BELIZE BARRIER REEF - Snorkeling
Truly one of the great natural wonders of the world, the Belize Barrier Reef is home to one of the most abundant and diverse marine ecosystems found anywhere on the planet. Measuring more than 190 miles long, the reef is part of the bigger Meso-American Barrier Reef System that stretches from Mexico to Honduras, making it the second biggest coral reef system in the world, and the largest in the hemisphere.
Many of Belize’s most popular islands, known locally as cayes (“keys”), are situated in and around the Belize Barrier Reef, including Ambergris Caye, Caye Chapel, English Caye, Three Coner Caye, Blackbird Caye, Maho Caye, Gladden Caye, St. George’s Caye, English Caye, Ranguana Caye, and Long Caye. Three atolls also exist near the Belize Barrier Reef, including Lighthouse Reef, which is home to the famous Great Blue Hole, one of the most beautifully unique dive sites anywhere on Earth. The Belize Barrier Reef is easily accessible from the coast, as it comes with 300 meters (980) feet of land in the north, and 40 kilometers (25 miles) in the south.
Many of Belize’s most popular islands, known locally as cayes (“keys”), are situated in and around the Belize Barrier Reef, including Ambergris Caye, Caye Chapel, English Caye, Three Coner Caye, Blackbird Caye, Maho Caye, Gladden Caye, St. George’s Caye, English Caye, Ranguana Caye, and Long Caye. Three atolls also exist near the Belize Barrier Reef, including Lighthouse Reef, which is home to the famous Great Blue Hole, one of the most beautifully unique dive sites anywhere on Earth. The Belize Barrier Reef is easily accessible from the coast, as it comes with 300 meters (980) feet of land in the north, and 40 kilometers (25 miles) in the south.
25 Interesting Facts About The Belize Barrier Reef
- Location and size of the Belize Barrier Reef - The Belize Barrier Reef is part of the larger Meso-American Barrier Reef System, which stretches more than 560 miles. The reef system borders Mexico, Belize, Honduras and Guatemala. The Belize Barrier Reef itself borders the entire country of Belize and is 190 miles long. This reef system is the second-largest barrier reef in the world, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia is the largest at 1,320 miles long.
- It’s so big that you can see it from space – The reef is so large, and has such a powerful effect on tides and ocean currents, that it is clearly visible in photographs taken by satellites in space.
- Declared a World Heritage Site in 1996 – Since that time, the government of Belize stepped in to preserve this amazingly unique ecosystem for generations to come.
- The Belize Barrier Reef is less than 10,000 years old – The reef first began when the last Ice Age came to an end with rising sea waters that flooded the region. As the ancestors of the Maya first crossed the Bering Strait to enter the Americas, the reef was beginning to grow, making it an abundant source of fish and seafood for the emerging Mayan Empire.
- Its nickname is the “Rainforest of the Sea” – Because of its rich abundance of diverse life, the Belize Barrier Reef has a lot in common with rainforests on land. More than 25% of all the marine species in the hemisphere call the Belize Barrier Reef home, making it one of the most biodiverse locations on Earth.
- It’s a great place to see sharks – Divers at the reef can spot hammerhead, black tip, lemon, bull, Caribbean Reef, nurse, and tiger sharks in their natural habitat. Every year, whale sharks pass through the reef on its annual migration.
- Celebrities love it – The most famous visitor to the Belize Barrier Reef was the evolutionary pioneer Charles Darwin, who explored it in 1842. In 1971, the famous French marine biologist Jacques Cousteau brought the Belize Barrier Reef to the world’s attention, declaring it one of the best diving spots on the planet.
- Beaches and the Barrier Reef - Finally, you may be wondering how the Barrier Reef affects the shoreline of Belize and Ambergris Caye. In general, sandy beaches do not commonly occur near the reef due to the resulting geology. Dive deeper into this relationship over at the Sandy Point Resorts blog and read “All You Need to Know About Ambergris Caye’s Beaches.”
- Surrounding Islands - The reef is dotted by hundreds of Cayes. Varying in size from less than one acre, to more than 25 miles long, most are unpopulated. Ambergris Caye is the largest and has a permanent community and bustling tourism scene in San Pedro Town. Caye Caulker also has a resident population and is a popular tourist destination. One of the smallest islands is Carrie Bow Caye, where the field station for the Smithsonian’s Caribbean Coral Reef Ecosystems Program is located.
- It’s the country’s #1 tourist destination – Every year, thousands of visitors from all over the world come to Belize to explore this unique underwater habitat. Measuring 600 by 300 kilometers, there’s plenty to for divers to see, and scientists to examine, and millions of photographs are taken here every year.
- Atolls of Belize - Belize has three atolls, which are usually circular in shape, made up of reef and islands surrounding a body of water. Turneffe, Lighthouse and Glover’s Reef are the atolls found in Belize. Turneffe Atoll is the largest atoll in the entire Meso-American Barrier Reef System and was declared a marine reserve in Belize in 2012. Lighthouse Atoll is home to the world-famous Great Blue Hole and Half Moon Caye, which has a large breeding population of the endangered red-footed booby bird and is a Natural Monument. Glover’s Reef Atoll is located in the South of Belize and is a partially submerged atoll. The great Whale Shark migration passes through each spring in this area, diving with these gentle giants is a highlight not to be missed!
- The Great Blue Hole - Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996, Belize’s Great Blue Hole is on every diver’s bucket list. The creation of this perfectly round coral formation occurred when an ancient cave collapsed. The site is 1,043 feet across and 407 feet deep. It was first explored and made famous by Jacques Cousteau in 1971. This stunning natural wonder can be seen from space. Scuba dive the site to 130 feet, and view the submerged stalactites. For more on the diving experience, click here. There is also a popular aerial tour provided by Maya Island Air to give you a birds-eye-view.
- The Great Blue Hole Expedition - There will soon be a new underwater exploration to the depths of the Blue Hole. The Discovery Channel and Richard Branson will go live on December 2nd, 2018 to explore for the first time since 1971, what the depths of this natural wonder hold. Be sure to tune into Discovery Live: Into the Blue Hole where the crew will be broadcasting live in a submersible from the bottom of the Blue Hole!
- Belize Barrier Reef tourism is an important driver for the local economy – Between the divers and scientists who come to the Belize Barrier Reef to explore this special underwater habitat, and the tourists and visitors who stay in local lodgings and eat in nearby restaurants, tourist activity around the reef has become an integral part of the country’s economy.
- It makes Belize a prime destination for fishing – Professional and amateur anglers come from all across the globe to Belize, drawn to the hundreds of abundant game species that shelter and feed in and around the reef. The huge reef protects sea urchins, sponges, and fish species from powerful storms and waves, which is why they fill the nearby waters in such large numbers.
- Mexico Rocks Snorkeling - There are many types of coral formations and resulting marine habitats present in Belize. A barrier reef is separated from land by a large area of water and borders the shoreline. Mexico Rocks is a local snorkeling and diving site off the coast of Ambergris Caye that has large boulder coral formations. Spur and groove coral are found on the outside of the reef, long ridges of coral perpendicular to the reef with sandy-bottomed troughs in between. Fringe reefs and atolls are also found here.
- Hol Chan Marine Reserve Snorkeling - Hol Chan Marine Reserve is a must-see scuba dive and snorkel site. Located south of Ambergris Caye, Hol Chan is named for the Mayan words for “little channel” and the main site is at a natural cut in the reef. At 30 feet deep, this site is great for new divers and for snorkelers of all abilities. The abundance of wildlife easily visible here will stun and surprise, not least of all the docile sea turtles that gather to feed on the aptly named Turtle Grass growing in the flats near the reef. Read more about snorkeling at Hol Chan.
- It’s one of the most bio-diverse spots on the planet – Scientists have catalogued more than 70 species of hard coral, 30 species of soft coral, hundreds of invertebrates, and more than 500 species of fish in this special habitat.
- Only 10% of the Belize Barrier Reef has been investigated – Despite its fame, and having been the subject of hundreds of scientific articles and research projects, today we only really have a firm understanding of about 10% of the entire reef. Many marine experts believe that more secrets will be uncovered as research progresses.
- The Belize Barrier Reef is extremely fragile – Although it looks and feels as hard as rock, the Belize Barrier Reef is actually extremely fragile, susceptible to pollution, increasing ocean salinity, and aggressive modern fishing techniques.
- It was almost destroyed in 1998 – After Hurricane Mitch struck the region in 1998, up to 90% of the coral in the reef died off, making the reef lose its vibrant color, in an event known as “bleaching”. Thanks to timely intervention by the Belizean government, the reef was protected from further damage, and now is back to full health.
- The Belize Barrier Reef is the centerpiece of one of the world’s largest marine reserves – Encompassing more than 450 islands, three atolls, and seven adjacent marine reserves, the Belize Barrier Reef requires constant government maintenance and intervention to protect this fragile but important ecosystem.
- Every square inch of the Belize Barrier Reef was once alive – Coral reefs are formed when coral excrete and build a hard outer protective layer built from calcium carbonate. Billions of generations of coral added their secretions to build the hundreds of miles of coral skeletons and sea flotsam that form today’s Belize Barrier Reef.
- Resources and Conservation - The waters of Belize, including many sections of the reef, are part of a large network of Marine Protected Areas. Read more about their importance and history by clicking here. Fishing and marine tourism are important economic resources and conservation of Belize’s waters is of great importance. In 2010, Belize became the first country to ban bottom trawling and in 2015 oil drilling within 1km of the reef was banned. Today, efforts are underway to remove common single-use plastics by 2019 which will greatly reduce plastic pollution throughout the country.
- Reef’s Ecosystem - The Belize Barrier Reef boasts 500 species of fish, hundreds of invertebrate species and several marine mammals, including dolphins, whales and the endangered West Indian Manatee. Other species of note are Hawksbill turtle, Loggerhead turtle, Green turtle, Leatherback turtle and Whale Shark. There are 70 hard coral species and 36 soft coral species that make up the reef. As only 10% of the reef has been studied to date, there are likely many more species that have yet to be recorded. Check some of the sure-to-see fish on your Belize dive.
Coral Reef Formation - The coral reefs that inhabit today’s oceans began their existence more than 10,000 years ago. As the last Ice Age came to an end, melting caused caused global sea levels to rise and swamp what were then continental shelves. Coral reefs began live on what were then continental shelves, slowly growing upwards in order to maintain access to light and food near the sea surface. Those reefs that were unable to grow fast enough to match the pace of the rising waters are now known as drowned reefs. Unable to access enough light and nutrients, these reefs are no longer living organisms.
Coral Reef Biology - Coral reefs look like inanimate objects but are actually vast networks of living animals. Live coral is a small animal that protects itself in a mantle of calcium carbonate similar to the shells of crustaceans. Living coral are called polyps, and the shape of their outer shell is the best way to determine their species. Some living coral are tiny, no bigger than a grain of sand, while other coral are up to a foot across.
Coral reefs are vast networks of polyps, their hard calcium carbonate shells, and an intricate biosphere of other plants and animals. As living coral grow, they add more layers to their hardened shell. A variety of factors, including wave motion and the activities of sea urchins, sponges, fish, and mammals slowly grind the coral into smaller fragments that then settle into the open nooks and crannies of the reef, thus reinforcing and strengthening it.
Coral Reef Biology - Coral reefs look like inanimate objects but are actually vast networks of living animals. Live coral is a small animal that protects itself in a mantle of calcium carbonate similar to the shells of crustaceans. Living coral are called polyps, and the shape of their outer shell is the best way to determine their species. Some living coral are tiny, no bigger than a grain of sand, while other coral are up to a foot across.
Coral reefs are vast networks of polyps, their hard calcium carbonate shells, and an intricate biosphere of other plants and animals. As living coral grow, they add more layers to their hardened shell. A variety of factors, including wave motion and the activities of sea urchins, sponges, fish, and mammals slowly grind the coral into smaller fragments that then settle into the open nooks and crannies of the reef, thus reinforcing and strengthening it.
From the busy north of Belize, to the sleepy south,
here are some snorkeling sites to chose from.
here are some snorkeling sites to chose from.
SNORKELING SITES
Wherever there is a dive site, it can also be a snorkeling site. But this list specifically focuses on sites that are primarily used by tour-operators for snorkeling.
NORTHERN BELIZE
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Why should I consider snorkeling the Belize Barrier Reef?
Tiny Belize's mainland beckons with lush jungle canopy, palm-tangled Mayan ruins, and diverse wildlife. Still, this Central American jewel is best known for its snorkeling and diving sites along hundreds of cayes, atolls and a 185-mile Barrier Reef (second in size only to Australia). Abundant sea life and colorful corals fill the turquoise waters, are easily accessible and welcome divers and snorkelers of all experience levels. Dive tours can be half or whole days, with boat rides calm and usually under two hours. Other tour options include live-board boats, which offer week-long trips featuring 2 to 3 daily dives, including nighttime.
Tiny Belize's mainland beckons with lush jungle canopy, palm-tangled Mayan ruins, and diverse wildlife. Still, this Central American jewel is best known for its snorkeling and diving sites along hundreds of cayes, atolls and a 185-mile Barrier Reef (second in size only to Australia). Abundant sea life and colorful corals fill the turquoise waters, are easily accessible and welcome divers and snorkelers of all experience levels. Dive tours can be half or whole days, with boat rides calm and usually under two hours. Other tour options include live-board boats, which offer week-long trips featuring 2 to 3 daily dives, including nighttime.
What is the best time of year to snorkel the Belize Barrier Reef? You can go snorkeling through the year in Belize, since the climate is tropical and so constantly hot and humid. The rainy season, from June to November, can make outings tricky and reduce the clearness of the water. The water temperatures are relatively constant, around 82 degrees, with variations between the coldest months (December-January) and the hottest (July-August). With a good sunny day, and low wind, snorkeling the Belize Barrier Reef can be excellent - no matter what time of year you come.
What is the best way to experience snorkeling the Belize Barrier Reef? The best way to experience snorkeling the Belize Barrier Reef is to sign up for a guided snorkeling tour, depending on the location where you are staying. An experience licensed guide, knows where all the good snorkeling, diving and fishing spots are. |
Where is the Belize Barrier Reef located?
The Belize Barrier Reef is a series of coral reefs straddling the coast of Belize, roughly 300 meters (980 ft) offshore in the north and 40 kilometers (25 mi) in the south within the country limits. The Belize Barrier Reef is a 300-kilometer (190 mi) long section of the 900-kilometer (560 mi) Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, which is continuous from Cancún on the north-eastern tip of the Yucatán Peninsula through the Riviera Maya and down to Honduras, making it the second largest coral reef system in the world after the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. What is the best way to get to the Belize Barrier Reef? Once you're in Belize and depending on the location of the country you are staying in, the best way to experience the Belize Barrier Reef is through a licensed tour guide company. They will have the boats, and equipment needed, to help you get to the part of the reef you are looking to experience. |
SNORKELING SITES - Northern Belize
Bacalar Chico - Untouched reef and mangrove rivers make up for a great day trip to the northernmost parts of Ambergris Caye. On one side of the creek you can see Belize, and on the other side is Mexico. Many birds and other rare species of land and sea life can be observed here. This is a seldom visited, remote spur and groove snorkeling site.
Basil Jones - At the last pass before the barrier reef runs into the north end of Ambergris Caye, you will find this beautiful spur-and-grove reef. A perfect beach makes a good spot for lunch. The back reef is only 16' feet deep. The Caribbean Sea side drops to 70 feet. Nurse sharks rest in the canyons, big stingrays sift the sand, and turtles, groupers and white spotted eagle rays patrol.
Mata Cut - Another pass through the Barrier Reef, known as Mata Cut, occurs just a few miles north of Punta Arena Canyons. Remains of an old barge some call Changa's Wreck lies just inside the reef in less than 10 feet of water. A variety of soft corals and encrusting sponges decorate the barge's frame and the rusted out hull is a hang-out for small shoals of snappers. It's a great place to combine fish and wreck photography. Especially dramatic scenes exists when the midday sun sends shafts of light through holes in the hull. Resting just behind the reef but within the cut, the wreck lies in water than can get rough. Even on calm days, the incoming ocean swells passing through the cut create mild currents and wave surge. Water conditions get significantly worse when the prevailing northeasterly winds are strong. During such periods, a wave surge scours the sandy bottom and suspends clouds of sediment in the water column. Near the barge are sand, grass, and coral flats. You can find stingrays searching for crustaceans and mollusks on the sand flats. Large orange and reef starfish prowl the turtle grass areas for clams. Conchs of all sizes reside on the grass meadows. Scattered soft and hard coral formations create a third bitoic zone. Colorful tropical reef fish can be seen everywhere among the coral. Stoplight parrotfish, trupmetfish, bluestriped grunts, triggerfish, blue tang and rock beauties are an abbreviated list of what is here.
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Mexico Rocks & Tres Cocos - Mexico Rocks & Tres Cocos is a beautiful snorkel spot located between the Belize Barrier Reef and Ambergris Caye. Both locations are accessible by a short boat ride from the town of San Pedro. The snorkel area at Tres Cocos is well known for having some of the largest brain corals and elkhorn coral along the reef. The reef at Tres Cocos is as shallow as four (4) feet and is a great spot for both beginner and experienced snorkelers. These Belize snorkeling locations are also known for their abundance of marine life including conch, banded shrimps, arrow crabs, flounders, stingrays, yelowtail snappers, angelfish, dameselfish and hawksbill turtles.
Mexico Rocks - Fifteen (15) minutes from San Pedro, just off a former coconut plantation, snorkelers enjoy a cluster of shallow coral heads known as Mexico Rocks. The nooks and crannies are filled with colorful invertebrates. Abounding fish life includes angelfish, butterfly fish, groupers, snappers, grunts, filefish, and many more. A cave here forms a fish nursery. Another shallow site, Mexico Rocks is the ideal Belize snorkeling site for marine photographers, as the great visibility here, means of the colors of the coral real pop in front of the lens. Located only 20 minutes boat ride from Ambergris Caye, Mexico Rocks showcases a delightful array of boulder coral and brain coral and is one of the top places to spot lobsters and eels. At only 12 feet deep, this snorkel site is also nicely sheltered and usually quite calm with tons of angelfish and yellowtail snapper regularly seen. Tuffy Rocks - Locally known as "Tuffy Rocks" and located adjacent to Tackle Box dive site. Excellent visibility. Great snorkeling here, you can almost see all species of fish including jacks, groupers, parrot fish, angel fish, barracudas, eels, spider crabs, lobster and nurse sharks.
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Coral Gardens - Know for its diversity of coral, this is probably the best Belize snorkeling sites for beginners. Indeed, the shallow depths, yet incredible diversity of the Coral Gardens, make it the ideal location if this is your first time donning a snorkel and mask. Located on the inner side of the reef, Coral Gardens are also sheltered, which means currents here are less strong and swimming around to see the tons of colorful fish is much easier. Right near Caye Caulker, and part of the local marine reserve there, this place is an easy half day trip if you want just a shorter snorkel excursion and is normally paired with Shark Ray Alley.
Hol Chan Cut - As soon as you arrive on Ambergris Caye, jump in the water here and start your Belize snorkeling experience. It is shallow, only 33 feet, but the visibility is great and the fish are innumerable. Hol chan means Little Blue Channel. This is a marine sanctuary, and Hol Chan is a fish nursery for the whole northward reef. Caution: Tide changes makes for strong currents at times. This is the favorite local night dive spot for many.
Shark Ray Alley - Technically a zone within the Hol Chan Marine Reserve (Zone 4) to be specific! Shark Ray Alley is probably the best Belize snorkeling spot if you want to see, yes you guessed it - some sharks and some rays! This is a great Belize snorkeling experience with southern stingrays and nurse sharks. This is a great Belize snorkeling spot for all levels with its shallow waters, white sands and clear visibility. There are also a huge number of rays to be seen here, including yellow stingrays and spotted eagle rays, the tips of which can often be seen breaking the surface of the water even as you approach in the boat!
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SNORKELING SITES - Central Belize
Goff's Caye - Actually more of a tropical island, experiencing a day trip here also provides you with ample time to enjoy the white sands and laze under a tropical palm tree or 4! Great for kids, this place is also popular with cruise ships and is only 30 minutes from Belize City. With a huge selection of brilliant colored fish, as well as the occasional turtle and dolphin, golf's Caye is definitely a good choice if you are basing yourself in or near the capital.
Turneffe Reef Atoll - The largest of the 3 atolls in Belize's Barrier Reef, Turneffe Atoll is also the most northerly in this collection,meaning it's a full day trip to get here from Ambergris Caye & Caye Caulker, where many people stay. Established as a marine reserve in 2012, and largely comprised of hundreds of small mangrove islets, you have a very good chance of spotting turtles out at Turneffe Reef, who come to fee off the rich waters created by this ecosystem.
Lighthouse Reef Atoll - The second atoll in Belize's Barrier Reef, Lighthouse atoll is also furthest from the coast, which means you'll need to pick a calm day to visit here if you want the smoothest boat ride possible! However, many people make the journey out here, even in rough conditions, because of the reef's massive draw card - the famous Great Blue Hole, which is the world's largest underwater sinkhole. At 400+ feet deep, there isn't much fish life here, but giant stalactites are the main draw card and, of course the kudos to say you've been here! As well as the Great Blue Hole, Lighthouse Reef atoll also features both Half Moon Caye and Long Caye wall which do have amazing fish life.
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Tobacco Caye (South Water Caye Marine Reserve) - Tobaccos Caye is located in the middle of the Belize Barrier Reef at the northern edge of the South Water Caye Marne Reserve. It's just a thirty minutes water taxi ride from the town of Dangriga. This beautiful 5 acres palm-fringed island is known for its world-class snorkeling right off the beach.
Billy Hawk Caye (South Water Caye Marine Reserve) - Billy Hawk Caye is a Garifuna fishing camping located in the Blue Ground Range within the beautiful South Water Caye Marine Reserve. This tiny caye offers outstanding reef snorkeling and paddling among mangroves and palm-fringed islets.
Carrie Bow Caye (South Water Caye Marine Reserve) - This caye is home to the Smithsonian Carrie Bow Cay Field Station where research on the biology, ecology, and geology of coral reef ecosystems is carried out. The snorkeling off this caye is incredible and you can expect to see a wide variety of both hard and soft corals as well as beautiful tropical fish. Don't forget to stop in at the field station and say hello.
Half Moon Caye (Lighthouse Reef Atoll) - Lighthouse Reef Atoll is the furthest offshore of all of the Belize's atolls. It is home to more than 200 species of fish, six cayes, an abundance of coral reefs and an underwater marine trial. Half Moon Caye on Lighthouse Reef Atoll is an excellent location for both beginner and experienced snorkelers, with plenty of shallow waters to explore. Lighthouse Reef Atoll is also home to the world-famous Blue Hole, a perfectly circular sinkhole that measures approximate 1,000 feet around and 400 feet deep.
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SNORKELING SITES - Southern Belize
The Belize Barrier Reef is a UNESCO World Heritage Site of indescribable beauty, gorgeous atolls and islands, and some of the best snorkeling in the world.
One of the best places to snorkel in Belize is the Silk Cayes, a collection of three islands on the outer part of the southern reef. Sometimes referred to as the Queen Cayes, the Silk Cayes are home to an astonishing variety of marine wildlife, including sea turtles, birds, rays, and sharks. And in 2009, Caribbean Travel and Life Magazine chose the Silk Cayes for having the “ultimate” Caribbean beaches. The Silk Cayes are part of the Gladden Spit and Silk Cayes Marine Reserve, a protected wildlife area measuring more than 26,000 acres (104 square kilometers) located approximately 22 miles (36 km) off the coast of Placencia in southeastern Belize. Thanks to strong conservation efforts by the government of Belize and good water quality, the reef near the Silk Cayes is some of the healthiest in the region, home to substantial schools of fish that attract migrating whale sharks that visit the area every spring. Located approximately 11 miles (18 km) from Placencia, Laughing Bird Caye is a small island that is in the middle of the Laughing Bird Caye National Park. Named for the laughing gull birds that once used the island for breeding, the national park measures just 1.8 acres in size. The island is the above-water portion of an unusually narrow and long reef called a faro or an angular atoll. The steep dropoff and central lagoon are home to several amazing dive sites. A perfect day trip from Placencia, Laughing Bird Caye is just a short boat ride from the mainland. The coconut trees, cool trade winds, and beautiful sandy beaches make for excellent locations to enter the water and marvel at the kaleidoscope of marine life found in the area. Both Laughing Bird Caye and the Silk Cayes are a protected natural area, making them perfect spots to enjoy snorkeling. The combination of clear water, bright sandy seafloor, and abundant marine life found in these areas is often described as like stepping into a gigantic aquarium. |
Gladden Spit - This top Belize snorkeling spot is most famous because of its whale shark population which can easily be spotted here between the months of March and June. One of the largest creatures in the ocean, these amazing creatures come here to feast on the many spawning fish populations, which result from the healthy marine life. This means the magnificent whale sharks can easily be viewed by scuba divers and snorkelers alike. Located in the south of Belize, trips to Gladden Spit leave from the coastal town of Placencia, so head here if you want the once in a lifetime opportunity to see these incredible giants.
Glover's Reef Atoll (Southwest Caye) - The third Atoll in Belize's Barrier Reef, this one is the most southerly and was named after a couple of pirate brothers! Part of the World Heritage area, this atoll is big and is surrounded by sheer drop-offs that plunge meters down into the Caribbean deep blue. Glover's Reef Atoll is part of the Belize Barrier Reef and is a designated UNESCO world heritage site. This remote atoll features remarkably clear water and a sheltered, shallow lagoon with more than 700 patch reefs to explore. Less than a mile beyond the atoll's eastern edge, the reef drops 2,600 feet where the Caribbean sea's open water begin. The interaction of the open waters with the sheltered lagoon has given rise to a truly spectacular profusion and diversity of marine life, making Glover's Reef Atoll a first-class destination for snorkelers.
10 Reasons to Snorkel Southern Belize
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