San Pedro: Private Catamaran Day with Hol Chan, Shark Ray Alley & Caye Caulker

Summary

Snorkel Belize’s reef, meet nurse sharks and drift to Caye Caulker

You’ll snorkel Belize’s Hol Chan Marine Reserve and swim alongside nurse sharks at Shark Ray Alley before feasting on a Belizean buffet lunch aboard your private catamaran. Wander Caye Caulker’s sandy streets or just soak up island vibes before cruising home at sunset with fresh ceviche and an open bar—every moment feels easygoing yet unforgettable.

What’s the experience like?

I was honestly a little nervous as we left San Pedro — not about the boat (the catamaran is huge and soft underfoot), but about what it’d feel like to actually swim at Hol Chan Marine Reserve. The crew handed out masks and joked about “Belizean time,” which I guess means you just relax and let the day stretch. The water was that impossible turquoise, and I swear you could smell salt and grilled fish already, even though lunch was hours away. Our guide, Luis, pointed out how Hol Chan means “little channel” in Mayan — he seemed proud of that. I didn’t expect to see so many different fish all at once; it felt almost staged, but nope — just wild life everywhere.

Shark Ray Alley was next. The engine barely hummed before these nurse sharks started circling, way closer than I thought they’d come. Luis told us the fishermen used to clean their catch here, so now the sharks show up whenever they hear a boat. Some people watched from the deck (which is totally fine), but I got in — heart pounding — and yeah, they’re big but gentle. The stingrays glide right past your legs. There’s this moment when you surface and realize you’re grinning like an idiot at strangers who are also grinning back.

Lunch on board hit differently after all that swimming — stewed chicken, rice and beans, sweet plantain (I took seconds), plus some secret-recipe BBQ fish that the captain wouldn’t explain no matter how many times we asked. Then we docked at Caye Caulker for a couple hours of doing nothing in particular: walking past pastel houses, hearing reggae from somewhere behind a fence, getting lime juice sticky on my hands. The motto here is “Go Slow.” It’s not just a sign; people really mean it.

On the way back to San Pedro there was ceviche (shrimp or conch depending on season), rum punch flowing from the open bar, sunburns starting to show up on everyone’s noses. We drifted by a sandbar where you could jump off for one last swim if you wanted — I did, mostly because someone dared me. Sunset crept up while we lounged on cushions with music playing low. I still think about that view sometimes when things get noisy back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full day private catamaran 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
• Relaxed sunset cruise back to San Pedro
• Optional snorkeling or sandbar stop
• Enjoy open bar with local drinks

Top questions

How long does the private catamaran tour from San Pedro last?

The tour runs approximately 8 hours depending on sunset times throughout the year.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes, use of snorkeling equipment is included for all guests.

Where does the tour depart from in San Pedro?

The departure point is Palapa Bar dock in San Pedro; meet there 15 minutes before departure.

Do I need to be an experienced swimmer to join?

No, all fitness levels are welcome and you can watch marine life from the boat if you prefer not to swim.

What food is served during the tour?

A Belizean buffet lunch with stewed chicken, rice and beans, BBQ fish, plantains, tortillas and more is served onboard; fresh ceviche is offered later.

Is alcohol included?

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

Are entrance fees to Hol Chan Marine Reserve included?

Yes, entrance fees are covered in your tour price.

How much free time do we get at Caye Caulker?

You have around 2 hours of free time to explore Caye Caulker during the trip.

What’s included

Your day includes departure from Palapa Bar dock (pickup not included), all snorkeling gear provided onboard along with entry fees for Hol Chan Marine Reserve. Enjoy a full Belizean buffet lunch—think stewed chicken, rice and beans, BBQ fish—plus fresh ceviche later as you sail back toward San Pedro. Drinks flow freely from an open bar stocked with local spirits and soft drinks; there’s also water served sustainably from dispensers rather than single-use bottles. Restroom available onboard for comfort throughout your adventure.