- Address: South Water Kay Island, Belize;
- Area: 477 km ²;
- Date of foundation: 1996.
Belize , which covers only 30 thousand km², is oversaturated with reserves. About 40% of the whole territory is allocated for nature protection zones. In addition to those that are located on land, there are marine natural attractions that occupy 30% of the water surface. To the world's most famous marine reserves is South Water Key.
Description of the reserve
South Water Kay Marine Reserve is considered to be the largest in the country. It is located 16 km from Dangriga and Hopkins in southern Belize and covers an area of 160 m ², which includes many reefs, mangrove thickets and a huge number of small islands.
The territory of the marine reserve is divided into zones, among which there is a place for such magnificent birds as the frigate and the brown gannet. The natural sight of Belize is protected, birds and fish can safely dwell in it. For 30 years, the South Water Water Reserve has become the study site for the Smithsonian Institute, with a mangrove, reefs and marine life in the circle of interests.
Tourists are most fond of one of the areas of the reserve - Pelican Keys, which is a peculiar atmosphere. It took thousands of years to create it, but modern tourists can observe unique corals, sponges and other representatives of the sea depths.
Marine Water Reserve South Water Key is an important part of another conservation area of the country - the Belize Reserve. Together with other unique natural attractions, they constitute the Southern Barrier Reef Complex. In the whole region, there is no wider biodiversity. In some parts of the reserve visitors are not allowed, for example, to the conservation zone.
What is interesting for visitors?
In South Water Kay for tourists there are many exciting activities, fishing is allowed here, but in strictly designated places and in accordance with established rules. Fishermen living at the expense of such activities, it is necessary to have a special license and fish in the common area.
Sport fishing is prohibited, as is the use of spears. Gillnets are used only with the permission of the administration. In the conservation zone, entertainment events for tourists are sometimes held. For example, you can go diving, go boating or swim with a tube. Any actions of tourists are consistent with the Fisheries Administration, which oversees the reserve. What is forbidden to do in the reserve is to harm the surrounding fauna and flora, to ride water-skiing.
In the reserve you can see many interesting things:
- Mangrove forests , which have become a refuge for unique invertebrates and young fish.
- coral reefs that are on the brink of extinction elsewhere on the planet. Permission to enter the reserve can be obtained from the fishery department or the Ranger station within the nature protection zone. You should be more careful with souvenirs, because it is forbidden to export corals.
Shells, perch and lobsters can only be carried out at certain times of the year, and the keepers of the reserve will check the length and weight. Such strict rules are established in order to protect different species of livestock.
Throughout the reserve is prohibited underwater hunting. In the category of prohibited activities, the ruin of the turtle's nests fell, as well as the purchase of a souvenir from this marine creature.
Information for tourists
The Marine Reserve is open to visitors all year round, but the most suitable period is from December to April. The entrance fee is about $ 10 per person.
Parking near the reserve is paid, in addition, before arrival, you should notify the administration to reserve a place. There are a lot of comfortable hotels on the islands, where you can stay while studying the South Water Reserve.
How to get there?
You can get to the South Water Cam reserve from the city of Dangriga in just 1 hour.