Belize Barrier Reef

Travel Belize

10,000 Years Old,
And Still So Beautiful.

The Belize Barrier Reef turned 10,000 years old on June 8, 2022, and Belize is celebrating the longevity of this natural wonder by pledging to continue preserving it for generations today and those to come. The second-largest barrier reef in the world, it extends the full length of our nation, forming an enormous lagoon along our coast and protecting our shores from large waves, even during extreme weather. This also creates an ideal habitat for a wide variety of oceanic creatures, from rock-like living coral to endangered sea turtles to over 500 species of fish in every color of the rainbow. Here, you’ll learn a bit about the reef, our efforts and how you can experience all it has to offer here in Belize.

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See For Yourself.

From one end of Belize to the other, the 185-mile-long Belize Barrier Reef and the ecosystems it helps to sustain create many of the nation’s most beautiful sights.

Underwater wildlife
Birding in Belize

A Commitment to Conservation.

Belize has committed to preserving a full 30% of its oceanic territory— over 10,000 square kilometers, including each of the seven marine protected areas shown below. Combined with other efforts like a total ban on single-use plastics taking effect in 2022, this has made Belize a leader in conservation in the Caribbean and, truly, the world.

Our Belize Barrier Reef has long drawn SCUBA divers, snorkelers and fisherman from across the globe, so it’s no surprise it was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. Our region is also home to 3 of only 4 atolls in all of the Atlantic Ocean, numerous patch reefs that dot the offshore waters and the world-famous Great Blue Hole as well. Belize is an aquatic wonderland that Charles Darwin himself once called “the most remarkable reef in the West Indies,” and we aim to keep it that way.

Our 7 Marine Protected Areas

  • Laughing Bird Caye

    The picture of relaxation, the unspoiled Laughing Bird Caye National Park, is where many Belizeans go to unplug and enjoy…

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  • Sapodilla Cayes

    The southernmost marine reserve in the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System, the Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve offers many idyllic sand…

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  • Half Moon Caye

    Half Moon Caye Natural Monument is picturesque with its white-sandy beaches, unbelievably blue waters, and lush vegetation. One TripAdvisor user…

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  • Glover’s Reef

    Deep channels coincide with dramatic rising pinnacles at the Glover’s Reef Marine Reserve. The reserve is one of Belize’s three…

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  • The Great Blue Hole in Belize

    The Blue Hole Natural Monument is a breathtaking ring of coral encircling a huge, underwater sinkhole located in the shallow…

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  • Southwater Caye Marine Reserve

    Lesser-known but just as spectacular is the South Water Caye Marine Reserve. It is one of the largest reserves in…

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  • Two snorkelers observing fish at Bacalar Chico in Ambergris Caye

    Bacalar Chico

    Bacalar Chico is a hidden treasure with a pristine environment teeming with wildlife and a brilliant array of coral. By…

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@ReefWithaBeef

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I’m the Belize Barrier Reef, and I’ve got a beef with anyone who doesn’t respect the oceans like we do in Belize. Follow along as I trash talk those who are trashing our seas and heap praise on those who are doing things the right way.