One unforgettable experience that travelers to Belize rave about is the incredible snorkeling found between the isles of Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye on the Belize Barrier Reef. The vibrant corals, colorful fish, and variety of sea life at Hol Chan Marine Reserve make it one of the top tourist attractions in the country and a must-visit for ocean-loving travelers. Hol Chan is Maya for “Little Channel,” but given that this diverse reef covers 103,058 acres (41,706 hectares) of water, “little” is quite an understatement. Let’s dive into what makes this vast protected reef so amazing and how you can plan to visit it while on holiday in Belize!
History and Biodiversity of Hol Chan Marine Reserve
Hol Chan Marine Reserve became Belize’s first marine reserve in 1987 and has since become a haven for snorkelers and divers. While its legislative title today helps protect over 200 species, prior to the 1980s, there was concern over destructive fishing and diving that threatened the area. The area remained well-guarded against recreational use after receiving reserve status until 1999, when the Belize government added two Exclusive Recreation Areas and a General Use Area, officially inviting tourists to explore this underwater paradise. It was expanded again in 2016 to help protect critical coral reefs in the buffer zone, creating even more sites to visit.
Today, there are four allocated zones in the reserve: the Hol Chan Channel (Zone A), the Seagrass Beds (Zone B), the Mangrove Islands (Zone C), and Shark Ray Alley (Zone D). Each zone is unique and offers something different, so try to visit multiple instead of just one! To see nurse sharks and stingrays, Shark Ray Alley is the spot. Mangrove Islands is known for its vibrant marine fauna and schools of colorful juvenile fish, while the Seagrass Beds is known as a hunting ground for stingrays and other predators hunting the area’s parrotfish and hogfish. There’s also the rare chance to see manatees at Seagrass Beds. The Hol Chan Channel is only around five meters deep but offers incredible corals along with large schools of barracuda, groupers, and snappers.
One of the most popular animals to swim with at Hol Chan are nurse sharks. These stunning creatures are nothing to fear, as they are used to human presence and are regularly fed by fishermen with leftover fish parts (yum) at the end of the day. Some tourist boats have even been known to feed them to bring them closer to snorkelers. Other incredible sea creatures found in the reserve include the short-beaked common dolphin, clownfish, Nassau grouper, West Indian manatees, loggerhead turtles, and green turtles. A few endangered corals can also be discovered, like the staghorn coral, elkhorn coral, and star coral.
How to Get to Hol Chan Marine Reserve
Since the reserve is located between two islands, travelers have two options for places to stay and book a tour from: Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye. One of the more popular routes to get to Caye Caulker is to take one of the regular ferries from Belize City to the island, which takes roughly 45 minutes to an hour. Ambergris Caye is a larger island with its own airport, so you’ll have two options to get there. The first (and cheapest) is to book a ferry from Belize City, which takes roughly an hour and a half. You could also opt to take a quick 15-minute flight from Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport to San Pedro’s John Greif II Airport.
Best Hol Chan Marine Reserve Tours
From Ambergris Caye
If you are planning to make San Pedro your home base for snorkeling at Hol Chan Marine Reserve, we recommend this full-day tour with Ridge and Reef Belize. This highly rated tour makes six stops throughout the day, including snorkeling at Hol Chan Channel, feeding tarpons near Caye Caulker, swimming with nurse sharks in Shark Ray Alley, exploring the diverse corals at Coral Garden, visiting the manatees and eels at North Channel, and enjoying a Belizean lunch and free time on Caye Caulker. Throughout the trip, complimentary fruits and drinks are offered, and lunch, park fees, and snorkeling gear are included in the price.
From Caye Caulker
Those who choose Caye Caulker as their home base for visiting Hol Chan Marine Reserve should consider booking this top-notch seven-stop snorkeling tour with Salt Life Eco Tours. What sets this tour apart is that there are no more than 12 tourists on the boat for the day, allowing for a more intimate setting. Salt Life Eco Tours also includes complimentary GoPro videos and pictures of your experience, so you can enjoy being in the moment without stressing over capturing your trip. You’ll start your day at 9 a.m. with a briefing before setting sail for the reserve to swim with manatees, nurse sharks, seahorses, turtles, and many more incredible creatures and corals. The tour includes lunch, drinks, park fees, and snorkeling equipment.
Where to Stay While Visiting Hol Chan Marine Reserve
Ambergris Caye
For a modern and clean resort in the town of San Pedro, check out Alaia Belize by the Autograph Collection. This four-star beachfront hotel is the perfect retreat for couples or families who want all the comforts of a resort and access to the sea. Alaia Belize boasts three swimming pools, including a family-friendly garden pool and an adults-only rooftop pool. There are also six on-site restaurants serving everything from traditional local dishes to sushi and pizza, and an on-site spa for those who want to rest and rejuvenate after their reef adventure.
Another excellent option is the adults-only PUR Boutique Cabanas, which features a jungle-like setting with an outdoor pool, a free airport shuttle, a complimentary welcome drink, and a bar and restaurant. Golf carts are available to rent, or you can use one of the complimentary bicycles to explore the town. This hotel is perfect for those looking to escape the crowds, as there are only six bungalows on the property.
For budget-friendly accommodations, consider Belize Budget Suites. Located a block away from the beach and less than a 10-minute drive from John Greif II Airport, this highly rated hotel offers well-equipped rooms with air conditioning, jungle-themed décor, a private bathroom, and a flat-screen TV. There is also a communal kitchen for those who want to prepare their own meals.
Caye Caulker
If you’re setting off on your Belize Barrier Reef adventure from Caye Caulker, you’ll want to stay at a good accommodation on the island. Costa Nube is a beautiful small hotel offering apartment-style rooms, incredible ocean views from the rooftop balcony, and an outdoor barbecue and hammock lounge. The entire building can be rented for larger groups, or you can book a stay in a studio apartment or a one-bedroom apartment. Each room comes equipped with a Smart TV, a kitchen, and a balcony with either a sea or garden view.
Coral View Hotel and Resort is a great choice for couples or travelers who want a touch of luxury during their stay. The best part of this hotel is its rooftop pool, which boasts expansive views of the island and ocean. There is also an on-site restaurant serving both local and international dishes, a fitness center, a games room, and bike rentals. Each room at Coral View comes with air conditioning, a balcony, a TV, and a desk.
If you’re looking for budget-friendly accommodation on Caye Caulker, then Bella’s Backpackers is the place for you. This hostel-hotel offers a great atmosphere and privacy with well-equipped rooms featuring a balcony, a fan, and an ensuite. You could also opt to book a bed in a mixed dorm. Bella’s Backpackers offers several awesome amenities, including free canoes, a communal kitchen, hammock hangout areas, and community events on Sunday.
Tips for Visiting Hol Chan Marine Reserve
When visiting Hol Chan Marine Reserve, there are a few tips and tricks that can help you enjoy a smooth trip to the reef and protect it for future generations.
First, remember to carry and reapply coral-safe sunscreen throughout the excursion. Belize has powerful sun, so even if you use waterproof sunscreen, reapplying it several times during the day helps protect against its strong rays. Choosing coral-safe sunscreen ensures you don’t introduce chemicals into the water that can harm or kill the coral reef—part of responsible tourism.
While most tours provide snorkel equipment, water, and lunch, not all offer snacks throughout the day. It’s a good idea to pack some energy bars or peanuts to keep you satisfied between meals. Swimming can work up quite an appetite! Additionally, pack a towel, flip-flops for the boat, and any cameras or underwater phone cases you want to capture the experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you snorkel at Hol Chan Marine Reserve without a guide?
Even though Hol Chan Marine Reserve is open to the public for recreational use, it can only be accessed with a tour guide. Don’t be discouraged, as several tours are with small groups of no more than 10 or 12 other tourists. If you and your group prefer to be on your own, you can also opt to book a private snorkeling excursion of Hol Chan Marine Reserve.
How much does it cost to snorkel at Hol Chan Marine Reserve?
A full-day trip to Hol Chan Marine Reserve typically costs between $80 to $130, including meals, drinks, equipment, and park entrance fees. The price is roughly the same from either San Pedro or Caye Caulker, with the latter being a bit cheaper depending on the tour.
What is the best time to visit Hol Chan Marine Reserve?
The best time to visit the reserve depends on the experience you’re seeking. If you want to avoid the crowds of snorkelers and boats at popular stops like Coral Garden and Shark Ray Alley, it’s best to avoid Belize’s peak tourist season from late November to April. However, if you want the best weather, book a trip to Belize between January and May, when it’s the country’s dry season. The dry season has minimal rain and storms, so the sea will be calm and visibility clear for snorkeling.
Are there any dangerous species in Hol Chan Marine Reserve?
Most of the underwater critters found at Hol Chan Marine Reserve are completely harmless. Even the poisonous species, such as lionfish and stingrays, will leave humans alone as they prefer to snack on fish and other sea animals. However, even though many creatures like nurse sharks and stingrays generally leave humans alone, if they feel threatened, they will attack. Remember, these are wild animals, and if they feel threatened, it’s natural for them to protect themselves. You will be completely fine as long as you remember to give the creatures their space and do not touch anything underwater!
Should I visit Hol Chan Marine Reserve, ATM Cave, or both?
If you’re backpacking Belize on a budget and also visiting the Cayo District on your trip, you may be wondering whether to book a snorkeling tour of Hol Chan Marine Reserve or a visit to the ATM Cave, as both experiences can be quite expensive. We highly recommend doing both, as they are equally thrilling and well worth your time and money.
Now that you’re an expert on how to visit Hol Chan Marine Reserve, all you have to do is pack your bags and choose your tour! Just remember, there are rules to snorkeling and swimming in the ocean, and it’s best not to touch anything underwater. You never know what could be hiding among the corals and mangroves. Keep those kindergarten rules in mind and keep your hands to yourself!
