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Manta Island Resort

Glovers Reef Atoll, Belize
4.5(58 reviews)
Family

Manta Island Resort is a family-friendly all-inclusive resort in Glovers Reef Atoll, Belize with 21 rooms. Amenities include Beach, Diving, Fishing, Free Wi-Fi and Room Service. Travelers rate it 4.5/5 across 58 Google reviews.

Price Range
$$$$$
Rooms
21

Things to Know

Alcohol not included

Atmosphere

RomanticLuxury

Room Upgrades

VillasPlunge Pool Rooms

Amenities

Beach
Diving
Fishing
Free Wi-Fi
Known for Great Food
Room Service
Snorkeling
Spa
Water Sports Rentals

Quick answers

Is Manta Island Resort adults only?
No — Manta Island Resort is a family-friendly resort that accepts children of all ages.
Where is Manta Island Resort?
Manta Island Resort is in Glovers Reef Atoll, Belize. Its address is South Glovers Reef Atoll Glover's Reef, Belize.
How many rooms does Manta Island Resort have?
Manta Island Resort has 21 rooms.
Is Manta Island Resort all-inclusive?
Yes — Manta Island Resort is an all-inclusive resort, so meals, drinks and most on-site activities are covered by the rate.

Traveler Insights(185 discussions)

Manta Island Resort sits on a corner of Glover's Reef Atoll, one of the most ecologically significant reef systems in the Western Hemisphere, and it makes the most of that location. Guests who care about diving and snorkeling consistently describe this as the defining feature - pristine coral walls, sea turtles, eagle rays, and an underwater topography that varies dramatically across dive sites. The certified Dive Masters operate from a dock on the island, so there are none of the long boat transfers that plague mainland dive resorts. Traveler sentiment skews strongly positive, with the phrase 'blown away' appearing across multiple independent reviews. The accolades have caught up with the sentiment: in TripAdvisor's 2026 Travelers' Choice Best of the Best awards, Manta ranked #3 All-Inclusive Hotel in the entire world and #4 Small & Boutique Hotel in Central America, and it was named among the best resorts in Central America in the 2025 Conde Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards - recognition that reflects a real consistency in execution rather than marketing.

Food and service are the two other pillars that travelers return to in their accounts. The kitchen works with fresh local ingredients, incorporates Belizean cuisine into the rotation, and will cook your catch the same evening if you've been out fishing. The all-inclusive package is more straightforward than most: meals, snacks, non-motorized water sports, and group snorkel excursions are covered. Room service is available and the staff-to-guest ratio ensures attentiveness without feeling intrusive. The spa rounds out the wellness offering with on-property treatments and in-cabana massage options.


Manta Island is best suited for couples, divers, and travelers who want a remote private-island experience without the six-figure price tags that properties in the Maldives or French Polynesia carry. With just 11 oceanfront cabanas and four reef villas - including a three-bedroom reef villa with plunge pool for small groups - it competes most directly with other Belizean private-island resorts like Coco Plum or Thatch Caye, but Glover's Reef is harder to reach than those properties - and that remoteness is precisely what keeps the reef pristine. If underwater Belize is why you are going, the logistical investment pays off.

Pros

  • +Located on Glover's Reef Atoll, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and marine reserve with the greatest diversity of reef types in the Caribbean - divers and snorkelers rate this among the best accessible reef systems in the world
  • +Only 11 oceanfront cabanas and 4 reef villas on the entire island - including a newer three-bedroom reef villa with plunge pool - so the experience stays genuinely intimate regardless of season
  • +Certified Dive Masters on staff with boats launching directly from the resort dock, eliminating the long transfers common at mainland dive operations
  • +All-inclusive package covers all meals, snacks, non-motorized water sports (kayaks, Hobie cats, snorkel gear), and group snorkeling excursions - no hidden activity fees for the core experience
  • +Fresh, chef-prepared food that incorporates Belizean ingredients and local catches - any fish guests catch during the day can be prepared for dinner that evening
  • +Spa services available on-island with in-cabana massage options, letting guests book treatments without leaving the property
  • +Room service and staff attentiveness that travelers repeatedly describe as 'like being a guest in someone's home' rather than a hotel interaction
  • +Ranked #3 All-Inclusive Hotel in the World and #4 Small & Boutique Hotel in Central America in TripAdvisor's 2026 Travelers' Choice Best of the Best awards, plus a spot among Central America's best resorts in the 2025 Conde Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards

Cons

  • Getting to Glover's Reef requires a flight to Belize City followed by a charter flight or boat transfer to the atoll - logistically involved compared to fly-in beach resorts
  • Belize has a rainy season (June through October) with frequent afternoon showers; visibility and surface conditions can affect diving and snorkeling windows
  • Sand flies (no-see-ums) are endemic to Belizean islands - the resort sprays regularly but guests should bring repellent and expect some bites, particularly at dusk
  • Exported or premium alcohol is not included in the all-inclusive rate and is charged separately; the daily happy hour does cover house-poured drinks
  • There is no nightlife, no casino, and no entertainment programming - evenings are communal, quiet, and guest-driven, which is the point but can feel limiting for some
  • The small guest count means if diving or snorkeling interests don't align with other guests, you may end up on excursions alone, which is fine logistically but worth knowing
  • Cell service is limited or absent on the atoll, so guests who need to stay reachable for work should confirm their connectivity plan before arrival
  • As a boutique all-inclusive, the rate is meaningfully higher than mainland Belize options - guests who prioritize budget over privacy may find better value elsewhere

Common Questions

How do you actually get to Manta Island Resort?
The most common route is fly into Belize City (Philip Goldson International Airport), then take a charter flight or boat transfer to Glover's Reef Atoll. The resort coordinates transfers and will walk you through the logistics once you book. The journey takes several hours total from Belize City depending on the transfer method chosen. Factor in at least one extra buffer day in Belize City in case of weather or flight delays, as the atoll is weather-dependent for water transfers.
What is the diving like compared to other Caribbean destinations?
Glover's Reef is considered one of the premier dive sites in the Caribbean. The atoll features the greatest diversity of reef types in the region - walls, coral gardens, blue holes, and shallow patch reefs - all within short boat rides of the island. Visibility is typically excellent outside of rainy season. Compared to destinations like Cozumel (excellent but crowded), Roatan (good variety), or Grand Cayman (polished but developed), Glover's Reef stands out for how few other divers you share it with. The Belize Barrier Reef running nearby adds additional dive options.
Is the all-inclusive package genuinely comprehensive or are there lots of add-ons?
The all-inclusive covers all meals, snacks, and non-motorized water sports including kayaks, Hobie cats, paddleboards, and snorkel gear. Group snorkeling excursions are also included. What is not included: scuba diving (charged per dive or as a package), premium or exported alcohol (house drinks during happy hour are included), spa treatments, and fishing excursions. The structure is clearly communicated by the resort, so check the current package details when booking to avoid surprises.
Is Manta Island Resort appropriate for non-divers or people who don't snorkel?
Yes, but you should go in with realistic expectations. The location and much of the social energy revolves around water activities. Non-divers can snorkel (the reef comes up very close to the island in places), kayak, sail the Hobie cats, fish, or simply read on the beach in total quiet. The food, service, and atmosphere are strong enough that guests who don't dive still rate their stays highly. If none of those activities appeal and you want a pool-focused, entertainment-heavy resort experience, this is not the right property.
How bad are the sand flies and what should guests do to prepare?
Sand flies (locally called no-see-ums) are a real part of the Belizean island experience and Manta Island is no exception. The resort runs a daily spraying program to reduce populations, which helps significantly. Guests should bring DEET-based repellent, wear long sleeves at dusk, and consider bringing antihistamine cream for any bites that do occur. The bites are small but itchy. Most guests report they are manageable rather than trip-ruining - this feedback comes up consistently but rarely as a reason to avoid the resort.
What time of year is best to visit?
The dry season from February through May delivers the calmest seas, best diving visibility, and fewest rain interruptions. December through January is also popular and generally dry. The rainy season (June through October) brings afternoon showers and sometimes rough conditions that can limit boat excursions, though costs may be lower during this window. Hurricane season peaks September through October and is worth factoring into travel insurance decisions. Regardless of season, Glover's Reef water temperatures stay warm year-round at roughly 80-84 degrees Fahrenheit.

Google Rating

4.5(58 Google reviews)

Google Reviews

Joseph
a month ago

This is our second time staying in Manta but our first time renting the entire island to celebrate my wife’s Doctoral journey. All of the staff are excellent and very welcoming and accommodating. I really appreciated the care they took of 84 year old...

Shay R.
6 months ago

We just returned from our second visit to Manta Island Resort, and it was every bit as magical as the first. The staff here are what truly set this place apart—their hospitality is unmatched, and the level of service they provide is beyond exceptiona...

Emily M.
11 months ago

Manta island resort surpassed ANY expectations we had for our honeymoon. From the moment we arrived, we were treated like royalty by the genuinely kind staff. Throughout our entire stay, the staff and other guests knew us all by name and everyone fel...