Dive· Glover's Reef· Other Caribbean
Glover's Reef Atoll
16° 49.4′ N · 87° 47.5′ W
The most remote of Belize's atolls: a 20-by-7-mile oval of reef enclosing a lagoon studded with around 850 coral patches that rise to the surface, with walls outside dropping past 2,000 ft. Five small cayes on the southern and eastern rim hold a handful of eco-lodges, a research station and the reserve rangers.
Practical
Marine reserve since 1993 (86,653 acres), managed by the Fisheries Department from a ranger station on Middle Caye, where the Wildlife Conservation Society runs its research station (Wikipedia; management plan). Zones: General Use; Conservation (no fishing); Wilderness (closed); Seasonal Closure (no fishing December to February); and the northeast Nassau grouper spawning site, closed permanently since 2002. Ventura Yacht Agency: no fishing south of Northeast Caye, catch-and-release only for bonefish, tarpon and permit north of it, and a guide is mandatory for activities. Dive boats must register to operate. The east reef has a constant 2-3 knot current flowing west into the atoll; tidal range only about 26 cm (management plan). The plan notes yachts from around the world visit, including Moorings charters (with local skipper). No fuel, stores or water.
Best for
Remote atoll diving and patch-reef snorkelling
Season
Settled trades; avoid northers and hurricane season
Nearby
- Glover's Reef Patch Reefs2.3 NM away
- Northeast Caye Wall (Glover's Reef)3.8 NM away
- Glover's Atoll Resort (Northeast Caye)3.9 NM away
- Glover's West Wall4.1 NM away
- Long Caye Anchorage (Glover's Reef)4.1 NM away
- Off the Wall Dive Center & Resort (Long Caye, Glover's)4.1 NM away
- Long Caye Wall (Glover's Reef)4.3 NM away
- Middle Caye Ranger & Research Station (Glover's)5.1 NM away