Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve
Hop on a skiff to see Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve, a protected area that you can only reach on a boat. You’ll see interesting sights along the way and eventually arrive at one of Belize’s most off-the-beaten path reserves.
- Duration:
- 7 hrs
- Available Days:
- Every day
- Schedule:
- 9:00 AM
- Hotel Transport Included
- Mobile Ticket Included
- Offered in English, Spanish
On the way, you’ll pass by Deer Island and San Pedro Lagoon. Eventually you’ll arrive at the Bacalar Chico Channel, a channel that the Maya dug over 1,500 years ago. During your tour of the channel, you can make your way down a small waterway to see a cluster of sinkholes, another unusual part of the reserve’s marine landscape.
Once you reach the reserve, it’s time to stop for a picnic on the beach. An enormous reef protects the shore of the Bacalar Chico Reserve, keeping the water calm. You can help your guides collect coconut shells that you’ll use to grill the catch of the day. The picnic menu includes fresh conch ceviche, potato salad, coleslaw, chips, and salsa.
After lunch, you can choose to hike the inland trails for the chance to see some of the reserve’s unusual bird life. There are species here that are endemic to the Yucatán Peninsula. You’re also free to spend the rest of your time at the reserve swimming or lounging on the beach.
Attraction Visited
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.
Read more:Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve
What to Bring
Swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, camera, and money for tips.
What's included
Guided tour, boat trip, soft drinks, water, and lunch.
Transportation
Many of our tours and activities offer transportation pick up & drop off options from several locations and destinations. Options vary by tour, see “BOOKING REQUEST” for full details.
Similar things to do
No trip to Ambergris Caye is complete without a visit to the picture perfect Secret Beach area. The west coast of the island is located on Chetumal Bay and its protected waters are like a giant swimming pool.
This sunset tour takes place on a 38-foot catamaran sailboat, which is large enough for 25 people. It’s a romantic cruise, but also a relaxing trip for families or groups of friends.
The Miss Gina, our Pro 42 dive boat, carries up to 16 divers plus crew making it an excellent choice for dive groups and can also be used for dive trips to the Turneffe Atoll. The Lady Grace, our Newton 46 dive boat, can accommodate up to 24 divers plus crew and provides a comfortable outing for those wanting to dive Jacques Couteau’s Blue Hole.
