Mexico Rocks: Belize's Hidden Gem

Mexico Rocks is a snorkelling site in Belize, located about six miles north of San Pedro Town in North Ambergris Caye. Unlike many other snorkelling spots in Belize, Mexico Rocks is a star coral patch in shallow waters between the barrier reef and Ambergris Caye island. The site is known for its diverse marine life, including conch, banded shrimps, arrow crab, grunts, yellowtail snappers, and various types of coral. The shallow waters, with a maximum depth of around 12 feet, make it a great spot for beginner snorkelers, offering good visibility and protection from ocean swells and currents.

Snorkelling tours

Mexico Rocks in Belize is a great snorkelling site for both beginners and experienced snorkelers. Located in the shallow waters of North Ambergris Caye, about one-third of the way up the coast, it is a star coral patch that sits midway between the island and the Great Barrier Reef. The site is known for its diverse marine life, including conch, banded shrimps, arrow crab, grunts, yellowtail snappers, butterfly and angelfish, as well as magnificent elk horns, sea whips and sea rods.

Mexico Rocks is a popular snorkelling destination due to its shallow waters, which range from 4 to 12 feet in depth, making it perfect for beginners. The site is protected from ocean swells and currents, providing easier snorkelling conditions. The crystal-clear Caribbean Sea offers excellent visibility of up to 50 feet or more.

Several tour operators in the area offer snorkelling tours to Mexico Rocks, including Neptune's Cove Belize and Ambergris Divers. The tours typically depart from San Pedro or the Ambergris Divers pier and last for about half a day. The price usually includes a park fee of $10 USD per person.

In addition to the vibrant marine life, snorkelers can also explore the diverse coral formations at Mexico Rocks. These include large boulder corals, elk horn and stag horn corals, and giant brain coral formations that create miniature underwater habitats for various species.

Mexico Rocks is now part of Belize's newest Marine Protected Area, ensuring the preservation and flourishing of its marine life and coral formations. This site is a must-visit for anyone interested in snorkelling in Belize, offering a unique and memorable experience.

Marine life

Mexico Rocks in Belize is a haven for an abundance of marine life. The shallow patch reef system, located north of San Pedro, is made up of boulder-like corals that rise to the surface, with clusters of small patch reefs. This provides protection for juvenile fish from larger predators. The reef is home to around 35 species of fish, including Atlantic blue tang, yellowtail snapper, and southern stingray. It is also a natural incubator for juvenile fish.

Mexico Rocks is a popular spot for snorkelers and SCUBA divers, who can observe the diverse marine life in the shallow waters. The site is also home to nurse sharks, green moray eels, spiny lobsters, conch, arrow crabs, banded shrimps, and various sponge species. The reef is composed predominantly of boulder star corals, with staghorn coral occurring on the ridge's windward and leeward flanks. Thirty species of hard coral have been identified at Mexico Rocks, and it is one of the most popular snorkelling spots in Belize.

The reef is also a habitat for queen conchs, which are commonly found in the surrounding seagrass meadows. Hawksbill sea turtles sometimes visit the area, and lucky snorkelers might spot a spotted eagle ray or a hawksbill turtle. Other commonly found species include gray angelfish, porkfish, and lobsters. The huge gorgonians at Mexico Rocks offer shelter to many reef fish.

Mexico Rocks is an ideal spot for novice snorkelers, with its vibrant sea life and shallow waters. The site provides an easily accessible opportunity to observe an array of marine creatures, from colourful small fish to sharks and rays, all in less than 10 feet of water.

Coral formations

Mexico Rocks in Belize is a shallow patch reef complex located off the northern tip of Ambergris Caye. It is part of the Belize Barrier Reef system in the Caribbean Sea. The reef is predominantly made up of boulder star corals (Montastraea annularis), which have accumulated in shallow waters between 2.5 to 5 metres deep over the last 420 years. This type of patch coral reef is a rare occurrence in Belize, with the only other examples found at Glover's Reef.

Mexico Rocks is characterised by large boulder corals that rise up to 10-12 feet high, nearly touching the surface of the water. This creates a unique habitat for a variety of marine life, including juvenile fish seeking protection from larger predators. The nooks and crannies of the coral provide shelter for creatures such as tube worm shrimp and eels, while the reef also supports sea fans, azure vase sponges, and butterfly fish.

The site is also known for its giant brain coral formations, which create miniature underwater habitats and islands. These coral structures provide refuge for spiny lobsters and yellowtail snapper. In addition to the boulder and brain corals, Mexico Rocks is also home to elkhorn, staghorn, and star corals. These diverse coral formations contribute to the area's rich marine ecosystem.

Mexico Rocks has become a popular destination for snorkelers and SCUBA divers due to its depth and abundance of marine life. It offers excellent visibility, allowing visitors to observe the coral formations and the variety of fish and invertebrates that call this place home.

Travel and accommodation

Mexico Rocks is located in Ambergris Caye, Belize, about one-third of the way up the coast. It is a 20-minute boat ride from the Belize Pro Dive Center and a short boat ride from the town of San Pedro.

To get to Mexico Rocks, you can fly into San Pedro Airport (SPR) and then take a boat to the site. There are also golf cart rentals available in Belize, which can be a fun way to get around the island.

There are a variety of accommodation options in San Pedro and Ambergris Caye, ranging from hostels to 5-star resorts. Some recommended resorts include:

• Matachica
• Neptune's Cove

If you plan to snorkel at Mexico Rocks, it is recommended to book a tour. There are many tour companies offering snorkelling trips to Mexico Rocks, including:

• Belize Pro Divers
• Ambergris Divers
• Searious Adventures
• Mundo Maya Jungle Tour
• Ramon's

These tours typically range from $60 to $202 per person, depending on the group size and inclusions. Some tours may also offer additional activities such as fishing, beach cookouts, and visits to other nearby attractions like Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley.

It is important to note that a guide is required for snorkelling at Mexico Rocks, and it is recommended to join a small group of no more than 6-8 people for the best experience.

Other activities

Mexico Rocks in Belize is a popular snorkelling site, with its shallow waters and abundance of marine life. But what else is there to do in the area?

Mexico Rocks is located in Ambergris Caye, which is known for its heavenly snorkelling and diving sites. Aside from snorkelling at Mexico Rocks, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy in and around Ambergris Caye. Here are some suggestions:

• Explore Hol Chan Marine Reserve: This marine reserve is located south of Mexico Rocks and is known for its spectacular marine life and coral reefs. You can take a snorkelling tour of Hol Chan and Shark Ray Alley, or explore it on your own with a golf cart rental.
• Visit the Maya temples: The mainland of Belize is home to ancient Maya temples that you can explore. Combine this with cave tubing and hiking in the jungles to make a full day of it.
• Enjoy the beaches: Ambergris Caye offers beautiful beaches, such as Secret Beach, where you can relax, swim, and work on your tan.
• Go fishing: Try your hand at fishing with a local fishing tour. Many tours offer the option to cook your catch of the day at local restaurants for a small fee.
• Zipline and cave tubing: For those seeking adventure, there are zipline and cave tubing tours available in the area. Combine these activities with a visit to the nearby Xunantunich ruins for a full day of exploration.
• Golf cart rentals: Exploring Ambergris Caye by golf cart is a popular way to get around and see the sights. Golf carts can be rented in San Pedro or through tour companies.
• Scuba diving: For certified scuba divers, there are many scuba diving tour options available to explore the Belize Barrier Reef and other dive sites.
• Sunset sails: Enjoy a sunset sail tour on a sailboat or catamaran. These tours typically depart in the late afternoon and offer a relaxing way to experience the beauty of Ambergris Caye.
• Explore San Pedro Town: San Pedro is a charming town with plenty of restaurants, shops, and local culture to explore. It's also a great place to book tours and activities for your stay in Ambergris Caye.

Frequently asked questions