Belize’s barrier reef stretches along the entire length of the country, forming a large lagoon along the coast. The Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System consists of seven marine protected areas along the barrier reef, the shelf lagoon and the offshore atolls. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996. It is the largest reef complex in the Atlantic-Caribbean region and the second-largest reef system in the world.
Seven protected areas, many habitats
The seven protected areas cover twelve percent of the entire reef complex. They include:
- Bacalar Chico National Park and Marine Reserve
- Blue Hole Natural Monument
- Half Moon Caye Natural Monument
- South Water Caye Marine Reserve
- Glover’s Reef Marine Reserve
- Laughing Bird Caye National Park
- Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve
The protected-area system provides habitat for endangered marine animals, including West Indian manatees, green sea turtles, hawksbill turtles, loggerhead turtles and American crocodiles. Endemic and migratory birds also nest in the coastal forests of the cayes, atolls and coastal areas. The system is also the largest barrier reef in the Northern Hemisphere, includes rare coastal forests on sandy cayes, and represents the main reef and coastal habitats.
Bacalar Chico: Landscape and Mayan History
Bacalar Chico National Park encompasses coastal forests, swamps, tidal flats, savannas, sinkholes and lagoons. This diversity ranges from coastal and wetland areas to open landscapes. Bacalar Chico was once an important Mayan trading post. Nature and history thus offer two distinct perspectives to take into account when planning your trip.
The Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve is suitable for snorkeling and diving. Bacalar Chico is accessible only by boat, usually from San Pedro or Caye Caulker. Check local arrangements before your trip. This lets you factor both the area's distinctive access arrangements and its marine activities into your plans.
Reef Activities and Practical Information
Snorkeling and diving are also suitable activities at Laughing Bird Caye National Park. Marine conditions and access vary, so take this into account when planning your visit. For a different kind of orientation, there is Xunantunich: a hand-operated ferry crosses the Mopan River to Xunantunich. Lamanai has specific visiting hours: the archaeological site is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., including Sundays and public and bank holidays. Check the current opening hours before your visit.
These tips highlight different considerations for planning: at Bacalar Chico, boat access is key; at Xunantunich, it is crossing the river; and at Lamanai, it is visiting hours. Together with the reef activities and the landscapes of Bacalar Chico, they offer a picture of Belize that brings nature experiences and history together without assigning every place the same role.
Discover more destinations: Stann Creek, Cayo, Corozal District, Belize, Caye Caulker, Orange Walk District, San Felipe, Toledo, Corozal
