Everyone dreams of ditching the alarm clock and waking up on a Belizean island.
Turquoise water. Golf carts. Barefoot errands.
Sounds perfect, right?
It can be — but long-term island living comes with realities you won’t see on Instagram.
Here’s the truth, straight from real people who splits time between the mainland and the cayes.
Crime: Not “dangerous,” but not Disney either
Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker are safe when you use common sense.
Tourist areas have petty theft. Late-night drinking spots attract drama. Golf carts disappear if left unlocked.
If you treat the island like a small town, you’ll be fine.
If you treat it like a resort with unlimited rum punches… you won’t.
Storm Safety: The part nobody wants to talk about
This is the biggest difference between visiting and living on a caye.
You’re on a low-lying island, and storms don’t negotiate.
When a major system forms, long-term expats know the drill:
- Fuel up
- Secure the house
- Have a go-bag
- Be ready to evacuate if the forecast gets serious
Ambergris has more infrastructure and shelter options.
Caye Caulker is peaceful but more exposed.
This matters when you’re not just flying in and out.
Medical Access: “Close enough” until it’s not
For day-to-day issues? Totally fine.
But for emergencies, every minute counts — and on a caye, the nearest major facility is a boat ride away.
Most long-term island residents keep an emergency plan:
- Local clinic for routine care
- Air or water evacuation insurance
- A go-to provider on the mainland
It’s not scary — it’s just smart.
So… are the Cayes safe for long-term living?
Yes — if you understand them.
Island living isn’t dangerous… it’s just different.
Beautiful. Peaceful. Laid-back. But also exposed, weather-sensitive, and dependent on good preparation.
If you romanticize the cayes, you’ll be disappointed.
If you respect them, you’ll thrive.
Want to know which island fits your personality, budget, and safety needs best?
I put everything into one simple guide:
DISCOVER THE BEST BELIZEAN ISLANDS FOR YOUR DREAM LIFE
Your complete breakdown of Ambergris, Caye Caulker, the hidden gem cayes, storm zones, medical access, crime pockets, lifestyle differences, and who each island is really for.
Get the report now — click here.
The guide will save you time, money, and the wrong island choice.
Written by Cedric Williams
I was born and raised in Belize, and now living in the U.S., I’ve seen firsthand what it’s like to live between these two worlds. My personal experience, paired with insights from others who have made the transition, inspired me to write helpful reports for those considering Belize for expat living.
I have also written books about Belize that are now available on Amazon. You can find them with this link, click here.