Charles Darwin referred to the Belize Barrier Reef in 1842.  The Belize Barrier Reef is the largest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere and the second longest barrier reef in the world.  Only Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is longer.  It is home to hundreds of species of tropical fish, thousands of species of marine invertebrates and located only half a mile from the tranquil beaches in the small fishing village of Hopkins.  Miles of staghorn and elkhorn coral tower above the sea floor while nurse sharks and southern stingrays swim below the turquoise water.  Barrel sponges, lobsters, nurse sharks, upsidedown jellyfish, resident loggerhead turtles, stingrays and manatee sittings are almost a guarantee.   Belize is home to one of the healthiest reef systems in the entire Caribbean.  Healthy marine ecosystems are critical to the safety and welfare of the majority of the human population.  Be prepared for a once in a lifetime adventure to the heart of the Caribbean!