About this experience
Hol Chan Marine Reserve is located off the southern tip of Ambergris Caye. Mayan for “little channel”, Hol Chan Marine Reserve is doubtfully one of the most popular dive sites in the Caribbean, and indeed in Belize. The entire reserve focuses on a cut through the reef (called a quebrada) which is little more than 25 yards wide and 30 feet deep about 4 miles southeast of San Pedro. Hol Chan has burgeoned into a unique refuge, with vigorous coral formations and a richness of marine life. We will then head to the neighboring Turtle Garden, where you will snorkel or dive and be able to get up close and personal with ecstatic Sea Turtle and Southern Sting Rays. When you arrive, you will see the surface often boiling with rolling sharks and sting ray as they compete for the scraps. These creatures have a great tolerance for divers and snorkelers.
Hol Chan is the Number snorkeling site here in Belize City!
At a glance
- Duration: 5 hr
Plan your experience
Set aside 5 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Before you go
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Local guides to help you plan
Belize Snorkeling Tours Guide
Compare Belize snorkeling tours, understand the classic Hol Chan and Shark Ray Alley route, choose a departure base, and know what to confirm before booking.
What is included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Professional guide
- Bottled water
- Entrance fee to Hol Chan Marine Reserve
- Snacks
- Port pickup and drop-off
Not included
- Lunch
Itinerary and highlights
Hol Chan Marine Reserve is located off the southern tip of Ambergris Caye. Mayan for “little channel”, Hol Chan Marine Reserve is doubtfully one of the most popular dive sites in the Caribbean, and indeed in Belize. Hol Chan has burgeoned into a unique refuge, with vigorous coral formations and a richness of marine life.
Enjoy a nice cool 35 minutes boat ride from the port of Belize as you will be passing along the mangrove islands to your first stop which is the island of Caye Caulker, Belize city second largest island that has a breath taking view of the barrier reef. Where a 15 minutes stop to use the restroom and change of clothing. Then off to the Hol Chan that is a 10 minute boat ride away from Caye Caulker. A 45 minutes snorkeling with be taking place at the Hol Chan where you will be viewing the beautiful Coral reef and fishes, and then a 30 minutes snorkeling with Sea Turtle and Rays. After the Snorkeling is done, enjoy a snack and some amazing Rum Punch.
While heading back to island of Caye Caulker where you will be having a beach break and also for you to get a meal. One stop will be made to the back of the island where you will be able to hand feed tarpon as a part of the tour. Then spend an hour on the island, and head back in Belize City where you will be drop-off at the port back.
Meeting and pickup information
- Meeting point will be at the hotel marina, where we check in and depart to do the tours.
- It is very important that you are on one of the first tenders to shore if you want to make it to your tour before it departs. please look for the Diamonds International store at Terminal 2. Walk through the store to the you tour representative from "Splash Wave Tours" Sign.
- Please note that we also have location for pick up and drop for non-cruiseship guests that want to book the snorkeling tour from the main land Belize city. Guests On Cruise, we notify you to come off the ship as soon as possible! Earlier the better. Recommend trying and board the first ferry. Thanks
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- splash wave tours
Accessibility and practical details
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- The duration of transfers are approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions
- At time of booking, Cruise ship passengers must provide the following information at time of booking: ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time
- Anyone with Covid-19 symptoms will not be allow on tour
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Questions about this experience
How long is this experience?
What are the pickup arrangements?
Guests On Cruise, we notify you to come off the ship as soon as possible! Earlier the better. Recommend trying and board the first ferry. Thanks
Which guide languages are listed?
What ticket format is listed?
What ticket age bands are listed?
What is the cancellation policy?
Traveller reviews and photos
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