Friends of Swallow Caye, Marine sanctuary near Belize City, Belize.
Friends of Swallow Caye is a marine sanctuary covering roughly 9,000 acres of protected ocean near Belize City. The area contains shallow waters with extensive seagrass beds that provide food and habitat for many sea creatures.
The sanctuary received official protection status in 2002 when local residents and conservationists joined forces to create a safe zone for marine life. This partnership between community and conservation has shaped how the area is managed today.
Local guides navigate using pole-propelled boats rather than engines, a method that reflects their respect for the marine environment. This traditional approach shows how people here work with nature rather than against it.
You can visit the sanctuary through guided tours departing from Belize City, Caye Caulker, or Ambergris Caye. Starting early in the day gives you more time to explore the shallow waters at a relaxed pace.
All motorboats must turn off their engines and pole through the waters to protect the resident manatee population. This strict rule makes the experience remarkably quiet and allows you to observe sea creatures in their natural state.
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