The Hol Chan Marine Reserve highlights and protects the Hol Chan (Mayan for "little channel") Cut, which is in the barrier reef some four miles southeast of San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye. Established in 1987, the reserve--the first of its kind in Central America--includes a five square mile area of three distinctive zones.

Zone A includes the reef (both inside and outside), Zone B includes the seagrass beds inside the reef, and Zone C includes the mangroves of southern Ambergris Caye. All three zones are closely linked and are interdependent.

Buoys have been installed to mark the boundaries of the Reserve and to provide anchoring points for dive operators' boats. Since it is illegal to fish and/or collect coral within the reserve, marine life is present in healthy populations.

Follow the links below for a sample of additional attractions you can see off the coastline of Belize.

The Blue Hole Half Moon Caye National Monument Hol Chan Marine Reserve

Laughing Bird Caye National Park Shark Ray Alley