Snorkeling Paradise: La Terrazas' Belizean Reef

Belize is a snorkelling paradise, with the world's second-largest barrier reef, hundreds of small islands and three atolls offering exceptional snorkelling adventures. The best snorkelling spots are found in the coral reef stretching between San Pedro and Ambergris Caye, including the famous Shark Ray Alley and Hol Chan Cut. Ambergris Caye is the most-visited destination in Belize, known for its quintessential Caribbean island vibe, with golf carts as the main mode of transportation, and great snorkelling and diving.

The Belize Barrier Reef, which forms part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, is the official name for the 200 or so miles of the longer reef that falls within Belize. The entire reef system is the second-largest in the world, after Australia's Great Barrier Reef. 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.

The most accessible and popular area for snorkelling is Ambergris Caye and its main town, San Pedro, as well as Caye Caulker. From here, you can explore the wonderful Hol Chan Cut and the famous Shark Ray Alley. The variety of snorkelling destinations, the clarity of the water, and the accessibility of the islands mean there is something for snorkelers of all levels.

For those seeking a more remote adventure, the more distant atolls of Lighthouse Reef (which includes the Blue Hole National Monument), Turneffe Islands, and Glovers Reef offer exceptional snorkelling, although they require a bigger budget and a longer sailing time to reach.

Mexico Rocks & Tres Cocos

Mexico Rocks is a popular spot for snorkelling, located just north of San Pedro in the clear, vibrant blue waters of Ambergris Caye. It is a short boat ride from San Pedro and is an excellent spot for beginners due to its shallow waters and protection from bigger ocean swells. The maximum depth of the water is only about 12 feet, making it a perfect spot for those who want to snorkel with ease. The area is well inside the reef, providing shelter for an abundance of marine life and coral formations.

Common species you can expect to see include barracuda, horse-eyed jacks, grouper, sand sharks, turtles, and thousands of tiny neon-coloured fish. You will also find a variety of soft corals, such as sea fans and sea rods, as well as star corals, fire coral, and sponges. Mexico Rocks is also known for its boulder-sized coral. The shallow waters and good underwater visibility make it an ideal spot for taking pictures.

Tres Cocos is often paired with Mexico Rocks as a snorkelling destination. It is located south of Mexico Rocks, closer to the town of San Pedro. This site offers a small concentration of marine life along the reef, with a diverse range of coral and fish species. You can expect to see over 30 types of corals, including Elkhorn corals, Lettuce Coral, Brain Coral, and huge stands of Elkhorn corals.

In terms of marine life, Tres Cocos is an entrance point for large reef fish, providing an opportunity to see a variety of species. Common sightings include Elk Horn corals, Brain Coral, Sergeant Majors, Angel Fish, Damselfish, Fairy Basslet, and Hawksbill Turtles. Occasionally, you may even spot Green Turtles.

The Pelican Reef Villas Resort, located in the town of San Pedro, offers a full-day excursion that combines snorkelling at Mexico Rocks with a beach barbecue at Tres Cocos. This allows guests to enjoy both snorkelling spots and a relaxing beach experience.

Hol Chan Marine Reserve

The Hol Chan Marine Reserve is a protected marine reserve located near Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker, off the coast of Belize. Covering approximately 18 km² of coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangrove forests, it is a popular destination for snorkelling and diving. The name 'Hol Chan' is derived from Mayan, meaning 'little channel'.

History

In the early 1980s, fish stocks in the area began to deplete while tourism to the Cayes increased. Disputes arose over access to the Hol Chan cut, a natural break in the reef that was ideal for fishing, snorkelling, and diving. Despite proposed fishing bans being rejected, public consultation for establishing a marine protected area began, with support from international organisations such as the New York Zoological Society and the Peace Corps.

Between 1985 and 1987, Janet Gibson campaigned with citizens, businesses, fishermen, and the Belizean government, educating them on the necessity of the project. Her efforts, along with those of environmentalists, led to the establishment of the reserve in July 1987, with funding from WWF and USAID. The reserve was originally divided into three zones with specific regulations regarding fishing, snorkelling, and diving. In 1999, the Shark Ray Alley was added as the fourth zone.

Zones

Zone A: Includes the inside and outside of the reef, part of the Belize Barrier Reef. Fishing is prohibited, but snorkelling and diving are permitted with a fee. This area includes the Hol Chan Cut, a 23-metre-wide and 9-metre-deep channel rich in marine life.

Zone B: Covers the seagrass beds inside the reef. Both commercial and sport fishing are allowed with a license. This zone features the Boca Ciega Blue Hole, a sinkhole that is dangerous for inexperienced divers.

Zone C: Covers the mangrove swamps of southern Ambergris Caye. No commercial fishing is allowed, but sport fishing is permitted under license. The mangrove forests serve as nurseries for many fish species.

Zone D (Shark Ray Alley): A shallow, sandy-bottomed area inside the reef where sharks and stingrays gather, attracted by the prospect of food from tour boats. It is an ideal spot for snorkelers to observe these creatures up close.

Wildlife

The Hol Chan Marine Reserve is home to a diverse array of marine life, including:

• Over 160 species of fish, including jacks, groupers, snappers, and barracuda
• Forty types of coral, such as brain coral, elkhorn coral, and finger coral
• Five species of sponge
• Two types of seagrass
• Three species of sea turtle
• Three marine mammals: the short-beaked common dolphin, pantropical spotted dolphin, and West Indian manatee
• Spotted eagle rays and southern stingrays
• Lobsters, moray eels, and sea anemones

Southwest Caye

Staying at the Glovers' Reef adventure basecamp on Southwest Caye is a great option for snorkelers who want to explore this area. The atoll is about 2.5 hours away by boat, and its remote location means that many visitors choose to stay overnight in one of the beach huts. The atoll connects several islands, forming a shallow lagoon with impressive coral formations. The protective nature of the atoll often results in calm waters, making it a great spot for both beginner and experienced snorkelers.

The marine life in Glover's Reef Atoll is similar to that of the cayes, with turtles, lobsters, barracuda, nurse sharks, angelfish, parrotfish, and many other species. The atoll is also a fantastic spot for coral enthusiasts, with healthy reefs that benefit from regular flushing by seawater. The variety of species in the area is due in part to this flushing action.

Tobacco Caye

There are a few accommodation options on Tobacco Caye, including Gill's Cove, Tobacco Caye Paradise, and Reef's End Lodge. Tobacco Caye Paradise offers overwater bungalows painted in bright Caribbean colours, while Reef's End Lodge provides clean and comfortable rooms with stunning views of the Caribbean Sea. The lodge also offers snorkelling gear rental and courses for beginners or those looking to improve their skills.

The best time to visit Tobacco Caye is during Belize's dry season, from January to April, when sunny days and clear blue skies can be expected. If you plan to visit outside of this period, it is recommended to go between May and August to avoid the possibility of cold fronts or tropical storms, which are common during the wet season.

To get to Tobacco Caye, you can take a 30-minute chartered boat ride from Dangriga. Boats typically leave daily between 9 am and 12 pm from the riverside boat dock near the main bridge in Dangriga. For day trips, you can also easily access the island from Hopkins.

Ambergris Caye

The island is a popular destination for divers, snorkelers, fishermen, and sailors. The Belize Barrier Reef is home to a diverse range of marine life, including colourful sea creatures, coral, sponges, and exotic fish species such as angelfish, elkhorn coral, cleaner shrimp, and stalactites.

Another popular snorkelling site near Ambergris Caye is Shark Ray Alley on Caye Caulker. It is a shallow snorkelling site just a few minutes off the beach, where you can observe nurse sharks and stingrays attracted by the prospect of food from passing boats.

Mexico Rocks is also a recommended snorkelling spot near Ambergris Caye. It is a slightly longer boat ride away but offers massive coral formations and the opportunity to see spiny lobsters, eels, anemones, shrimp, and sea turtles.

For those seeking a more adventurous experience, the Lighthouse Reef, which includes the iconic Blue Hole, is located about 1.5 hours by boat from Ambergris Caye. The Blue Hole is a famous dive spot, known for its impressive size and depth, attracting divers from all over the world.

In addition to its marine attractions, Ambergris Caye also offers a variety of accommodations, restaurants, and nightlife options. San Pedro, the island's only town, is a bustling centre with paved streets, resorts, and a mix of cultural influences.

Whether you're a first-time snorkeller or an experienced diver, Ambergris Caye and its surrounding waters provide a range of opportunities to explore and appreciate the natural wonders of Belize.

Frequently asked questions