Half Moon Caye, Marine reserve on Lighthouse Reef Atoll, Belize.
Half Moon Caye is a small island on Lighthouse Reef Atoll in Belize, roughly 45 acres in size, with a dense woodland on one side and white sand beaches with coconut palms on the other. The island features an underwater reserve and is known for its diverse marine life.
The first lighthouse on the island was built in 1820 and went through several renovations, including a major update in 1931. A new structure replaced the older one in 1998.
An observation tower lets you watch thousands of red-footed boobies nesting in trees with orange flowers throughout the protected woodland. These birds draw visitors who come specifically to see them up close.
The island is only reachable by charter boats from Belize City, which takes several hours to travel. Overnight stays are limited to camping and tent accommodations.
The island is home to one of the few red-footed booby colonies outside the Galápagos in the western Caribbean. The nutrient-rich soil from bird droppings has supported these birds here for generations.
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