In a groundbreaking discovery, a lost city has been found off the coast of Rhythm Reef Caye—a small tropical island just east of Hopkins, Belize. This unexpected find has left experts equally baffled and awestruck. Meanwhile, the tourists whose beach vacation led to the discovery have rapidly gone viral online. In a video shared by one of the travelers, a strange piece of stained glass is seen shimmering in the sand on the shores of Rhythm Reef Caye.
“Look at this,” says the traveler, 27-year-old Ronan Smith, as she brings the camera in for a closer look.
Smith and her friends had been enjoying a day trip on the island, located 40 minutes away from The Lodge at Jaguar Reef, the Hopkins beach resort where they were staying for the Spring. She’d been filming content for an Instagram reel when the reflective piece of glass caught her eye.
“What is this,” Smith asks before ending her video.
That question would be answered just one week later.
After hearing about Smith’s strange find on the beach, local historian and anthropologist Maria Benguche thought it was far too intriguing to ignore. She, alongside a small team of divers, headed out to Rhythm Reef Caye and began a search of the waters surrounding the island. According to Benguche, their mini expedition proved fruitful immediately.
Nestled amidst coral beds and hidden in the sand on the sea floor were small fragments of what seemed to be an ancient structure: columns of stone and even more pieces of stained glass. The team ventured deeper, and that was when they found it. Sitting undisturbed down in the depths just beyond a steep underwater cliff were the remnants of the lost city of Atlantis.
“We couldn’t believe it. I still can’t believe it,” said Benguche to local reporters. “Atlantis—here in Belize.”
Since the discovery, many are already making plans to visit Belize. In fact, The Belize Collection, whose properties include Rythm Reef Caye, has already announced plans to offer underwater tours of the sunken city this summer. Interested in booking one? Unfortunately, this is an April Fool’s prank so no one will be visiting Atlantis anytime soon! If you do want to experience the very real Rhythm Reef Caye though, you can arrange for a fun day trip.
At 14 acres, Rhythm Reef Caye is a secluded island paradise and the perfect spot for a dreamy beach vacation. Experience it for yourself and get the chance to enjoy a day of fun under the Belizean sun. The tour departs from the docks of The Lodge at Jaguar Reef and from there, it’s a 40-minute boat ride to paradise. Unwind on plush day beds or explore the shallow waters that surround the island in a kayak or a paddleboard. Plus, get to enjoy a delicious island-style lunch courtesy of The Belize Collection’s executive chef.
Unleash your inner explorer (and beach bum) and book the Rhythm Reef Caye day trip today.
