Its that time of the year again when we come together to celebrate the reef.



Hol Chan announces activities for Reef Week 2018

Hol Chan Marine Reserve has announced the various activities that will be taking place during the 13th Annual Reef Week 2018. For the past 12 years, Hol Chan has been celebrating Belize’s Barrier Reef System through a week of activities, aimed at raising awareness on the importance of protecting and preserving the marine environment.

The Reef Week will kick off on Monday, May 7th, with a swim to the reef starting at 6AM from Amigos Del Mar dock in San Pedro Town. The following day, members of Hol Chan will take part in a traveling puppet show at the various schools on Ambergris Caye starting at 9AM. Activities continue on Wednesday, May 9th with the primary school Trivia Competition to be held at the Lions Den. The competition is scheduled to start at 9:30AM and will challenge students’ knowledge of Belize’s ecosystem, flora, and fauna, as well as the laws pertaining to the protection of the environment.

On Thursday, May 10th the Reef Fair will take place at the Central Park. There will be several booths from various organization across the country educating visitors on the importance of the reef. One of the most anticipated events will take place on Friday, May 11th with the Annual Lionfish Tournament & Cook-Off at Estel’s Dine by the Sea.

The following day, on Saturday, May 12th, there will be a clean-up campaign at various areas of the island starting at 8AM. The Reef Week 2018 will culminate on Sunday, May 13th with a mini kayak race around the island starting at 10 AM starting at the Boca Del Rio Park.

“Each year Reef Week highlights the importance of our coastal and marine ecosystem. We raise awareness by educating the children and the community of San Pedro on the importance of protecting our reef and the marine life. We want to invite all islanders to get involved in one of the many activities that will be taking place during the week,” said event organizer and Hol Chan Marine Reserve Environmental Educator, Mariela Archer.

To find out more about the Reef Week 2018 activities and how you can be part of the event contact the Hol Chan Marine Reserve office at 226-2247.

Reef Week Coastal Clean Up 2018, May 12 at Hol Chan dock, 8am.

The reef helps to define Belize's culture and traditions.

Hol Chan Marine Reserve Reef Week 2018 opens with “Swim to the Reef”

Hol Chan Marine Reserve’s Reef Week 2018 officially opened with the traditional “Swim to the Reef” on Monday, May 7th. Reef Week is an annual celebration featuring a week-long calendar of activities to celebrate Belize’s Barrier Reef System aimed at raising awareness on the importance of protecting and preserving the marine environment.

Bright and early at 6AM, islanders gathered at Amigos Del Mar Dive Shop dock, dressed in snorkeling gear and ready to swim to the reef and back. According to organizer of Reef Week 2018 and Hol Chan Marine Reserve Environmental Educator, Mariela Archer, the “Swim to the Reef” had a great turnout. “This year’s ‘Swim to the Reef’ activity was very successful. We had more people participating this year than in previous years,” said Archer. “This week is dedicated to educating the community on the importance of protecting the marine environment.”

Click here to read the rest of the article and see LOTS more photos in the San Pedro Sun

Reef Fair 2018 Promotes Education and Conservation of the Reef and Marine Ecosystem

As part of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve Reef Week 2018, a Reef Fair was held at the Central Park in San Pedro Town on Thursday, May 10th. The Reef Fair saw various organization educating students and residents on the protection and conservation of marine life. Groups present at the fair included Oceana Belize, Reef Angels, Blue Ventures, American Crocodile Education Sanctuary, Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Sarteneja Alliance for Conservation and Development, Belize Forest Department, San Pedro House of Culture, La Isla Bonita Elementary, Department of the Environment, and Ricklee Rescue and Response.

At 9:30AM, the Reef Fair began as booths opened to the public highlighting topics such as the importance of protecting and preserving the Barrier Reef, as well as different wildlife and marine ecosystems. Students also had the opportunity to play games to win prizes, testing their knowledge about environmental topics. Throughout the fair, refreshments were served by the Hol Chan staff.

Hol Chan Marine Reserve would like to thank all the schools, student, and residents who attended the fair and made it another successful event. As the end of Reef Week approaches, they invite residents to enjoy the final activities of the week. A lionfish tournament and cook-off is scheduled to be held on Friday, May 11th, followed by a coastal clean-up on Saturday, May 12th.

Click here to read the rest of the article and see more photos in the San Pedro Sun