Hol Chan Marine Reserve Snorkeling Adventure

The Cayes , Belize

Hol Chan Marine Reserve Snorkeling Adventure

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For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Begin your adventure at our main office in Caye Caulker, where the crew welcomes you, fits you with quality snorkeling gear, and gives a full safety briefing. Board a high-speed boat and cruise to your first stop at Tarpon Feeding Dock, where giant silver tarpons leap from the water to take snacks from your hand. Next, visit a manatee sighting area for the chance to swim with these gentle giants in their natural habitat. Continue to a sunken shipwreck and enjoy free time exploring the corals and marine life. Then snorkel the Hol Chan Marine Reserve with sea turtles, stingrays, eagle rays, tropical fish, and vibrant corals, with the option to swim through a small underwater cave. Relax at Conch Shell Bay with a Belizean lunch and drinks before heading to Shark Ray Alley for a safe swim with nurse sharks and stingrays. End with a free snorkel in a colorful coral garden.

Private tours are available for cruise ship guests. Please select this option when booking.

Available options

Hol Chan Reserve Snorkeling

Cruise Exclusive Snorkel

Private Cruise Guest Snorkel: Private tour exclusive to cruise ship arrivals, with pickup and drop-off at the port.

What's included

Bottled water

Entrance fee

Alcoholic Beverages

Lunch

Snacks

Use of Snorkelling equipment

GoPro photos and videos (must bring own SD card)

Cruise-port pick up and drop off for cruise ship guests only - option available for extra charge

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Discover the beauty of Belize’s marine world on this eco-friendly full-day snorkeling adventure. Your day begins at our meeting point, where our friendly crew welcomes you aboard and outfits you with top-quality snorkeling gear. After a full safety briefing, we’ll cruise across turquoise waters on a high-speed boat. Visit Tarpon Feeding Dock for an up-close encounter feeding giant tarpons, then head to the manatee site for a guided tour with the chance to spot and if conditions allow, swim with these gentle mammals (seasonal, not guaranteed). Snorkel a vibrant shipwreck reef, then enjoy a guided tour at Hol Chan Marine Reserve with turtles, rays, tropical fish, coral formations and underwater caves. Stop at Conch Shell Bay for a Belizean-style lunch and a refreshing swim before continuing to Shark & Ray Alley to snorkel with nurse sharks and stingrays. End with a relaxing free swim at Coral Gardens. A perfect mix of adventure and marine life for all ages.

What's not included

Hotel pick-up and drop-off

Ferry Tickets to Caye Caulker

Pick-up and drop-off from San Pedro or Belize City

Available languages

Guide guide

EN ES

Important information

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

We’re on Calle Al Sol, behind Letto’s Supermarket and across from Tapper’s Dive Bar. Our street connects directly to Caribbean Sprinter Ferry. If you arrive by ferry, walk straight past the first intersection, you’ll see our turquoise blue office with the Bleasean Sea Escapes logo on the right.

About The Cayes

The Cayes are a collection of stunning islands off the coast of Belize, known for their pristine beaches, vibrant marine life, and world-class diving and snorkeling. This tropical paradise offers a mix of relaxation and adventure, with opportunities to explore the Belize Barrier Reef, the second-largest coral reef system in the world.

Top Attractions

Ambergris Caye

The largest of the Cayes, Ambergris Caye is known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and world-class diving and snorkeling. The island offers a mix of relaxation and adventure, with opportunities to explore the Belize Barrier Reef and the Great Blue Hole.

Beach/Adventure Multiple days Moderate to Expensive

Caye Caulker

Known as the 'Garden Island,' Caye Caulker is a laid-back island with a bohemian vibe. It's perfect for those looking to relax, enjoy the beach, and experience a slower pace of life. The island is also a great base for exploring the nearby marine reserves.

Beach/Relaxation 2-3 days Budget to Moderate

Gladden Spit

Gladden Spit is a marine reserve known for its pristine coral reefs and diverse marine life. It's a popular spot for diving, snorkeling, and whale shark encounters. The reserve is also an important spawning ground for various fish species.

Nature/Adventure Half day to full day Moderate to Expensive

Tobacco Caye

Tobacco Caye is a small, uninhabited island known for its beautiful beaches and excellent snorkeling. The island is part of the South Water Caye Marine Reserve, which offers some of the best diving and snorkeling in the region. Visitors can stay in eco-friendly cabins and enjoy the island's natural beauty.

Beach/Adventure Overnight or multi-day stay Moderate to Expensive

Glover's Reef Atoll

Glover's Reef Atoll is a remote and pristine marine reserve known for its incredible biodiversity. The atoll is home to numerous species of fish, coral, and other marine life. It's a popular spot for diving and snorkeling, offering some of the best underwater experiences in the region.

Nature/Adventure Multi-day stay Expensive

Must-Try Local Dishes

Rice and Beans

A staple dish in Belize, made with rice, beans, coconut milk, and spices. It's often served with fried plantains and a side of salad.

Main Course Vegetarian

Stewed Chicken

Chicken cooked in a rich, spicy sauce with onions, peppers, and spices. It's often served with rice and beans and fried plantains.

Main Course Contains meat

Conch Fritters

Deep-fried fritters made with conch meat, flour, and spices. They're a popular snack and appetizer, often served with a spicy mayo dipping sauce.

Appetizer Contains seafood

Lobster Thermidor

A rich and creamy lobster dish made with butter, cream, and spices. It's a popular dish on the Cayes, especially during lobster season (June to February).

Main Course Contains seafood, dairy

Popular Activities

Diving Snorkeling Boat tours Fishing Beach relaxation Yoga Spa treatments Local craft workshops

Best Time to Visit

December to April

This is the best time to visit the Cayes, with warm, sunny weather and minimal rainfall. It's ideal for outdoor activities and beach relaxation.

24°C to 30°C 75°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish, Creole, Garifuna
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Belize Dollar (BZD)

Time Zone

GMT-6

Electricity

110VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution in certain areas

The Cayes are generally safe, with low crime rates and a relaxed atmosphere. However, travelers should still exercise caution, especially at night and in isolated areas. Petty theft and pickpocketing can occur, so it's important to keep valuables secure.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Avoid walking alone at night
• Be cautious of strong currents and tides when swimming

Getting there

By air

Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport • 10 km (6 miles) from Belize City
Maya Island Air Terminal • 1 km (0.6 miles) from Belize City

Getting around

Public transport

Ferries are the primary means of getting around the Cayes. They are generally reliable but can be affected by weather conditions.

Taxis

Available • Apps: None widely used

Rentals

Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

San Pedro Caye Caulker Village Dangriga

Day trips

Hol Chan Marine Reserve

5 miles (8 km) from San Pedro • Half day to full day

Hol Chan Marine Reserve is a protected area known for its incredible marine biodiversity. The reserve offers some of the best snorkeling and diving in the region, with opportunities to see a variety of fish, coral, and other marine life.

Great Blue Hole

50 miles (80 km) from San Pedro • Full day

The Great Blue Hole is a world-famous diving site known for its incredible underwater formations and marine life. The site is a large, circular sinkhole that offers some of the best diving in the world, with opportunities to see sharks, rays, and other marine life.

Gladden Spit

20 miles (32 km) from Dangriga • Half day to full day

Festivals

Garifuna Settlement Day • November 19 Belize Carnival • September San Pedro Lobsterfest • June to February (lobster season)

Pro tips

Book accommodations and tours in advance, especially during peak season
Bring reef-safe sunscreen to protect marine life
Rent a golf cart or bike to explore the islands
Try local seafood and street food for an authentic experience
Respect local customs and traditions, and be mindful of your impact on the environment