South Water Caye Marine Reserve: There are two research stations in the group. This is one of the few cayes that sit directly on top of the main ridge of the barrier reef. You can snorkel at length amidst patch coral in water little more than waist deep. Man-O'-War Caye Bird Sanctuary lies just to the north. Its wet mangrove interior supports one of the largest frigate bird colonies in the in the Caribbean.

Laughing Bird Caye: The land sanctuary has been declared off limits to allow the gulls that give the caye its name a chance to recover in number. The caye sits on a narrow reef ridge called a faro. Its steep sides enclose a lagoon making for some spectacular snorkeling and diving off the eastern shore past Elkhorn coral among damselfish, bonefish, parrot fish and others including the occasional nurse sharks and rays.

Silk (Queen) Cayes Marine Reserve: Nestled beside the Queen's entrance through the barrier reef are the Silk or Queen Cayes, which possess their own system of reef and offer some of the best snorkeling and sea kayaking in the remote southern section of the system. The deserted island atmosphere of the Silk Cayes attracts private yachts. Divers can explore the deep wall.

Gladden Spit Marine Reserve: This is one of the world's top locations to dive and snorkel with the giant whale shark. Situated along the southern end of Belize's barrier reef, Gladden Spit is spawning ground for 25 species of reef fish and has been placed under the protection of the Friends of Nature. The whale sharks are attracted to large numbers of fish eggs that are at their greatest up to 10 days following each new moon in April, May, September and October.

Glover's Reef: Named for the pirate John Glover, this is another of the three atolls within the Belize Barrier Reef and home to a marine reserve. The "string of pearls" circular reef forms a lagoon with roughly 800 coral patches and pinnacles that rise to the surface, ideal for snorkeling and sea kayaking. Glover's is known for an abundance of manta rays, turtle and whale shark. It offers several wrecks for divers at the north end. You'll be glad to know that throughout our journey we have a very high probability of seeing and perhaps swimming with dolphin.

Turneffe Islands Atoll & Blackbird Caye: You can find an assortment of creatures here from wading birds and osprey to manatees and crocodiles. You can hop a sea kayak and snorkel along the reef just 300 yards from the boat dock. There's a tie-down buoy to hitch your kayak to while you snorkel. The dives here are considered among the best in the Western Caribbean. The Sayonara is a wreck resting in 30 feet of water on the leeward side of the reef. Brightly colored sponges and coral abound as do many of the 460 species of colorful reef fish.

Lighthouse Reef & Half Moon Caye: Home to the Blue Hole deep dive spot made famous by Jacques Cousteau. Half Moon Wall, however, offers the best snorkeling and diving, rivaling anywhere in the world. A must is to climb the Audubon Society's observation tower in the Zericote forest for a wondrous view over the canopy toward the lighthouse and a rusting wreck of the ship Elksund. Half Moon Wall sits just off the southwest of the caye bearing its name. Near to shore an undersea sandbank is home to thousands of garden eels swaying with the current as they feed on passing plankton. The shallows are interesting for snorkelers, and divers will be treated to exceptionally clear water filled with coral heads and species including butterfly fish, angel fish, damsel fish, parrot fish and more.