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History of Southwest Caye

Isla Marisol History

Southwest Caye has an interesting and unusual history dating back to the pirate days, and much of the history is passed down through stories shared from one generation to another. Isla Marisol is located on Glover’s Reef Atoll, which is named after 17th century pirate John Glover. Pirates used Southwest Caye and neighboring islands as the base from which to raid Spanish ships laden with riches. Modern day residents claim to have found historical artifacts such as cannon balls and glass bottles (but so far no pirate booty!).

Southwest Caye, home to Isla Marisol Resort, was originally purchased by Mr. Jack Usher in 1942. For many years the island operated successfully as a coconut plantation. Mr. Jack and his family visited the island during family retreats, and as the stories go, it took two full days of sailing from Dangriga to reach Southwest Caye. For comparison, it now takes less than two hours to reach Southwest Caye from Dangriga. In the 1990’s, a dreadful disease called Lethal Yellowing swept through the southern Caribbean, destroying countless coconut trees, including much of the plantation on Southwest Caye.


In 2000, Mr. Eddie Usher, a descendant of Mr. Jack, began replanting the coconut plantation to its original glory. Eddie started with just 100 seedlings. At the same time he began constructing what is now Isla Marisol Resort. Isla Marisol officially opened its doors on May 2nd 2002. It has been operating ever since under Belizean ownership, managed by the Usher family and has been replanted with over 1,200 coconut trees resistant to the lethal yellowing disease.

Today’s lifestyle at Isla Marisol Resort is not very different than in the past. It is relaxed and comfortable and welcoming to all.

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Glover's Reef Atoll

Glover's Reef

Glover’s Reef Atoll is the southernmost of the three atolls found in Belize and is located approximately 30 miles off the Belizean coastline. Isla Marisol Resort is situated on Southwest Caye, which is one of only four inhabited islands on the Atoll.


Glover’s Reef Atoll is an elliptical-shaped reef (20 miles long by 7 miles wide) that encircles a shallow lagoon with more than 700 coral patch reefs. The calm and protected lagoon provides nursery and feeding habitats for sea turtles, sharks and rays, small and large reef fish, and numerous species of coral and other invertebrates. Glover’s Reef supports extraordinarily high biodiversity, and according to the neighboring Glover’s Reef Research Station, the Atoll boasts the greatest range of coral reef types in the entire Caribbean Sea. Full-color photos and field guides to Glover’s Reef Atoll are available on the Glover’s Reef Research Station website.


In the 1970’s, Glover’s Reef Atoll was identified by a team of renowned scientists as the best site in the Caribbean to carry out “long-term, multi-disciplinary and multi-institutional investigation of coral reef ecosystems.” In 1993 the Atoll was designated as Glover’s Reef Marine Reserve (GRMR) by the Government of Belize.


In 1996, the Reserve was designated by the United Nation’s Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as a UN World Heritage Site. The same year, Glover’s Reef Research Station was opened, with the goal of promoting the long-term conservation and management of the Belize Barrier Reef through research, cooperative management, training, and education.


Glover's Reef Highlights

Nassau Grouper Spawning Aggregations
The northeast corner of Glover’s Reef Atoll is the site of one of the Caribbean’s largest and last remaining Nassau grouper spawning aggregations. Nassau grouper are a protected species in Belize. Many other grouper species can be seen spawning across the Atoll at different times of the year.


Sea Turtle Monitoring

In 2007, Glover’s Reef Research Station partnered with the Belize Fisheries Department to begin a sea turtle monitoring program. The program's goals are to increase knowledge related to sea turtle movements and habitat use, study growth rates, and assess the genetic stock.


Belize Shark Conservation Research

The Glover’s Reef Atoll Shark Survey gathers scientific information to improve shark conservation in Belize. The shark conservation project has been going on almost two decades and has located critical habitats such as breeding grounds and monitored population trends.


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Conservation

Conservation and Sustainability at Isla Marisol Resort

 

Isla Marisol is committed to the sustainability of Glover’s Reef Atoll and intent on being good global citizens. Everyone at Isla Marisol is encouraged to practice conservation in the following ways:

  • BRING A BOTTLE
    Each person is asked to bring a reusable water bottle, resulting in a significant waste reduction. Purified drinking water is always available, making refills easy!
  • REEF
    Isla Marisol enforces a strict "NO TOUCHING" policy during all snorkel tours and SCUBA dives. Isla Marisol also actively participates in Lionfish eradication efforts and encourages guests to give it a shot.
  • WATER
    Taking "sailor showers" (shorter showers in which the water is shut off while lathering up) conserves water. Hanging and reusing bath towels minimizes the amount of water used for laundry. Isla Marisol uses low-flow faucets and shower heads, and features natural landscaping that requires no irrigation.
  • RECYCLE
    Isla Marisol sends all recyclables back to the mainland, including all beer and soda bottles, some larger glass bottles, and Crystal water bottles.
  • ELECTRICITY
    Around-the-clock electricity is derived primarily from renewable energy. Solar and wind generation systems provide the main power for everyday needs. Diesel generators are in place to back up the solar and wind systems as necessary.

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IMR FLEET OF BOATS

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Let's Dive!

IMR Fleet

Fleet Of Boats

Fleet Of Boats

Fleet Of Boats

 Isla Marisol Resort maintains a fleet of boats, and each is best suited for a particular use. Due to changing logistical considerations and weather conditions, a particular boat may not be used on a specified day or for a specific activity. All boats are equipped with proper anchorage, flotation devices, radio, and GPS. 

Jaguarundi

Fleet Of Boats

Fleet Of Boats

 A 45ft twin diesel powered boat, utilized primarily for guest transfers to and from Dangriga. The Jaguarundi is sometimes used for large groups of divers and long distance excursions to the Great Blue Hole and Gladden Spit. It is also good as a sport fishing platform when trolling for tuna, wahoo, king mackerel and marlin. 

Black Jaguar

Fleet Of Boats

Black Jaguar

 36 foot, center console steering, powered by twin 200hp outboard engines, and is a multi-use vessel. 

Jaguar

Pink Pearl

Black Jaguar

 38 foot, center console steering, powered by twin 200hp outboard engines, used primarily for diving. 

Ocelot

Pink Pearl

Pink Pearl

 25ft skiff powered by a 75hp outboard engine, perfect for motoring around the atoll to shallow fishing and snorkeling sites. It can also be used for local diving. 

Pink Pearl

Pink Pearl

Pink Pearl

 36 foot, center console steering, powered by twin 200hp outboard engines, used primarily for diving. 

Fantasy 60

Fantasy Island

Fantasy Island

 25ft skiff powered by a 60hp outboard engine, perfect for motoring around the atoll to shallow fishing and snorkeling sites. It can also be used for local diving. 

Fantasy Island

Fantasy Island

Fantasy Island

 36 foot, center console steering, powered by twin 200hp outboard engines, used for diving. 

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Over The Water Bar

Our Bar is well known for gatherings and  conversations and plans for the next day's activities.  We recently remolded it and it still welcomes all it did before.  Enjoy sunsets or an after dinner drink with friends.

Photo Gallery

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Let's Dine on Fresh!

Food at Marisol is always filling and pleasing.  It can be fresh caught of the day if you love the local flavor of the island.  We offer a variety of of all meals and even special needs are met if required.  Just let us know when you book any special dietary needs.  Otherwise, enjoy all  Belize has to offer along with getting to know your fellow travelers.  Juice - Water and Teas available all day long.

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