Belize Islands
Islands of Belize or (cayes) numbering in the hundreds dot the coastline along the entire length of the barrier reef. The three atolls located outside the main barrier reef, Turneffe, Lighthouse Reef and Glover’s Reef also features many exotic islands. Mangrove-entwined islands sit beside islands with glittering white sand beaches and turquoise waters. These islands provide an opportunity for the ultimate Caribbean island escape. The habitats around most of these exotic getaways are rich with marine life perfect for off shore snorkeling, diving and fishing.
Larger islands such as Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker host towns or villages, while smaller islands either remain uninhabited or house a single resort, park ranger, or fisherman’s camp. Some individuals privately own small islands, while Marine Reserves protect many others. You can spend your entire stay in Belize out on one of these small islands or just visit them on day tours from the mainland.
South Water Caye Marine Reserve
This is Belize’s largest marine protected area located only 10 miles off the coast of southern Belize in the Stann Creek District. It was established in 1996 and covers over 47,702 hectares (117,870 acres) of mangrove and coastal ecosystems. It encompasses over a dozen major cayes and many smaller islets, including Man of War Caye, a sanctuary for magnificent frigate birds and the brown booby. You can snorkel off the beach on the islands atop the reef. Private island lodges and resorts within the reserve include Pelican Beach Resort at South Water Caye, Paradise Lodge at Tobacco Caye and many others.
South Water Caye sits almost directly atop of the barrier reef. Acclaimed for water sports, it is the centerpiece of the South Water Marine Reserve, protecting all waters within a five-mile radius. Snorkeling is available right off the beach; no boat is necessary.
Laughing Bird Caye National Park
Laughing Bird Caye is located only 11 miles off the coast from Placencia Village in Southern Belize. This long narrow isle stands on an elongated ridge of reef known as a faro. A faro is an angular atoll on a continental shelf, also known as a shelf atoll. Deep channels separates Laughing Bird Caye’s faro from the mainland, the barrier reef and other cayes on all sides.
The Caye gets its name from the Laughing Gull (Larus artricilla). The gulls once use to breed on the Caye, but due to a growing human presence, the colonies have moved to nearby undisturbed cayes for breeding.
The Belize government declared the marine habitat around Laughing Bird Caye a protected area under the National Parks System Act in 1981 due to its abundance and diversity.
