Snorkeling in San Pedro

With an 185-mile barrier reef, the opportunity to see a vast array of sea life in San Pedro Belize is pretty amazing. The options are basically endless when it comes to snorkeling. All around the island of Ambergris Caye, there is an abundance of colorful corals and sea life easily accessible by both whole day and half day tours. Diving is also an option, although it requires a PADI license.

Hol Chan Marine Reserve

This is arguably one of the most impressive snorkeling spots in the whole world, making it the most popular snorkel site in Belize country. It is just 4 miles south of San Pedro, making it easily accessible for a half day trip. Its four main zones is home to over 160 fish species, 40 coral species, 3 sea turtle species, 8 algae species and 2 seagrass species. Occasionally, sightings of tarpon, West Indian manatees, and hammerhead sharks are reported.

Shark-Ray Alley

With excellent visibility, you can almost always see all species of fish in this spot, but the main attraction is definitely the nurse sharks and sting rays. As soon as the boat arrives at the site, you will notice dark shadows nearby. Nurse sharks average 4 to 6 feet high, while rays have a wingspan of 2 to 4 feet. With numerous boats in the area every day, these animals have a great tolerance for humans and seem to enjoy the interaction.

Snorkeling at Mexico Rocks

Located off the far northern tip of Ambergris Caye, San Pedro on the Belizean Barrier Reef, Mexico Rocks is a popular snorkeling destination. Here, you will have the chance to admire giant Brain Corals and large collections of corals with juvenile fish scurrying about. It is also possible to see spiny lobsters and stingrays here. This area is also known for conch, flounders and an assortment of angelfish. The underwater visibility at Mexico Rocks is pretty perfect and makes for an excellent half-day snorkel adventure.

Goff’s Caye

At Goff’s Caye, there is an abundance of brain coral, every color fish you could imagine, sting rays, barracudas, and small sharks hanging around. Its waters are rather shallow, so it should be great for those who have never snorkeled before. The island is particularly small, and there is nothing much but sand and palm trees. There is a dock where you can tie your boat onto, and a small shack selling food and drinks. On a bright and sunny day, it is a surreal, idyllic deserted island.

Coral Gardens

Located between Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker, Coral Gardens is a patch of reef whose main attraction is the beautiful, colorful corals. Although the fish life is not as abundant as some of the other snorkel spots in San Pedro Belize, you should still find gorgeous reef fishes, including parrot fish, fairy basslets and hogfish. Moray eels are also frequently spotted here, as with the occasional nurse shark and lobster. This is also a half-day tour.

If you have ever dreamed of swimming with sharks, schools of fish and sea turtles, a Belize vacation is just perfect for you. Get your reservations in an all-inclusive San Pedro resort now, and start planning your vacation in Belize.