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Belize is a snorkelling paradise, with crystal clear waters and an abundance of marine life. The country is home to the second-largest barrier reef in the world, offering countless opportunities for exploration and adventure. With its warm tropical climate, Belize provides the perfect conditions for snorkelling all year round.
The best snorkelling spots in Belize are located on or near its barrier reef, which stretches for 600 miles along the coastline. This includes popular destinations such as Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, and Hol Chan Marine Reserve. The water visibility is exceptional, providing snorkelers with a clear view of the diverse marine life that inhabits the reef, including nurse sharks, stingrays, sea turtles, and colourful coral formations.
For those seeking a more remote experience, the atolls of Lighthouse Reef, Turneffe Islands, and Glover's Reef offer exceptional snorkelling opportunities. These locations require a longer boat ride to reach and may be more suitable for experienced snorkelers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Country | Belize |
| Continent | Central America |
| Language | English |
| Bordering Countries | Mexico, Guatemala |
| Sea | Caribbean Sea |
| Airport | Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport |
| Reef | Second-largest in the world |
| Reef Location | Off the coast of Belize |
| Reef Type | Barrier reef |
| Reef Length | 600 miles |
| Number of Fish Species | 500 |
| Number of Coral Species | 70 (hard coral), 36 (soft coral) |
| Other Marine Life | Sharks, rays, turtles, West Indian manatees |
| Best Snorkelling Sites | Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Shark Ray Alley, Mexico Rocks, Goff's Caye, Tobacco Caye, Lighthouse Reef Atoll, Glover's Reef Atoll, Turneffe Atoll |
Ambergris Caye
The island is known for its stunning natural beauty, glowing aqua waters, and the barrier reef that you can see from the beachfront. It is also home to the only town in the island, San Pedro, which is the traditional hub of the island.
Another great snorkelling spot near Ambergris Caye is Mexico Rocks, known for its great visibility, making it a popular site for marine photographers. It showcases a delightful array of boulder coral and brain coral and is one of the top places to spot lobsters and eels.
For those looking for a more secluded experience, Secret Beach on the west side of the island offers calm, crystal-clear waters. This spot is perfect for families, with shallow and calm waters that are ideal for kids and adults alike.
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Hol Chan Marine Reserve
The Hol Chan Marine Reserve covers approximately 18 square kilometres (4,448 acres) of coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangrove forests. It is divided into several zones, with Zone A including the inside and outside of the reef, part of the Belize Barrier Reef. Zone B covers the seagrass beds inside the reef, and Zone C encompasses the mangrove swamps of southern Ambergris Caye. In 1999, the adjoining area of Shark Ray Alley was added as Zone D, known for its gathering of sharks and stingrays.
Snorkelling in Hol Chan Marine Reserve offers a glimpse into a vibrant marine ecosystem. Over 160 species of fish have been recorded, along with forty types of coral, five species of sponge, two types of seagrass, three species of sea turtle, and three marine mammals. Among the diverse marine life, you may encounter nurse sharks, stingrays, eagle rays, manatees, sea turtles, moray eels, and an array of colourful fish, including blue tangs and parrotfish.
To snorkel in the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, it is necessary to join a licensed tour operator. These tours typically depart from San Pedro or Caye Caulker and include stops at multiple zones within the reserve. The cost for such tours is reasonable, usually around $50 per person for a three-hour excursion, which includes the entry fee for the marine reserve. It is recommended to go with a company that practices eco-conscious methods and refrains from feeding the sharks and rays to maintain their natural hunting instincts.
When planning your trip to the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, consider the following tips:
- Go during the morning tour session to increase your chances of spotting more marine creatures.
- Protect yourself from the intense sun with reef-safe, biodegradable sunscreen, and if you are prone to sunburn, consider wearing a rash guard.
- Avoid consuming alcohol before entering the water. If your tour includes alcoholic beverages, it is advisable to wait until after your snorkelling session to indulge.
- Stay with your group and follow the instructions of your guide to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
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Mexico Rocks
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced snorkeller, Mexico Rocks in Belize is definitely worth a visit. With its shallow waters, abundant marine life, and stunning coral formations, it offers a unique and unforgettable underwater experience.
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Goff's Caye
Goffs Caye is a tiny island, sitting on top of the world's second-largest barrier reef, making it an ideal location for a world-class snorkelling experience. The island is only 1.2 acres in size, with pristine white sand beaches and crystal-clear shallow waters. It is the perfect beach getaway for people of all ages.
The island is a 20-30 minute boat ride from Belize City. Along the way, you will pass mangrove islands, home to an assortment of beautiful water birds such as the Brown Boobies, Cormorants, Terns, and possibly Frigatebirds. It is also not uncommon to spot bottlenose dolphins.
Goffs Caye offers a unique snorkelling experience, with the coral reef surrounding the island just a few feet off the beach. The snorkelling vessel provides accessible access to the reef for all ages. You can snorkel with tropical fish in crystal-clear shallow waters, swim to the nearby shore, or take the vessel back to the beach.
The island itself is a rustic paradise, with no commerciality or crowds. You can relax under the natural shade of palm trees and enjoy a complimentary rum punch. There is also a local craft market and hair braiding on the island.
Food and drinks are available for purchase from local vendors. Options include grilled lobster, chicken kabobs, grilled chicken, and more.
Goffs Caye is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a secluded island paradise with world-class snorkelling opportunities.
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Turneffe Atoll
The atoll offers shallow, clear waters that are perfect for snorkelling, as well as deeper reef walls that attract divers. One of the most popular dive sites is The Elbow, which features a dramatic 30-metre drop-off into the deep blue waters below.
The best time to visit Turneffe Atoll is during Belize's dry season, from January to April, when you can expect sunny days and clear blue skies. If you can't make it during those months, the months of May to August are also a good option. Avoiding the rainy season (from May/June to November) is recommended, as it can ruin your vacation with cold fronts or tropical storms.
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Frequently asked questions
Ambergris Caye is widely considered to have the clearest water for snorkelling in Belize. The underwater visibility is better in the north of the country, and Ambergris Caye is located off the north coast.
Ambergris Caye is an island off the coast of Belize, in the Caribbean Sea. The closest town is San Pedro, which is a popular departure point for snorkelling boat tours.
Ambergris Caye is part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second-largest reef system in the world. It is home to nearly 500 species of fish and 50 species of coral, as well as sharks, rays, turtles, dolphins, and the rare West Indian manatee.
Yes, Belize has numerous other snorkelling spots, including the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Turneffe Reef Atoll, Lighthouse Reef Atoll, and Glover's Reef Atoll.
