Exploring Hol Chan: Travel Guide From Belize City

The Hol Chan Marine Reserve is a popular tourist attraction in Belize. To get to Hol Chan from Belize City, you can take a ferry to Caye Caulker and then travel to the reserve. The reserve is about 20 minutes south of Ambergris Caye and 40 minutes north of Caye Caulker by boat. It covers an area of three square miles and is known for its abundant marine wildlife, making it a great spot for snorkelling and diving.

Travel from Belize City to Caye Caulker by ferry

To get from Belize City to Caye Caulker by ferry, you have two options: Caribbean Sprinter or Ocean Ferry Belize. There are usually five daily and 33 weekly sailings between the two locations, with the earliest departures from Belize City typically around 8:00 am. The average sailing time is approximately 45 minutes, and the average price is around $105 per person, although this can vary depending on the season. The distance between Belize City and Caye Caulker is approximately 11.3 miles or 18.2 km.

If you're travelling by air, the Belize International Airport is about a 20-minute drive from the water taxi terminals. A taxi from the airport to the water taxi terminals costs $30 USD for two people. At the water taxi terminal, you'll drop off your luggage in exchange for a tag, then proceed to the ticket counter to purchase your tickets. You don't need to buy them in advance. A one-way ticket for the 45-minute ferry ride costs between $45 and $180. The ferry has indoor and outdoor seating, and the ride is smoother if you sit at the back of the boat.

Once you arrive in Caye Caulker, you can book a tour to the nearby Hol Chan Marine Reserve, which is located off the southern Ambergris Caye coast. The reserve is world-famous for its excellent diving and snorkelling, and you can expect to encounter a variety of marine life, including stingrays, eels, and nurse sharks.

Travel from Caye Caulker to Hol Chan Marine Reserve

The Hol Chan Marine Reserve is a popular destination for snorkelling and diving, located about 4 miles (6.4 km) south of Ambergris Caye. The reserve covers around 3 square miles (7.7 square km) and is divided into zones based on marine habitats.

To get from Caye Caulker to Hol Chan Marine Reserve, you can book a tour with a licensed operator, which typically includes transportation, equipment rental, and a guide. These tours usually depart from Ambergris Caye or Caye Caulker by boat.

Step 1: Get to Caye Caulker

If you are not already on the island, you can take a water taxi or a flight to reach Caye Caulker. Water taxis depart from the Belize City water taxi terminal and take about an hour to reach Caye Caulker. Alternatively, you can fly into Caye Caulker Airport (CUK).

Step 2: Book a Tour

Once you are in Caye Caulker, you will need to book a tour with a licensed operator to visit Hol Chan Marine Reserve. These tours typically include transportation to and from the reserve, snorkelling or diving equipment, and a professional guide.

Step 3: Travel to Hol Chan Marine Reserve

On the day of your tour, you will meet your guide and board a boat to Hol Chan Marine Reserve. The journey from Caye Caulker to the reserve usually takes around 30 minutes by boat.

Step 4: Enjoy the Reserve

Once you arrive at Hol Chan Marine Reserve, you can explore the vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life. The reserve is known for its nurse sharks, stingrays, sea turtles, and colourful fish. Your guide will ensure a safe and informative experience.

Remember to bring sun protection, a change of clothes, a waterproof camera, and any other items you may need for your snorkelling or diving adventure.

Enjoy your trip to Hol Chan Marine Reserve!

Explore the four zones of the reserve: Coral Reefs, Seagrass Beds, Mangroves, and Shark Ray Alley

The Hol Chan Marine Reserve is divided into four zones, each with its own unique characteristics and regulations in place to protect the diverse marine life that calls it home. Here is some information about each of the four zones:

Coral Reefs (Zone A)

This zone includes the inside and outside of the reef, which is part of the Belize Barrier Reef. No fishing is permitted in this area to protect the abundant marine life that thrives here. Snorkelling and diving are popular activities in Zone A, offering visitors a chance to get up close with the vibrant fish and coral. It is a "no-take" area, meaning that nothing can be removed or disturbed, including rocks, dead corals, shells, and sand. Zone A also includes the Hol Chan Channel, a recreational area known for its diverse array of fish species such as grunts, snappers, and jacks.

Seagrass Beds (Zone B)

Zone B lies immediately west of Zone A and covers the seagrass beds inside the reef. This zone allows both commercial and sport fishing with a license, promoting sustainable fishing practices. It is home to the Boca Ciega Blue Hole, a sinkhole that opens into a larger underwater cavern. This area is not regularly visited due to its danger for inexperienced divers.

Mangroves (Zone C)

The Mangroves zone includes the southern tip of Ambergris Caye and eight mangrove islands, with the primary objective of protecting the mangrove forests. These forests act as nurseries for many fish species, including blue-striped grunts, French grunts, and gray snappers. Sport fishing (catch and release) is encouraged in this zone, while spear fishing and netting are prohibited.

Shark Ray Alley (Zone D)

Added to the reserve in 1999, Zone D is a shallow, sandy-bottomed area inside the reef known as Shark Ray Alley. Here, you can snorkel with nurse sharks and southern stingrays, which are attracted to the area due to the local tour guides feeding them. This zone also features spectacular coral formations in the back reef for snorkelers and scuba divers to explore. Scuba diving within the exclusive recreational area of Shark Ray Alley is prohibited, and only fins and masks are allowed as fishing gear.

Book a snorkelling or diving tour

To book a snorkelling or diving tour to Hol Chan Marine Reserve, you can choose from a variety of licensed tour operators offering excursions from San Pedro, Caye Caulker, and Belize City. Here are some options and details to consider:

Tour Options and Details:

• Go Belize Mario Adventures: Based in Caye Caulker, they offer a full-day tour that includes snorkelling at Coral Gardens and the south channel in the Caye Caulker Marine Reserve, as well as Shark Ray Alley and Coral Reefs in the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. The cost is around $85, including park fees, water, lunch, fruits, and snorkelling gear.
• Belize Pro Dive Center: Operating from San Pedro, they provide various daily excursions with prices depending on the tour type and length, as well as any diving certification fees.
• Tuff E Nuff Tours: Also located in San Pedro, they offer snorkelling and diving tours to Hol Chan Marine Reserve.
• Scuba School Belize: Found in San Pedro, they provide a range of daily excursions with pricing based on the tour type and duration.
• Blue Tang Inn: They offer a highly-rated half-day snorkelling excursion to Hol Chan and Shark Ray Alley, including informative guides and historical insights.

Booking Recommendations:

When booking your tour, consider the following:

• Departure Location: Choose a tour that departs from a location convenient for you, such as San Pedro, Caye Caulker, or Belize City.
• Tour Duration: Decide whether you prefer a half-day or full-day tour, with full-day tours often including more snorkelling sites and experiences.
• Price and Inclusions: Compare prices, and ensure you understand what is included in the cost, such as park fees, gear, food, and drinks.
• Reviews: Check reviews from previous customers to get a sense of their experience, the quality of the tour, and the professionalism of the guides.
• Customisation: If you have specific interests or needs, look for operators that offer customisable or private tours to tailor the experience to your preferences.

Remember to bring or wear suitable clothing, such as swimsuits, rash guards, and comfortable shoes. Also, bring sun protection, including sunscreen, rash guards, hats, and sunglasses. Don't forget to bring a waterproof camera to capture the stunning underwater scenery and marine life!

Visit the visitor centre on Caribena Street in San Pedro

To travel to Hol Chan from Belize City, you can take a ferry from Belize City to Caye Caulker, and then travel onwards to Hol Chan Marine Reserve.

Before you set off, it is worth visiting the visitor centre on Caribena Street in San Pedro. The centre is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and can provide you with more information on the reserve and its inhabitants.

The Hol Chan Marine Reserve is the oldest reserve in Belize and is known for its abundant marine wildlife. The reserve is about 4 miles southeast of San Pedro in Ambergris Caye and can be reached by booking a boat tour from either Caye Caulker or San Pedro. The reserve covers an area of 3 square miles and is divided into four zones: the mangroves, the reef, the sea-grass beds, and Shark Ray Alley.

The reserve is a popular spot for snorkelling and diving, with crystal-clear waters and an abundance of sea life, including stingrays, eels, and nurse sharks. Tours typically last between five and seven hours and cost around $100 per person.

So, before you embark on your journey to Hol Chan, be sure to drop by the visitor centre on Caribena Street in San Pedro to gather all the information you need for an enjoyable and informative trip to the reserve.

Frequently asked questions