The Caribbean is famous for the most mysterious islands and coastlines, the biosphere of which has not yet been studied even by 10%. One of the most beautiful places in Caribbean waters is the approximately 280 km long Belize Barrier Reef that runs along the coast of Belize in Central America.
It is part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, which is more than 900 km long from the Guatemalan coast to the northernmost borders of the Yucatan Peninsula.
Tourist gem of the Caribbean
The main attraction and tourism center of Belize is the Belize Barrier Reef, which runs just 13-14 km from the coast. It is the largest reef aggregation in the Western Hemisphere and ranks second in the world, second only to Australia's Great Barrier Reef.
The Belize Barrier Reef is a chain of coral reefs - Turnef, Glovers Reef, Lighthouse Reef with small islands of different sizes(approximately 450), picturesque bays, shallows (over 540) and magnificent lagoons.
Jacques-Yves Cousteau, the most famous explorer of the deep sea among our contemporaries, established the non-volcanic nature of the origin of the reef, which distinguishes it from the nature of most reef clusters.
Countries that are located near the Belize Barrier Reef - Honduras, Guatemala and Mexico. The reef is surrounded by water areas of the Gulf of Honduras and the Caribbean Sea. Warm sea currents pass here, which keep the temperature of water and air at approximately the same level throughout the year, creating special climatic conditions.
Historical information
There is evidence from archaeological expeditions that even before our era, Indian tribes lived here, who later moved to the mainland and became residents of Honduras, Panama and other American states.
This reef also owes its name to prehistoric settlers, although there is an opinion about the influence of conquistadors and settlers from South Africa. The first scientific description of the Belize Barrier Reef in North America is due to Darwin, who was fascinated by the variety of unique plants and animals and gave them detailed characteristics for the first time.
In the Middle Ages, the reef was chosen by pirates who ruled in the waters of the Caribbean Sea andarranged places for storing and selling looted treasures on the islands. Subsequently, their descendants settled here and became fishermen, moved to the mainland and made up the bulk of the population of Belize and nearby states.
World Heritage List
In 1996, the UNESCO World Heritage List was supplemented by the unique ecosystems of the Belize Barrier Reef. The territories under protection cover more than 900 square kilometers. Significant objects of world heritage include:
- Big blue hole with stunning water color;
- glovers reef and Hol Chan marine reserves with their richest underwater world;
- Half Moon Key natural monument, where you can find rare species of birds and turtles.
Caribbean Blue Hole
The Big Blue Hole, about 120m deep and 300m in diameter, is a truly unique natural phenomenon that looks like a funnel with striking blue water and a coral border. This miracle of nature is rightfully considered the most beautiful place in the Caribbean. Its appearance on the site of a dry cave was caused by a rise in sea level, followed by flooding.
Stalactites on the steep walls of the cave form ledges and at the same time convenient observation platforms of natural origin. Visibility through the water column - 60 m, amazingly rich underwater world, the opportunity to study rare species of marine life attract professional divers from all over the world. No less impressivelooks like a blue hole from a bird's eye view.
Marine reserves
From the town of San Pedro on Ambergris Island, you can reach Hol Chan Marine Sanctuary in minutes. The variety of species living in the reserve is amazing: sea turtles, corals and sea sponges, many species of rays, dolphins, several varieties of sharks and more than one and a half hundred species of fish. Diving sessions are organized here for those who want to swim with sharks and feed them, of course, in compliance with safety measures.
The Glovers Reef Marine Reserve is no less rich in beauty and just as rich in various sea creatures. Divers of all skill levels will enjoy diving, and those who wish to explore the underwater world will make a lot of discoveries for themselves.
Half Moon Key Natural Monument is home to hundreds of species of birds and sea turtles. Some bird species, such as the red-footed booby, are exclusive to this area.
Because the natural heritage of the Belize Barrier Reef has been declared a protected area, hunting and fishing are prohibited in all protected areas, as well as the export of any resources.
Tourism in Belize
The favorable climate, the most beautiful underwater world, many attractions and ideal conditions for diving attract tourists from all over the world to Belize. The government of the country supports the desire of travelers from all over the world to visit the beauty located near the reef.
In recent years onon the territory of the island reefs, many hotels have been built with a high level of service, which is able to satisfy the most daring expectations. A system of communication between the islands has been established, many water, helicopter, underwater and land excursions have been organized. Beginners can take a diving course and earn an international certification right here.
In addition to the underwater world experience and visiting famous sights and protected areas, tourists will be interested in seeing the Belize Zoo, Butfield Park and the Government House. The most interesting excursion routes at an affordable price, almost untouched nature and the opportunity to get a lot of impressions from extreme sports make visiting the Belize Reef an adventure to remember for a lifetime.
Ecology and the tasks of its conservation
Infrastructure development, poaching and an ever-increasing influx of tourists are harming the ecosystem of a unique reef. On the one hand, the profit from the tourism industry allows you to develop the economy. On the other hand, tons of garbage that visitors leave behind pollute a unique natural site and kill the inhabitants of the sea. Hazardous chemical fishing, sea turtle trapping and illegal spearfishing could lead to species diversity disappearing over time and even becoming extinct.
Accumulation of toxic waste and increased levels of ultraviolet light inwater leads to the so-called bleaching of corals, which can lead to the disappearance of the most beautiful reef chain and the entire ecosystem. The protective measures of the Belize government and the assistance of the world organization UNESCO should help to preserve this amazing creation of nature. Our descendants must see the Belize Barrier Reef, so it is important to preserve this amazing natural object for them in the most original form.
