HOL CHAN MARINE RESERVE

In the 1980s, tourism began to develop on Ambergris Caye, and fishing intensified. As a result, fish populations began to decline significantly. The Belizean government and members of the local community understood the importance of protecting their territory, and decided to create this reserve to protect the many species living around the coral reef and in the mangroves near Ambergris Caye. So in 1987, with the help of WWF and the US government, Belize created the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. 30 years later, fish species are multiplying in this environment, and the number of specimens is increasing dramatically. The Hol Chan Marine Reserve covers some 8 km² and is divided into 4 zones: the coral reef, marine plants, mangroves and Shark Ray Alley.

Shark Ray Alley and The Reef. The two most visited areas of the Reserve are undoubtedly the Barrier Reef and Shark Ray Alley. Around the barrier reef, over 160 species of fish have been recorded. Dolphins, rays, lobsters, sea anemones, moray eels, barracudas, groupers, snappers, sharks and sea turtles can all be seen. You can also marvel at 5 different types of coral, including brain coral, elkhorn coral and soft coral. The island's excursions are generally of the highest quality. The water is crystal-clear and offers rare visibility, and it can be very impressive to find yourself in the middle of all those schools of fish. For the more adventurous, you can head to Shark Ray Alley and swim alongside the sharks - they're harmless.

The Seagrass Beds and The Mangroves. The other two zones, the mangroves and the marine plants, are less visited but no less fascinating, and taking the time to discover them is highly recommended. The mangroves are particularly popular with fly-fishermen, as the area's flat bottoms offer ideal conditions for this sport. The scenery here is extraordinary, a blend of crystal-clear waters and lush vegetation, with only the sun and absolute calm on the horizon. Finally, the marine plant zone concentrates two main areas of interest: Neptune's Garden (where you can observe a strange mixture of sea sponges and algae) and Boca Ciega, a blue hole that can only be explored by experienced divers.