Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve

The Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve is managed by the Belize Fisheries Department.  It is Belize's northernmost protected area and borders Mexico.  It extends southward on the eastern shores of Ambergis Caye to the NOVA Shrimp Hatchery at Basil Jones.  There are roughly 13 km (8 miles) of sandy beach in the Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve. Staff from both the Bacalar Chico and Hol Chan Marine Reserve monitor the beach regularly for nesting activity. 

Nova Shrimp Hatchery to Robles Point

Rosemary Ingram Smith walks a mile of beach every day and has been monitoring for sea turtle activity for years along with her husband who is the Turtleman of Ambergris Caye!  Greg Smith spearheaded earlier research on important nesting beaches in Belize and co-authored the Belize Sea Turtle Recovery Action Plan along with WCS Belize Director Janet Gibson and Karen Eckert from WIDECAST. 

We realize that this stretch of beach is already under the care of the Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve, which makes up part of the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System World Heritage Site, but there are many miles of beach that need to be monitored and we really need all the help we can get!  Thanks to Rosemary and Greg for adopting the beach near their home on northern Ambergris Caye!

Jennifer McDougall at International Zoological Expeditions has adopted the beaches on South Water Caye, which is the namesake for the South Water Caye Marine Reserve which is part of the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System World Heritage Site. 

IZE Belize hosts many student groups each year and participating in the Adopt A Beach program and monitoring for turtle activity is a great way to get them involved in hands on conservation and research! 

The residents and resorts on South Water Caye are VERY fortunate to have turtles return again and again to nest on the island.  This is a great attractant for visitors to this tiny island and all residents and property owners should ensure that the turtles are not harmed in anyway and are able to nest safely.

Small islands in Belize are important nesting beaches and through the Sea Turtle Census we hope to prove with statistics just how important!



Athen's Gate

El Pescador

Sunbreeze

Casa Tortuga

Half Moon Caye

In 1928 the red footed booby bird rookery became a Crown Reserve, Belize first protected area and in 1979 the entire island gained protection.  In 1982 Half Moon Caye was designated a Natural Monument and in 1996 become part of the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System World Heritage Site. 

The Belize Audubon Society has been managing this magnificent marine protected area and monitoring for sea turtle activity!  Green sea turtles used to bask on the beach here many decades ago.  This is many people's favorite island and place on Earth!  If you've ever been here, you'll know why!

Jungle Jeanie by the Sea

Lebeha Cabanas

Green Parrot

Villa Typsy Gecko

Robert's Grove Beach Resort