The Belize Barrier Reef

The Belize Barrier Reef System is the largest in the Western Hemisphere and measures 185 miles long and is located some 12 to 25 miles off the coast of Belize. It also contains 3 Atolls (Lighthouse Reef, Turneffe and Glovers Reef).

There are over 500 species of fish, 65 species of stony corals and over 300 species of mollusk, assorted sponges and crustaceans. The reef also attracts a variety of species including the Hawksbilled Turtle which is endangered, sharks and fin fish. The reef consists of thousands of fringing reefs, like a necklace of beads about the surface of the sea. The Barrier Reef System is unlike any other Caribbean destination because of its exceptional natural beauty and habitat , especially when it comes to diving.  It was designated as a World Heritage Site in 1996 by UNESCO.