Hol Chan

The quick ride out to Hol Chan Marine Reserve makes this the most popular half-day tour for visitors staying at Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker. Set aside in 1987, this reserve covers an area of 3 square miles (7.8 sq km) and is found off the southern tip of Ambergris Caye. As a result, this area of the Belize Barrier Reef supports healthy populations of fish and colorful coral. Turtles, nurse sharks, grouper, jacks, reef fish, and barracuda are just a few of the species you might see here. The reef ranges from 10–30 feet (3–9 m) deep and most guides take snorkelers along the outer edge of the reef. While this site is great for beginner snorkelers, as well as divers, swimmers should pay attention to currents which can be strong throughout the reserve.

Hol Chan
Hol Chan
Hol Chan
Hol Chan
Hol Chan
Hol Chan
Hol Chan

The Hol Chan cut is a natural, 30-foot-deep (9-m-deep) break in the barrier reef. The Maya dubbed this formation Hol Chan, which translates to “Little Channel.” This break allows for ocean currents to sweep nutrients into the inner reef lagoon, thereby attracting a range of marine life to the area. Keep your eyes out for moray eels, nurse sharks, and black groupers.

The popularity of this site means that you will not be alone on the reef. From San Pedro, the ride out to the reef is less than 20 minutes, and every day dozens of boats moor up to the buoys that have been installed at the site. Most tours are combined with a stop at Shark Ray Alley.

Hol Chan HIGHLIGHTS

Moments to look forward to

8 days | $$$

Island Relaxation Vacation

Amazing. The trip was incredible and the staff was so caring. I have nothing but positive things to say regarding Anywhere.com I would recommend them to anyone.
Island Relaxation Vacation
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Snorkeling Adventure with Sharks and Rays at Hol Chan Marine Reserve
Ambergris Caye

Snorkeling Adventure with Sharks and Rays at Hol Chan Marine Reserve

7 days | $$$

Adventure, Relaxation, & Mayan Explorer

Our entire trip in Belize was flawless. Drivers and tour guides met us on time every day. All details with transportation and hotels were great. Any future trip I take to Central America will be booked with Anywhere.com
Adventure, Relaxation, & Mayan Explorer
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Scuba Diving Tours
Ambergris Caye

Scuba Diving Tours

8 days | $$$

You Better Belize It—For Two

Hungry for adventure and romance? This trip for two is sure to satisfy you. Stay in the middle of an emerald jungle; later, find yourself luxuriating on Ambergis Caye.
You Better Belize It—For Two
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Caye Caulker Sailing and Snorkeling Adventure
Ambergris Caye

Caye Caulker Sailing and Snorkeling Adventure

8 days | $$$

Magnificent Belize by the Sea

You want adventure, tropical weather, and plenty of indulgence. This Signature Trip to Belize delivers all that and more in large doses.
Magnificent Belize by the Sea
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Scuba Diving (DE)
Ambergris Caye

Scuba Diving (DE)

20 days | $$

We Traveled All Over Belize

Belize seems to take sustainability quite seriously. For the most part it is a very clean country.
We Traveled All Over Belize
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Snorkel Tour (TT)
Ambergris Caye

Snorkel Tour (TT)

Snorkel Tour (TT)
San Ignacio

Snorkel Tour (TT)

SNUBA - Mexico Rocks PM or  Hol Chan Marine Reserve AM (DE)
Ambergris Caye

SNUBA - Mexico Rocks PM or Hol Chan Marine Reserve AM (DE)

Snorkel to Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley AM (DE)
Ambergris Caye

Snorkel to Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley AM (DE)

Fishing Tour (RG)
Placencia

Fishing Tour (RG)

Barrier Reef Fishing Full Day Tour (DE) - Rates on request only
Ambergris Caye

Barrier Reef Fishing Full Day Tour (DE) - Rates on request only