Snorkeling in San Pedro Belize: Hol Chan and Shark Ray Alley

Swim with nurse sharks and stingrays, then explore a coral reef in one morning

Snorkel two of Belize's top marine sites in a single 2.5-hour excursion from San Pedro: Hol Chan Marine Reserve, where coral gardens and tropical fish fill the water, then Shark Ray Alley, where you swim alongside nurse sharks and stingrays. A guide in English or Spanish leads both stops, and all snorkeling gear is provided.

The Experience

The boat leaves San Pedro and reaches Hol Chan Marine Reserve in 13 minutes. Once in the water, you're surrounded by coral formations, schools of tropical fish, rays and sea turtles moving through the gardens. The reserve is shallow enough to see detail but deep enough that the reef holds its shape — you're not watching from a distance or through glass. After you've spent time there, the boat moves 5 minutes over to Shark Ray Alley, where nurse sharks and stingrays gather in the sand and shallows. This is the part most people come for: you're in the water with them, not observing from above.

The guide handles the logistics — where to enter, how to move through the sites, what to watch for — so you're free to focus on what's in front of you. Snorkeling equipment is included, which means no rental hunt or extra cost at the dock. Bottled water comes along, and the whole outing runs 2.5 hours from start to finish. Children from age 1 can join; infants can ride in a pram or stroller on the boat itself.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment for both sites.
• bottled water.
• all fees and taxes.
• English or Spanish-speaking guide.
• boat transport from San Pedro to Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Amigos Del Mar Dive Shop

Is this one for you?At 2.5 hours, this snorkeling fits into a morning or afternoon without consuming your whole day — you're back in San Pedro with time for lunch or other activities afterward. The two-site format means you see both a coral reef and sharks and stingrays without island-hopping all day.

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Top questions

How far is Shark Ray Alley from Hol Chan Marine Reserve?

Shark Ray Alley sits about 5 minutes by boat from Hol Chan, so the two sites are close enough to visit both in a single morning without long travel between them.

What marine life will I actually see at Hol Chan?

Hol Chan's coral gardens hold tropical fish, rays, sea turtles and other reef species. The reserve is a protected area, so the marine life is abundant and the corals are intact.

Will I be swimming directly with the sharks and stingrays?

Yes — at Shark Ray Alley you snorkel in the water where nurse sharks and stingrays naturally gather in the sand and shallows. The guide is present to ensure safety and explain their behavior.

What's included in the price?

Snorkeling equipment, bottled water, all fees and taxes, and the guide are included. The boat ride from San Pedro and pickup are also part of the package.

How long does the whole activity take?

The snorkeling excursion runs 2.5 hours total, including the boat rides to both sites and time in the water at each location.

Can children go snorkeling too?

Children from age 1 are welcome. Infants can ride in a pram or stroller on the boat, and the guide can advise on water entry for younger swimmers.