Summary:Belize's 180 mile long barrier reef is the longest reef in the western hemisphere.
Description: Belize's 290km (180mi) long barrier reef is the longest reef in the western hemisphere. To the west of the reef are numerous cayes basking in warm water usually not much more than 5m (16ft) deep. The two most popular with travelers are Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye. Caulker is commonly thought of as the low-budget island; Ambergris is more resort-oriented.
Caye Caulker (pop 800), 33km (20mi) north of Belize City, is 7km (4mi) long and only about 600m (650yds) wide at its widest point. Actually, Caulker is two islands now since Hurricane Hattie split it just north of the village in 1961. Mangroves cover much of the shore and coconut palms provide shade. The reef is just a short boat ride from the eastern shore and offers some of the world's most exciting diving, snorkeling and fishing. Underwater visibility can be an astonishing 60m (197ft) and the coral and tropical fish are wonderful. Don't swim out to the reef from the beach unless you want to gamble on a 50-50 chance of being decapitated by boat propellers.
Ambergris Caye (pop 2,000), 58km (36mi) north of Belize City, is the largest of the country's cayes. It's 40km (25mi) long and almost connected to the Mexican mainland on its northern side. Like Caulker, it has an engaging laid-back atmosphere, though holiday condominiums are beginning to appear. The reef is 1km (.5mi) east of the main town of San Pedro. There are a host of excursions offered to diving and snorkeling spots and to other cayes in the region, including to Blue Hole,Half Moon Caye and Turneffe Islands, the only three coral atolls in the western hemisphere.
Related Belize Attractions / Activities:
Museum of Belize : Type of Attraction:Museum Overview: Built as a colonial prison in the mid 1800s.
Laughing Bird Caye National Park : Type of Attraction:General Attraction Overview: One of the newest National Parks in Belize, Laughing Bird Caye is located thirteen miles southeast of Placencia Village in the Stann Creek District.
Five blues Lake National Park : Type of Attraction:Landmark/Point of interest Overview: Five blues Lake National Park is located in a most impressive setting in the forest-covered foothills of the Maya Mountains.
Blue Hole National Park : Type of Attraction:General Attraction Overview: Catch a glimpse of a natural phenomenon at this park; a sapphire blue sinkhole leading to the Sibun River.
Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary : Type of Attraction:General Attraction Overview: The visitors' entrance to the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is located at Maya Centre, which is at Mile 15 of the Southern Highway in the Stann Creek District.
Hamanasi Dive and Adventure Resort: Hopkins Village
Escape to the casual elegance of Hamanasi -- a secluded beachfront resort in Southern Belize. Unwind in private treehouse, luxurious honeymoon suites or beachfront rooms. Discover reefs, ...
Belizean Shores: Ambergris Caye
Located four miles north of San Pedro, Belizean Shores offers luxurious accommodations in a relaxing setting complete with beautiful views of the Caribbean Sea, sandy beaches and tropical breezes ...
The Inn at Robert's Grove: Placencia
The Inn at Robert's Grove, Belize's most complete luxury resort, is a comfortable, elegant, beautifully appointed outpost from which to enjoy all the wonders of Belize—the barrier reef, rainforest ...
Banana Beach Resort: Ambergris Caye
A new resort located just outside of San Pedro Town with all modern conveniences including a courtyard/pool area and 38 fully equipped suites ...
Blue Tang Inn and Resort: Ambergris Caye
Located on a sandy Caribbean beach, this fourteen-unit inn is just two quiet blocks north of downtown San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, where you’ll discover Belize’s warm, friendly people and many great ...
Captain Morgan's Retreat: Ambergris Caye
In Belize, Captain Morgan's Retreat is the place for you. You'll enjoy the secluded location, 3 1/2 miles north of San Pedro on Ambergris Caye. You're bound to rest easy, as the sea breezes cool you ...
Hotels by Expedia.com: Find more hot deals in Belize.
Disclaimer: Although we've tried to make the information on this web
site as accurate as possible, we accept no responsibility for any loss,
injury or inconvenience sustained by any person resulting from
information published on this site. We encourage you to verify any
critical information with the relevant authorities before you travel.
This includes information on visa requirements, health and safety,
customs, accommodations and transportation.
Resources »
