Bacalar Chico National ParkAbout Bacalar Chico National Park
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.
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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Excellent | 21° - 28° | 24° | 114 mm | some cloud | 80% | 3.0 m/s | 1.4 high | 11.0h |
| February | Ideal | 21° - 28° | 25° | 42 mm | mostly sunny | 76% | 3.4 m/s | 1.8 very high | 11.4h |
| March | Ideal | 22° - 29° | 26° | 30 mm | mostly sunny | 73% | 3.9 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 11.9h |
| April | Ideal | 24° - 31° | 29° | 41 mm | mostly sunny | 73% | 4.1 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 12.4h |
| May | Very Good | 25° - 32° | 32° | 85 mm | some cloud | 76% | 3.7 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 12.9h |
| June | Good | 25° - 31° | 33° | 160 mm | partly cloudy | 82% | 3.6 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 13.1h |
| July | Very Good | 25° - 32° | 32° | 103 mm | some cloud | 82% | 3.5 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 13.0h |
| August | Very Good | 25° - 32° | 33° | 116 mm | some cloud | 81% | 3.0 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 12.6h |
| September | Good | 24° - 31° | 32° | 198 mm | partly cloudy | 84% | 2.7 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.1h |
| October | Good | 23° - 31° | 30° | 202 mm | partly cloudy | 85% | 2.6 m/s | 1.7 very high | 11.6h |
| November | Very Good | 22° - 29° | 26° | 169 mm | partly cloudy | 84% | 2.7 m/s | 1.4 high | 11.2h |
| December | Excellent | 21° - 28° | 24° | 108 mm | some cloud | 82% | 2.7 m/s | 1.3 high | 10.9h |
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.