Barrier Reef Snorkel: Guided dive with eagle rays and sea turtles

Eagle rays and sea turtles meet you underwater at the Southern Barrier Reef.

A snorkeling activity at the Southern Barrier Reef with a professional guide, where you boat out 30–40 minutes to multiple snorkel sites suited to beginners and experienced swimmers alike. The tour includes park fees, bottled water and guide services in English or Spanish. You choose between a half-day or full-day option at checkout. Infants can join on an adult's lap, and the activity suits all fitness levels.

The experience

The boat leaves the dock and runs 30–40 minutes out to the Southern Barrier Reef, a UNESCO-listed reserve made up of over 100 coral species and home to roughly 500 fish species plus hundreds of invertebrates. Your professional guide picks snorkel sites within the reserve that match your experience level, so beginners and experienced snorkelers both get a site where they can move at their own pace underwater.

Once in the water, you're in close range of eagle rays, sea turtles, a wide variety of exotic fish, and sometimes dolphins or nurse sharks. The guide stays with the group and points out what moves through the coral. The tour normally includes a stop at Bread and Butter Caye or South Water Caye for beach-combing and a break on the sand before heading back. You can book the half-day or full-day version depending on how much time you want in the water. Both include park fees, bottled water, and guide services.

What’s included

• Professional guide in English or Spanish.
• bottled water.
• national park entry and facility fees.
• local taxes included in the price.

Options for this experience

2 options

Half-Day Barrier Reef SnorkelGuide in English or Spanish · 08:00Half day Barrier Reef snorkel tour, lasting 4 hours, with fruit snacks and bottled water; pickup is included

Full-Day Barrier Reef SnorkelGuide in English or Spanish · 08:00Full day Barrier Reef snorkel tour, lasting 7 hours, with an island-style BBQ lunch; includes pickup

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (15 and older) · Youth (9 to 14 years) · Child (4 to 8 years) · Infant (1 to 3 years)

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 18 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 11 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Get to Know Belize Adventures

Is this one for you?Book the half-day if you want a morning or afternoon in the water without committing your whole day. Pick the full-day option if you want multiple snorkel sites and more time to explore the reef.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (9 to 14 years); Child (4 to 8 years); Infant (1 to 3 years).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What fish and marine animals will I actually see at the Southern Barrier Reef?

The reef is home to roughly 500 fish species and hundreds of invertebrates. Snorkelers often encounter eagle rays, sea turtles, a wide variety of exotic fish, and sometimes dolphins or nurse sharks, though sightings depend on the day and the site your guide chooses.

How long is the boat ride out to the snorkel sites?

The boat ride to the Southern Barrier Reef takes 30–40 minutes from the dock, then you spend the rest of the time in and around the water at the snorkel sites.

What's included in the snorkel tour price?

The tour includes a professional guide, bottled water, national park fees, landing and facility fees, and local taxes. You'll need to arrange your own lunch if you book the full-day option, and gratuities are separate.

Do I need snorkel experience to join this tour?

No. The guide selects snorkel sites suited to both beginners and experienced snorkelers, so you can choose a site that matches your comfort level and skill.