Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve

Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve is a protected area in Belize.

Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve at a Glance

Location
Belize Barrier Reef & Atolls, Belize, Central & South America
Coordinates
18.133596, -87.871120
IUCN Category
IV
Crowds
Very Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate
Best Time to Visit
February to May (dry season) for wildlife and marine reserves.

Getting to Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve

Nearest airport: Cupul Airport (TZM), 338 km away.

Nearest international airport: Aeropuerto Internacional de Cancún (CUN), 340 km away.

Weather & Climate in Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve

The warmest temperatures in Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve occur in September, averaging 28.5°C (up to 29.7°C). The coolest conditions are in February at 25.6°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in April with average rainfall of 22.8mm. Average humidity: 79.5%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 25.7°C (rainfall: 91.7mm)
  • February: 25.6°C (rainfall: 43.8mm)
  • March: 26.4°C (rainfall: 36.6mm)
  • April: 27.2°C (rainfall: 22.8mm)
  • May: 28.0°C (rainfall: 84.6mm)
  • June: 28.3°C (rainfall: 220.0mm)
  • July: 28.4°C (rainfall: 139.1mm)
  • August: 28.4°C (rainfall: 163.9mm)
  • September: 28.5°C (rainfall: 184.8mm)
  • October: 27.9°C (rainfall: 222.7mm)
  • November: 26.7°C (rainfall: 292.4mm)
  • December: 25.9°C (rainfall: 148.5mm)

Best Time to Visit Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve

The best months to visit Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve are January, February, March, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Great, temperature 25.66°C, rainfall 91.7mm, sunshine 10 hrs, humidity 77.1%
  • February: Great, temperature 25.61°C, rainfall 43.8mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 76.4%
  • March: Great, temperature 26.38°C, rainfall 36.6mm, sunshine 11.6 hrs, humidity 78%
  • April: Great, temperature 27.19°C, rainfall 22.8mm, sunshine 11.8 hrs, humidity 79.5%
  • May: Great, temperature 27.97°C, rainfall 84.6mm, sunshine 11.1 hrs, humidity 80.9%
  • June: Good, temperature 28.28°C, rainfall 220mm, sunshine 9.9 hrs, humidity 81.1%
  • July: Great, temperature 28.4°C, rainfall 139.1mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 79.7%
  • August: Good, temperature 28.45°C, rainfall 163.9mm, sunshine 11.1 hrs, humidity 79.8%
  • September: Good, temperature 28.52°C, rainfall 184.8mm, sunshine 10.9 hrs, humidity 79.1%
  • October: Good, temperature 27.85°C, rainfall 222.7mm, sunshine 9.9 hrs, humidity 78.6%
  • November: Good, temperature 26.73°C, rainfall 292.4mm, sunshine 9.4 hrs, humidity 78.7%
  • December: Good, temperature 25.88°C, rainfall 148.5mm, sunshine 9.5 hrs, humidity 76.9%

Wildlife in Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve

Home to 66 recorded species including 31 waterbirds, 17 birds of prey, 11 iconic birds, 2 tropical birds, 2 reptiles, 2 marine & freshwater.

Recommended Packing List for Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve

Based on average temperature of 27.2°C, typical conditions, humidity 79%.

  • Lightweight breathable clothing - warm 27°C weather calls for light fabrics
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve

3 safari lodges available.

Other

Similar Parks in Belize Barrier Reef & Atolls

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Belize

Travel advisory for Belize

Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve FAQs

When is the best time of year to visit Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve for optimal wildlife viewing?

The dry season, from November to May, offers the calmest waters and best visibility for snorkeling and diving within Bacalar Chico. During these months, you have a higher chance of encountering manatees, dolphins, and various sea turtles in their natural habitat.

What unique activities can I experience at Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve that differ from other Belizean marine parks?

Bacalar Chico is uniquely situated on the border with Mexico, offering a chance to explore both vibrant coral reefs and the historic Bacalar Chico channel. Visitors can enjoy exceptional snorkeling and diving, often spotting nurse sharks and rays, and even explore Mayan ruins nearby on Ambergris Caye.

How do I access Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve, and what are the typical costs involved for a day trip?

Access to Bacalar Chico is primarily by boat from San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, or other coastal towns in northern Belize. Full-day tours, which often include snorkeling gear, lunch, and park fees, typically range from $100-150 USD per person.

Are there any specific safety precautions or health advisories travelers should be aware of when visiting Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve?

Beyond general travel safety, visitors should be mindful of marine life and avoid touching coral or wildlife to protect both themselves and the ecosystem. It's also advisable to use reef-safe sunscreen to prevent harm to the delicate marine environment.

What specific marine wildlife can I expect to encounter during a visit to Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve?

Bacalar Chico is renowned for its diverse marine ecosystem, offering opportunities to see West Indian manatees, bottlenose dolphins, and various sea turtle species like hawksbill and green turtles. The vibrant coral reefs are also home to an abundance of colorful fish and nurse sharks.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.