Location
Key Information
| 32 km2 | MARINE AREA |
| 36 km2 | TOTAL AREA i |
Boundary: Belize National Protected Areas System (Unmodified)
2.0
September 2025
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Purpose
To protect is the Antillean Manatee, Trichechus manatus manatus, a sub-species of the West Indian Manatee.
Species of Concern: West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus manatus)
Regulations Summary
Restrictions
1. No person shall enter or remain within any nature reserve, wildlife sanctuary or natural monument except under the authority and in accordance with the conditions of a permit issued by the prescribed officer on payment of the prescribed fee.
2. Molestation of the animals is prohibited. This includes petting, feeding, and swimming with the animals.
3. No person shall hunt, shoot, kill or take any wild animal, or take or destroy any egg of any bird or reptile or any nest of any bird, in any wildlife sanctuary.
4. Only a maximum of six boats shall inhabit the main hole at any one time, for a time frame not exceeding 30 minutes; all vessels of lengths exceeding 36 ft shall remain outside the main hole in the turtle grass and secondary hole areas. Boats must use the specific and clearly marked Entrance and Exit points. From designated points, all boat operators shall turn off their engines and pole their way into the main area. Once in the area of the main hole, all boats shall plant pole and tie up. Only boats with a maximum length of 36 feet shall be allowed within Zone 1 - the main hole area.
5. No inboard/outboard diesel engine boats shall be allowed in the main hole.
6. Noise pollution, including the playing of loud music, is restricted within the SCWS.
7. No littering in the Sanctuary.
Allowed
Fishing in accordance with Belize regulations may be permitted with written authorization.