Belize Barrier Reef

Why the Belize Barrier Reef and atolls are special
They are fabulous underwater paradise for divers. They offer a rich diversity of tropical fish and coral formations set in warm, remarkably clear waters.

Tips & insights on the Belize Barrier Reef and atolls
Blue Hole
This sinkhole on Lighthouse Reef is the most famous dive spot. It's 120 meters (400 feet) deep and has luxuriantly blue water with wonderful clarity and striking limestone formations. Jacques Cousteau put the Blue Hole on the world-diving map.

Hol Chan Marine Reserve
This is Belize's most acclaimed diving area. Hol Chan is on the tip of the Ambergris, a northern cay where many divers stay.

Other major diving destinations
They include:

• Elbow (on Turneffe Reef)
• Glover's Reef (atoll)
• Halfmoon Caye (on Lighthouse Reef)

North vs south
The north has the better diving infrastructure, including resorts and dive shops.

Snorkeling
The Belize Barrier Reef and the atolls also offer snorkelers memorable experiences.

Fishing
There is terrific fishing among the reefs and atolls, and beyond.

Underwater photography
The excellent water visibility coupled with vividly hued fish and coral gardens assures great photos.

Size
The reef is about 300 kilometers (180 miles) in length. It is the middle part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, which is the world's second largest. Only the one in Australia is bigger.

Pre- and post excursions
You're in a good location to take inland excursions to the spectacular Mayan ruins of Xunantunich (Belize) and Tikal (Guatemala).

Location Map