Belize
Snorkel Hol Chan & Shark Ray Alley
Snorkel the reef cut of Hol Chan, Belize's oldest marine reserve, and the shallow sands of Shark Ray Alley with nurse sharks and stingrays.
Hol Chan, Mayan for "little channel", is a natural cut through the barrier reef off Ambergris Caye, and it was established in 1987 as what is now Belize's oldest marine reserve. The reserve protects the reef, seagrass beds and mangroves, along with sea turtles, conch and lobster. Shark Ray Alley, added in 1999, is a shallow sandy plateau where nurse sharks and stingrays gather.
Everyone in the water wears a life jacket, and nothing may be touched, fed or taken.
Pickup at your hotel in San Pedro (Ambergris Caye) or Caye Caulker.
Photos: Nikdahl, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Bernard DUPONT, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Duration
- About 4 hours
- Guide language
- English · Spanish
- Pickup
- At your hotel in Belize (other areas on request)
What's included
- Private transport with hotel pickup
- Guide
Not included
- Entrance fees, meals, equipment and boat: to be confirmed when we reply to your request
Sample itinerary
- 1Pickup at your hotel
- 2Boat to Hol Chan
- 3Snorkel the Hol Chan channel
- 4Snorkel Shark Ray Alley
- 5Return to your hotel
Good to know
What are the reserve rules?
The Belize Fisheries Department and the reserve ask snorkellers not to touch or feed marine life or corals and not to remove anything, not even shells or sand. Gloves are not allowed, life jackets are required, and guided groups are limited to 8 snorkellers per guide.
Can I scuba dive at Shark Ray Alley?
No. It is a snorkel-only zone (fins and mask); SCUBA is not permitted there.
