Off the coast of Belize lies a Treasure of Biological Diversity waiting to be explored, The Belize Barrier Reef! 

Extending north and south for one-hundred and eighty miles, the barrier reef offshore of the Belize mainland is considered the most diverse section of the entire Mesoamerican Reef system.  It is unmatched for snorkeling, sea kayaking and diving with an incredible diversity of corals and an abundance of tropical fish. In Belize, we find a continuous reef structure running the length of the country parallel to the coast. From the mainland, the reef cannot be seen; it lies 10 to 20 miles offshore. Traveling east from the mainland, the reef first becomes visible as a line of white surf crashing over the reef crest, with blue sea to the outside marking the deeper habitat of the fore reef. Approaching closer, we first enter the reef’s lagoon – a shallow area of turquoise waters, brilliant white sand flats and waving beds of turtle grass and corals. Shielding the coast of Belize from the full force of the sea, the barrier reef is a unique example of a living community of coral animals that has profoundly altered their geography.

Belize is located in Central America and it is bordered to the north by Mexico, to the south and west by Guatemala and to the east by the Caribbean Sea. We are a diverse country with various cultures and languages. We also have the lowest population density in Central America with 35 people per square mile or 14 people per square kilometer.  We are also known for our extreme biodiversity and distinctive ecosystems. On the coast, there is a swampy coastal plain with mangrove swamps. In the south and interior there are hills and low mountains. Most of our land is undeveloped and is forested with hardwoods. It is a part of the Mesoamerican biodiversity hotspot and it has many jungles, wildlife reserves, a large variety of different species of flora and fauna and the largest cave system in Central America. Some species of Belize’s flora and fauna include the black orchid, the mahogany tree, the toucan and tapirs.