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Cayo Espanto

Cayo Espanto Island, San Pedro, Ambergris Caye Belize
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About

#10 of 28 resorts in San Pedro
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Value

See why so many travellers make Cayo Espanto their resort of choice when visiting San Pedro. Providing an ideal mix of value, comfort and convenience, it offers a luxury setting with an array of amenities designed for travellers like you.

As your “home away from home,” the resort rooms offer a flat screen TV, a kitchenette, and a minibar, and getting online is easy, with free wifi available.

Guests have access to room service and a concierge while staying at Cayo Espanto Resort. In addition, Cayo Espanto Hotel offers a pool and free breakfast, which will help make your San Pedro trip additionally gratifying.

During your visit, be sure to check out one of San Pedro's popular fish and chips restaurants such as Estel's Dine by the Sea, Elvi's Kitchen, and Blue Water Grill, all a short distance from Cayo Espanto.

If you’re looking for something to do, Belizean Arts, The Gallery of San Pedro, and Belizean Melody Art Gallery are a nice way to spend some time.

We’re sure you’ll enjoy your stay at Cayo Espanto as you experience all of the things San Pedro has to offer.

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Property amenities
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Pool
Fitness Centre with Gym / Workout Room
Free breakfast
Beach
Diving
Free airport transportation
Concierge
Wifi
Breakfast available
Airport transportation
Non-smoking hotel
Butler service
Laundry service
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Room features
Air conditioning
Housekeeping
Room service
Safe
Minibar
Flatscreen TV
Room types
Ocean view
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
5.0 of 5 stars
HOTEL STYLE
Luxury
Romantic
264Reviews37Q+A81Room tips
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L S wrote a review Feb 2024
Henrico, Virginia2 contributions5 helpful votes
We just keep coming back. We have stayed in Solana for years now and have had Jesus as our houseman. We are trying a new villa next year and are excited. This place feels like home. It's a bit rustic but you're on a tiny island in Central America, for goodness sakes. The fishing is what brings us back. Our guides are fantastic and we have become good friends on the water. The stories we could tell would amaze you. The birdwatching opportunities will astound you. There are many fun things to do. There is not a deep water beach but several nearby and they are happy to arrange to take you places to swim and picnic. If you seek good food, service, and quiet, then this is the place. The people keep us coming back. The team is exceptional and we love them. If you need something, all you need to do is ask.
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Date of stay: February 2024
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Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: The portions are huge so you can ask for smaller plates. The tacos and fajitas are amazing and...
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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.
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SarahontheHill wrote a review Jan 2024
Richmond, Virginia, United States27 contributions15 helpful votes
+1
From the moment we were taken to our helicopter for our flight over the Blue Hole to the moment we left, I could not have asked for a better stay. The food was outstanding and the portions were more than I could eat! Each day Chef would visit and present multiple options for dinner and we always found something we liked. Our Anniversary dinner was incredible. Larry and Mondo set up our table under the palms and we had a private serenade. We had the perfect balance of attention and solitude. We opted for the Day of Luxury on the Sarah Kate with Geronimo and Max. They fished for lobster and conch that they prepared fresh for lunch. We were able to see the nurse sharks and rays as part of our trip. Our last nigh we asked for dinner and a movie. Larry and Mondo had a screen set up at the end of our dock and we watched Jurassic Park while eating our meal. They even brought us popcorn to snack on. I am already planning our return visit.
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Date of stay: January 2024
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Trip type: Travelled 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.
2 Helpful votes
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Pebbles wrote a review Aug 2023
1 contribution6 helpful votes
This was our honeymoon destination for 2 weeks staying in Villa Estrella July - Aug 2023. To be very clear this review is in no way a reflection on the staff who took very good care of us the entire time. Considering the money we paid for this vacation I can not give 3 stars after what we experienced. We booked here for a few specific reasons - looking for peace and quiet, isolation and the ability to enjoy the water sports (Hobie sailing, Kayaking and paddle boarding) as advertised on the website and in reviews and we were really looking forward to being able to use all the toys. There were supposed to be 2 Hobie Waves available. When we arrived 1 Hobie had ripped its trampoline and was unusable and sails on both boats were shredded by the wind and in very bad shape with incorrect ropes being used on all parts of the rig. The staff tried their best but could only work with what was available to them. The state of the paddle boards was dire - Kayaks had no seats that could support as straps had frayed and broken off and the Kayaks were short of the usual trimmings like handles, bungee cord and plugs and paddles were equally poor - I spoke to Erika, who worked her magic and somehow the next day there was a brand new original sail for the Hobie and a brand new 2 seater scrambler kayak with new seats and 2 new paddles out side our door. The second Hobie was never seen again so we were never able to race as planned. The water around the island has sea lice (maybe this is seasonal - but it was present during our visit) so walking in the shallow water resulted in being bitten - This happened very time I took a kayak out. The water was so shallow we were unable to swim and again this was not made clear on the web site. Prior to our arrival we were asked to complete a preference sheet where we clearly outlined our desire to participate in all the activities listed above. At no time did anyone inform us that there would be a problem with swimming and that there was no snorkelling in the near vicinity. It is also not outlined in the website otherwise we would have not selected this destination to begin with. We can appreciate that guest who stay for 3 or 4 nights are happy to just unwind in the their sun loungers and hanging out in the plunge pool and chill. 2.5 days prior to our departure from the island - construction work started on the villa right next to us (taking up a long wooden dock and the entire roof of the villa) and we complained about the consistent noise but it continued for the rest of our stay. We did speak to management and were offered a day trip off island at no cost which was not what we wanted to do as we had already done the excursion we wanted to do. We were aware that the island was to close soon after our departure to carry out some repair work but they obviously thought no problem starting while guest were still there - again this is not what we signed up for so another disappointment. With regards the Villa - yes as the photos depict it is tropical, rustic and the wood work amazing, but the overall feel was tired - in our villa lamp shades were stained and marked, most bathroom and kitchen taps were corroded and pitted - downstairs bathroom had no mirror by the sink, downstairs bathroom had a boat toilet - no fun - very poor pressure in the shower and overall just not what you expect from 5 star lodging and not like the photos on the web site. Toiletries provided in my opinion were not 5 star quality. Sheets, Bath towels and robes were lovely - pool towels faded and thready. I wrote a very clear review to the company which I asked to be forwarded to head office. We have been home for 2 weeks now and no one has reached out to us - again considering the price tag on this vacation - very very disappointing and as we said in our end of stay review to head office we are unable to recommend this destination.
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Date of stay: July 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: Never take anything for granted - ask as many questions as you can think of so you make the right...
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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.
5 Helpful votes
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AmD wrote a review Apr 2023
Miami Beach, Florida5 contributions3 helpful votes
+1
JUST WOW! If you're looking for a honeymoon, babymoon, get-away, privacy, romance, or family trip - don't look further. Cayo Espanto has exceeded our expectations by years and years! My husband and I booked Casa Solana for our honeymoon trip and we had the pleasure of having Jesus and Jose take care of us for 6 days. They were extremely attentive, respectful, and super nice; making dreams come true each and every day! While Rosita and Erika managed our excursions, arrival and departure, Esmeralda gave us spa treatments to relax our bodies and minds. Chef Richard and team cooked us top notch breakfasts, lunches, and dinners, spoiling us with some of the the best dishes we've ever had. We also went on the 'Day at Sea with Luxury' trip where we snorkeled all morning the turquoise waters and caught our own lunch (conch and snapper) that Victor and Geronimo prepared for us on another private island that was arranged for us with a tent and sun beds with crystal clear blue waters surrounding us. After traveling to over 30 countries, this place blew our minds when it comes to service, attentiveness, food, and views. Cayo Espanto is one of the most special places we've ever stayed at! Thank you so so much Erika, Rosita, Jose and Jesus for making our honeymoon as special as the sunsets and stars at night, we will be back!
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Date of stay: April 2023
Value
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Trip type: Travelled 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.
1 Helpful vote
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Virginia H wrote a review Feb 2023
1 contribution3 helpful votes
+1
My husband and I went to Cayo Espanto to celebrate our anniversary and my birthday. We have traveled extensively and have been to many luxury resorts in the Caribbean. Hands down, Cayo Espanto was over the top! The level of service, the amenties, the food, the setting... all perfect. We stayed in Villa Olita and felt that it was the most private one on the island. Obed and Jose (our housemen) made sure that every single detail was exactly as we wanted. I asked Obed if there was a deserted beach he could take me to gather sea shells. Voila, he whisked us on the hobie cat to three different spots and even joined me in collecting shells! The level of privacy was superb. No one ever came to our villa with out first saying "hello" to alert us of their presence. The food was over the top. Chef Richard came every morning to discuss lunch. We were presented with three choices but if that did not please he would prepare anything we requested (we were always thrilled with the choices presented ). The first day I asked for a chocolate chip cookie and from that point on, every day, two warm cookies arrived without asking. Mid afternoon Richard would arrive again to discuss dinner. We never ate in the same spot twice. Obed and Jose set up tables and decorated the surrounding area with lights and tiki torches. Service was neither rushed or too slow. Just right. Our days were spent lolling on the dock looking at the bluest water you could imagine. We opted for a snorkeling trip one day and I have to admit that I was a bit aprehensive and started thinking of excuses..."the water is too cold" answered with "we have wet suits" etc. Our guides put me totally at ease and had me in the water (without a wet suit) in no time! The snorkeling was simply surreal..... sea turtles, barracuda, sting rays, nurse sharks, every kind of fish one could imagine, all in utter silence. The majesty of God's creation right before my eyes!! At the last minute we decided to go for the helicopter return to Belize City. It was expensive but so worth it. Cayo Espanto is the place to go to totally unplug from reality. If you need lots of activities you should come here and totally unplug and just be. Its important!!! It seemed to be the balm of gilead for us after a crazy year. We cannot wait to go back.
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Date of stay: February 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: Villa Olita was very private and had a fabulous sunset view from the dock. That being said, there...
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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.
3 Helpful votes
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Dario I wrote a review Nov 2022
5 helpful votes
+1
In a world where extraordinary customer service was never a priority and is virtually unheard of today, Cayo Espanto exceeds every expectation. I've had the out of my league privilege of visiting a number of luxury resorts multiple times and while the first visit to each was a WOW experience, the second invariably disappoints. I don't know if the service declines or the bar of expectation is set impossibly high, but Cayo Espanto singularly defies that record for me. The attentiveness of the staff and exacting attention to detail is consistently excellent. The island itself of course is a jewel and is a launch point for dozens of activities if you should deign to leave the comfort of paradise on earth. The staff will gladly set up your sailboat and launch you off if you like and warmly greet you with a cocktail on your return. The food is custom tailored for your preferences and is exquisite on every level. Fresh and varied, every single meal was a delight. They will give you large portions and a multi-course dinner -- word of warning, if you're not huge eaters you might end up feeling bloated so consider asking for smaller portions or sharing the main entree. There is a variety of wildlife on and around the island -- birds, lizards, and if you pay attention you'll see schools of small fish swimming very close to the water's edge, literally inches away. Their own staff took us on a private guided tour of the nearby reef as well as swimming with and among a school of nurse sharks. A bit intimidating to be surrounded by sharks but the staff was there to guide and keep us safe. Room tips: Casa Estrella is the biggest bungalow capable of accommodating two couples or a family and has two piers. Casa Solana however was our favorite as it is the most secluded and separated from the other units, and you have the best view of the sunset, right from the bedroom, deck, or infinity pool.
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Date of stay: November 2022
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: Helicopter is same price as boat but is much faster and a joy to see the island from the air. ...
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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.
5 Helpful votes
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JillyConQueso wrote a review Jul 2022
Houston, Texas73 contributions73 helpful votes
From the minute you step foot on the island, you are waited on hand and foot. Cool, refreshing towels and an Espanto Wave from your housemen accompany you to your villa. We stayed in Casa Brisa for our 10th anniversary and could not have been happier. Carlos and Dorian were always on hand anytime we needed anything. Erika and Rosita were so helpful arranging the helicopter (if you can, DO IT) to the island and our activities. We did the resort scuba dive with Pablo as our instructor and Geronimo (the best!) taking us to the reef. I felt safe and comfortable and really enjoyed my first dive. The next day Geronimo and Carlos took us out snorkeling, fishing, and prepared a private beach lunch for us in a secluded spot. The wine was cold and the fish was so fresh! We really enjoyed spending time with both of them. Before each meal you are presented with 3 menu options based on your pre-trip survey and we were blown away by everything! Fresh fruit and juice before your breakfast selection. Dinner was four courses and by the last night, we only ordered two - it was simply too much food and we are active, hungry people. Carlos and Dorian set up beautiful tables in different spots each evening with elaborate sand sculptures! As for the insect situation, I brought lemon eucalyptus oil and sprayed it on liberally every day and only had a few mosquito bites. Your villa is open during the day but with the breeze it never felt warm (I was concerned) and at night, the AC worked very well. I wouldn't recommend CE for families with small kids, there is nothing for them to do and it would disturb the other guests. This resort is a haven for couples. Overall - an absolutely delightful anniversary trip that exceeded all expectations. We look forward to another trip as soon as we can!
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Date of stay: June 2022
Rooms
Location
Service
Room Tip: Casa Brisa has an amazing breeze all day. It faces San Pedro, so no sunset views. Western facing...
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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.
3 Helpful votes
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Andrew M wrote a review Apr 2022
Minneapolis, Minnesota6 contributions5 helpful votes
As we sailed along the crystal clear waters of Belize, the warm bath-temperature water splashing on my wife and me we asked our Housemen if any celebrities stayed on the island just making conversation. His response was charming, stating he was with two right now. My wife and I aren't famous, but the staff of Cayo Espanto certainly treated us like we were. Every interaction we had with the island personnel was an exercise in sublime customer service. From the moment we arrived at the airport and cleared customs the island staff took care of everything, walking us through the process, greeting us at the dock, and preparing a snack for us prior to our arrival. Jesus and Kevin were our housemen and they were both delightful, kind, and outgoing. When explaining the non-motorized water equipment they had for the island, I was interested in the Hobie Cat, but I did not know how to sail. Jesus took us out sailing one day and showed me how to do it. It was a memory to last a lifetime. Anything we needed or wanted Jesus and Kevin were a call away, and we were their number one priority throughout the whole stay. It felt like there was nothing more important to them than our call. It certainly takes a special kind of person to render the kind of service they do. The villa we stayed in was Casa Solana, and it was gorgeous. It was also likely one of the most private on the island (in my opinion). With a fully-booked resort, I think we caught a glance of guests on three occasions throughout the entirety of our week-long stay. This is an impressive feat for an island that takes me two and a half minutes to walk from end to end at a saunter. Casa Solana boasts a beautiful infinity pool which is best for relaxing in, and it also has a large wrap-around deck with a hammock and lounge chairs. The bed in Casa Solana is extremely comfortable. I did not have any trouble sleeping throughout my stay even with a bad sunburn on evenings three and four.
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Date of stay: April 2022
Cleanliness
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Room Tip: Casa Solana and Casa Ventanas are probably the two most secluded villas if privacy is your main...
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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.
3 Helpful votes
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TKEUTXFL wrote a review Feb 2022
3 contributions3 helpful votes
We decided last minute to take a trip to Belize. Found Cayo Espanto online and the booking process was easy. Getting there is a bit more tricky (via small plane and short boat ride or straight with helicopter $$$). We had an amazing time on the private Island. What a beautiful place, filled with beautiful people. The weather wasn’t the greatest over our 4 day stay, but this trip will go down as one of the best in our travel history. Having most of their team members welcome us right at our villa the moment we arrived was the first great touch out of many. A special thanks to Erika and Rosita for helping us getting everything organized, well done. Lady (cleaning) did a great job, we didn’t even realize she was there most of the time. Very discreet and detailed. A big thank you also to Chef Richard and his staff in the kitchen, the food was amazing, and they always accommodated our wishes. Getting a fried fish prepared on our last evening with only short notice goes to show how the guys go the extra mile for their visitors. Jesus and Flavio, our house butlers, did an amazing job, were always available. We couldn’t wait to call them at 7.15 to get the day started and we made sure they didn’t get bored throughout the day 😊 No matter what we wanted, they had it figured out, a big thank you for being our “friends” during our stay. Both Villas I(since we booked last minute we had to switch from one to the other) are in exceptional condition and the views from each of them are out of this world. No question, we will go back soon
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Date of stay: February 2022
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip: Manana and Solana, great rooms. But you can't go wrong, all 7 villas are amazing and private
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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.
2 Helpful votes
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WCoyoteDallas_Texas wrote a review Jan 2022
Dallas, Texas11 contributions16 helpful votes
Mid November 2021: There is so many superlatives I feel inept to put it down on paper. I’ll just hit the high points. STAFF: Obed and Paul were our housemen. Very informative, playful, and very professional. In our 6-night stay dinner had different décor themes that varied locations in our villa …the work they do is full of pride and it shows. …BTW Each houseman is assigned a villa. Obed has been with his villa 21 years and Paul 2.5 years. These guys really made our stay at Cayo Espanto one our most memorable vacations. Rosita is the resident manager. She has been there when it all started. She comes by your villa daily to check in with guest, making arrangements answer questions and much more. Who, what, when and where and how much Rosita has it covered. Chef Richard: Each guest is asked to fill out information for food preferences and dislikes prior to arrival. Chef Richard is very talented, creative with reliance on fresh local produce and fresh seafood. I had seafood at once a day. Best snapper and shrimp I have ever had. HB with homemade potato chips. Prime beef was excellent. Special diet? No problem. Richard was kind enough to print our daily menus. 17 meals for 6 nights. The Villa: Photos and comments sum it up well. Mosquito net over the bed was fun. Central 2 AC units are more than adequate. Belizean coffee made in room is very good. Beverages in room. Just ask for anything sodas, Liquor is top shelf. Belkin beer is very good. Towels and linens were very high quality. T.V. did not turn it on, but demo showed it to be on a couple of streaming services, live and ROKU. Internet was OK. Music was easy to cast by a phone or tablet to a Sony receiver. A well prepared information book is in the TV cabinet answers all the in’s and outs as well as things to do & see in San Pedro. External influences: Not many. Never met another guest, ‘no-see-ums’ An occasional helicopter guest drop- off or pick up. The villas are for couples. Very private, and intimate. A houseman will never drop-in. You must call your houseman with a two-way radio. They will never call you. The Housemen will always announce themselves before they come inside. Travel: Arrival: Cayo Espanto Representatives met us outside customs in Belize City Airport and escorted us to the small airline that flies to San Pedro. In San Pedro we were personally met by Cayo Espanto Representative and taken to the boat dock. The resorts representatives did everything. 7 minute boat ride and you have arrived. It was truly “all hands-on deck” at (the pier) when we arrived. Departure was in reverse. The Representatives met us at both San Pedro and Belize City Airports checked the bags, did the paperwork stayed with us thru check-in, got us a short-cut thru customs which saved a lot of time. They really paved the way. This a one-of-a-kind destination. Quiet and private. Fabulous food all served by a devoted staff. It was wonderful to be so well pampered.
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Date of stay: November 2021
Location
Service
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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.
2 Helpful votes
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Not the right property for you?
There are more places to choose from in the San Pedro area.
ALSO KNOWN AS
cayo espanto san pedro, cayo espanto resort san pedro
LOCATION
BelizeBelize CayesAmbergris CayeSan Pedro
NUMBER OF ROOMS
7
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CAYO ESPANTO - Updated 2024 Prices & Resort Reviews (San Pedro, Belize)

Frequently Asked Questions about Cayo Espanto
Which popular attractions are close to Cayo Espanto?
Nearby attractions include 12 Belize (3.9 km), Hol Chan Marine Reserve (4.1 km), and Belize Chocolate Company (3.9 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Cayo Espanto?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and a pool.
Which room amenities are available at Cayo Espanto?
Top room amenities include a minibar, air conditioning, and a flat screen TV.
What food & drink options are available at Cayo Espanto?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast during their stay.
What are some restaurants close to Cayo Espanto?
Conveniently located restaurants include Aji Tapa Bar & Restaurant, Cool Beans Café, and ZZ's Beach (Bar and Grill).
Are there opportunities to exercise at Cayo Espanto?
Yes, guests have access to a pool and a fitness centre during their stay.
Does Cayo Espanto have an airport shuttle?
Yes, Cayo Espanto offers an airport shuttle for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Does Cayo Espanto have airport transportation?
Yes, Cayo Espanto offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Does Cayo Espanto have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the ocean view available here.