Named for an infamous 17th-century English pirate (John Glover) who once used the area to stage attacks on Spanish galleons laden with gold, Glover’s Reef is the southernmost atoll in Belize.
There are only four atolls in the world that are located in the Atlantic Ocean, and Belize is home to three of them, including Glover’s Reef Atoll. Thousands of years ago, the area was home to an island surrounded by a ring of coral. Over time, the island eroded away, leaving behind the ring of coral with a large central lagoon in the middle.
The protected waters in that lagoon are why people come from around the world to scuba dive at Glover’s Reef Atoll. The lagoon measures some 15 miles (24 km) by four miles (six km) and is home to more than 700 patch reefs with dozens of different species of coral. This diverse landscape is home to a colorful underwater garden where schools of fish, sharks, conch, rays, lobsters, sea turtles, and even dolphins live, play, feed, and give birth to their young.
Scuba diving expeditions usually head to one of the islands located on the outer edge of the atoll. From there, several options await, including places for shelf diving, wall diving, and exploring the coral landscapes. Glover’s Reef has been a protected nature reserve since 1993, and the ban on commercial fishing has allowed the marine life in this area to thrive.
Don’t be surprised to see dozens of different fish species when you dive Glover’s Reef Atoll, including grouper, mackeral, barracuda, tarpon, angelfish, yellow jack, snapper, black durgons, parrotfish, and many more. The waters of the lagoon are incredibly clear, nearly transparent, making it feel like a gigantic aquarium.
There’s also plenty to enjoy on land as well. The islands around the atoll are home to mangrove forests, white sandy beaches, bright blue skies, and incredible views of the Caribbean. There are no full-time inhabitants on Glover’s Reef Atoll, but the Wildlife Conservation Society operates a research station that relies entirely on solar and wind energy. The research station is only open to marine scientists, but visiting the research station serves as a great introduction to the incredible beauty of the region.
If you’re interested in scuba diving Glover’s Reef, book your vacation with the Chabil Mar Resort. Located on the coast of southeastern Belize, Chabil Mar is close to Glover’s Reef and other top attractions on the Belize Barrier Reef.
Contact Chabil Mar’s Concierge at concierge@chabilmarvillas.com to discuss Glovers Reef and your diving options for Southern Belize.
