Belize Barrier Reef: An Underwater Adventure Playground

The Belize Barrier Reef is a sought-after tourist destination and the second-largest coral reef system in the world, running 190 miles (300 km) parallel to Belize's coastline. It is home to an abundance of marine life, including sea turtles, rays, eels, sharks, dolphins, and manatees, and offers popular recreational activities such as diving, snorkelling, sailing, and fishing. The reef is also a significant site for ecological conservation, having been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.

Diving and snorkelling

Belize's Barrier Reef is one of the world's best destinations for diving and snorkelling. Stretching 190 miles (300 km) along the country's Caribbean coastline, it is the second-largest coral reef system in the world and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. The reef is home to 70 types of coral and over 500 species of fish, as well as shellfish, turtles and innumerable other sea creatures.

The reef is a haven for divers and snorkellers of all abilities. Beginners can explore the shallows around the islands, while more experienced divers can head to the dive walls. There are also plenty of opportunities to dive and snorkel in the cuts in the reef, where conditions are often excellent, with luxuriant hard and soft corals, big schools of fish of every variety, turtles, rays and more.

Some of the best spots for diving and snorkelling include:

• Placencia Reef, which offers some of the best diving and snorkelling in Belize without the crowds.
• Caye Caulker Marine Reserve, which is another of Belize's top snorkelling spots, particularly Coral Gardens, with its breathtaking, colourful coral formations.
• Hol Chan Marine Reserve, where snorkellers and divers can see nurse sharks, stingrays, coral reefs and a rainbow variety of fish and turtles.
• The Blue Hole, a bucket-list dive experience with exceptional visibility, otherworldly cave formations and reef shark sightings. This dive is recommended for experienced divers only.
• The Outer Atolls, where you'll find pristine reefs with fewer people. Half Moon Caye Wall, located at Lighthouse Reef, is considered one of the most gentle and beautiful dive sites in Belize.
• Laughing Bird Caye North, in Laughing Bird Caye National Park, which features a 25-90ft underwater slope for experienced divers.

The best time to dive in Belize is between March and December, particularly between April and June when the whale sharks are around. For snorkelling, the best visibility is between November and May, the dry season.

Sailing and fishing

Belize is a haven for sailing and fishing enthusiasts, with its barrier reef offering a range of experiences for adventurers of all skill levels. Here's a detailed look at what you can expect when sailing and fishing in this tropical paradise:

Sailing

The Belize Barrier Reef, a 300-kilometre-long (190-mile) section of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, provides sheltered cruising waters and a delightful sailing challenge. With over 450 islands and cays to explore, sailors can create their own itineraries or follow carefully crafted routes to discover the jewels of each island. The sailing season typically runs from November to April, coinciding with the dry season, which offers pleasant weather and calm seas.

The trade winds in Belize are consistent and inviting, making for delightful cruises. Sailors can navigate line-of-sight passages and enjoy short sails between destinations. While vigilance for reefs is crucial, the rewards of this beautiful locale are limitless. The allure of the Western Caribbean's top-rated snorkelling and diving spots attracts both novices and seasoned mariners alike, promising endless discoveries.

Belize offers a range of sailing experiences, from bareboat charters to skippered journeys and all-inclusive crewed charters. For those seeking independence, a bareboat charter allows you to be your own captain. Alternatively, a skippered charter provides the advantage of a local captain who can guide you to the best fishing, snorkelling, and diving spots.

Some of the must-visit sailing destinations in Belize include:

• Whipray Caye: This island offers some of the best fishing in the Caribbean and the Americas, along with tranquil beaches for sunbathing.
• Lagoon Caye: A serene destination for those seeking relaxation and a break from the more crowded spots.
• Lark Caye: Another secluded gem with untouched shores, perfect for a peaceful getaway.
• South Water Caye: A jewel within Belize's World Heritage Site, offering a blend of adventure and serenity.
• Ambergris Caye: A popular destination for fishing enthusiasts, where you can try your luck at catching tuna, wahoo, kingfish, and more.

Fishing

Belize is renowned for its world-class fishing, and the Belize Barrier Reef provides an abundance of opportunities for anglers. The reef is home to a diverse array of marine life, including over 500 species of fish. Here are some key considerations for fishing in Belize:

• Sport Fishing License: According to Belize fishing laws, anyone interested in fishing for leisure or sport must obtain a sport fishing license. These licenses can be purchased at most charter bases and cost US$25 per week.
• Fishing Spots: Ambergris Caye is a prime fishing destination, where anglers can target a variety of species such as tuna, wahoo, kingfish, Spanish mackerel, dorado, barracuda, snapper, and grouper.
• Fishing Expeditions: Fishing expeditions can be tailored to your preferences, whether you're an experienced angler or a beginner. These expeditions can be combined with other activities like snorkelling, kayaking, or even a relaxing day at the spa.

Exploring the cuts in the reef

The Belize Barrier Reef is the second-largest coral reef system in the world, stretching 190 miles (300 km) along the country's Caribbean coastline. It is a haven for divers and snorkelers, with over 100 dive sites just a few miles offshore. The reef is also a significant habitat for threatened species, including marine turtles, manatees, and the American marine crocodile.

• Choose the Right Season: While Belize's subtropical climate offers warm water year-round, the dry season from November to April is generally considered the best time to visit. During this period, you'll experience excellent visibility for diving and snorkelling, with little to no rain. However, the peak season (November to April) may be crowded, so consider visiting during the shoulder seasons for fewer crowds and more affordable prices.
• Explore the Seven Protected Marine Reserves: The Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System comprises seven protected areas, each offering unique experiences. Visit the tiny Laughing Bird Caye National Park, where you can snorkel among colourful coral heads and encounter a variety of marine life, including trumpet fish and angel fish. Don't miss the spectacular Glover's Reef Marine Reserve, where you can witness the annual migration of gigantic whale fish during the spring months.
• Dive at the Blue Hole: The Great Blue Hole, located about 50 miles from the coast of Belize, is a legendary dive spot. This natural phenomenon, with its sapphire waters, is easily visible from space. However, it is only suitable for experienced divers. The Blue Hole offers exceptional visibility, otherworldly cave formations, and the chance to spot reef sharks.
• Snorkel at Coral Gardens: Caye Caulker Marine Reserve is highly regarded as one of the best snorkelling spots in Belize. Within the reserve, Coral Gardens will take your breath away with its vibrant and colourful coral formations.
• Swim with Sharks and Rays: Hol Chan Marine Reserve is another popular destination for snorkelers and divers. Here, you can swim alongside nurse sharks, sea turtles, and manta rays. Shark Ray Alley, as the name suggests, is the place to go if you want to get up close and personal with these fascinating creatures.
• Discover Remote Locations: If you're seeking pristine reefs and fewer crowds, venture outside the barrier reef to the Outer Atolls: Turneffe, Lighthouse, and Glover's. These remote locations offer spectacular visibility, especially during the early summer months. Half Moon Caye Wall, located at Lighthouse Reef, is known for its gentle and beautiful diving conditions.
• Birdwatching Opportunities: The Belize Barrier Reef is not just about underwater exploration. The area is also important for endemic and migratory birds. Keep your eyes peeled for magnificent frigatebirds and majestic birds like the brown booby and the red-footed booby.
• Consider a Liveaboard Charter: For the ultimate flexibility and convenience, consider a liveaboard sailing charter. This option allows you to move freely between dive and snorkel sites and explore the reefs at your own pace, without the crowds.

Swimming with whale sharks

The best time to swim or dive with whale sharks is in April or May, around the time of the full moon. In fact, any period between the first full moon in March and the full moon in June could work. The Gladden Spit Marine Reserve, about 26-30 miles off the coast of Placencia, is the best place to spot them. Whale sharks return to Gladden Spit each year when the mutton and dog snappers are spawning, which typically happens in April and May. This area is also unique because it is the only place where you can dive with whale sharks and encounter huge schools of spawning fish at the same time.

The whale shark tours are conducted in the open ocean and are recommended for more experienced divers and snorkelers. The tours normally last a full day, with divers getting two dives and snorkelers getting two snorkelling sessions in the whale shark zone. The Southern Environmental Association (SEA) manages tour boats in Placencia, specifically overseeing the whale shark experiences at Gladden Spit. They will brief you on regulations before your boat departs, which include no flash photography and maintaining a safe distance from the whale shark's head and tail. Touching a whale shark can result in a hefty fine if caught.

It is advisable to book your whale shark tour early, as SEA permits only six boats in the Gladden Spit Whale Shark Zone at any given time. These boats are specialized dive boats that meet all SEA requirements and have official authorization to be there.

If you are planning to book a whale shark dive in Placencia, the Seahorse Dive Shop can help you get up close and personal with these majestic creatures.

Visiting the cayes

The cayes (small islands surrounded by extensive coral reefs) are where you'll find the best of Belize. Tranquil and beautiful, with a laid-back Caribbean feel, the cayes are the perfect place to enjoy fishing, snorkelling, diving, or simply relaxing. Most cayes are uninhabited or home only to local fishermen, but the largest, Ambergris Caye, is the most developed, with some lovely beachfront properties.

From the mainland, you fly to the town of San Pedro, where you can travel by motorboat or car to your accommodation. While the town itself is great for shopping, nightlife, and seafood restaurants, most people prefer to stay in the more secluded parts of the island.

The main attraction is snorkelling and scuba diving on the stunning reefs among the soft and hard corals, abundant with sea life. Excursions are widely available, such as boat trips out to meet the weird and wonderful manatees as they rummage through the mangroves.

For more experienced divers, full-day trips out to Lighthouse Reef, Half Moon Caye, and the Turneffe Islands can easily be arranged locally. From these cayes, you can dive famous sites such as the spectacular Blue Hole.

If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option than Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker is a popular alternative. With vibrant turquoise waters and a hip, low-key Caribbean feeling, this small island is a great spot to experience Belizean culture while enjoying a beach vacation. The primary mode of transportation on the island is either by golf cart or bicycle, or you can live like a local and explore the island on foot.

Caye Caulker is also a great base for watersports, including snorkelling, diving, windsurfing, and kitesurfing. There are also excellent fishing opportunities, and you can bring your catch back to one of the local restaurants in town to have it cooked up for you.

For a truly remote experience, head to one of the six low-key cayes that are almost completely devoid of tourists. These include:

• South Water Caye Marine Reserve, the largest marine protected area in Belize, where you can discover fascinating wildlife such as the brown booby and the magnificent frigate bird, as well as lush coral patch reefs.
• Goff's Caye, a 1-acre sand barrier island north of the English Channel, known for its abundance of sea turtles and healthy reef system.
• Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve, located approximately 36 miles east of Punta Gorda town, Toledo, encompassing the southernmost cayes in Belize, with mangrove and sand cayes accounting for the arresting scenery.
• Laughing Bird Caye, a National Park sitting on an elongated ridge of the reef known as a 'faro', with deep channels and structures surrounding the isle that make up its variety of coral and marine life.
• St. George's Caye, just a few miles from Belize City by water taxi, offering a peaceful interlude away from the busier cayes.
• Half Moon Caye, a small caye in the southern part of Lighthouse Reef Atoll that has been designated as a Natural Monument and is part of the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System World Heritage Site.

Frequently asked questions