Where Are Belize's National Parks & Reserves?
Approximately one-fifth of Belize is comprised of national parks and reserves. For such a tiny country, Belize has an impressive selection of wilderness hikes, Maya ruins, and natural monuments. There are national parks and reserves in Belize’s mountains, Caribbean islands, and rainforests. Parks and reserves also surround Belize’s Maya ruins in the north, west, and south of the country.
On the northern cayes, make sure to visit some of the incredibly bio-diverse marine reserves for a chance to see dolphins, sea turtles, manatees, stingrays, sharks, and whale sharks. These parks include the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Laughing Bird Caye National Park, South Water Caye Marine Reserve, and Gladden Split and Silk Caye Marine Reserve.
If you find yourself in southern Belize, make time to visit 5 Blues Lake National Park.
To the west, you can visit the Maya Mountains as well as several national parks and reserves, including Blue Hole National Park, Caracol Archeological Reserve, and Guanacaste National Park.
Related Questions
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Hol Chan
The quick ride out to Hol Chan Marine Reserve makes this the most popular half-day tour for visitors staying at Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker. Set aside in 1987, this reserve covers an area of 3 square miles (7.8 sq km) and is found off the southern tip of Ambergris Caye. As a result, this area of the Belize Barrier Reef supports healthy populations of fish and colorful coral. Turtles, nurse sharks, grouper, jacks, reef fish, and barracuda are just a few of the species you might see here. The reef ranges from 10–30 feet (3–9 m) deep and most guides take snorkelers along the outer edge of the reef. While this site is great for beginner snorkelers, as well as divers, swimmers should pay attention to currents which can be strong throughout the reserve.
Maya Mountains
The Mayan Mountain region beckons the outdoor adventure seeker. Recognizing the value of healthy ecosystems, the Belize government has set aside much of this region as protected areas. As a result, the environment here remains very healthy and untouched, with abundant wildlife and native vegetation. The Mayan Mountain region of Belize spans the west of the Hummingbird Highway, and the area that borders the Western Highway.
5 Blues Lake National Park
A true natural wonder, Five Blues Lake National Park is characterized by mystery. In recent years, the lake has drained and refilled itself, without obvious explanation. Besides this puzzling phenomenon, visitors have plenty to marvel at as they hike through the park. The name “Five Blues” references the multiple shades of blue in the water of the complex of freshwater lagoons, created by rainforest-filtered light.
Laughing Bird Caye National Park
Laughing Bird Caye is a 1.4-acre (0.5-ha) deserted tropical island 12 miles (19 km) off the coast of Placencia. Surrounded by deep blue water on all sides, this miniature island is nothing more than palm trees, sandy beach, and a few picnic tables. The island is named for the Laughing Gull, a seabird that once lived on the island but has since migrated to other surrounding cayes that have less human disturbance.
Caribbean Islands
The Caribbean Islands are the epicenter of Belize’s tourism industry and are undoubtedly the country’s biggest draw. This region is home to the Belize Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that runs down the entire length of the country and is the second largest barrier reef system in the world. With seven different protected areas and dozens of island atolls, the Caribbean Islands of Belize are a playground for ocean lovers who want to get up close to the reef and its marine life.
South Water Caye Marine Reserve
In 1996, in an effort to protect its fragile marine resources, the Belizean government set aside nearly 118,000 acres in the South Water Caye Marine Reserve, the nation’s largest marine reserve. Considered one of the most biodiverse marine areas in all of Belize, the marine reserve consists of pristine reefs, mangroves, palm-fringed islands, turquoise waters, and seagrass beds that provide a home to tropical reef fish, rays, seabirds, manatees, and crocodiles.
Blue Hole National Park
The Blue Hole is undoubtedly Belize’s most recognizable attraction. Located at the center of the Lighthouse Reef Atoll, this incredible sinkhole measures 1,000 feet (300 m) across and sits in the center of a small circular reef.
Gladden Spit and Silk Caye
The main draw of the Gladden Spit and Silk Caye Marine Reserve is the opportunity to swim with whale sharks, who spend the months of March through June migrating through the reserve’s feeding grounds. Preying mostly on plankton and small fish, these gentle giants can reach lengths of up to 40 feet (12 m) and are the largest fish on the planet.
