Gales Point Overview

By Christopher Minster

Originally a logging camp, the small town of Gales Point is one of Belize’s growing tourist draws. Located about 25 miles south of Belize City, Gales point sits on a salty, brackish lagoon. It is the lagoon that is the big attraction, as it is teeming with life: sport fish, crabs, lobsters and more all in a sort of mangrove swamp. The real stars are the manatees, which float around grazing underwater. The area is also a very important nesting ground for the Hawksbill and Loggerhead turtles.

You can get to Gales Point by bus or by car, if you have one, but the best way to get there is to take a small boat there. Along the way, the boat will weave through mangroves, along narrow channels, and through some very beautiful and interesting areas. You might spot some exotic birds along the way.

Once you’ve gotten to Gales Point, there is a lot to see and do. Most visitors take an array of tours including manatee watching, birdwatching, diving, sport fishing and more. If you like exploring caves, check out Ben Loman’s Cave in the foothills on one side of the lagoon. Be sure to sample some of the local Garifuna culture while you’re there: try the cashew wine.