Ruqayyah Snyder
Belize is a snorkelling paradise, with the second-largest barrier reef in the world and hundreds of cays. The best spots for snorkelling are on the outer atolls, Turneffe or Glover's Reef, which are accessible by boat. The most popular place to stay is Ambergris Caye, which offers some of the best offshore snorkelling and easy access to nearby Mexico Rocks and Tres Cocos. For a less touristy option, Caye Caulker is a good choice, with plenty of sea life and the shore snorkelling spot, The Split. If you're looking for a unique way to snorkel, consider a private catamaran charter or stay at one of the beach resorts with direct access to snorkelling spots, such as Hamanasi or Chabil Mar on the mainland, or an island resort like Turneffe Reef.
Ambergris Caye
The caye offers some of the easiest access to the world's second-largest barrier reef, making it a prime spot for snorkelling and diving. The Belize Barrier Reef, part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, is just a short boat ride away from the shore, providing ample opportunities for snorkelling enthusiasts to explore its vibrant ecosystem.
For those seeking accommodation on Ambergris Caye, there is a broad range of options to suit different budgets and preferences. Here are some recommendations:
- Tranquility Bay Resort: Located about a 30-minute boat ride from San Pedro, this resort offers amazing snorkelling opportunities just off its beach. Patch reefs lie within a 50-foot distance from the shore, and the reef is accessible via a short kayak trip.
- Hol Chan Marine Reserve: This reserve, located near Caye Caulker, is a must-visit snorkelling destination. It typically involves a two-stop snorkelling trip, with the first stop at Hol Chan, where you can explore the reef and encounter a variety of marine life, including fish, rays, and sometimes even manatees. The second stop is Shark Ray Alley, where you can snorkel alongside harmless nurse sharks.
- Mexico Rocks: This snorkelling site is about seven miles north of San Pedro and features crystal-clear waters, white sand pockets, coral formations, and a diverse array of marine life. It is less crowded than Hol Chan and is suitable for both beginners and experienced snorkellers.
- Xanadu Island Resort: This resort, within walking distance from San Pedro, offers luxurious suites housed in thatched-roof domes, along with a variety of activities for guests to enjoy.
- Pelican Reef Villas Resort: This charming, luxurious, and secluded resort will enchant you with its romantic atmosphere. It is the perfect choice for honeymoons, weddings, or getaways.
- Victoria House: This exclusive resort, nestled on ten private acres of island retreat, offers a blend of casual ambiance and outstanding service. With only 42 accommodations, Victoria House provides a personalised Belizean experience.
- SunBreeze Hotel: Conveniently located within walking distance from the town of San Pedro, this hotel features 43 spacious rooms and an on-site restaurant. It is an excellent base for exploring the wonders of Ambergris Caye.
When planning your trip to Ambergris Caye, consider visiting during the dry season, which lasts from January to April, to enjoy ideal weather conditions. However, if you're looking for quieter times and potential hotel deals, consider visiting during the slow season in September and October.
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Glover's Reef
Accommodation options on Glover's Reef include dorms, thatched cabins, and camping. Glover's Atoll Resort, located on a privately owned 9-acre/5-hectare Northeast Caye, offers camping, thatch beach cabins, and thatch over-the-water cabins. Prices range from $149.00 per week for camping to $329.00 per week for the over-the-water cabins, with various options in between. The resort also offers a weekly package from Sunday to Saturday, which includes a round trip by boat.
When planning a trip to Glover's Reef, it is important to consider the weather. The best time to visit is during Belize's dry season, from January to April, when you can expect sunny days and clear blue skies. While it is possible to visit outside of these months, there is an increased chance of rain, cold fronts, or tropical storms.
Transportation to Glover's Reef is usually provided by hotels or tour operators and typically involves a 3-hour boat ride from Belize City or a 2-hour ride from Hopkins or Dangriga.
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Blackbird Caye Resort
Blackbird Caye is a great option for those looking to snorkel in Belize, as it is minutes away from iconic dive sites such as the Great Blue Hole and Half Moon Caye. The resort is PADI-recognised and offers scuba diving courses for those who want to improve their skills or get certified.
The resort offers complimentary watersports equipment, including kayaks and paddleboards, so you can explore the surrounding area at your own pace. The resort's remote location also makes it perfect for social distancing and provides guests with complete privacy.
The resort requires a recent negative PCR test or proof of vaccination for all arrivals.
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Blue Marlin Resort
Blue Marlin Beach Resort is a locally-owned, family-run business that has been welcoming guests to its shores since 1987. This 3-star, all-inclusive resort is located on the secluded private island of South Water Caye, which is situated 14 miles (23 km) off the coast of Belize, atop the Belize Barrier Reef.
The resort offers a range of accommodation options, including Sea View Standard Rooms, Garden Family Suites, Seafront Family Cabanas, and Seafront Private Cabanas. All rooms are equipped with air conditioning, hot and cold water, mini-fridges, hammocks, yoga mats, coffee service, ceiling fans, drinking water, and local furnishings and artwork.
Blue Marlin Beach Resort provides a variety of packages for guests to choose from, including fishing, snorkelling, diving, relaxation, and family packages. The resort is also proud to be a pioneer in sustainability, being fully powered by solar energy for an eco-friendly experience.
The resort's restaurant, Charlies Dining and Bar, offers ocean views and serves local and international cuisine for breakfast and lunch. The bar area features a pool table and darts for entertainment.
In addition to snorkelling and diving, guests can enjoy a range of other activities such as fishing, island hopping, kayaking, volleyball, and cooking classes. The resort also offers special services like meeting guests upon arrival in Belize and ensuring smooth travel to the island, as well as accommodating special dietary needs.
With its pristine natural setting, personalised services, and focus on sustainability, Blue Marlin Beach Resort offers a unique blend of adventure and relaxation for guests seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience in Belize.
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Sunbreeze Hotel
The Sunbreeze Hotel is a perfect vacation getaway located on the south edge of the laid-back and picturesque island of Ambergris Caye, offering an ideal base for your beachside Belize vacation and dive vacation. The hotel directly faces the infamous Belize Barrier Reef, found just half a mile offshore. This full-service resort is surrounded by lush tropical gardens, offering an intimate stay in the heart of San Pedro. The Seafront oasis boasts a serene and relaxing atmosphere while being mere steps away from the culture, dining, and entertainment of San Pedro.
The hotel offers 43 spacious rooms with views of the Caribbean Sea, pool, or courtyard. All are spacious, clean, and comfortable. The rooms are well-kept, and the staff is friendly and helpful. The beds are quite firm, and the rooms are quiet, with little noise from adjoining or above rooms. The attached Bluewater Grill is very convenient, and the food is fine, although some guests prefer to explore local places for food. The Sunbreeze also has an on-site 5-star PADI Dive Centre, making it easy and convenient to explore the underwater world of the Caribbean Sea.
The Sunbreeze Hotel is also within walking distance of the town of San Pedro, where you can explore shops, restaurants, and galleries. It is also close to the airport, with the Tropic Air terminal just across the street. The hotel offers special packages for diving and snorkelling to ensure guests can enjoy the best of the Belize Barrier Reef. Overall, the Sunbreeze Hotel is an excellent choice for those seeking a beachfront escape in Belize, with its convenient location, friendly staff, and access to world-class diving and snorkelling.
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Frequently asked questions
The outer atolls of Turneffe and Glover's Reef are great for snorkelling. You can stay at a resort on one of these outer atolls, such as the Turneffe Island Resort or Glover's Atoll Resort.
If you want to snorkel without taking a boat, you can stay at the Tranquility Bay Resort on Ambergris Caye. You can access fantastic marine life directly from the beach.
Hol Chan Marine Reserve is a 3-square-mile marine reserve where you can snorkel with harmless nurse sharks, large stingrays, and turtles. You can access it by boat from Ambergris Caye.
Whale sharks can be seen in the Gladden Spit Marine Reserve, near Placencia, every year between March and June. You can stay at the Tobacco Caye Paradise Resort on Placencia.
