In celebration of International Year of the Reef 2008, ECOMAR launched Reef Rally in efforts to keep a record of unique marine life sightings in Belize.  For many years we have received anecdotal reports of whales being sighted between Turneffe and Lighthouse Atolls.  In efforts to record these important sightings the Reef Rally project was launched which we have renamed to Belize Reef 365.  Have a unique marine observation? Please share details on your observation and we can add it to our  Belize Reef 365 Reports.

Marine Mammals
Dolphins, Manatees & Whales

Atlantic bottlenose dolphins are quite common in the waters of Belize.  It is the other species of dolphins and whales traveling in the oceanic seas of Belize that laid the foundation for Reef Rally.  In February 2009 a rough toothed dolphin was photographed with an Atlantic bottlenose dolphin at Glover's Atoll.  In November 2010 a sperm whale was observed between Turneffe and Lighthouse Atolls. We would like to learn more about the migratory paths of these marine mammals, what species are traveling through and what times if the year they are passing through. 

Sometimes manatees are sighted outside the reef.  This is unusual since they are normally found closer to fresh water sources.  In 2007 a manatee was observed at Glover's Reef!  We are still trying to get this picture if anyone has it!

Please also submit your historical observations and include photos when possible along with date observed and location. Submit your report now if you have a Reef Rally observation you'd like to share!

Rough tooth dolphin observed at Glover's Reef Atoll in 2009. Courtesy Caleb McClennen/WCS.

In November 2010 Rebecca Lange was visiting Belize and staying with Huracan divers on Long Caye, Lighthouse Atoll when she observed two whales. They think they may have been sperm whales. Photo courtesy Rebecca Lange 2010

Marine Reptiles
​Crocodiles & Sea Turtles

The three most common species of sea turtles in Belize are the green, hawksbill and loggerhead.  Leatherbacks and recently olive ridley sea turtles have been observed in Belize but sightings are rare.  Leatherbacks nest north and south of Belize in Mexico and Guatemala, so it is only a matter of time that they are reported nesting in Belize!  If you are interested in supporting our sea turtle conservation efforts and live along the coast we hope you will become an active volunteer in our Sea Turtle Nesting Beach Observation program.

In February 2011, the first confirmed sighting of an Olive Ridley turtle was made in Belize. This Olive Ridley was found floating near Hol Chan Marine Reserve in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye and rehabilitated by biologists from Hol Chan and Bacalar Chico Marine Reserves. Photo courtesy Kirah Forman

Seabirds

Unique sea birds travel along Belize's coast and Mr. Rudi Burgos, resident bird expert, has asked mariners to look out for specific birds, like the masked booby.    If you observe any other unusual birds please attempt to get a picture and submit it here so we can share the information with Mr. Rudi Bird!

Fish

There are more than 500 species of fish in the Caribbean Sea.  Many are common but on occasion you will observe a rare specimen.  For instance the blue hamlet is not common in Belize but has been reported from southern Belize.  The sun fish, Mola mola, is a rare sighting.  The picture to the left is of a sun fish spotted in February 2011 off the beach near Rojo, Ambergris Caye!  Large sharks are also exciting and rare.  Please submit your observations of these special creatures.

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CNIDARIANS
​CORALS, JELLYFISH & ANENOMES

Blue buttons observed in Belize in 2009, 2013 and 2020. Photo courtesy Ellen McRae

Cnidarians are a diverse group of animals that all have in common stinging cells.  Their members include corals, jellyfish and anemones.  At times rare Cnidarians are observed in Belize. In February 2007 cannonball jellyfish (Stomolophus meleagris) were observed in Belize.  This jellyfish has never been reported from Belize and suggests that climate change is having an impact on ocean currents and the locations where these jellyfish drift.  Cannonball jellyfish are normally found in the North Atlantic Ocean and are eaten by the largest and most endangered sea turtle, the leatherback.  In 2009 blue buttons (Porpita linneana) were reported in large numbers near Caye Caulker, Hopkins and Glover's Atoll.  When diving in an open ocean environment like Gladden Spit when looking for whale sharks large plankton like Venus girdles can be observed.  Please be sure and send in you observations of rare cnidarians, whether they be unusual corals, jellyfish or anemones!

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Other Unique Marine Life

The Belize Barrier Reef, atolls and the marine ecosystems which comprise this very unique marine environment teem with diversity.  If you explore these magnificent reef systems you will encounter rare specimens on occasion including nudibranchs, echinoderms and more.  Please be sure to share your unique observations with us here!

I'd like to submit a report!

Thank you for taking the time to report YOUR unique marine life observation!  Please submit details here and if you submit photos please include name of photographer.