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:
Community Baboon Sanctuary : Type of Attraction:Children's / Kids Attraction Overview: Come and meet one of Belize’s endangered species - the Black Howler Monkey
Kayak and Canoe : Type of Attraction:General Attraction Overview: These many waterways are potential outdoor adventures for the kayak and canoe lovers.
Half Moon Caye Natural Monument : Type of Attraction:Monument Overview: Frolic among the birds and marine life at this natural conservatory.
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.
Happy Hours Reef : Overview: Because this site is a little out of the way of most dive operators it gets dived very seldom, which means lots of fishlife and no signs of damage caused by divers.
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 ...
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