Hol Chan & Caye Caulker: Full-Day Snorkeling, Turtles & Sharks

Summary

Belize’s Hol Chan day trip brings you face to face with turtles, rays and shipwrecks in warm Caribbean waters

You’ll float above coral gardens at Hol Chan Marine Reserve, swim alongside turtles and nurse sharks at Shark Ray Alley, then unwind on Caye Caulker with fresh Belizean lunch included. Expect laughter with your guide, salty hair, GoPro photos you’ll want to keep—and moments that stick long after you rinse off the sea.

What’s the experience like?

First thing I remember is the way our guide, Luis, grinned when he handed me my mask — “Ready to meet some neighbors?” he said, and I honestly thought he meant people on the boat. But no, within ten minutes we were floating above this wild patchwork of coral at Hol Chan Marine Reserve. The water was so clear I could see the sand ripple under a stingray’s belly. Someone next to me let out a muffled “whoa” through their snorkel when a turtle drifted by, totally unbothered. I tried not to laugh and swallow seawater.

We stopped at seven different spots that day — I lost track after the third because every place had its own mood. Shark Ray Alley was louder than I expected (not from people, but from all those nurse sharks brushing past each other), and there was this moment where I just hovered there thinking, “Is this normal?” Luis kept pointing things out: a conch shell graveyard here, a school of tiny blue fish there. At one point he showed us how not to touch or feed anything; he seemed genuinely proud of that. Lunch tasted like pepper and lime and something sweet I still can’t name — maybe someone said it was plantain?

I didn’t expect Caye Caulker to feel so sleepy after all that swimming. We wandered along wooden docks while pelicans squabbled over fish guts (gross but kind of funny). There were these painted signs everywhere saying “Go Slow,” which felt about right after hours in the sun. My hair was full of salt and my skin felt sticky but in a good way — like I’d actually been somewhere different for once.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full-day snorkeling and sightseeing tour

• Snorkel at Hol Chan Reserve sites
• Visit Conch shell graveyard
• Swim with turtles and corals
• Snorkel with sharks and rays
• Enjoy Belizean lunch on boat
• Explore main attractions on Caye Caulker

Top questions

How many snorkel stops are included on the Hol Chan tour?

The tour includes 7 snorkel stops around Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Caye Caulker.

Is lunch provided during the Hol Chan snorkeling tour?

Yes, a Belizean lunch is included as part of the day trip.

Are GoPro photos or videos included?

Yes, free GoPro photos and videos are taken for you during the tour.

What marine life can you see on this tour?

You may see turtles, manatees, nurse sharks, rays, corals and schools of fish.

Does this tour use single-use plastics?

No, single-use plastics are not used on board the boats.

Is hotel pickup included in this snorkeling tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; public transportation options are nearby.

Can cruise ship passengers join this Hol Chan snorkeling day trip?

No, cruise ship passengers cannot join as the meeting point is not in Belize City.

What is the group size for each boat?

The group size per boat is usually 4-10 people maximum.

Are entrance fees included in the price?

Yes, entrance fees for Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley are included.

What’s included

Your day includes all entrance fees for Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley plus taxes; use of snorkeling gear; fresh fruit and water; a Belizean lunch; free GoPro photos or videos taken by your guide; all led by experienced local guides who care about protecting marine life—no single-use plastics or feeding wildlife here.