Belize City itself doesn't have good beaches — the shoreline is largely mangrove and the water murky. For beaches, you need to head to the cayes. Ambergris Caye (reached in about 75 minutes by water taxi) has the most developed beach scene and access to the Belize Barrier Reef. Caye Caulker is smaller and more laid-back, with calm clear water for swimming and snorkelling. The Placencia Peninsula in southern Belize offers some of the best mainland beaches in the country, though it's a longer journey.