San Pedro: Hol Chan & Shark Ray Alley Full-Day Snorkel Tour

Summary

Hol chan marine reserve day trip with shark ray alley and caye caulker lunch

You’ll slip into Belize’s clear waters at Hol Chan Marine Reserve, swim alongside nurse sharks in Shark Ray Alley, try to spot manatees near Caye Caulker, and enjoy a laid-back island lunch before heading back to San Pedro. Expect laughter, salty hair, friendly guides—and maybe a little sunburn—on this full-day snorkeling adventure.

What’s the experience like?

“You ready to see some sharks?” That’s what our guide, Luis, called out as we clambered onto the boat at San Pedro. I remember the air was already sticky with salt by 8:30am and I’d barely finished my coffee. The ride out to Hol Chan Marine Reserve only took about fifteen minutes — just enough time for Luis to hand out masks and make a few jokes about who’d be the first in the water (it wasn’t me). When I slid into the sea, the water was cooler than I expected and so clear I could count every stripe on a passing angelfish. There’s this weird hush underwater — just your own breath and the click of parrotfish nibbling coral. I lost track of time watching a turtle drift past like it owned the place.

Shark Ray Alley came next, and honestly, my heart thumped when I saw those nurse sharks circling below us. They’re not dangerous (Luis said they’re “like big puppies with fins”), but still — seeing them up close is something else. Rays glided past too, their wings stirring up soft sand clouds. It was all so much that when we finally climbed back aboard for fruit slices and sodas, my hands were still shaking a little. We hit Coral Gardens after that; more colors than I could name, even though half of us kept fogging up our masks because we were laughing so much at each other’s snorkel hair.

The search for manatees around North Channel felt quieter — everyone scanning the blue for that slow shadow. Didn’t spot one myself, but someone else did and there was this ripple of excitement across the boat. Lunch on Caye Caulker was simple but good (rice, stew chicken, plantains), eaten under a palm while reggae drifted from somewhere behind us. The island’s got this “go slow” thing going on; even the dogs nap in the shade like they’ve got nowhere to be. We wandered down to The Split for a swim — water warm as bathwater — then picked up souvenirs from a guy carving wood turtles right there on his porch.

I didn’t expect to feel so tired by 4pm when we pulled back into San Pedro, or so sunburnt (bring extra sunscreen — trust me). But there’s something about floating above that reef and seeing those creatures up close that kind of sticks with you long after you towel off.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full-day snorkeling and island exploration

• Depart San Pedro at 8:30am
• Boat ride to Hol Chan Marine Reserve
• Snorkel at Hol Chan Marine Reserve
• Boat ride to Shark Ray Alley
• Snorkel at Shark Ray Alley
• Boat ride to Coral Gardens
• Snorkel at Coral Gardens
• Boat ride to North Channel
• Snorkel and look for manatees at North Channel
• Boat ride to Caye Caulker
• Enjoy Belizean lunch and explore Caye Caulker
• Depart Caye Caulker at 3pm
• Arrive San Pedro around 4pm

Top questions

How long does the Hol Chan & Shark Ray Alley snorkeling tour last?

The tour starts around 8:30am from San Pedro and returns by about 4pm.

Is lunch included on this day trip from San Pedro?

Yes, a warm Belizean lunch is included during your stop at Caye Caulker.

Do I need to bring my own snorkel gear?

No, snorkel equipment is provided as part of your tour.

Will we see manatees on this snorkeling tour?

The tour includes a stop at North Channel to look for manatees; sightings are possible but not guaranteed.

Are drinks provided during the snorkeling trip?

Yes, fruits, sodas, and bottled water are provided throughout the day.

How many snorkeling stops are there on this tour?

You’ll snorkel at four main spots: Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Shark Ray Alley, Coral Gardens, and North Channel near Caye Caulker.

Can I explore Caye Caulker during the tour?

Yes, you’ll have free time after lunch to explore Caye Caulker or swim at The Split before returning to San Pedro.

Is pickup included for this snorkeling trip?

The tour departs from San Pedro; public transportation options are available nearby but hotel pickup isn’t specified.

What’s included

Your day includes use of snorkel gear (so no need to pack your own), all entry fees for marine reserves along the way, fresh fruits plus sodas and bottled water throughout the journey, and a hearty Belizean lunch served right on Caye Caulker before heading back in the afternoon.