San Pedro's Snorkeling Paradise

San Pedro in Belize offers a range of snorkelling spots and tours, from half-day to full-day trips, that cater to both beginners and experienced snorkelers. Some of the most popular snorkelling sites include Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Shark Ray Alley, Mexico Rocks, and Coral Gardens. These areas are known for their diverse marine life, vibrant coral reefs, and clear waters.

For those seeking a more independent experience, snorkelling gear and kayaks can be rented to explore the reef, which is located just a short distance from the shore. However, it is important to note that kayaking and snorkelling alone can be strenuous due to currents and require physical fitness.

Tours typically range from $65 to $170 USD and are offered by various companies, including Blue Tang Inn, Wicked Adventures of Belize, and Seaduced. These tours often include additional activities such as fishing, beach barbecues, and visits to nearby islands like Caye Caulker.

Hol Chan Marine Reserve

The Hol Chan Marine Reserve is a protected marine area in Belize, located near Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker. Covering approximately 18 square kilometres, it encompasses diverse ecosystems such as coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangrove forests. Established in 1987, it is a popular destination for snorkelling and diving due to its rich marine life and close proximity to San Pedro.

History and Conservation:

Hol Chan, which means "little channel" in Mayan, was established as a marine reserve to address the declining fish stocks in the area and the increasing tourism to the Cayes. The efforts of environmentalists like Janet Gibson, who campaigned for the protection of this area, led to its reserve status. The management of the reserve has since been taken over by the Hol Chan Marine Reserve Trust Fund Committee, with funds generated from visitor fees contributing to its upkeep.

Zones and Marine Life:

The reserve is divided into four zones, each with specific regulations to ensure sustainable fishing practices and conservation:

• Zone A includes the inside and outside of the reef, where no fishing is allowed but snorkelling and diving are popular activities. This area includes the Hol Chan Cut, a natural break in the reef that is home to a diverse range of marine life, including spotted eagle rays and southern stingrays.
• Zone B covers the seagrass beds inside the reef, where both commercial and sport fishing are permitted with a license. It features the Boca Ciega Blue Hole, a sinkhole that is dangerous for inexperienced divers.
• Zone C encompasses the mangrove swamps of southern Ambergris Caye, where no commercial fishing is allowed, but sport fishing is permitted with a license. The mangrove forests serve as nurseries for many fish species.
• Zone D, also known as Shark Ray Alley, was added in 1999 and is a charged snorkelling area. It is a shallow, sandy-bottomed area inside the reef that attracts nurse sharks and stingrays due to the abundance of food from net-cleaning activities.

Tours and Activities:

There are numerous tour options available for visitors wishing to explore Hol Chan Marine Reserve. These include:

• Snorkelling tours that typically visit multiple sites within the reserve, such as Shark Ray Alley and Coral Gardens.
• Sailing and snorkelling tours that combine the marine experience with the enjoyment of being on a sailboat, often including a stop at Caye Caulker for sightseeing and lunch.
• Full-day bucket list snorkelling tours that provide a comprehensive exploration of the reserve, often including GoPro footage of the experience.

Shark Ray Alley

The site is only a short 15-minute boat ride from San Pedro Town, and is perfect for inexperienced snorkelers, as it offers all the beauty of the Caribbean in shallow waters, with white sands and up to 100 feet of visibility.

There are various tours available that include a trip to Shark Ray Alley, with some also visiting the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, and even Caye Caulker. The Hol Chan Marine Reserve is home to over 160 species of fish, as well as coral, sponges, algae, seagrasses and marine mammals.

Mexico Rocks

One of the highlights of snorkelling at Mexico Rocks is the opportunity to explore smaller reef pockets teeming with marine life. These pockets provide a more intimate and serene experience compared to the busier Hol Chan Marine Reserve. This makes Mexico Rocks an excellent choice for those looking to avoid the crowds and enjoy a more peaceful snorkelling experience.

When booking a snorkelling tour to Mexico Rocks, it is recommended to choose a small group with no more than 6-8 snorkelers. This will ensure a more personalised experience and allow you to fully appreciate the beauty of the reef and its inhabitants. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced snorkeler, Mexico Rocks is sure to offer an unforgettable underwater adventure.

Coral Gardens

You can reach Coral Gardens by boat from San Pedro in around 20 minutes. It is a popular spot for snorkelling tours, which typically include visits to other nearby attractions such as Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Shark Ray Alley, and Caye Caulker. These tours usually last a full day and may include additional activities such as manatee watching, beach barbecues, and visits to local islands.

• Depart from San Pedro by boat at 8:30 am.
• Arrive at Hol Chan Marine Reserve for the first snorkelling stop.
• Drive to Shark Ray Alley for the second snorkelling stop.
• Head to Coral Gardens for the third snorkelling stop.
• Look for manatees in the North Channel of Caye Caulker.
• Have lunch and explore the island of Caye Caulker.
• Return to San Pedro by boat in the afternoon.

Manatee Snorkel & Beach BBQ

The Manatee Snorkel & Beach BBQ tour is a full-day adventure that takes you to explore the natural habitat of the West Indian Manatee. The day begins with a visit to the secluded Mangrove Caye, where you can observe and capture photos of the gentle Manatees in their natural environment.

Following this, you'll head to Goffs Caye, an island located on the Barrier Reef, where you can choose to swim, snorkel, or simply relax on the beach. A fresh BBQ fish lunch will be prepared for you to enjoy amidst the stunning surroundings. After lunch, you'll be taken to the "Aquarium," where you'll have the opportunity to swim with stingrays and playful nurse sharks while exploring the vibrant marine life.

The tour concludes with a visit to Caye Caulker, a peaceful island where you can stroll through the streets, browse local shops, or enjoy a refreshing drink. The entire experience costs $170 USD, plus a $10 USD cash fee for the park.

This tour promises an unforgettable day of sun, sea, and fun, offering a perfect blend of wildlife encounters, snorkelling, relaxation, and cultural exploration.

Frequently asked questions