Belize Barrier Reef, Marine reserve in Belize.
The Belize Barrier Reef is a marine reserve along the Caribbean coast that runs for nearly 300 kilometers and includes several hundred islands and three atolls. The reserve protects sprawling coral formations where schools of tropical fish move among branching coral gardens and seagrass meadows.
Coral polyps began building calcium skeletons millions of years ago that slowly grew into this sprawling barrier. The international community recognized the area as worthy of protection in 1996 and granted it World Heritage status.
The reef takes its name from the Central American country along whose coast it runs and draws divers from around the world who swim among colorful sponges and sea turtles. Fishermen still head out in traditional boats while snorkelers explore shallow lagoons where rays glide through sandy bays.
Visitors reach different sections from coastal towns where boats depart for nearby reefs and islands. Water temperatures stay warm throughout the year making snorkeling and diving possible in any season.
Within the reserve lies a circular underwater hole that drops more than 120 meters into the seabed. Limestone formations along its walls date back to a time when sea levels were much lower and the hole was a dry cave.
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