San Pedro: Hol Chan & Shark Ray Alley Snorkel, Caye Caulker Sunset

Summary

Snorkeling Belize’s reefs then slow sunset back from Caye Caulker

You’ll float above rainbow coral at Hol Chan Marine Reserve, swim (or watch) nurse sharks at Shark Ray Alley, eat Belizean BBQ on board, then wander Caye Caulker before drifting home under a Caribbean sunset with rum punch in hand. It’s relaxed but full — perfect if you want real Belize flavor without rushing.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the water to be so clear at Hol Chan Marine Reserve. It’s like the boat just dropped us into a giant aquarium — except it smells faintly of salt and sunscreen, not glass and filters. Our guide, Luis, handed me a mask and grinned, “You’ll see more fish than people today.” He was right. I lost track of time floating over coral gardens while parrotfish darted below. There was this moment when a sea turtle glided past and I almost forgot to breathe — literally had to remind myself through the snorkel. That part stuck with me.

Shark Ray Alley was next. The engine idled and suddenly nurse sharks started circling — they’re way calmer than you’d think, but still my heart thudded when I slid in. Luis laughed when I hesitated, said even his grandma gets in sometimes (not sure if that’s true). If you stay on the boat you still see everything; the water’s that clear. Afterward we dried off in the sun while the captain and crew set up lunch: stewed chicken, rice and beans, plantains — all those comfort smells mixing with sea air. The BBQ fish is apparently a secret recipe but tastes like lime and smoke.

Caye Caulker came after that — about an hour to wander or just sit by “the Split” with a cold drink (I tried saying ‘panty ripper’ in my best Belizean accent; got some laughs from locals). The island feels slower than San Pedro, everyone waves or nods as you pass. I almost missed the boat back because I lost track of time watching pelicans dive for fish. No one seemed rushed though.

The ride home was all golden light and rum punch — they kept topping up drinks and passing around fresh ceviche with tortilla chips. Someone put on old reggae tunes and for a minute it felt like we were all friends who’d known each other longer than a day trip out of San Pedro. I still think about that sunset sometimes — how everything went quiet as we drifted back toward Ambergris Caye, salt on my lips and that feeling you get when you know you’ll remember something small forever.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full day snorkeling and island tour

• Meet at Palapa Bar dock
• Boat ride to Hol Chan Marine Reserve
• Snorkel at Hol Chan Marine Reserve
• Snorkel at Shark Ray Alley
• Enjoy Belizean buffet lunch on board
• Stop at Caye Caulker for free time
• Relax on sunset cruise back to San Pedro
• Enjoy ceviche and open bar on boat

Top questions

Is pickup included for this San Pedro snorkeling tour?

No, pickup isn’t included. You meet at Palapa Bar dock 15 minutes before departure.

How long do you snorkel at Hol Chan Marine Reserve?

You spend at least 45 minutes snorkeling at Hol Chan Marine Reserve.

Can I join Shark Ray Alley without swimming?

Yes, you can watch nurse sharks and stingrays from the boat if you prefer not to swim.

What food is served during the tour?

A Belizean buffet lunch is served onboard: stewed chicken, rice and beans, BBQ fish (captain’s recipe), plantains, tortillas, coleslaw, pico de gallo.

How much free time do we get at Caye Caulker?

You have about one hour of free time to explore Caye Caulker island.

Are drinks included on this day trip?

Yes, there’s an open bar with local rum, vodka, gin plus soft drinks and juices throughout the tour.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

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

What’s special about Hol Chan compared to other spots?

Hol Chan has the largest variety of marine life in Belize—over 160 fish species and 40 types of coral recorded here.

What’s included

Your day starts at Palapa Bar dock (no hotel pickup), includes use of snorkeling gear plus entrance fees for Hol Chan Marine Reserve. Drinks flow all day—local spirits or softs—alongside a full Belizean buffet lunch onboard with BBQ fish and traditional sides. Later there’s fresh ceviche during your sunset cruise back from Caye Caulker. Restroom available on board too.