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Belize Resorts. Hotel in Placencia Belize. Ocean Breeze Beach Resort Logo
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Protecting Belize’s Ocean Wildlife

Experience the Best of Both Worlds: Eco-Adventure and Island Comfort

Belize’s beauty runs deeper than its turquoise waters — it lives in the heartbeat of the ocean itself. Here at Ocean Breeze Beach Resort, we’re proud to partner with Reef Conservation International (ReefCI) to protect the coral reefs, marine life, and coastal ecosystems that make Belize so extraordinary.

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ReefCI operates on Tom Owens Caye, a small island off the coast of Placencia where volunteers and divers from around the world join hands-on marine conservation programs — monitoring coral health, removing invasive lionfish, and supporting reef restoration.

Many Ocean Breeze guests begin or end their ReefCI adventure with us — leaving Placencia on Monday mornings and returning Friday afternoons with new skills, new friends, and a renewed respect for Belize’s ocean life. And after five days on the caye, there’s nothing quite like returning to:

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Our beach is raked by hand every morning, welcoming guests with a clean, natural shoreline — because caring for Belize’s coast starts right outside our door. Here, conservation meets comfort.

Why Belize’s Reef Matters

Belize is home to the second-largest barrier reef in the world, stretching more than 185 miles along our coast.
Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this living wonder is home to:

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  • 500+ species of fish

  • 100+ coral species

  • 450 cayes and 3 atolls

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The reef protects our communities from storms, sustains fisheries, and fuels eco-tourism — yet it faces real threats from warming seas, pollution, and habitat loss. Protecting it requires everyone — from conservation groups to travelers like you.

A National Effort to Protect the Reef

Belize stands as a global leader in marine conservation. Our country’s collaborative approach unites government, NGOs, and local businesses in one mission: protect what makes Belize special.

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  • National Leadership: In 2017, Belize became the first country in the world to ban offshore oil drilling near its reef — a landmark in ocean protection.

  • Sustainable Fishing: Our Managed Access program helps local fishers maintain healthy populations while protecting marine biodiversity.

  • Local Action in the South:

    • SEA Belize (Southern Environmental Association) manages protected marine reserves like Gladden Spit and Silk Cayes, conducts coral monitoring, and leads community education.

    • Fragments of Hope restores resilient coral species that can survive warmer waters — planting thousands of corals across the southern reef near Placencia.

    • Reef Conservation International (ReefCI) trains divers and travelers to remove invasive lionfish and document reef health directly on Tom Owens Caye.

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Together, these organizations form the foundation of Belize’s conservation success story. At Ocean Breeze Beach Resort, we’re proud to support and promote their work — offering a place where travelers can both relax and contribute to a meaningful cause.

Life on Tom Owens Caye with ReefCI

For those seeking adventure with purpose, ReefCI’s marine conservation programs are an unforgettable experience. Each week, participants:

  • Document coral health through underwater photography and research dives

  • Remove invasive lionfish, which threaten native reef fish

  • Collect vital data that supports national conservation programs

  • Learn reef ecology and diving skills from marine biologists

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It’s conservation in action — and every diver’s effort helps ensure the reef’s future. When guests return to Placencia, they find comfort, care, and community waiting at Ocean Breeze.

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“Our guests love their week at Tom Owens — but they always say how good it feels to return for a real bed, a long shower, and a cold Belikin at Toucan Jack’s.”
– Craig Densham, Owner, Ocean Breeze Beach Resort

Sustainable Tourism Starts at Home

We believe that protecting Belize’s ocean begins with responsible choices. At Ocean Breeze Beach Resort, we’re committed to:

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  • Partnering with ReefCI and SEA Belize on local eco-projects

  • Promoting reef-safe sunscreen and eco-friendly amenities

  • Keeping our beach raked daily to maintain a clean, natural shoreline

  • Reducing single-use plastics and providing reusable water bottles

  • Hosting eco-awareness events at Toucan Jack’s Tiki Bar

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When you stay with us, you’re helping protect the environment that makes Belize so special.

Learn More About Our Conservation Story

Explore more about how we’re protecting Belize’s coast, community, and coral reefs:

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Beautiful but deadly, the lionfish has become one of the greatest threats to Belize’s coral reefs.

Plan Your Stay

Whether you’re joining a ReefCI volunteer week or simply exploring Placencia’s natural beauty, Ocean Breeze Beach Resort is your ideal base for rest, comfort, and connection.

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  • Beachfront rooms steps from the Caribbean Sea

  • Beach raked daily by our team — clean, natural, and ready for barefoot walks

  • Toucan Jack’s Tiki Bar with live music and sunset views

  • Eco-conscious operations and local ownership

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Join the movement. Protect Belize’s reef. Relax responsibly.

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👉 Book Your Stay Now

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