At a time when reefs around the world, including Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, are undergoing historic bleaching events, the reefs off Belize are actually recovering and thriving while other reefs decline.
This has benefited tourism and with US airlines expanding the number of flights to the country, it’s easier than ever to visit. Just 2 miles from major US cities like Houston and Miami. In less than an hour, you’ll be exploring some of the world’s greatest snorkeling and diving spots by tomorrow morning.
ecological treasure
“We would like to say that [the barrier reef of Belize] It is the largest living coral reef in the world,” said Hon. Belize Minister of Tourism Anthony Mahler, expressing great pride in the country’s rich coral reef system and how it has recovered in recent years.
Sure, it’s smaller in size than Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, but the reef is more vibrant than ever.of Mesoamerican Barrier Reef The second largest coral reef in the world, it stretches along small reefs 625 miles south of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. caribbean islands from.
Belize’s barrier reef seems an anomaly as many other reefs are rapidly dying.In 2022, Australia’s Great Barrier Reef experienced another crisis. mass bleaching incident It affected 91% of corals and caused extensive damage to coral reefs. The world’s largest coral reef is the world’s largest reef facing extreme conditions.
Belize’s barrier reefs are now recovering, but they were not exempt from some of the dire conditions facing coral reefs around the world. It was placed on UNESCO’s List of World Heritage in Danger, a list of dozens of sites at risk of disappearance or destruction due to factors such as invasion and conflict.
Eager to protect one of its greatest ecological assets, the Belizean government has made major policy changes to save the reef. Banning offshore oil drilling, designating no-fishing zones, and launching reef restoration and restoration projects were just the beginning.
Mahler believes it is important to work with partners to save coral reefs. they are the best resource. ”
Belize’s reefs were removed from UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 2018 as the reefs began to thrive again. belize beach The environment along the bay and coastline has never been better, and countless tales of the return of countless species to the reef have reached the ears of fishermen, guides and local businesses who make their living on the reef.
Healing beyond coral reefs
It’s also soothing to the ears of avid travelers looking to explore thriving reefs, especially those in the United States who are just a short flight from some of the most pristine dive sites on the planet.
In fact, getting to Belize has never been easier.Southwest is increase direct flights from US cities like Denver to Belize City this month after several other airlines did the same. Coastal Belize City is just a short boat ride from some of the country’s best diving spots, so travelers can be on the beachfront within hours.
Many of Belize’s premier resorts are home to the tiny white-sand bays and coral atolls that dot the Caribbean’s shores, attracting travelers looking to explore beneath the waves.
Cayo Espanto, considered the best resort in the region, a luxurious private island resort reveals some of Belize’s best. Guests spoiled for choice can enjoy the resort’s seclusion and luxury, or go from snorkeling and scuba charters to offshore and remote diving spots in Belize.
The resort also offers charters to the world-famous Great Blue Hole, accessible only to experienced divers.
But the healing benefits of reefs far exceed the value of the money coming into the country.
Coral reefs are an important part of the ecosystem, and healing goes beyond ocean waves.
Belize beyond the reef
According to Mahler, the majority of visitors to Belize (nearly 70%) come for marine activities such as exploring coral reefs, enjoying gorgeous beaches and relaxing at seaside resorts. , is not the only thing the country has to give.
“One of the biggest advantages of visiting Belize is how much Belize has to offer,” Mahler said. “You can spend the morning in Mayan ruins in the jungle and dive in the world class reef in the afternoon.”
in world class ecolodge In the jungle offering excursions to ruins and incredible adventure activities such as ziplining, river tubing caving and excursions into the interior of Belize, they are more than a second fiddle to the reefs. I am proving it.
“Visitors are amazed at how small Belize is, much smaller than many states in the United States,” says Mahler. “There’s so much to offer.” Now boasting some of the richest coral reefs on the planet, Belize looks like an ever more attractive vacation destination for U.S. travelers.
This article is distant explorer Syndicated by Wealth of Geeks.
Carley Rojas Avila is an avid traveler, writer and creator. Headquartered in HavanaHaving traveled to 25 countries and lived abroad for years, she knows that whether the destination is Havana or not, she has created a destination that makes travelers and digital nomads feel at home when traveling off the beaten track. We share guides, travel tips and hacks.
