Gulf of Honduras - Definition and Overview

The Gulf or Bay of Honduras is a large inlet of the Caribbean Sea, indenting the coasts of Belize, Honduras and Guatemala. From north to south, it runs for approximately 200km from Dangriga, Belize, to La Ceiba, Honduras.

Many rivers flow into the gulf from mainland Central America, including the Motagua and the Ulúa, and Lago de Izabal in Guatemala is also connected to the gulf by a narrow channel.

A large number of reefs and cays exist in the Gulf of Honduras, collectively known as the Pelican Cays.

Many American anglers visit the Gulf of Honduras to catch the marlin that abound there. Tourists are often taken on boat trips to the Pelican Cays, notably Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye.

In 1961 Hurricane Hattie swept across the Gulf of Honduras, destroying buildings in Belize.