The Belize Barrier Reef is one of the most sought-after dive locations in the world. Its scenery, creatures, and plant life are all breathtakingly beautiful, and many divers, both new and seasoned, consider it a once-in-a-lifetime experience to dive into the depths of the Caribbean sea. One of the best attractions to diving in Belize is the coral that’s located in the Belize Barrier Reef; here’s what you need to know about it before diving and seeing it in person.
The Largest Reef in the Western Hemisphere
The Belize Barrier Reef consists of coral that stretches over 300 kilometres located on the coast of the north shore of Belize. The Belize Barrier Reef is the second-largest coral reef in the world, coming second only to the great barrier reef in Australia. It’s a part of the larger reef system called the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef that spans over 900 kilometres, with the Belize Barrier Reef being the most significant stretch of coral size within it. To say the Belize Barrier Reef is massive in its expansion along the country’s coast is an understatement.
Belize Reef Species
While the Belize Barrier Reef is home to 700 species of fish, one mustn’t overlook the incredible coral when it comes to sea life. The Belize Barrier Reef is home to over 70 species of hard coral and 36 species of soft coral, creating a diverse ecosystem for several thousand plants and animals. The species of coral, fish and plant life in the Belize Barrier Reef are still being discovered, and it’s estimated that over 90% of the creatures who live among the coral have not been discovered yet.
The Environmental Protection
Fortunately, the majority of the Belize Barrier Reef is protected under the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System, which covers about 950 square kilometres of the Caribbean Ocean that surrounds Belize. Among the protected areas are the Belizean coral, the Great Blue Hole, seven marine reserves, and 450 cayes.
The Climate in Belize
One of the reasons that the Belize Barrier Reef is home to so many beautiful species of fish and plants is its comfortable tropical climate. In the winter, the water’s average temperature is around 16 degrees Celsius (61 F), and in the summer, it sits at about 31 degrees Celsius (88 F). Regardless of what time of the year they choose to visit, tourists and divers will always be greeted by warm weather and comfortable water.
Ready to visit this natural wonder in person?
Visit Belize Dive Haven to explore an aquatic world unlike any other!
Just 30 miles from Belize City, Belize Dive Haven is located in pristine Turneffe Atoll. Consisting of creeks, lagoons, mangrove islands and cays, the atoll is home to over 500 species of fish, 65 different species of stony corals as well as birds, turtles, manatees and dolphins.
View galleries of our resort, amenities
and dive spots on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.