Belize’s Atolls

The atolls are surrounded by reef and coral heads and unfamiliarity in these waters can be dangerous. To visit the Atolls you will need to take a local skipper and we will be happy to arrange one for you.  

There are four Atolls in the western hemisphere, three of these are found in Belizean waters.  These three unique ovals of coral are surrounded by the clear waters of the open sea.  The Atolls are at Lighthouse Reef, Glover Reef and the Turneffe Islands.  Diving and snorkelling here is breathtaking, with over 200 species of fish, 60 varieties of stony corals and many invertebrate species, these waters are fascinating and magical.  

Lighthouse Reef – The Blue Hole

During the Ice Age, this World Heritage site and National Monument was a complex system of limestone caverns and caves above sea level.  As the ice melted and sea levels rose, the caves became flooded. Unable to hold their own weight, the roof collapsed and the walls crumbled away leaving an almost perfect circular deep hole at around 1000 feet across and 400 feet deep.

The main bulk of the walls around this hole are perfectly straight except in a few places where ledges and overhangs can be found. It is here that amazing stalactites and stalagmites have formed over thousands of years before the caves collapsed and now join to become columns. This is a diver’s paradise, in the shallows you will see plenty of marine life but as you descend into the blue depths the dive will become one of history and geologic wonders.

Glover’s Reef

Glover’s reef outlines the shoreline of an ancient island that once was located in the exact area. 54 miles in circumference this atoll protects more than 700 pristine reef patches and is brimming with marine life. Diving or snorkelling you are going to be overwhelmed by its beauty.  Glover reef is a National Marine Reserve as well as a World Heritage Site.

Turneffe Islands

Turneffe is the largest of the three Belizean atolls with an area of over 30 miles long and 10 miles wide. There are over 200 cayes covered in mangroves and this has created lagoons, creeks and land. With wrecks, deep walls and shallow reefs these islands have something for all levels of snorkelers and divers. You will see an abundant collection of marine life including tropical colourful fish, sharks, turtles, rays, green morays, manta rays, dolphins and beautiful coral formations. Due to the mangroves being surrounded by sea, the nutrients in these waters are high allowing for great shoals of smaller, younger fish that ultimately attract the larger fish species.  

There is only one way to truly appreciate these amazing Atolls and that is by seeing them for yourself.