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Situated along the eastern coast of the Caribbean Sea in Central America, the country of Belize boasts of some stunning landscapes and pristine water bodies, the entire coastline has some fascinating lakes, beaches, and picturesque islands that draw tourists from across the globe. The lagoons and lakes in Belize are a source of drinking water, hydroelectric generation, and agriculture. They are also a hub of recreational activities such as boating, fishing, swimming and water sports. The lakes of Belize are coastal wonders that not only offer natural beauty but serve as a serene backdrop for wildlife exploration and diverse habitats.
Best Lakes In Belize
Belize offers several majestic lakes and lagoons for locals and tourists to explore. The most popular lakes in Belize can offer adventurous experiences for the entire family.
1. Five Blues Lake National Park
Photo: Андрей Бобровский / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Five Blues Lake National Park surrounds a beautiful lake made of different shades of blue, around 200 feet deep, mostly unexplored. Used mainly for boating and swimming, the lake is encompassed by rugged limestone hills, caves and a dense forest. Over 200 species of birds, including Sungrebe, hawks, eagles and water birds have been spotted here. The lake and the national park are relatively less crowded and ideal for camping, kayaking, biking, or hiking along the self-guided trails.
Location: Indian Creek Valley, Stann Creek District of Belize
2. Almond Hill Lagoon
Photo: CC0 Public Domain / pxhere / Image For Representation Only
A small lake situated in the Cayo district of Belize, the Almond Hill Lagoon is around 1.3 sq. km and is encompassed by thick forests and scenic hills. The Almond Lake was formed because of the collapse of a limestone cave and was later fed by the underground springs. Nestled amidst the beautiful natural landscape of the lagoon, Chukka Eco-Adventure Park is a popular tourist attraction for visitors seeking varied experiences. Visitors can embark on airboat rides along the pristine lagoon waters, explore the diverse wildlife, go on nature walks to admire the biodiversity, and take up exciting activities such as ziplining, kayaking or swimming.
Location: Belize District, Belize
3. Black Creek Lagoon
Photo: John Robert McPherson / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Black Creek Lagoon is a big but shallow lagoon around 20 km long and 5 km wide in the Belize district. As part of the Crooked Wildlife Sanctuary, the Black Creek Lagoon is a protected area and home to diverse wildlife species such as monkeys, crocodiles, jaguars, and exotic birds. The Black Creek Lagoon can be accessed by boat via the Caribbean Sea from Belize City or coral reef islands. The Black Creek Hot Springs and Forest is adjacent to the lagoon and is characterised by limestone caves, geothermal hot springs, jungled hills, mangroves and an open beach.
Location: Belize District, Belize
4. Cox Lagoon
Photo: CC0 Public Domain / pxhere / Image For Representation Only
Cox Lagoon is surrounded by private forest wetland reserves that constitute over thirty thousand acres of land. This diverse habitat supports several animal and bird species such as Jabiru Stork, Laughing Falcon, Black Howler monkeys, 14 reptile species (abundance of crocodiles), jaguar and Baird’s tapir. Since these creatures are best viewed from the canoe, tourists paddle along the Cox creek into the lagoon surrounded by marshlands and swamp forests. The Cox Lagoon offers the best wildlife viewing opportunity in Belize.
Location: Belize District, Belize
5. Aguacate Lagoon
Photo: stbraun / Wikimedia Commons
Aguacate Lagoon is a lake cum private reserve located near Spanish Lookout in West Belize. This lake is ideal for you if you enjoy canoeing, birdwatching, hiking or just relaxing in the jungle ambience. There is a floating deck beside this lake for easy access to canoes and boats. The roof close to the lake shore offers shelter from heat or rain while enjoying the beautiful lake view. There are also picnic tables and open fireplaces, making the place perfect for family gatherings. Aguacate Lagoon is one of the best birding destinations in Belize, apart from the numerous hiking trails throughout the park and the jungle.
Location: Western Belize, Mennonite community, Spanish Lookout
6. Crab Catcher Lagoon
Photo: Pedro Marcano / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The 45 km long and 1.6 km wide Crab Catcher Lagoon is in Central Northern Belize, a boat ride away from Orange Walk District. The lagoon has clear waters, dense mangroves, jungle vegetation on its banks and rainforest surrounding it. The lush greenery and clean water of this lagoon make it a perfect habitat for over 400 bird species including exotic ones such as black-collared hawks and Ospreys. You can take canoe trips to spot the birds up close. The Mayans used this lagoon in ancient times as a water source to catch crabs leading to its name.
Location: Orange Walk District, Belize
7. Four Mile Lagoon
Photo: CC0 Public Domain / pxhere / Image For Representation Only
The Four Mile Lagoon is a Caribbean estuarine system along the Philip Goldson Highway. This lagoon empties into the Rio Hondo River, which, in turn, flows into Chetumal Bay, which is south of Yucatan in Mexico. This undiscovered water body is 5 miles long with a total coastline of 10 miles. You can enjoy beautiful sunsets and swimming in this lagoon. Although the lagoon has fresh water, you can find rare creatures such as tarpon, jack crevalle, permit snook, barracuda, manatee, crocs and even dolphins. This lagoon is an excellent spot for sailing, kayaking, surfing, jet skiing or just relaxing.
Location: Corozal District, Belize
8. Vaca Lake
Photo: CC0 Public Domain / pxhere / Image For Representation Only
Situated in the upper Macal River region in the Cayo District of West Belize, Vaca Lake is a huge pristine water body encompassed by dense jungles and stunning waterfalls. Vaca Lake is a six-mile-long man-made lake for the Vaca Dam and an ideal spot to explore the rich wildlife of Belize. Visitors experience the wildlife in the area by sailing on a pontoon boat. A pontoon boat has plenty of seating, and good stability and offers a perfect opportunity to spot colourful birds, monkeys, crocodiles, ocelots and other assorted wildlife that dwell on the shores of the Vaca Lake.
Location: Macal River Valley, Cayo District, Belize
Belize is a haven for tourists as there are plenty of things to do right from zip lining across the forests, relaxing on the beaches, scuba diving in the Caribbean Sea and exploring the region’s wonderful wildlife. The pristine lakes in Belize offer spectacular views of jungles, birds and exciting activities such as kayaking, fishing, and swimming in clean waters. Plan a trip with TripXL to explore the magnificent lakes of Belize and capture every moment.
Cover Photo: CC0 Public Domain / pxhere / Image For Representation Only
