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.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic 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 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.

Can I bring my infant or young child on this snorkel tour?

Yes, children are welcome from age 1. Infants must sit on an adult's lap during the boat ride, and you can decide whether your child enters the water or stays on the boat or at the beach stop.

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.