Gladden Spit and Silk Cayes Marine Reserve

The reserve spans 25,980 acres off the southern coast of Belize, featuring three small islands and steep underwater slopes dropping to 2,000-meter depths.

Established in 2000, this protected area has long served as a gathering spot for fishermen during the annual spawning periods of mutton snappers and groupers.

Local communities through the Southern Environmental Association actively participate in managing and preserving this section of the Belize Barrier Reef system.

Visitors can access the reserve from Placencia, located 22 miles away, with optimal whale shark viewing opportunities occurring between March and June.

This location represents the only known site worldwide where traditional fishing activities coincide with natural whale shark feeding patterns during fish spawning events.

Inception: 2000

GPS coordinates: 16.56667,-88.03333

Latest update: March 5, 2025 18:26