Half Moon Caye
"The crystal clear turquoise waters, abundant marine life and unspoiled coral reef make Half Moon Caye an ideal location for snorkeling and diving. The Caye is located at the southeast corner of Lighthouse Reef Atoll, the outermost of Belize’s three coral atolls and some 50 miles south-east of Belize City. The 45 acres are divided into two distinct areas, the dense gauno-rich Ziricote forest and the “paradise island” coconut palm beach. The white sandy beaches where turtles come up to nest are the ultimate spot for soaking in the sun.

We maintain a Visitor’s Center on the island, a picnic area (perfect for lunch), and trails for nature walks through the forest.

Half Moon Caye was the first protected area in Belize and first marine protected area in Central America. A small area of the island was first established as a Crown Reserve in 1928 to protect the colony of Red-footed Boobies that nest on the island. An observation deck allows extraordinary views of both the Boobies (in the rare white phase) and the Magnificent Frigatebirds sitting on their nests.

The Magnificent Frigate Bird has a seven-foot wingspan. It is a poor diver and cannot land on water, so feeds by harassing the booby birds to make the drop their catch. It was this activity that inspired the Belize Audubon Society logo.

Besides the Booby and the Frigate Bird, other resident speices of birds on the island include; the Great-Tailed Grackel, Cinnamon Hummingbird and white crowned Pigeon, with Ospreys nesting on the old lighthouse.

In 1982 Half Moon Caye along with the surrounding reef and lagoon was declared a Natural Monument. Later Half Moon Caye was considered to be so valuable that in March 1996 it was declared a World Heritage Site.

The Monument also includes Half Moon Caye Wall which houses tunnels, canyons, corals, and is described by some as “6,000 feet of vertical abyss”. Included in this system of reefs are many varieties of fishes, mollusks, algae, invertebrates, and numerous species of sponges.

Half Moon Caye is easily accessible through organized boat trips. Boat operators in San Pedro, Caye Caulker, and Belize City operate snorkel trips to this area. There are also some boat operators who organize over night trips to Half Moon Caye." The Belize Audubon Society.

Belize Protected Areas
Belize protected areas include Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, Blue Hole National Park, Blue Hole Natural Monument, Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, Half Moon Caye Natural Monument, Guanacaste National Park, Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve and Victoria Peak Natural Monument, etc.

"The Government of Belize has fixed entrance fees for the parks. These fees are collected by the Belize Audubon Society, and are used towards the costs of maintaining and protecting these areas. The fees are discounted for Belizeans to encourage local people to visit the parks." http://www.belizeaudubon.org

To become a member of the Belize Audubon Society and pledge your support, fill out the Membership Form and email membership@belizeaudubon.org or fax the Audubon at: 501.223.4985, or send it to: Belize Audubon Society, P.O. Box 1001, Belize City, BELIZE, along with a check or money order payable to: Belize Audubon Society.