Glover’s Reef is a remote atoll off the coast of Southern Belize that draws eco-tourists interested in a secluded beach getaway where they can dive, snorkel, kayak, and sail.
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| About Glover’s Reef |
| Things to Do |
| Where to Stay |
| Best Time to Visit |
| Getting Here & Around |
| Related Blogs on Glover’s Reef |
About Glover’s Reef
Located 27 miles (45 km) off the coast of Southern Belize, Glover’s Reef Atoll is the southernmost coral atoll of Belize. Oval in shape, the atoll is comprised of five “islands” that surround a sparkling shallow lagoon that supports an incredibly diverse marine ecosystem. From north to south, the islands are: Northeast Caye, Long Caye, Middle Caye, Southwest Caye, and Manta Island.
The atoll is a part of the Glover’s Reef Marine Reserve, one of seven protected areas that make up the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The marine reserve has more than 800 patch reefs, which serve as a critical nursery and feeding ground for sea turtles, sharks and rays, and numerous fish species, including the endangered Nassau Grouper.
Things to Do in Glover’s Reef
Glover’s Reef Atoll is a prime destination for off-the-beaten-path sea explorers that want seclusion and access to exploring the unmatched biodiversity found in the Glover’s Reef Marine Reserve.
Most people choose to dive or snorkel the abundant patch reefs that can be found across the atoll, however, kayaking, standup paddleboarding, and sailing are also popular. And some areas allow for reef fishing, such as trolling for barracudas. Also nearby is the South Water Caye Marine Reserve, which is the second-largest marine reserve in Belize.
Top Things to Do in Glover’s Reef
- Dive or snorkel the Glover’s Reef Marine Reserve
- Spend your days relaxing on hammocks and staring at starry night skies in the evenings
- Enjoy some of the best sea kayaking in Belize
- Visit the South Water Caye Marine Reserve, the second-largest marine reserve in Belize
- Go on a yoga and meditation retreat
Where to Stay in Glover’s Reef
Most of the residents that stay on Glover’s Reef work at the Glover’s Reef Research Station, which is owned by the Wildlife Conservation Society. As for travelers interested in staying at Glover’s Reef, there are a few dorms, thatched cabins and camping options available. Check out my sea kayaking adventure if you’re curious as to what it’s like to spend three days at Glover’s Reef.
Top Places to Stay in Glover’s Reef
Best Time To Visit Glover’s Reef
The best time to stay at Glover’s Reef is from January to April, which is Belize’s dry season. During this time you can expect sunny days and clear blue skies.
If you choose to visit the atoll after January to April, it’s best to go from May to August. Anytime after that, there’s a chance that your vacation can be ruined by a cold front or tropical storm, which occur during Belize’s wet season.
Vacationing in Belize during the wet season is fine but since Glover’s Reef is remote and secluded, I advise against staying there. If you get caught there during a week of rain you’ll likely have to remain indoors for the entire time.
Getting Here & Around
Transportation to Glover’s Reef is usually provided by the hotel that you are staying at or your tour operator for anyone on diving/snorkeling day trips.
The atoll is a 3-hour boat ride from Belize City and 2 hours from Hopkins or Dangriga. Typically, trips to Glover’s Reef are done in the morning between 9am-11am with return trips in the afternoon between 1pm-3pm. As for getting around, you can walk around the caye you’re staying at and if you’re brave, you can kayak from caye to caye.
Glover’s Reef Travel Guide: Related Articles
Want more info? Check out top blogs that I’ve written on travel to Glover’s Reef that may help make your trip better:
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