Go Snorkeling at Hol Chan Marine Reserve in Belize

You’ve probably heard of the famous Blue Hole just off the coast of Belize’s Ambergris Caye – one of the most popular dive spots along the Belize Barrier Reef. As impressive as it is, it’s just one of the many popular water-based attractions off the coast of Ambergris Caye in Belize. One of the area’s most stunning and protected waterways is the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, home to other popular attractions like Shark Ray alley.

The Hol Chan Marine Reserve, a protected marine area featuring coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangrove forests, is one of the best snorkeling destinations in Belize. The habitat diversity in this part of the Caribbean serves as fertile breeding and feeding grounds for various fish and marine life. Day trips to this stunning protected area are just one of the many activities and tours we offer at Blue Tang Inn, one of the top-rated San Pedro, Belize hotels.

Beyond offering a full-service concierge desk and a healthy range of local tours and guided activities, the friendly, safe, and welcoming atmosphere of the Blue Tang Inn has been loved by couples, families, and solo travelers seeking out unforgettable Caribbean vacations. We’re conveniently located within walking distance of San Pedro town, too, which is the perfect home base to explore all this remarkable part of Belize’s coast has to offer.

From day trips to the Hol Chan Marine Reserve to sunset cruises on our sailing boat, we’d love to share all the best things to do in San Pedro, Belize with you this year! Book your room at one of the best San Pedro, Belize hotels today!

Colorful fish swimming at the Hol Chan Marine Reserve in Belize

Go Snorkeling at Hol Chan Marine Reserve in Belize

Few things compare to plunging into the deep abyss of Belize’s Great Blue Hole – but snorkeling trips to the magnificent Hol Chan Marine Reserve certainly offer a more approachable option for exploring the depths of Belize’s stunning underwater world. Though there’s really no shortage of great snorkeling and diving off the coast of Belize, we can confidently say the Hol Chan Marine Reserve is among the best.

Hol Chan translates directly to “little channel,” which perfectly depicts this marine waterway. This break in the Belize Barrier Reef is only around 25 yards wide and 30 feet deep. It’s the oldest marine reserve in Belize and is found just off the southern Tip of Ambergris Caye. It was formed out of concern for various fishing and diving practices in the area that were seen as destructive.

Today, thanks to the protection of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, this area is one of the leading snorkeling destinations and also serves as a pristine example of Belize’s three major marine ecosystems (reef, seagrass, and mangrove). The fourth zone of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve is Shark Ray Alley, a popular place to swim and snorkel with nurse sharks and stingrays.

Understandably, visiting the Hol Chan Marine Reserve and snorkeling in these clear, thriving waters is one of the most popular day trips off the coast of Ambergris Caye. Hiring a local guide from either San Pedro or Caye Caulker is the only way to visit the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. We work with the best local tour guides to offer a snorkeling day trip out here.

Our trip is around 2 – 2.5 hours and is often combined with a trip to Shark Ray Alley. We offer both a morning and afternoon trip. Of course, we also offer a diverse selection of other snorkeling trips, not to mention diving excursions, sailing adventures, and a host of other exciting day trips. We’re more than happy to help you arrange a full itinerary of activities and adventures, so you make the most of your time in Belize – a service that puts us on par with other all-inclusive Caribbean resorts and destinations.

Guest rooms at one of the best San Pedro, Belize hotels - a great place to stay while visiting the Hol Chan Marine Reserve in Belize

One of the Best San Pedro, Belize Hotels for 2023

Between snorkeling adventures at the Hol Chan Marine Reserve to lazy days spent at the top beaches in Belize, we hope you enjoy every second of your time here. Part of what makes us one of the best San Pedro, Belize hotels is our dedication to excellence in everything we do, including helping our guests plan and execute a fun itinerary of activities (and plenty of relaxation).

Our Hotel is entirely staffed by locals, and our intimate size means we offer a quiet, safer place to stay in the heart of Ambergris Caye’s San Pedro town. We’re conveniently located near town for great restaurants, shopping, and activities, not to mention right on the waterfront for easy access to all your planned trips and activities. It’s no wonder we’re considered one of the best places to stay in Belize.

Choose to stay with us at our top-rated San Pedro, Belize hotel, and you’ll find just 14 guest suites to choose from – a far cry from other less personal hotel chains and Caribbean resort destinations. We have a wide variety of rooms and price points to choose from, too, including those that offer oceanfront views and private balconies, rooms that are suitable for families, and still others that are focused on solo travelers and guests seeking an economy stay in beautiful Belize.

We tend to every detail of your stay, so you don’t have to do anything but kick back and relax – which is entirely the point of a vacation in this beautiful island paradise in the first place. This welcoming, laid-back vibe and exquisite hospitality make us one of the leading San Pedro, Belize hotels for unforgettable Caribbean vacations. Book your room today!

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