Turneffe islands, Marine reserve atoll in Belize District, Belize.
The Turneffe Islands form a ring of over 150 coral islands and mangrove forests spread across 525 square kilometers in the Caribbean Sea.
Prior to becoming a protected marine reserve in 2012, the atoll served as a base for British pirates targeting Spanish merchant ships during colonial times.
Local fishermen maintain traditional fishing methods passed down through generations, specializing in catch-and-release practices for bonefish, permit, and tarpon.
Visitors can reach the atoll via boat services departing from Belize City, with trips lasting approximately two hours depending on weather conditions.
The atoll contains three distinct marine environments: the outer reef, multiple channels between patches of coral, and a central lagoon system.
Location: Belize District
GPS coordinates: 17.49996,-87.83572
Latest update: May 11, 2025 07:17
Belize protects over 300 miles of the second largest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere and a substantial number of pre-Columbian Maya sites, many located deep within rainforests. The country combines marine protected areas, archaeological remains, and extensive nature reserves within a relatively compact territory. Visitors can explore the Great Blue Hole at Lighthouse Reef, a circular sinkhole roughly 1,000 feet (305 meters) across and 410 feet (125 meters) deep, one day and walk through the ruins of Caracol the next, the country's largest Maya site with pyramids rising over 140 feet (43 meters). The islands of Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker provide direct access to the reef and stretches of sandy shoreline. The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary preserves approximately 150 square miles (390 square kilometers) of rainforest as a protected area for jaguars and other mammals. Underwater protected areas like Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve safeguard coral gardens, seagrass beds, and mangrove forests that support marine life. Archaeological sites such as Xunantunich, Lamanai, and Altun Ha showcase different building styles and periods of Maya civilization. Actun Tunichil Muknal cave combines geological formations with archaeological artifacts and is accessed by wading through underground rivers. The Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve offers pine forests, waterfalls, and limestone formations in the western highlands.
Great Blue Hole
38 km
Belize Barrier Reef
35.1 km
Actun Tunichil Muknal
78.3 km
Lamanai
91.3 km
Altun Ha
59.7 km
British Army Training Support Unit Belize
50.2 km
Hol Chan Marine Reserve
44.7 km
Belize Zoo
78 km
Glover's Reef
75.5 km
Swing Bridge
37.3 km
St. Herman's Blue Hole National Park
98 km
Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary
79.1 km
Baron Bliss Light
36.7 km
Museum of Belize
36.9 km
Bliss Institute
37.2 km
South Water Caye Marine Reserve
94.2 km
Carl Ramos Stadium
71.8 km
English Caye Light
29.7 km
Half Moon Caye Light
45.8 km
Mauger Caye Light
13.7 km
Kendall Bridge
95.6 km
Nohoch Che'en Caves Branch Archaeological Reserve
92.4 km
Robinson Point Light
40.6 km
Government House
37.3 km
Half Moon Caye Light
45.8 km
Jaguar Paw Belize Cave and Jungle Expedition
88.4 km
Mexico Rocks
54.2 km
Friends of Swallow Caye
34.1 kmReviews
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