Month: July 2024

Belize is blessed by the presence of the Belize Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the second-largest barrier reef in the world. A complex marine ecosystem that is home to nearly one-quarter of all the marine species in the world’s oceans, understanding the difference between the atolls and the reefs is quite subtle.

Reefs are made from a living animal, the coral, which regularly produces a hard exoskeleton of calcium carbonate, the same substance that composes the shells of mollusks and other kinds of shellfish. Over time, the exuded exoskeleton begins to build up until it appears like an underwater hedgerow or stony “bush” that serves as the home for a multitude of aquatic creatures, including fish, juvenile mammals, sharks, and a wide variety of flora that use the coral for shelter, as a nursery, or as a feeding ground.

It is the entirety of this coral exoskeleton and its attendant marine life that makes up the coral reef. An atoll, however, is a specific kind of coral reef. All atolls are reefs that form around the mouth of an underwater volcano, growing in a circular pattern. Due to the temperature changes and other ejecta from the volcano, atolls are generally lifeless, sometimes referred to as “underwater deserts.” Generally, coral reefs, on the other hand, are the complete opposite – home to some of the densest and most biodiverse collections of marine lifeforms.

Coral reefs can grow anywhere there is a hard foundation like limestone sea floors or sunken ships that are close enough to the surface of the water to allow access to sunlight. Coral reefs grow slowly, taking hundreds, if not thousands of years, to achieve their immense size. Indeed, the Belize Barrier Reef is easily visible from outer space. And marine biologists estimate that some coral reefs are up to a million years old.

Atolls, predominately found in the Pacific Ocean, are circular in shape, growing as they do around a lagoon created by submarine volcanos. When a volcano erupts, much of the ejected material settles on the sea floor. As these deposits continue, they can create enough material that the solid material rises above the surface of the water to create islands. After the material has cooled, coral reefs can begin growing on this material, eventually covering it completely and forming true atolls.

Chabil Mar offers organized tours and vacation packages to the most beautiful Belize atolls and the Belize coral reef.

For more information about Belize atolls and coral reefs, feel free to chat with our Concierge at: concierge@chabilmarvillas.com or contact our Reservations Manager at: reservations@chabilmarvillas.com. Or perhaps you would like to call toll free from the US or Canada: 1-866-417-2377.

Dreams come true for those eager to zipline rainforest canopies, which is why the popularity of this experience alone brings many people to Belize. Select Chabil Mar  as your base and enjoy some peace and tranquility before you test your mettle at any of the extreme sport trips Chabil Mar offers.

Just in case someone asks, here’s a little history to pass along: Alberto Santos-Dumont invented the zipline rig in 1906 to help transport goods over long distances and unforgiving terrains, but these days, if you look up, you’ll see guys and girls zipping by instead of boxes and bags. To make sure your Chabil Mar visit includes all the thrills you seek, ask your hosts to book one or all of these excursions during your stay:

-The Bocawina Zipline Experience invites you to see what it’s like to tackle the longest zip line distance in Belize, but only if you’re up for the challenge. If not, there are eight shorter runs interspersed by 12 platforms that provide opportunities for you to catch your breath and decide if you’d like to keep going. Gather bragging rights as you traverse 2.5 miles in total, but it’s the 2,300-foot single run that offers the most exciting memories.

-Go night flying at Bocawina. If you thought only bats owned the night, join these nocturnal creatures by requesting a zipline ride that won’t start until after the sun goes down and the stars come out. The jungle at night is a magical place filled with sights and sounds visitors miss during the day, so if your heart is healthy, you need an adrenaline rush—and particularly if the moon is full—don’t leave Belize without taking this excursion under the tutelage of guides who know the ins and outs of this fun experience.

-Rappel Bocawina Falls. The place that sent your heart racing as you zipped along at top speed is also a neighbor of one of Belize’s top rapelling locations: Bocawina Falls. Whether this is your first or your fifth repelling attempt, the jump will be unique as you drop 100-feet into the abyss in synch with waterfalls, landing in the beautiful pools at the base. You’ve earned swim or float time in these lush pools to celebrate your rappelling accomplishment.

-Rappel Antelope Falls. Are you eager to try the biggest challenge of all? Take a literal leap of faith by repelling down a waterfall that’s 1,000 feet high. If you plan to do this alone, your tour guide will arrange for a partner since the minimum number of participants for this activity is two. Not quite ready to attempt this height? Try the 500-foot drop first to be sure you’re ready for the big one. In either case, you’ll be escorted every step of the way by licensed guides, so put yourself into their hands for the time of your life.

This menu of adventures is not for the faint of heart, but it’s likely to offer the biggest and most thrilling vacation highlights if adrenaline rushes are your thing. Just in case you’re super-charged and have no desire to hit the beach, Chabil Mar is happy to arrange for bird watching, scuba diving, snorkeling, nature and archaeological tours.

Nobody goes hungry on these excursions, by the way. From Chabil Mar’s onsite restaurant to picnics packed for your day trips, no detail is ignored. After this much adventure, Chabil Mar will be happy to deliver you to your return flight both blissed out and eager to return.

Visit our website chabilmarvillas.com for more information on Belize, and don’t hesitate to send us an email, or call US/CAN Toll Free: 1-866-417-2377, Local: (011-501) 523-3606, if you have questions or need help in planning a Belize vacation.