answer any questions you may have via our contact page. Thanks so much for your interest, we hope to see you soon. Regards, Barbara.
Hello, we do not normally have a problem with mosquitoes or sand flies here as the almost constant trade winds tend to keep them at bay, and all of our cabins are fully screened. However, there are those very rare occasions when the winds die down for a few hours and they may become slightly bothersome then. This is not usually an occurrence in November though, more likely in the summer months. That said, bring some good repellant just in case. I don't believe you will have any problems at that time, but better to come prepared just in case. Regards, Barbara.
IZE does not have it's own dive shop so we make arrangements on our guest's behalf with one of the local dive shops, depending on their availability and the site suitability. As Southwater Caye sits right on the barrier reef we are the destination of choice for many dive shops so this is not usually any problem for us to arrange.
No, only by Mother Nature. The cabins are nestled in the mangrove so are shaded, and are facing east towards the open ocean so enjoy an almost ever present trade wind so 99% of the time Mother Nature provides the AC. However we do provide fans if the winds drop off, which happens only occasionally.
There are more places to choose from in the South Water Caye area.
LOCATION
BelizeBelize CayesSouth Water Caye
NUMBER OF ROOMS
11
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