Snorkel Tour - Ambergris Caye
The Hol Chan Marine Reserve is a mecca for snorkelers. This reserve is located on the coast of Ambergris Caye, one of Belize’s most popular islands for visitors. Hol Chan Marine Reserve is known for its sea grass beds, mangrove forests, coral reefs, and a section of reserve known as Shark Ray Alley.
- Duration:
- 9 hrs
- Available Days:
- Every day
- Schedule:
- 7:00 AM
- Inquire for Transportation
- Mobile Ticket Included
- Offered in English, Spanish
The marine reserve is named after a break in the channel that is 75 feet (23 m) wide. Hol Chan means “little channel’ in the Maya language. This channel serves as a thoroughfare for large schools of fish. On snorkeling trips here you can see fish like groupers, snappers, and jacks.
Shark Ray Alley is a popular gathering spot for nurse sharks and stingrays. This is one of the top places to snorkel in the world. These animals know they can expect to be fed by visiting boats, and they show up in impressive numbers. It’s easy to observe these carnivores from a respectful distance.
After your snorkeling trip you’ll head back to your tour’s private boat, and sit down to a floating picnic.
Attraction Visited
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.
Read more:Hol Chan
What to Bring
Bug spray, water shoes, bathing suit, towel, and sunscreen.
What's included
Roundtrip Tropic Air airfare, private boat, snorkel gear, park entrance fees, lunch, and refreshments.
Transportation
Many of our tours and activities offer transportation pick up & drop off options from several locations and destinations. Options vary by tour, see “BOOKING REQUEST” for full details.
Similar things to do
Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley are two of Belize’s most popular destinations for nature tours. Take this 2.5-hour tour to get close to marine wildlife.
Mexico Rocks is one of the top snorkeling destinations. Not only is the water around Mexico Rocks incredibly clear, it also has a very mild current, making underwater observation especially easy.
Embark on a serene twenty-minute boat journey to Caye Caulker, our charming neighbor, where your guide will endeavor to spot Manatees in the Caye's shallow backwaters. Relish a sixty-minute snorkeling adventure alongside these majestic creatures before we make our way to Coral Gardens for another snorkeling expedition. Here, you'll witness the mesmerizing "dancing fans" of Coral Gardens and the vibrant, exotic fish that inhabit this underwater paradise.
