THE REEF AND THE CAYES OF BELIZE

The Reef.

The MesoAmerican Barrier Reef is the longest living reef in the Western Hemisphere, paralleling the coast line for approximately 185 miles. A shallow coral crest forms the top layers of the barrier reef closest to Placencia. Inside the coral crest, corals slope downward to a depth of about 40 feet. Deep fissures and canyons also cut the reef , providing great diving opportunities. Snorkeling is good too in the shallow coral gardens around the cayes. The MesoAmerican Barrier Reef has been designated a World Heritage Site.

The Cayes.

More than 200 cayes are scattered offshore between the Belize mainland and the Reef. Many of the cayes are mangrove cayes, providing nurseries for the abundant marine life in Belizean waters. Following is a map of the cayes between the Placencia Peninsula and the Reef.