Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve
The Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve is located on the northern tip of Ambergris Caye and is only accessible by boat. This 23-square mile (60-sq km) reserve consists of sinkholes, meandering creeks, inter-island lagoons, coastal mangroves, seagrass beds, and coral reef. Visitors to the coral reef can expect to see manatees, nesting sea turtles, spawning groupers, deep water conch, and reef species. Flourishing bird populations also live throughout the reserve, providing travelers with outstanding birding opportunities.
The area encompassing the reserve is deeply rooted in Mayan history, as it once served as a trading outpost with the neighboring Yucatán. Ruins exist but they have not been fully excavated. Visitors can learn about the history and ecology of the area at the reserve’s ranger station and modest visitor center.
The majority of tours to the reserve leave from San Pedro. The boat ride takes approximately one hour. Because boats must travel outside of the barrier reef, the trip can be rough during windy conditions. The relative difficulty of getting here makes the area very remote, so you should encounter very few other visitors during your tour.
Most tours travel through the mangrove lagoons and also include stops at the beach and nearby snorkeling sites, including Rocky Point, the only point on the Belize Barrier Reef where the reef extends all the way to the shoreline. This is generally a full-day tour, and visitors should bring along bug spray, sunscreen, snacks, and water.
Where to stay in Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve
From boutique lodges to luxury resorts, every Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve accommodation is hand-picked by our local insiders for location, comfort, and character.
Portofino Resort
This resort is s a serene, secluded getaway located just 45 minutes north of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye’s flourishing capital. It is accessible only by boat, so you’ll get exclusive access to the resort’s beach.
Belizean Shores Resort
This resort offers beautifully appointed suites on Ambergris Cayes, which is Belize’s most developed island. While you’re staying here it’s easy to travel 30 minutes to San Pedro to take advantage of its bars and restaurants.
Captain Morgan's Retreat
You’ll find Captain Morgan’s Retreat on Ambergris Caye, one of Belize’s most welcoming islands. It sits right on the beach, in a semi-secluded section of the island
Blue Tang Inn
This resort is located in San Pedro, the capital of Ambergris Caye, which the largest and most developed of Belize’s islands. The restaurant and bar scene is laid back, but you’ll find that every day here feels like a beach party.
Ramon's Village Resort
Escape to the serene paradise of Ramon's Village Resort, where your beachfront retreat begins. Unwind at the full‑service spa, which offers a range of soothing massages and rejuvenating facials designed to refresh body and spirit.
Xanadu Island Resort
The Xanadu Island Resort offers 2- and 3‑bedroom suites with full kitchens, private terraces, and breathtaking views of the pool and garden. Each suite is equipped with modern amenities like air conditioning and TVs, providing a comfortable and relaxing stay for guests.
Banana Beach Resort
Banana Beach Resort is located on Ambergris Caye, about a 45-minute drive south of San Pedro, the island’s laid-back capital. Visitors remember this island for the Caribbean culture and its proximity to Belize’s marine attractions.
Victoria House
This resort can be converted on an all-inclusive resort a few miles south of San Pedro, the capital of Ambergris Caye. Staying here you’ll be a short distance from Ambergris Caye’s main attractions. Free use of Bicycles, Paddleboards, and Kayaks.
Flora & fauna in Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve
The wildlife and plant life you might encounter in Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve, from iconic species to the rare finds our local insiders know where to look for.
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Insider-led Belize Design & Concierge
Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.
