Swimming With Manatees In Belize's Tropical Paradise

Belize is home to the largest population of manatees in Central America, and there are several places where you can see them in their natural habitat.

Belize is an important habitat for West Indian manatees, which can grow up to four metres in length and weigh up to 590 kilograms. Manatees are gentle, curious, and social animals that spend half of their day resting in shallow waters and the other half slowly swimming in search of food.

Some of the best spots to swim with manatees in Belize include:

- Northern Lagoon: This is part of the Corozal Bay Wildlife Sanctuary in northern Belize. It is a shallow and calm lagoon where manatees like to rest and feed.

- Swallow Caye Wildlife Sanctuary: Located about 11 kilometres from Belize City, this is one of the most popular places to see manatees. It was established by a local conservationist, Chocolate Heredia, and you can take a boat tour from Belize City or Caye Caulker to this sanctuary and snorkel with the manatees.

- Gales Point Manatee Wildlife Sanctuary: Located in the Southern Lagoon, this is a remote and pristine area where manatees congregate in large numbers. You can stay at the Manatee Lodge and take a boat tour to the Placencia Lagoon or other manatee hotspots.

- Caye Caulker: While not the manatees' favourite area, sightings are possible on snorkelling tours from Caye Caulker.

Best spots to swim with manatees in Belize

Belize is home to the largest population of manatees in Central America, so it's the perfect place to go if you want to swim with these gentle giants. Here are some of the best spots to do so:

Northern Lagoon

This is part of the Corozal Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, located in northern Belize. It's a shallow and calm lagoon where manatees like to rest and feed. While you can see manatees here, it's not recommended to swim with them due to the risk of crocodiles.

Swallow Caye Wildlife Sanctuary

Located about 7-11 kilometres from Belize City, this is one of the most popular places to see manatees in Belize. It's a protected area established by local conservationist Chocolate Heredia, and you can take a boat tour from Belize City or Caye Caulker to snorkel with the manatees. However, swimming with the manatees is not allowed as it is a protected area.

Gales Point Manatee Wildlife Sanctuary

This remote and pristine area in the Southern Lagoon is just offshore from the southern part of the Belize District. It's a popular manatee feeding area, and you may also see nesting turtles. You can stay at the Manatee Lodge in Gales Point village and take a boat tour to the Placencia Lagoon or other manatee hotspots.

Caye Caulker

While this isn't the manatees' favourite area and sightings are never guaranteed, if you see a manatee while on a snorkel tour from Caye Caulker, you may be allowed to slowly enter the water and swim alongside it. This is the only place in Belize where you are allowed to be in the ocean near a manatee.

Goff Caye

This 1.2-acre island rests on top of the reef and is known for its lush coconut trees and white sandy beach. It has a rich history, having served as a settlement, fishing camp, trade centre, and cemetery. You can explore the island, snorkel along the reef, and enjoy a beach barbecue.

Ethical considerations for swimming with manatees

Swimming with manatees in Belize is a rare opportunity to get close to these endangered animals and observe them in their natural habitat. However, it is important to approach this experience with caution and respect for the animals' well-being. Here are some ethical considerations to keep in mind when planning a trip to swim with manatees in Belize:

Choose a Responsible Tour Company

The tour company you choose can make a big difference in the ethical impact of your experience. Look for companies that follow sustainable practices and prioritize the manatees' well-being. Avoid companies that feed the manatees or allow close contact, as this can disrupt their natural behaviour and lead to over-dependence on humans.

Respect the Animals' Space

When swimming with manatees, it is crucial to maintain a respectful distance. Keep at least 5 metres away from the manatees and do not attempt to touch, chase, or ride them. Let the manatees approach you if they are curious, but be prepared for them to keep their distance. Remember that these animals are wild and have their own personalities, so be patient and do not force an interaction.

Avoid Overtourism

Overtourism can have negative consequences for wildlife, including manatees. Too many people in their habitat can disrupt their feeding and mating patterns. Consider travelling during the off-peak season or choosing less crowded locations to reduce the impact on the manatee population.

Follow Local Laws and Guidelines

Manatees are protected by law in Belize, and there are several wildlife sanctuaries dedicated to their conservation. Respect the rules and regulations of these areas, including no-swimming zones. By following these guidelines, you can help ensure the manatees' safety and the longevity of their habitat.

Be Mindful of Your Impact

As a tourist, it is important to be mindful of your impact on the environment and the local community. Choose sustainable and ethical practices whenever possible, such as using reef-safe sunscreen or wearing a t-shirt instead. Avoid supporting businesses or activities that exploit the manatees or harm their habitat.

Educate Yourself and Others

Before swimming with manatees, take the time to learn about their behaviour, habitat, and the conservation efforts in place. Share this knowledge with others to raise awareness and encourage responsible tourism. Understanding the manatees' needs and challenges will help you make informed choices during your trip.

How to choose a tour operator

Swimming with manatees in Belize is a rare and amazing opportunity, but it's not guaranteed. To improve your chances of this incredible experience, choosing the right tour operator is essential. Here are some key considerations to help you select a reputable and responsible tour operator for your manatee adventure:

Ethical and Responsible Practices

Choose a tour operator that prioritises ethical and responsible wildlife tourism. This means they should respect the manatees' space and not feed them to guarantee sightings. The operator should also enforce strict rules to protect the manatees, such as maintaining a safe distance, refraining from touching or chasing, and avoiding the use of sunscreen or insect repellent that could harm the manatees' skin.

Tour Options

Look for operators that offer full-day snorkelling tours, as these provide a better chance of spotting manatees. Half-day tours often miss key locations, and while multi-day tours can be great for exploring remote areas, they may not be necessary for manatee sightings.

Timing

The best time for manatee tours in Belize is during the dry season, from November to April, when the weather is favourable and the manatees are more active and visible. Aim for early morning or late afternoon tours when the sun is milder, as manatees tend to stay deeper in the water during the midday heat.

Location

Select an operator that visits the right locations with higher chances of manatee sightings. These include the Northern Lagoon, Swallow Caye Wildlife Sanctuary, and Gales Point Manatee Wildlife Sanctuary.

Experience and Reputation

Opt for experienced and reputable tour operators who follow responsible tourism practices. Check reviews and testimonials from previous customers to gauge their level of satisfaction and the likelihood of spotting manatees on their tours.

Equipment and Services

Ensure that the tour operator provides essential snorkelling gear, such as masks, snorkels, fins, and life jackets. Also, inquire about transportation, guides, and any additional information they provide about interacting with the manatees and respecting their habitat.

Remember, the key to choosing a tour operator is to find one that prioritises the well-being of the manatees and offers a safe and informative experience for swimmers.

What to expect on a snorkelling tour

Swimming with manatees in Belize is a rare and amazing opportunity to get close to these endangered animals and observe them in their natural habitat. Here is what you can expect on a snorkelling tour:

Before the Tour

Before your tour, you will need to book with a reputable and responsible operator that follows best practices for ethical and sustainable tourism. You will also need to pack appropriate gear, including a mask, snorkel, fins, and a life jacket. It is also recommended to wear a rash guard or a wetsuit to protect yourself from the sun and jellyfish stings.

During the Tour

On the day of your tour, you will meet your group and guide at the pre-arranged time and location. Your guide will hand out equipment and provide a briefing on snorkelling guidelines and safety precautions. You will then board the boat and set sail to the first snorkelling location.

During the tour, your boat will make several stops at different locations, including popular snorkelling spots and potential manatee grazing areas. Your guide will enforce rules to ensure the safety and well-being of the manatees, such as maintaining a respectful distance and avoiding any touching, chasing, or feeding of the animals.

After the Tour

After the tour, it is important to properly clean and store your gear, especially if you are using your own equipment. Take some time to reflect on your experience and appreciate the opportunity to have interacted with these gentle and curious creatures in their natural habitat.

Other Things to Note

It is important to remember that swimming with manatees is not guaranteed, as these animals are wild and elusive. Additionally, it is crucial to follow all guidelines and respect the manatees' space to ensure a safe and responsible encounter.

Rules and guidelines for swimming with manatees

Swimming with manatees in Belize is an incredible experience that requires respect and responsibility. Manatees are protected by law and by several wildlife sanctuaries in Belize, so you need to follow some rules and guidelines to ensure their safety and well-being. Here are some essential instructions to follow when swimming with manatees in Belize:

• Wear appropriate gear: Ensure you have the necessary equipment, including a mask, snorkel, fins, and a life jacket. Additionally, wear a rash guard or a wetsuit to protect yourself from the sun and jellyfish stings. It is important to avoid wearing sunscreen or insect repellent as these can harm the manatees' skin.
• Maintain a safe distance: Always keep a minimum distance of 10 feet (approximately 3 metres) from the manatees. Refrain from touching, chasing, feeding, or harassing them in any way. Avoid blocking their path or making loud noises that may startle them. Allow them to approach you if they are curious, and respect their space if they prefer to keep their distance.
• Be patient and respectful: Manatees are wild animals with unique behaviours and personalities. They may be playful and friendly at times, while other times they may be shy and elusive. Be patient and appreciate any encounter you have with them. Remember that witnessing them in their natural environment is a privilege.
• No flash photography: When taking photos or videos of the manatees, be sure to turn off the flash on your devices. Flash photography can disturb and scare away the manatees, as well as other wildlife in the area.
• Avoid wearing sunscreen: It is recommended to avoid wearing sunscreen or lotions when swimming with manatees. Environmental contaminants in these products may harm the manatees' skin. Instead, consider wearing a t-shirt or rash guard to protect your skin from the sun.

Frequently asked questions