Swallow Caye ligger söder om Caye Caulker och är ett 9000 tunnland skyddat område där västindiska manater kan hittas och matar på havets sköldpaddagräsbäddar. Reservatet grundades 2002 i hopp om att skydda dessa fogliga varelser från överflödig turbåtaktivitet och förhindra olyckor som oftast orsakas av propellrar.
Att simma med manaterna är förbjudet, men med tur och tålamod kan man observera mer än två åt gången och interagera kort på ytan. The Sanctuary samordnas av Friends of Swallow Caye och Belize Forest Department och grundades till stor del tack vare den långa Caye Caulker-infödda och bosatta, Lionel "Chocolate" Heredia, som ibland leder turer till helgedomen.
With nearly 9,000 acres (3,642 hectares) of protected habitat, Swallow Caye is one of three important manatee sanctuaries in Belize. (The other two are Corozal Bay Wildlife Sanctuary and Gales Point Manatee Wildlife Sanctuary.) Boat traffic is highly regulated here, so visitors must join a tour to visit the manatee habitat. Most tours depart from both Caye Caulker, though some options may be available in Belize City.
Boat tours are the only way to reach the wildlife sanctuary. Since boats visiting the main manatee-viewing area must be smaller than 36 feet (11 meters), rougher seas can mean a bumpy ride. If you’re prone to motion sickness, consider bringing along your preferred remedy.
West Indian manatees are present in Swallow Caye year-round. Because they’re easier to see when the water is clear, the dry season of November through April is the best time for viewing. September and October are the rainiest months of the year, making this period a good one to avoid.
Manatees aren’t the only stars of the sea here. From March through June, massive whale sharks appear on the Belize coast, while sea turtles are a year-round presence. On snorkeling, diving, and boat tours, it’s common to see rays: The species found in Belize include eagle rays, sting rays, and manta rays. Dolphins are another highlight, so watch for bottlenose and spinner dolphins when you’re out on the water.