Barrier Reef - the second largest coral reef in the world
At 185 miles long, the longest coral reef in the northern hemisphere and the second largest in the world, runs along the coast of Belize. Protected by the reef are around 500 islands, the “Cayes”, which are surrounded by numerous small coral banks.
Many snorklers and divers delight in more than 50 corals and 400 types of fish. A particular highlight is the Blue Hole, which can be found around 30 miles offshore in the calm lagoon waters of the Lighthouse Reef. There you will find a deep blue gorge over 330 feet deep and 985 feet in diameter, formed around 10,000 years ago by the collapse of an underwater cave, and which now attracts divers in droves. You can see an immense cave system with giant colorful Caribbean fish and keenly idolized stalactites. The nearby Half Moon Bay Reservation offers a fantastic underwater view and is popular with both divers and snorklers. Despite all its glory, since 1998 the coral has undergone bleaching events which will eventually lead to the death of entire sections of the reef.
