Atolls of Belize

Atolls of Belize

There are only four atolls in the Western Hemisphere, and three of them are off Belize (the fourth is Chinchorro Reef, off Mexico's Yucatán). The atolls -- Turneffe, Lighthouse, and Glover's -- are oval-shape masses of coral. A few small islands, some sandy and others mostly mangrove, rise up along the atolls' encircling coral arms. Within the coral walls are central lagoons, with shallow water 10 to 30 feet deep. Outside the walls, the ocean falls off sharply to 1,000 feet or more, deeper than any diver can go.

Unlike the more common Pacific atolls, which were formed from underwater volcanoes, the Caribbean atolls began forming millions of years ago, atop giant tectonic faults. As giant limestone blocks slowly settled, they provided platforms for coral growth.

Because of their remoteness (they're 25 mi [40 km] to 50 mi [80 km] from the mainland) and because most of the islands at the atolls are small, the atolls have remained nearly pristine. Only a few small dive and fishing resorts are here, and the serious divers and anglers who favor the area know that they have some of the best diving and fishing in the Caribbean, if not the world. The atolls are also wonderful for beachcombing, relaxing, and snorkeling -- just bring plenty of books, as there are no shops or restaurants other than at the hotels.

Of course, paradise has its price: most of the atoll resorts are expensive and have minimum-stay requirements. Getting here also usually requires a long boat ride, sometimes rough enough to bring on mal de mer. Try to take one of the scheduled boats to the lodges or ride out on a dive or snorkel boat with a group; otherwise, you'll likely pay BZ$600 or more to charter a boat.