Belize's largest lake is the New River Lagoon, which covers an area of approximately 13.5 square kilometres (5.2 square miles). The country, located on the Yucatán Peninsula in Central America, has a total of 160 square kilometres (62 square miles) of water. While it does not have a coastline on the North Pacific Ocean, it borders the Caribbean Sea to the east, with 386 kilometres of coastline.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Name | Five Blues Lake |
Location | Southern Belize |
Size | 10 acres |
Depth | 200 feet |
Surroundings | Forest and limestone hills |
Wildlife | 217+ bird species, coatimundi, peccary, agouti, howler monkeys, tapir, gibnut, all five of Belize's wildcats |
What You'll Learn
New River Lagoon is Belize's largest lake
Belize is a small Central American country with a coastline along the Caribbean Sea. It is known for its many rivers, lakes, and waterfalls, most of which lie within its forests. The country's largest lake is the New River Lagoon, which covers an area of approximately 13.5 square kilometres (5.2 square miles).
The New River Lagoon is located in the northern lowlands of Belize, which is one of the country's two main physiographic regions. The region is characterised by low-lying areas drained by many perennial streams and rivers. The New River, which flows through this region, is one of the country's historically important rivers. It flows through the northern sugar-growing areas before emptying into Chetumal Bay. The river valley is known for its fertile alluvial soils and has supported a significant amount of cultivation and human settlement.
The New River Lagoon is an important feature of Belize's historical geography. The interlocking networks of rivers, creeks, and lagoons have played a key role in the country's history. While the Belize River is the largest and most historically significant river in Belize, the New River Lagoon is the country's largest lake and is an important water body in the region.
The New River Lagoon is located in a region with a tropical climate. The area experiences a rainy season from June to November and a dry season from January to May. The average temperatures in the region range from 24°C (75°F) in January to 27°C (81°F) in July. The climate and natural features of the area make it a great place for outdoor activities such as hiking and wildlife viewing.
In addition to its size and ecological importance, the New River Lagoon is also a popular tourist destination. The area surrounding the lagoon offers a variety of attractions, including hiking trails, birdwatching opportunities, and the chance to spot local wildlife. The New River Lagoon is a significant natural landmark in Belize and contributes to the country's diverse and captivating landscape.
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Five Blues Lake National Park is a popular attraction
The park covers 10 acres and offers a range of activities for visitors. It is a great location for hiking, swimming, birdwatching, and wildlife viewing. The lake is surrounded by forest and limestone hills, providing a dramatic ambience for visitors. It is known for its diverse birdlife, with over 200 species of birds identified in the park, including the spectacular white hawk and black hawk eagle. All five of Belize's wildcat species also make their homes within the park's boundaries, and other wildlife such as howler monkeys, tapirs, and gibnuts can be spotted.
The park has been gaining popularity in recent years, despite being established since the 1990s. It offers a self-guided trail with a trail map available for purchase, as well as a small visitor centre. Mountain bikes and kayaks can also be hired, making it a perfect destination for families. The park is easily accessible, and visitors can register at the centre, which is open daily from 8 am to 4 pm.
With its natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and range of activities, Five Blues Lake National Park is a hidden gem in Belize that is well worth exploring. Visitors can spend a day or more at the park, and there are options for camping or finding nearby lodgings. The park's secluded and unexplored nature adds to its allure, offering a tranquil escape in the heart of Belize.
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Five Blues Lake is a natural phenomenon
Five Blues Lake National Park is a natural phenomenon in Belize. The lake is named after the five different shades of blue that make up the lake, with the colours coming from its depth. The 10-acre national park is ideal for hiking and swimming and is easily accessible off Mile 32 on the Hummingbird Highway. The lake is surrounded by forest and limestone hills, and is known to have over 200 species of birds, as well as wildlife such as coatimundi, peccary, and agouti. The lake is considered a natural phenomenon due to its origin involving some sort of unknown blockage, and it has drained and refilled itself quite inexplicably over the years.
Five Blues Lake is one of the most attractive protected areas in Belize. The area is located in the Cayo district and runs off the foothills of the Maya Mountains. The lake is surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and is a beautiful place to swim. The park is also a great location for birdwatching and wildlife viewing. Over 200 species of birds have been identified in the park, and all five of Belize's wildcats are known to make their homes within the park's boundaries.
The lake is a natural phenomenon due to its unknown origin, which is believed to be the result of some sort of blockage. The lake has drained and refilled itself over the years, and its depth creates the different shades of blue that give it its name. Five Blues Lake is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, who enjoy exploring the majestic lake and diving into its depths, which are thought to be around 200 feet.
The Five Blues Lake National Park is a relatively new park in Belize, having only gained popularity in recent years despite being established in the 1990s. The park is centred around the intensely blue lake, which is a beautiful sight. The park offers a self-guided trail with a trail map that can be purchased for $10, as well as a small basic visitor centre, and mountain bikes and kayaks for hire. Park visitors need to register at the centre, which is open from 8 am to 4 pm daily.
The Five Blues Lake area is still largely unexplored, so visitors can expect to have the place mostly to themselves. The park is ideal for those who want to spend more than a day exploring, with options to camp or find nearby lodgings in Belmopan to the northwest.
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The lake is surrounded by forest and limestone hills
The largest lake in Belize is the New River Lagoon, which covers an area of approximately 13.5 square kilometres (5.2 square miles). While the country boasts many other bodies of water, none come close to the size of the New River Lagoon.
One of the most popular lakes in Belize is the Five Blues Lake, located in the Five Blues Lake National Park. The lake is known for its varying shades of blue, which give it a majestic and dramatic appearance. The lake is surrounded by forest and limestone hills, creating a unique and captivating atmosphere. The surrounding forest is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including over 200 species of birds, as well as coatimundi, peccary, and agouti.
The Five Blues Lake National Park is a great location for outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming, and wildlife viewing. It offers a self-guided trail, as well as mountain bikes and kayaks for hire, making it a perfect destination for families and nature enthusiasts. The park is easily accessible, located just off the Hummingbird Highway, about 22 miles from Belmopan.
The lake itself is considered a natural phenomenon due to its unknown origin, which involves some sort of blockage. Over the years, the lake has drained and refilled itself in a mysterious cycle. This unique feature adds to the allure of the Five Blues Lake, making it a must-visit destination for those exploring the natural wonders of Belize.
The Five Blues Lake National Park has gained popularity in recent years, despite being established in the 1990s. Its recent recognition as a protected area has drawn attention to its untouched beauty and the abundance of wildlife that calls it home. With its stunning visuals and diverse ecosystem, the Five Blues Lake National Park is a testament to the natural wonders that can be found in the forests and limestone hills of Belize.
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Five Blues Lake is ideal for hiking and swimming
If you're looking for a place to hike and swim in Belize, look no further than Five Blues Lake National Park. This park, established in the 1990s, is located just off the Hummingbird Highway about 22 miles from Belmopan and is easily accessible off Mile 32. It is one of the most attractive protected areas in Belize and is named after the five different shades of blue that make up the lake. The 10-acre park is surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and forest, creating a dramatic ambiance.
The lake is considered a natural phenomenon as its origin involves some unknown blockage, and it has drained and refilled itself over the years. Despite this, it remains a popular spot for locals and tourists to explore and dive into its depths, which are thought to be around 200 feet. The park is also a great location for birdwatching, with over 200 species of birds identified, including the spectacular white hawk and black hawk eagle. All five of Belize's wildcats, as well as howler monkeys, tapirs, and gibnuts, also call this park home.
Five Blues Lake is the perfect place for a family outing, with mountain bikes and kayaks available for hire. There is also an excellent self-guided trail with a trail map that can be purchased for $10. The area is still relatively unexplored, so you'll likely have the place almost to yourself. Spend a day or more here, and consider camping or finding nearby lodgings in Belmopan to the northwest.
With its intense blue waters, surrounding cliffs, and abundant wildlife, Five Blues Lake National Park is a hidden gem in Belize, offering the ideal spot for hiking and swimming adventures.
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Frequently asked questions
The biggest lake in Belize is the New River Lagoon, which is approximately 13.5 km squared.
The New River Lagoon is the country's largest lake and is located in the northern coastal areas of Belize.
Yes, Five Blues Lake National Park is one of the most attractive protected areas in Belize. The lake is surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and is a great location for birding and wildlife viewing.
Five Blues Lake National Park is ideal for hiking and swimming and is easily accessible off Mile 32 on the Hummingbird Highway.