While on another website I noticed a comment that the coral reefs are 60-85% dead as a result of the hurricanes in the last 5 years. We were there 4 years ago, and now I'm wondering when we bring our kids in March if we'll find that the snorkeling is not as spectacular. Can some of the "regulars" shed some light on this?

thanks

Are you sure you were reading about the reef in Belize? No hurricanes on AC since you were last. Perhaps is was referrng to some of the other Carib areas ravaged by the 'canes.

I just reread the post, they specifically mentioned AC and Caulker, 3 hurricanes in the last 5 yrs and that marine biologist said it would take 20 years for the reefs to recover.
I thought I would have read something on the boards if the reefs were damaged that badly, and affected the snorkeling.
I'll assume that we'll be as thrilled this trip as we were the last.

Iwas just in ac in october and did 13 dives in 5 days. The reef was alive and well as were all the critters. somebody is telling stories! btw I will be in ac for 16 days in february for more reef diving. I did witness some people standing on the reef by the reserve which is a big NO NO! They were scolded.

I may be a bit "touched" this early but "three hurricanes in the past five years" does not add up. Perhaps that marine biologist needs to re-check his/her calendar as well as the reef.

and his/her geography!

ditto

1998 - Hurricane Mitch
2000 - Hurricane Keith
2001 - Hurricane Iris
2001 - TS Chantal

Iris ? and Tropical Storm Chantal???? O.K., I'm getting a bit picky here, but so be it. As far as I'm concerned the pointy headed academia (i.e. the marine biologist) can expound any way that they need to, to keep their jobs or grants.

Still, I don't think that AC has seen three legitimate hurricanes hit the caye in five consecutive years. Ever. A drink for those who can show otherwise.

I think if you check it out the only Hurricane to actually hit Ambergris Caye since a very long time ago, probably early sixty's, was Hurricane Kieth. Mitch never hit us, Iris hit Placencia, Chantel was only a TS.

Regardless, Mitch is the one that did some damage to the local reef, not Keith. It has been my experience that the local reef has been recovering nicely from its Mitch encounter.

Keith did some damage out Turneffe way.