Caye Caulker Sailing: Hol Chan & Shark Ray Alley Late Return

Summary

Sail from san pedro to caye caulker with snorkeling stops and sunset return

You’ll sail from San Pedro to Caye Caulker with snorkeling stops at Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley—nurse sharks included if you’re brave enough. Enjoy snacks, drinks, and a relaxed village walk before returning at sunset. It’s not rushed; you’ll feel part of Belize for a day.

What’s the experience like?

Someone’s handing me a mask that still smells faintly of salt and sunscreen, and I’m trying to remember if I’ve ever actually snorkeled before. Our guide—Luis, who seems to know every ripple of this water—grins and promises we’ll be fine at Hol Chan Marine Reserve. The boat leaves San Pedro around 10am, which feels almost lazy compared to the other tours already gone. I like that. There’s fruit on the table and everyone’s half awake, swapping stories about what they hope to see (someone says manatee, but Luis just laughs).

The first time I put my face in the water at Hol Chan, it’s like flipping a switch—suddenly everything’s bright and flickering below. Fish dart by in these impossible colors. At Shark Ray Alley, I hesitate for a second when the nurse sharks start circling (they’re just curious, apparently), but then someone next to me yelps with delight and I forget to be nervous. The water tastes a little metallic if you get some in your mouth—not great, but you sort of stop caring after a while.

Afterward we drift toward Caye Caulker. It’s quieter than I expected—just the slap of waves and someone humming off-key. Lunch is up to us; I ended up with fried snapper from a stand where the cook called me “amiga” and winked when she handed over hot sauce. Luis leads us around the village—feeding tarpon (they splash more than you’d think), peeking at seahorses tangled in sea grass near the dock, stopping at The Split where locals dangle their feet in turquoise water. On the way back there’s rum punch and shrimp ceviche—sticky fingers, sunburned noses, everyone kind of glowing from salt and laughter.

The sun drops slow behind us as we head home—a few dolphins surface nearby for just a moment, barely making a sound. There’s something about that light on the water that sticks with me even now. Not sure if it was the rum or just being out there so long with strangers who felt like friends by then.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sailing and snorkeling at marine sites

• Depart at 10:00 am
• Snorkel at Hol Chan Marine Reserve
• Snorkel at Shark & Ray Alley
• Lunch and explore Caye Caulker village
• Feed Tarpon and see Seahorses
• Visit The Split
• Return at sunset around 6:00 pm

Top questions

What time does the Caye Caulker sailing tour depart?

The tour departs from San Pedro at 10:00 am.

Is snorkeling equipment included on this day trip?

Yes, use of snorkeling equipment is included in your booking.

Do you see dolphins on this sailing trip?

Dolphins are often seen along the way but sightings aren’t guaranteed.

What is included during the tour?

You’ll get snacks like fresh fruit, purified water, sodas, alcoholic drinks after snorkeling (rum punch & beer), plus shrimp ceviche.

How long do we spend on Caye Caulker?

You have most of the afternoon on Caye Caulker before departing around 4:00 pm.

Is lunch provided during this tour?

No, lunch is not included—you can choose where to eat in Caye Caulker village.

When does the sailing tour return to San Pedro?

The boat returns around 6:00 pm so you catch sunset on the way back.

Are there options for vegetarians or special diets?

The main snacks are fruit and shrimp ceviche; lunch is self-purchased so options depend on local restaurants.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options are wheelchair accessible for this sailing trip.

What’s included

Your day includes departure from San Pedro with all snorkeling gear provided for both Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley stops. You’ll enjoy fresh fruit snacks, purified drinking water and sodas throughout; after snorkeling there’s rum punch, beer and shrimp ceviche served onboard before returning at sunset. Lunch in Caye Caulker is self-paid so bring some cash along too.