Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System
Overview
The coastal area of Belize is an outstanding natural system consisting of the largest barrier reef in the northern hemisphere, offshore atolls, several hundred sand cays, mangrove forests, coastal lagoons and estuaries. The system’s seven sites illustrate the evolutionary history of reef development and are a significant habitat for threatened species, including marine turtles, manatees and the American marine crocodile.
About Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System
The Belize Barrier Reef is a series of coral reefs straddling the coast of Belize, roughly 300 metres (980 ft) offshore in the north and 40 kilometres (25 mi) in the south within the country limits. The Belize Barrier Reef is a 300-kilometre (190 mi) long section of the 900-kilometre (560 mi) Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, which is continuous from Cancún on the north-eastern tip of the Yucatán Peninsula through the Riviera Maya and down to Honduras, making it the second largest coral reef system in the world after the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. It is Belize's top tourist destination, popular for scuba diving and snorkeling and attracting almost half of its 260,000 visitors. It is also vital to the country's fishing industry.
Read more on WikipediaSelection Criteria
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Components(7 locations)
- •Blue Hole Natural Monument764-002
- •Glovers Reef Marine Reserve764-005
- •Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve764-007
- •Half Moon Caye Natural Monument764-003
- •South Water Caye Marine Reserve764-004
- •Laughing Bird Caye National Park764-006
- •Bacalar Chico National Park and Marine Reserve764-001
Details
- Countries
- Belize
- ISO Codes
- BZ
- Area
- 96,300 ha
- Coordinates
- 17.1905, -87.8462
Stay Nearby
Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System
Attractions & Tickets
Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System
Getting Here
Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System