description South Water Caye Overview
South Water Caye is a small island located off the coast of Belize within the South Water Caye Marine Reserve. It sits directly on the Belize Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site inscribed in 1996. The caye is characterized by its sandy shores and surrounding coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds. It serves as a destination for snorkelers, scuba divers, and marine biologists seeking access to the protected Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System.
help South Water Caye FAQ
Where is South Water Caye?
South Water Caye lies off southern Belize within the South Water Caye Marine Reserve and directly on the Belize Barrier Reef. A local resort describes access as about a 45-minute boat ride from Dangriga, roughly 14 miles away. [South Water Caye](https://www.southwatercaye.com/home.html)
Is South Water Caye part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Yes. South Water Caye Marine Reserve is one of seven protected areas in the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System, which UNESCO inscribed in 1996. The system is recognized for coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass, and exceptional marine biodiversity. [UNESCO](https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/764/)
How large is the South Water Caye Marine Reserve?
The reserve covers about 117,875 acres, or approximately 47,700 hectares, and is described by the Wildlife Conservation Society as Belize's second-largest marine reserve. It includes shallow reef areas, mangroves, seagrass meadows, and many small cayes. [Wildlife Conservation Society Belize](https://belize.wcs.org/en-us/Wild-Places/South-Water-Caye-Marine-Reserve.aspx)
What can visitors do around South Water Caye?
Typical activities include snorkeling, scuba diving, reef trips, and observing mangrove and seagrass habitats. The reserve supports species such as queen conch, Caribbean spiny lobster, marine turtles, reef fish, and corals. [Wildlife Conservation Society Belize](https://belize.wcs.org/en-us/Wild-Places/South-Water-Caye-Marine-Reserve.aspx)
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