Page 86 - Visitor Guides

Barrier

THE BELIZE BARRIER REEF
Reef
• Belize City

Off the coast of Belize lies a biological gem among the world’s tropical marine habitats. Extending north and south for one hundred

and eighty miles the barrier reef offshore of Belize is considered the most diverse section of the entire Mesoamerican Reef system.
• Dangriga
• Tobacco Caye
The Belize Reef is unmatched for snorkelling, sea kayaking and diving with an incredible diversity of corals and an abundance of
• Southwater tropical fish. Our area of exploration is within the Southwater Caye Marine Reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site. We travel from
Caye
caye to caye by sea kayak, staying at small, family-run lodges, soaking in the easy-going, friendly Belizean character and each day
venturing out to explore the magic and beauty of this tropical marine wilderness.
Blue Ground Range
In Belize, we find a continuous reef structure running the length of the country and paralleling the coast. From the mainland coast,
Barrier
• Placencia Reef a
e the reef cannot be seen; it lies 10 to 20 miles offshore. Travelling east from the mainland, the reef first becomes visible as a line of
S white surf crashing over the reef crest, with blue sea to the outside marking the deeper habitat of the fore reef. Approaching closer, we

n first enter the reef’s lagoon; a shallow area of turquoise waters, brilliant white sand flats and waving beds of turtle grass and corals.
a Cuts or breaks in the outside reef are common; this is where wave action cuts out channels into the lagoon which serve as navigation
e routes to and from the open sea. Shielding the coast of Belize from the full force of the sea, the barrier reef is a unique example of
Reef b b a living community of coral animals that has profoundly changed geography. Sheltered behind this living reef, small cayes (islands)

Barrier a r i of coral-sand form and in the sheltered lagoons mangroves thrive. The mangrove’s submerged roots trap sediments, which create

important habitat for juvenile fish, countless marine invertebrates and a rich array of seabirds.
• Punta Gorda C

Maya Mountains LAND PROFILE
Coastal Plain Maya Mountains to Caribbean Trench

Inner Channel Atoll
Mangrove Ranges & Cayes Lagoon Caribbean
Trench

Atoll

12 For detailed itineraries visit www.paradiseislands.travel | www.ultimateadventure.travel | www.educationaltrips.org