Port Honduras Marine Reserve

Port Honduras covers around a hundred thousand acres of shallow inshore water between the Toledo coast and the barrier reef, scattered with some hundred and thirty small mangrove cayes. Because several rivers empty into it, the water is brackish and rich, and it works as a nursery for fish that later move out to the reef, as well as holding manatees. The Snake Cayes at the outer edge have the clearest water and the snorkelling.

Background

The reserve was established in January 2000 and protects 40,470 hectares of mangrove and coastal ecosystems in the Toledo district. Alongside more than one hundred small cayes ringed by mangroves, it covers seabed habitats of soft-bottom seagrass beds and fringing reefs. Management is shared with the Toledo Institute for Development and Environment, a community-based non-governmental organisation. The area is split into three zones, set aside for general use, for preservation and for conservation.

Source: Wikipedia, "Port Honduras Marine Reserve"

What you'll find

• The mangrove cayes - around a hundred and thirty small islands across the reserve.
• The Snake Cayes - the outer islands with clearer water and reef.
• The manatees - a resident population in the brackish inshore water.
• The fish nursery - the shallow habitat that stocks the reef further out.

When to go

December to April is the dry season with the clearest water. River runoff in the rains cuts visibility badly. Boats are cancelled in rough conditions.

Practical notes

Water clarity inshore is poor because of river runoff and visitors expecting reef-clear water are disappointed. Getting to the Snake Cayes is a long boat run. Facilities are none.

Nearby

Punta Gorda is south, and the Sapodilla Cayes are further offshore.

Key facts