If you have started planning a trip to Belize, you have most likely stumbled across this word, atoll. But, what the heck is it an atoll? You want an island vacation where you can enjoy the beach, snorkel, SCUBA dive, maybe fly fish for a permit, or bonefish. Why do your searches continually land on an atoll? The people of Belize speak English, so atoll isn't a fancy word for island, right? If you find yourself in this loop of questioning, you've landed in the right spot. I was in your shoes not long ago and have returned from a successful visit to the Turneffe Atoll.
What Is An Atoll?
I'll humbly admit, the word "atoll" was not in my vocabulary before I visited Belize. Upon arriving, I just thought atoll was a fancy way of saying island, and it kind of is. An atoll is an island, but an atoll is formed differently than an island. Before I put you all asleep in a geology lesson, the key difference is an atoll is a ring of coral forming a lagoon on the inside. Most commonly, an atoll is formed on top of a volcano, with the lagoon being the middle of the volcano.
How Many Atolls Does Belize Have?
Belize is home to three atolls, Turneffe Atoll, Lighthouse Reef Atoll, and Glover's Reef Atoll. Each atoll offers different activities and opportunities, but the most common activities pertain to the ocean like SCUBA diving, snorkeling, and fishing. There is very little surfing around the atolls of Belize, but Glover's Reef Atoll has a couple of spots.
Can You Stay On An Atoll?
Yes! Atolls in Belize have several housing options. From beach bungalows to private homes for rent to SCUBA retreats and everything in between, Belize's atolls have it. One important note on finding a place to stay while traveling to an atoll in Belize is how you will get there.
Getting to an atoll in Belize takes time and is usually done by boat. For example, Turneffe Atoll takes about an hour's ride from Belize City, where most travelers will fly into, and can take up to an hour and a half by boat depending on where you are going on the atoll. Since Turneffe is the closest and most developed atoll, if you stay on Lighthouse Reef Atoll or Glover's Reef Atoll be ready for a 1.5 to 2-hour boat ride.
Who Visits Atolls?
Atolls are visited by all kinds of travelers. The most common travelers to visit this underwater world are avid snorkelers, SCUBA divers, and fishermen. If you are visiting the area, but staying on the mainland, you will commute to the atolls to experience the world-class snorkeling, SCUBA diving, and fishing, so I suggest you find a place to stay on an atoll so you can spend more time relaxing between dives and snorkeling sessions.
Additionally, some birders flock here during migrations and mating seasons, but the best birding is on the mainland. Also, people who want to relax and escape the connected world head to Belize's atolls for a dream vacation away from the hustle and bustle.
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