You’ve likely heard about the Belize Barrier Reef – or at least The Blue Hole, a stunning feature of the reef just off the coast of Ambergris Caye. Not only is the Belize Reef a world-class diving destination, but its one of the most extensive and intact barrier systems in the world, making it an ecologically important and protected part of the ocean. You don’t have to dive to deep depths to enjoy the Belize Reef, though. There is some incredible snorkeling on the Belize Reef!
Whether you want a thrilling snorkeling excursion with sharks and rays or would prefer to keep your adventures to colorful fish and sea turtles, we’re happy to offer some of the best snorkeling trips from our San Pedro, Belize resort. We work with the best local tour operators to offer snorkeling trips to places like the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Shark Ray Alley, and more. Of course, we’re also happy to arrange dive trips along the Belize reef, day sails in paradise, day trips back to the mainland for caving, zipping, and more, and just about anything else you’ll need while you’re enjoying your Belize vacation.
This attentive concierge service is why the Blue Tang Inn is one of the best Belize resorts. Our resort is staffed entirely by locals that are happy to offer their insight and knowledge. Not only that, but our resort is small compared to others, which lends a wonderful sense of intimacy and safety to your Belize vacation. We’re also within walking distance of San Pedro Town, making us the perfect home base for your vacation. Book your room today!
Snorkel Trips on the Belize Reef
There are countless places to snorkel on the Belize Reef, there are some destinations that offer truly unforgettable underwater experiences. We’ve included information about snorkeling at each of these spots on the Belize Reef so you can decide where you want to go. Our concierge team is happy to answer any questions you have and help you choose which adventures are right for you!
Snorkel the Hol Chan Marine Reserve
Of all the places to drop into the water and enjoy a bit of snorkeling, the Hol Chan Marine Reserve is among the best. Hol Chan translates directly to “little channel,” which is exactly what you’ll find underwater. The Hol Chan Marine Reserve is a channel – or break – in the Belize reef that is about 25 yards wide, and at its deepest is around 30 feet.
This incredible marine reserve is a protected part of our ocean ecosystem. In fact, it’s the oldest marine reserve in Belize. Here, you’ll see all of the major marine ecosystems in Belize – reef, seagrass, and mangrove. This is what makes it so exceptional for snorkeling. The diversity of fish and marine life here is nearly unprecedented. This snorkel trip is around 2 – 2.5 hours and is often combined with a trip to Shark Ray Alley, another popular spot along the Belize reef.
Snorkel at Shark Ray Alley
If you’re looking for something a bit more thrilling than swimming with tropical fish, head to Shark Ray Alley. Shark Ray Alley is actually part of the protected Hol Chan Marine Reserve. Fishermen used to clean their daily catch here, which meant it became the perfect spot for growing nurse sharks and rays to feed. Though fishing practices have changed, this protected part of the channel still serves as a vital habitat for sharks and rays and offers visitors the chance to get up close and personal with these somewhat larger (but still just as safe) marine species.
Go snorkeling at Shark Ray Alley in Belize, and you’ll be in the water with nurse sharks, sting rays, turtles, and a huge variety of reef fish. Nurse sharks are considered some of the safest sharks to swim with, and those you’ll find here typically reach a mature size of about 6 feet. This is also a popular feeding ground for smaller rays.
Go Underwater at Mexico Rocks
If you’re looking for a quick snorkeling trip on the Belize reef, head to Mexico Rocks. You’ll take a quick ride aboard a skiff to a cluster of coral just off the coast of Ambergris Caye. This spot, nicknamed “Mexico Rocks,” is just off the shore of a former coconut plantation named Mexico Cocal. The waters here are shallow and protected thanks to the broader reef further out.
See Some Manatees
Manatees are adorable and often a coveted species to see from underwater. If you want the chance to observe these gentle animals in their natural habitat, this is the snorkeling trip for you. Mangrove Caye serves as a great habitat for the West Indian Manatee and is the first stop on this snorkeling trip. After you’ve spent some time here, you’ll head to another snorkeling spot on the Barrier Reef – Goffs Caye. This trip also ends with a trip to Caye Caulker, another island off the coast of mainland Belize.
Enjoy Paradise at Our Intimate Belize Resort
From snorkeling trips on the Belize reef to stunning sunset sails aboard the Sirena Azul, we’d love to serve as your home away from home during your time in Belize. Our Belize resort is well-located within walking distance of San Pedro Town and is one of the few resorts situated on the beach. We offer guests a range of comfortable accommodations, so whether you’re traveling as a couple, a family with kids, or on a solo adventure, you’ll find something here for you.
Unlike other properties on Ambergris Caye, our Belize resort is small and intimate in all the best ways. Our small size not only ensures you a safer, more intimate experience but it guarantees you personalized recommendations and unbeatable hospitality. You’ll become part of our family while you’re here, and we think you’ll both see and feel the difference that makes in your Belize vacation.
Our Belize Resort offers many of the same levels of service as traditional all-inclusive resorts, but we do it with an entirely local staff uniquely dedicated to ensuring you leave having fallen in love with their home. Belize shouldn’t be a one-size-fits-all destination. We want our guests to have an experience that feels catered to their interests.
Before you even set foot on the sandy shores of Ambergris Caye, our team will work with you to help you book all your land and water-based activities. From booking the best dive trips along the Belize Reef to helping you head back to the mainland to explore Mayan Ruins, the Belize vacation of your dreams is at your fingertips. To turn it from dream to reality, all you need to do is book your room at our stunning Belize resort!
