National Park and Marine ReserveUNESCO World Heritage
Bacalar Chico
Central America (Ambergris Caye)Designated in 1996163 km²
It protects the northern end of the Belize reef, part of the Mesoamerican Reef System
Area
163 km²
Designated in
1996
Region
Central America (Ambergris Caye)
Established in 1996, Bacalar Chico occupies the northern end of Ambergris Caye and protects both the adjoining coral reef and coastal Maya archaeological remains, an unusual combination of natural and cultural value among Belize's marine reserves. Its narrow navigable channel, which separates the island from Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula, was cut in part by the Maya themselves over a thousand years ago to ease coastal sea trade, one of the few documented examples of pre-Columbian marine engineering in the region.
Location
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4 dive sites within 300 km are also shown.
Bacalar Chico: 46 documented species
Mammals5Birds3Reptiles4Cartilaginous fish
Flora and ecosystems
Ecosystems found in Belize, where Bacalar Chico lies.
Tropical rainforestSavannahMarine / coastal
Experiences in this park
Diving and snorkellingBirdwatching
Nearby dive sites
Where can I dive near here?
1 km away
7 km away
43 km away
63 km away
Similar parks
Which other parks are like this one?
Same country: Belize
Same country: Belize
Same country: Belize
Same country: Belize
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Based on what we already know about this park.
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