Mélange Travel & Lifestyle Magazine April 2017 | Page 97

The Reef
and Cayes
The reef, the largest in the western
hemisphere, is host to more than 200
cayes, the largest being Ambergris
Caye in the north. Although many of
the other cayes may offer seclusion
and privacy whilst enjoying diving or
snorkeling around the reef, Ambergris
Caye can offer you all of that plus the
added benefits of gourmet dining, fine
wines and nightlife for those times
when you are not in the water. Some of
the other main cayes of note are Caye
Caulker which although offering similar
amenities to Ambergris Caye, is not so
developed and so visitors can enjoy a
more cultural experience.
The Great Blue Hole
is the world’s largest
underwater sink hole.
One of Belize’s most famous attractions
is on Lighthouse Reef 61 miles from the
mainland. This particular reef is famous
because it is home to The Great Blue
Hole, the world’s largest underwater sink
hole. Measuring more than 300 meters
across with a depth of 125 meters, this
natural formation was made famous
when the Oceanographer Jacques
Cousteau found there were stalactites
and stalagmites at its bottom. It is now
known as one of the premier dive sites
in the world.