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.
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 itineraries from local insiders
Explore hand-picked Hol Chan itineraries designed by local insiders who know every hidden corner. Each trip is completely flexible, customized to your pace, travel style, and budget.
Experiences in Hol Chan
Explore hand-picked Hol Chan tours and experiences led by local insiders, from wildlife encounters to cultural deep-dives.
Tour
Caye Caulker
Amazing Snorkeling Tour
Tour
Ambergris Caye
Thrilling Coral Garden Snorkeling Adventure
Tour
Ambergris Caye
Enchanting Sunset Snorkeling Experience
Tour
Tour
Ambergris Caye
Enchanting Sunset Sailing Cruise Experience
Tour

Ambergris Caye
Coral Gardens & Manatee
Tour
Ambergris Caye
Caye Caulker Full Day Snorkel Adventure
Tour

Ambergris Caye
Caye Caulker Sailing and Snorkeling Adventure
Tour
Ambergris Caye
Glass Bottom Boat Exploration Adventure
Tour
Caye Caulker
Full Day Snorkeling Experience
Tour

Ambergris Caye
Caye Caulker Experience - Group
Tour
Caye Caulker
Half Day Snorkeling Adventure
Tour
Ambergris Caye
Night Scuba Diving Experience
Tour
Where to stay in Hol Chan
From boutique lodges to luxury resorts, every Hol Chan accommodation is hand-picked by our local insiders for location, comfort, and character.


Victoria House
This resort can be converted on an all-inclusive resort a few miles south of San Pedro, the capital of Ambergris Caye. Staying here you’ll be a short distance from Ambergris Caye’s main attractions. Free use of Bicycles, Paddleboards, and Kayaks.
Banana Beach Resort
Banana Beach Resort is located on Ambergris Caye, about a 45-minute drive south of San Pedro, the island’s laid-back capital. Visitors remember this island for the Caribbean culture and its proximity to Belize’s marine attractions.
Xanadu Island Resort
Xanadu Island Resort places its private beach cabanas and oceanview salt-water pool a hundred meters from the barrier reef. This 19-room beach aparthotel on Ambergris Caye, Belize, keeps its grounds peaceful by strictly prohibiting onsite parties and group events. Free shuttles pick up from San Pedro Airport, located one mile from the property, while up to two children aged 12 and under stay free when sleeping in existing beds.

Ramons Village Resort
Ramons Village Resort fronts the beach two-tenths of a mile from the barrier reef, giving quick access to both open water and San Pedro. This 71-room hotel sits on Ambergris Caye in Belize, putting coastal activity and downtown sights within short walking distance.
Blue Tang Inn
This resort is located in San Pedro, the capital of Ambergris Caye, which the largest and most developed of Belize’s islands. The restaurant and bar scene is laid back, but you’ll find that every day here feels like a beach party.
Captain Morgan's Retreat
You’ll find Captain Morgan’s Retreat on Ambergris Caye, one of Belize’s most welcoming islands. It sits right on the beach, in a semi-secluded section of the island
Iguana Reef Inn
This resort is located on Caye Caulker, one of Belize’s low-key Caribbean Islands. This hotel makes guests feel at home with its an elegant interpretation of Caribbean style.
Belizean Shores Resort
This resort offers beautifully appointed suites on Ambergris Cayes, which is Belize’s most developed island. While you’re staying here it’s easy to travel 30 minutes to San Pedro to take advantage of its bars and restaurants.
Caye Caulker Plaza Hotel
Caye Caulker Plaza Hotel has 30 comfortable rooms. It is located walking distance from Caye Caulker’s restaurants, bars, and gift shops, as well as popular spots for swimming and socializing on the Caribbean shore.



Portofino Resort
This resort is s a serene, secluded getaway located just 45 minutes north of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye’s flourishing capital. It is accessible only by boat, so you’ll get exclusive access to the resort’s beach.

Insider-led Belize Design & Concierge
Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.



















