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The Hol Chan Reserve, 8km south of San Pedro, at the southern
tip of the Caye, takes its name from the Maya for "little channel",
and it is this break in the reef that forms the focus of the
reserve.
Its three zones - covering a total of around thirteen
square kilometers - preserve a comprehensive cross-section of the
marine environment, from coral reef through seagrass beds to
mangroves.
All three habitats are closely linked: many reef fish
feed on the seagrass beds, and the mangroves are a nursery area for
juvenile fish. As your boat approaches, you'll be met by a warden
who explains the rules and collects the entry fee.
A
great deal of damage has already been caused by smokeless standing
on the coral or holding onto outcrops for a better look - on all the
easily accessible areas of the reef you will clearly see the white,
dead patches, especially on the large brain coral heads.
Never
touch the coral - not only does it damage the delicate
ecosystem, it can also sting and cause agonizing burns, and even
brushing against the razor-sharp ridges on the reef top can cause
cuts that are slow to heal.
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