Gladden-Spit Marine Sanctuary


Along the coast of Belize to the shores of Guatemala, at a distance of about 30 meters stretches the Belize Barrier Reef . The beauty of these places is so amazing and it does not leave indifferent that it was decided in these places to organize a national marine reserve Gladden-Spit in the ocean.

What is the nature reserve interesting for tourists?

The nature of Belize is so beautiful and diverse that it rightfully competes in tourist attraction with historical and architectural monuments. Belizean coral reef is a creek with absolutely transparent oceanic water, at the bottom of which grow intricate coral colonies that have become a habitat for exotic species of fish.

With the development of tourism in Belize, the Barrier Reef has become one of the main attractions of these places. To date, this place is visited by about 130 thousand tourists annually.

The ecosystem of the central part of the reef has been listed as an intangible heritage by UNESCO since 1996. Just here, off the coast of Belize is the Gladden-Spit Marine Reserve. It inhabits about 25 species of unique reef fish, 15 species of coral and a variety of marine vegetation that can grow in the vicinity of corals. A unique attraction for tourists is the observation of harmless reef sharks that sail into the waters of Gladden-Spit during the migration season in search of food. The main food of this species of sharks are small fishes and plankton, in abundance inhabiting these places. Meet the reef shark in the waters of the Belize Barrier Reef can be in March-April, the first week after the full moon.

Diving in the reserve

Fans of diving gather in Belize almost everywhere. In the waters of the reserve one of the best dives is organized. In the crystal clear water you can watch the bright coral fish and swim with reef sharks. It is strictly forbidden to violate the integrity of the coral chain, so as not to destroy the fragile ecosystem at the same time.

During diving with sharks, you must observe several strictly established rules:

But any restrictions are worth those minutes spent in close proximity to sharks.

How to get to the reserve?

The Gladden-Spit reserve is located near the Placencia Peninsula in Belize , about 100 km south of the city of Belize . To get to its territory it is possible as a part of excursion groups on boats.