There are only four atolls in the Caribbean and the Atlantic and Turneffe is the largest and most biologically diverse. Recently declared a marine reserve covering 1,317km², Turneffe stretches nearly 50km from north to south and 16km from East to West. It comprises a total of nearly 150 islands, which being unique in the Western Hemisphere, are abundantly covered in mangrove habitat - the largest mangrove system in fact in Belize. In addition to the mangroves, the islands have large areas of tropical savannas and forest.

Underwater you can find some of the most extensive reef systems in the Caribbean, with diverse topography ranging from shallow reefs flats, to steep reef walls swept by powerful currents. Inside the protective atoll lagoon, there are extensive seagrass beds and patch reefs.

Marine Life

Turneffe's unique combination of mangroves, seagrass beds and coral reefs provides many species with habitats for all stages of their lives. Many fish, even larger species such as sharks, spend vulnerable younger stages of their development in the relative safety of Turneffe's mangroves before venturing into deeper waters. Turneffe is a critical habitat for spawning of many fish species on the Barrier Reef, with the charismatically named Dog Flee Caye and Caye Bokel being particularly important.

260 types of fish have been identified at Turneffe, including critically endangered species such as the goliath grouper. A wide range of sharks and rays have also been observed, including scalloped and great hammerheads, lemon and whale sharks, large groups of southern sting rays and spotted eagle rays.

Mangrove and seagrass beds provide habitat for the West Indian Manatee, with the largest populations in the Caribbean making their home in Belize.

Three species of sea turtle are found in the reserve: hawksbill, greens and loggerheads. Marlin, sailfish, kingfish, tuna, snapper and grouper also find important habitat here.

Here be Dragons: The American Crocodile

Turneffe Atoll is thought to harbour the largest population of American Crocodiles in Belize, a critical breeding habitat for Latin America's only species of truly oceanic (seagoing) crocodiles. This species is one of the world's largest, with some individuals growing 6m (20ft) in length. The crocodiles are considered endangered throughout their range, and Turneffe is considered to be home to Belize's most important population.

Several species of marine whales and dolphins are also present at Turneffe, with Atlantic Spotted and Bottlenose Dolphins often seen, and Humpback, Pilot Whales and Orcas seen more rarely.

Above the Waves

Turneffe is haven for around 60 bird species. Marine birds include ospreys, brown pelicans, red footed boobies, roseate terns and the magnificent frigatebird. Many smaller species as orioles and plovers also nest here. Like a mini-Galapagos, reptiles have developed there own unique forms, with a subspecies of parrot snake found only on Turneffe, and a population of black iguana that some consider to be a unique species.