The Southern Belize Reef Complex includes some of the most essential components of the Belize Barrier Reef System. Covering several of Southern Belize’s marine protected areas, the complex is characterized by a variety of reef structures, important cross-shelf habitat linkages and an assemblage of biodiverse ecosystems.
Visiting the Southern Belize Reef Complex
Stretching from off the coast of Stann Creek to Toledo, the Southern Belize Reef Complex includes four of Belize’s important marine protected areas. From north to south, the protected areas are the South Water Caye Marine Reserve, Gladden Spit and Silk Cayes Marine Reserve, Laughing Bird Caye National Park, and Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve.
Of the protected areas mentioned above, Gladden Spit and Silk Cayes Marine Reserve and Laughing Bird Caye National Park are the most popular. They are close to the top-rated beach destination of Placencia and are frequented for snorkeling and shallow diving expeditions. Gladden Spit is also world-famous for whale sharks, which congregate there from March to June.
The South Water Caye Marine Reserve, which is Belize’s second-largest marine reserve, is also popular for diving, snorkeling, and fishing, with many tourists visiting for day trips from Hopkins and Dangriga. Some guests also stay at Tobacco Caye and South Water Caye, which are cayes located within the reserve.
The Sapodilla Cayes on the other hand is the least visited reserve since it sits on the southernmost tip of the Belize Barrier Reef, nearly 46 miles (75 km) east of Toledo. The marine reserve is a 2.5-hour boat ride from Punta Gorda Town, making it one of the most remote locales in Belize.
Why is the Southern Belize Reef Complex important?
Supporting some of the richest reef biodiversity in the region, the Southern Belize Reef Complex has great scientific value and importance for species conservation. This includes supporting the critically endangered hawksbill turtle and goliath grouper, and the endangered green turtle, loggerhead turtle, and Antillean manatee.
