Belize's Best Snorkel Spots

Belize is a snorkelling paradise, with the world's second-largest barrier reef straddling its coast. The country's turquoise waters are filled with colourful corals and tropical fish, and there are hundreds of cayes (small islands) and three atolls to explore.

The best snorkelling spots in Belize are located along the 600-mile-long Mesoamerican Reef, which 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.

Some of the most popular snorkelling sites in Belize include Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Shark Ray Alley, Mexico Rocks, and Tres Cocos. These sites offer the chance to get up close with marine life such as nurse sharks, stingrays, and a variety of tropical fish.

For those seeking more remote snorkelling adventures, the atolls of Lighthouse Reef, Turneffe Islands, and Glovers Reef offer exceptional experiences, although they require a larger budget and a longer boat ride to reach.

The Great Blue Hole, a perfectly circular sinkhole over 1,000 feet across and 400 feet deep, is one of the most famous snorkelling and diving sites in the world.

Hol Chan Cut

In and around the pass, moray eels, green turtles, nurse sharks, and stingrays swim through hundreds of horse-eye jacks and elkhorn coral in perfect condition. The area around the pass is the most spectacular. The reef overlooks sandy areas where stingrays and nurse sharks swim. Along the reef drop-off, it is not unusual to encounter large green moray eels, which are used to being fed by divers. Horse-eyed jacks shoal by the hundreds in the pass.

The spot is made up of a relatively deep pass, cut in a shallower coral reef. The maximum depth is 10ft/3m on the reef and 25ft/7.5m in the channel. The water entrance is from boat ladders, and the spot is supervised by reserve guards and tour guides. The spot is suitable for those with basic snorkeling skills and an intermediate swimming level. The reserve guards and tour guides will provide instructions and supervision to ensure your safety.

Ambergris Caye

The most popular snorkelling spot in Belize starts from the town of San Pedro on Ambergris Caye. The reef is very close by, and the underwater visibility is better in the north due to fewer rainforest rivers.

• Shark Ray Alley: This exciting snorkelling site is located in shallow water in a feeding area, attracting nurse sharks, rays, and fish, with some nice corals. It is a great spot for all levels of snorkelers due to its shallow waters, white sands, and clear visibility.
• Hol Chan Cut: This cut in the barrier reef offers a variety of depths, with bigger fish species and currents.
• Tres Cocos: This shallow area sits right on the barrier reef edge and features a lot of fish and currents.
• Mexico Rocks: This patch reef area is great for beginners and experienced snorkelers alike. It is known for its abundance of marine life, including conch, banded shrimps, arrow crabs, flounders, stingrays, and various species of fish and turtles.
• Blue Hole: While some suggest skipping it, this iconic spot is one of the world's most famous dive sites. It is a terrifying open-ocean trip from Ambergris Caye.

The cost of living on Ambergris Caye is higher than in most other regions of Belize, except for Placencia and Hopkins. However, it still offers a range of options for different budgets, from smaller cabanas to luxury resorts and private rental homes.

Whether you're looking for a simple and relaxed lifestyle or an active and engaged one, Ambergris Caye has something for everyone.

Lighthouse Reef

The atoll is made up of six cayes: Sandbore Caye, Northern Caye, Half Moon Caye, Saddle Caye, Long Caye, and Hat Caye. It is most famous for the Great Blue Hole, a perfectly circular sinkhole that measures approximately 1000 feet around and 400 feet deep. The Blue Hole is a legendary Belize snorkel and dive spot and is on the bucket list for many visitors.

Half Moon Caye on Lighthouse Reef is an excellent location for both beginner and experienced snorkelers, with plenty of shallow waters to explore. It is also a great spot for birdwatching, as it is home to rare Red-footed Boobies and Magnificent Frigatebirds.

Another great snorkeling location on Lighthouse Reef is the 'Aquarium', which has a profusion of tropical fish and towering coral formations that are uncommon to other locations. The reef is also home to endangered and threatened animal species, including the American crocodile, three species of sea turtles, the Belize endemic leaf-toed gecko, and the Allison's anole.

Glover's Reef

There are a variety of accommodation options on Glover's Reef, including dorms, thatched cabins, and camping sites. The best time to visit is during Belize's dry season, from January to April, when you can expect sunny days and clear skies.

Turneffe Atoll

The shallow, clear waters of Turneffe Atoll provide sheltered snorkelling opportunities, making it a popular destination for day trips from Ambergris Caye or Caye Caulker. The atoll is also easily accessible from Belize City, with a travel time of approximately 1.5 hours by boat and about 20 minutes by plane or helicopter.

In addition to its marine life, Turneffe Atoll offers luxurious accommodations for visitors, including top high-end diving and fishing resorts such as Belize Dive Haven Resort, Turneffe Island Resort, and Turneffe Flats. The best time to visit the atoll is during Belize's dry season, from January to April, when you can expect sunny days and clear blue skies.

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