Great Blue Hole Snorkeling: Lighthouse Reef Atoll

Snorkelers see reef sharks and schools of angelfish circling the Blue Hole's rim while divers descend into its depths.

A full-day snorkeling trip to the Great Blue Hole and Lighthouse Reef Atoll in Belize, where you enter the water at three protected sites: the Blue Hole itself, Half Moon Caye's coral gardens, and Long Caye Aquarium. The tour includes early morning pickup, breakfast, lunch, fruits and beverages throughout the day; park fees of US $40 per person are paid in cash on arrival. A minimum of 10 guests is required for the trip to run.

Step-by-step itinerary

Snorkel Great Blue Hole and reefs

• Enjoy continental breakfast
• Snorkel at the Great Blue Hole
• Snorkel at Half Moon Caye reef
• Explore Half Moon Caye island
• Have lunch and refreshments

The Experience

What makes the Great Blue Hole different from other reefs is what you see from the surface. The massive circular sinkhole drops sheer limestone walls into sapphire-blue water, and from where you snorkel, you watch the reef edge come alive with angelfish, butterflyfish, parrotfish and the occasional reef shark cruising the perimeter. Divers descend into the hole's interior; snorkelers drift over the shallow reef surrounding it, where corals and sponges build the structure that draws the fish. The Blue Hole's dramatic outline and the density of marine life packed into its shallow zone make it unlike a standard reef dive.

Half Moon Caye, your second stop, sits on the same atoll and offers two experiences in one. Below the waterline, coral gardens of hard and soft corals, sea fans and sponges create a maze where groupers, snappers and schools of angelfish weave through. Eagle rays glide past and sea turtles drift through. Above water, the island is a protected sanctuary for red-footed boobies and frigatebirds — you step onto the beach and see the bird colony nesting in the palms. Long Caye Aquarium, the third site, rounds out the day with another reef section where the water clarity and fish density give the stop its name.

The day runs 12 hours from pickup to return, which means an early start and a full afternoon on the water. Breakfast — continental with seasonal fruits, banana bread and cheese — happens before departure. Lunch is a hot meal of rice and beans, stew chicken and potato salad, served on the boat. Fruits and beverages, including rum punch on the way home, keep you fed and hydrated between snorkeling sessions. You'll need moderate fitness for the full day in the water and sun; the trip is not suitable for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnancy or cardiovascular concerns. Snorkeling equipment is your own responsibility to bring or rent separately.

What’s included

• Early morning pickup.
• continental breakfast with seasonal fruits, banana bread and cheese.
• hot lunch of rice and beans with stew chicken and potato salad.
• fresh fruits throughout the day.
• coffee and tea.
• rum punch on the return journey.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Amigos Del Mar Dive Shop

Is this one for you?The 12-hour commitment means you're on the water from early morning through afternoon, which rules out combining this with other activities the same day but gives you three full snorkeling sites instead of a half-day's single reef. If your schedule allows a full day and you want to see the Blue Hole's rim, Half Moon Caye's coral gardens and a third reef in one trip, the length is what makes all three stops possible.

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Top questions

What's the difference between snorkeling the Blue Hole and diving it?

The Great Blue Hole is a circular sinkhole with walls that drop hundreds of feet. Divers descend into the hole's interior; snorkelers stay in the shallow reef zone surrounding it, where you see the dramatic outline of the hole, colorful corals, sponges and schools of tropical fish, plus reef sharks cruising the edge. Both views are unique to this site.

Will I see large marine animals like rays and sea turtles?

Half Moon Caye, your second stop, is known for eagle rays gliding through the coral gardens and sea turtles passing through the reef. Sightings depend on the day and the season, but the site is one of the best places in the atoll to encounter them while snorkeling.

How long is the full day, and what time does pickup happen?

The trip is approximately 12 hours total, with early morning pickup included. You'll spend the bulk of the day on the water visiting three snorkeling sites, with breakfast before departure and lunch served on the boat.

What's included in the meals, and are there options for dietary restrictions?

Breakfast includes continental items, seasonal fruits, banana bread and cheese. Lunch is traditional rice and beans, stew chicken and potato salad. Coffee and tea are available. Fruits and beverages, including rum punch on the return, are served throughout the day. Dietary restrictions are not mentioned in the operator's details, so confirm directly before booking.

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear?

Snorkeling equipment is not included and is your responsibility to bring or arrange separately. Plan ahead if you don't have your own mask, fins and snorkel.

What are the park fees, and how do I pay them?

Park fees are US $40 per person (or BZ $80) and must be paid in cash when you arrive for the excursion. Have the exact amount ready at pickup or the meeting point.