by blackbird-resort

The Great Barrier Reef’s little cousin, differences and similarities between the two.

Over 2,900 individual reefs

The Mesoamerican Reef region lies within the Caribbean Sea and spans the coasts of Mexico, Belize Guatamala and Honduras. It is the largest barrier reef in the western hemisphere, stretching almost 700 miles (1125 km) from the northern point of Yucatan Peninsula right through to the Honduran Bay Islands — not to mention spanning Belize on its way.

The Great Barrier Reef is also known for its size — it is the largest coral reef system in the world made up of over 2,900 individual reefs. Like the Mesoamerican Reef’s famous Blue Hole, one of the top ten dive sites on the planet, the Great Barrier Reef can be viewed from outer space.

Stretching almost 700 miles

Both reefs house a breathtaking array of wildlife and coral and organisations are working hard in the western and southern hemispheres to make sure these are protected against human activity. Many fish from the Mesoamerican and Great Barrier Reef are on the protected species list.

Given that the reefs support so much life and diversity, both have been made World Heritage Sites. Thousands of tourists therefore visit the sites every year to dive and snorkel amongst the awe-inspiring wildlife.

The Mesoamerican Reef is home to more than 65 species of stony coral, 350 species of mollusc and more than 500 species of fish. The Great Barrier Reef is made up of more than 400 species of coral and more than 1,500 species of fish.

No wonder the Mesoamerican Reef is called the Great Barrier Reef’s little cousin. Check out the Blackbird website for more information about dive sites in the region:



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