Bacalar Chico National Park and Marine Reserve
Bacalar Chico
A marine and land protected area at the island's northernmost tip, bordering Mexico across a waterway dug by the Maya, combining reefs, mangroves and Maya ruins.
The protected area was established in 1996 and is part of the Belize Barrier Reef World Heritage Site. The Bacalar Chico channel at the northern end is said to have been dug by the ancient Maya for trade, and today it forms the border river between Belize and Mexico. Inside the reserve are a visitor centre, a small Maya site and forest trails, and the offshore reefs teem with fish, with chances to see manatees and dolphins. Most visitors take a full-day boat tour from San Pedro, with two or three snorkelling stops along the way. The one-way boat journey takes about one hour.
Opening hours
By guided tour only; visitor center open during the day
Nearby sights
- Mexico Rocks
- Secret Beach
- Boca del Rio Park
- San Pedro Town
- Marco Gonzalez Maya Site
- Hol Chan Marine Reserve
- Shark Ray Alley
- Caye Caulker