PORT HONDURAS MARINE RESERVE

This national nature reserve was created in 2000 and now covers over 40,000 hectares. Managed by TIDE (Toledo Institute for Development and Environment), its exploration reveals mainly mangrove landscapes and coral reefs. The reserve includes over a hundred small mangrove-lined cays, benthic habitats including seagrass beds and protective reefs. It is divided into three zones: a common-use zone open to visitors, a conservation zone where non-harvesting activities (no fishing, hunting or shellfish or lobster collecting) are authorized, and a totally prohibited zone. Numerous protected species have found refuge here, including the West Indian manatee, hammerhead shark, sea turtles and grouper. The reserve is also very popular for fishing, in a controlled and protected environment. Your snorkeling or diving excursion will take you first to Abalon Caye, where a 20-metre-high observation tower has been installed: the reserve's rangers live here full-time. Then it's on to Snake Cayes where the real action begins: healthy coral gardens and schools of tropical, good-sized fish are on the agenda around South Snake and East Snake, before a short swim on the incredible beaches of West Snake Caye. Not to be missed.