Belize Barrier Reef
Good to Know
Hours
The reef is accessible year-round. Tour operators typically run morning and afternoon departures. Check with your operator for current schedules.
Cost
Varies by operator and tour type. Ask your Casago Belize concierge for current rates.
Location
The reef runs along the entire Caribbean coast of Belize. Most access points are by boat from Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, Placencia, or Dangriga.
Picture Your Stay
A few moments from life on the reef.
About the Belize Barrier Reef
The Belize Barrier Reef is the second longest coral reef system in the world, stretching approximately 300 kilometres along the Caribbean coast of Belize. It forms part of the larger Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, which runs continuously from the Yucatan Peninsula south to Honduras. UNESCO designated the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System a World Heritage Site in 1996.
The reef shelters an extraordinary range of marine life, including more than 70 species of hard coral, 36 species of soft coral, and around 500 species of fish. Sea turtles, manatees, whale sharks, and nurse sharks are all regularly encountered. Three offshore atolls, Turneffe, Glover's Reef, and Lighthouse Reef, sit within the reserve and offer some of the most remote and pristine diving in the Western Hemisphere.
For most visitors, the reef is the reason they come to Belize. Snorkeling trips from Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker reach the reef wall in under 30 minutes. Scuba divers can explore the wall, the atolls, and the Great Blue Hole on day trips or liveaboard expeditions. The water is warm year-round, and visibility is typically best between November and April.
When you stay with Casago Belize, our team can point you to the right operators for your experience level and interests, whether that is a first snorkel or a multi-day dive trip to the outer atolls.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
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