Bacalar Chico National Park
National Park Marine national park on Ambergris Caye and sea channels
Protected area at Ambergris Caye’s northern tip combining mangroves, reef channels and Maya archaeological sites. Tourists visit for snorkeling, birdwatching and guided boat trips to reef passages.
Bacalar Chico National Park and Marine Reserve is a protected area at the northern tip of Ambergris Caye in Belize, conserving coral reef, mangrove and littoral forest ecosystems. The site combines marine and terrestrial protection under a single designation.
The reserve includes reef, seagrass beds and shoreline habitats used by marine species and birds, and it contains archaeological remnants of past human occupation. It is managed to conserve biodiversity and marine resources while supporting regulated tourism.
The park occupies the northern end of Ambergris Caye in Belize District and is reached most commonly by boat from the town of San Pedro on the island.
- Access and protection: Access is typically by boat from San Pedro on Ambergris Caye; visitors should plan transportation and park permits in advance. The reserve protects both marine and terrestrial habitats.
How to Get to Bacalar Chico National Park #
Most visitors reach Bacalar Chico by boat from San Pedro Town (Ambergris Caye). Private charters and licensed tour operators run morning and full‑day trips; the trip to the reserve’s northern tips typically takes 45-90 minutes depending on weather and boat type. Landing is controlled by park rangers - ask your operator about permits and ranger check‑ins.
Tips for Visiting Bacalar Chico National Park #
- Book a guided boat trip from San Pedro (Ambergris Caye) - guides know the best snorkel sites and will brief on conservation rules.
- Bring reef‑safe sunscreen and a light long‑sleeve rashguard - the sun is fierce on open water.
- Respect restricted zones: parts of the marine reserve are no‑take areas and heavily patrolled by rangers.
Best Time to Visit Bacalar Chico National Park #
Bacalar Chico National Park and Marine Reserve sits at the northern tip of Ambergris Caye, Belize - a marine protected area and the reef's northern gateway, important for seabird colonies, mangroves, and coral habitat.
Weather & Climate near Bacalar Chico National Park #
Bacalar Chico National Park's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 21°C to 32°C. Abundant rainfall (1368 mm/year), wettest in October.
January
January is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 21°C. Significant rainfall (114 mm).
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February
February is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 21°C. Moderate rainfall (42 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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March
March is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 22°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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April
April is hot, feeling like 29°C due to high humidity. Moderate rainfall (41 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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May
May is hot, feeling like 32°C due to high humidity. Regular rainfall (85 mm).
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June
June is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (160 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (103 mm).
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August
August is the hottest month, feeling like 33°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (116 mm).
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September
September is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (198 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is hot, feeling like 30°C with oppressive humidity. The wettest month with heavy rain (202 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Significant rainfall (169 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 21°C. Significant rainfall (108 mm).
