The most incredible wildlife encounter I had backpacking through Central America was the Belize Snorkeling Tour I did in Caye Caulker. The Belize Barrier Reef offers some of the best snorkelling in the world, this is the destination to live up all your island paradise dreams while swimming with mantaees, nurse sharks and eagle rays.
Choosing a Belize Snorkeling Tour Operator and Itinerary
There are three main operators for Belize Snorkeling Tours
A detailed comparison of the companies are below but TDLR; I chose Raggamuffin Snorkel Tour
There are four main Belize snorkeling tour options:
- Full-Day Itinerary Tour
- Half-Day Itinerary Tour
- Multi-Day Itinerary Tour
- Scuba Diving Tour
A detailed comparison of the itinerary options are below but TDLR; I chose to do the Full-Day Itinerary.
Should I book a Full Day Snorkeling Tour?
After assessing all the options, I decieded that a full-day tour was best value for money and the best option to make the most of the 3 days I had in Caye Caulker Belize. Keep in mind there is not a lot to do in Caye Caulker, so a full-day tour will still give you plenty of time to explore the rest of the island.
Full Day Snorkeling Tour
A full-day snorkelling tour (usually 10:30AM – 4:30PM) will set you back approximately $90 USD. Each company uses slightly different names but in reality all the boats follow each other and go to the same spots. The full-day tours includes:
- Hol Chan Marine Reserve (12 miles away from Caye Caulker)
- Shark Ray Alley, San Pedro Island
- Coral Gardens
- Chatos Area (wildlife congregate at this area)
- A small ship wreck (sunken barge)
- Park fee included ($10 USD each)
Half Day Belize Snorkeling Tours
A half-day snorkelling tour (10:30AM – 1:30PM OR 2:00PM – 5:00PM) will set you back approximately $45 USD. Same as above, each company uses slightly different names but in reality all the boats follow each other and go to the same spots. The half-day tour includes:
- Shark Ray Alley
- Coral Gardens
- South Channel
Unless you are really short on time I don’t recommend this tour. All 5 places on the full-day tours are extremely unique and Hol Chan Marine Reserve is the real highlight. If you want to see manatees, nurse sharks, insane coral reefs and spotted eagle rays – the full day is a must.
Scuba Diving Belize
I am yet to delve into the world of scuba diving so I did not personally try this, but I’ve been told Belize has the best scuba diving in the Caribbean. There are several operators that offer PADI certificates and take divers to unique sites such as the famous Belize Blue Hole.
Multi Day Belize Snorkeling Tour
All three operators offer multi-day sailing tours. This did not fit into my itinerary but it’s worth noting if you’d like to get off the beaten track and visit remote snorkelling spots and islands.
What company should I book the Snorkeling Tour with?
Real talk; they are all essentially the same. All are locally owned and operated and the real deciding factor for me was that Raggamuffin practice ethical wildlife viewing. They are passionate about the marine environment and protecting the reef so stand very strong in ensuring that not only staff but customers are not interacting with the marine life. No touching of coral, sharks, rays and fishes are permitted on the tour and there is no feeding any of the marine life (this includes the sharks, stingrays and tarpon).
What to Expect on a Belize Snorkeling Tour
Hol Chan Marine Reserve
Located 12 miles away from Caye Caulker this is the stop where you’ll see an abundance of marine life, including sting rays and huge spotted eagle rays! You’ll be taken on a snorkeling tour of the barrier reef and your tour guide will stop and point out things of interest.
San Pedro Island : Shark Ray Alley
Best known as shark ray alley, this is the stop where you’ll get to swim with an abundance of nurse sharks. Seriously, they are everywhere! It’s crazy how an animal with such “scary” connotations is so placid and peaceful.
Belize Barrier Reef
The Coral Gardens, Chatos Area and Ship Wreck are all located in the Belize Barrier Reef but outside the protected marine reserve. These are the stops where you’re most likely to see green turtles, loggerhead turtles and manatees! At the Coral Gardens you’ll also see the mighty tarpon fish.
Is Snorkeling Dangerous?
None of the animals you swim with are dangerous to humans (yes, that includes nurse sharks!). In fact, we are more dangerous to them. Thats why it’s so important Raggamuffin have a commitment to wildlife conservation.
In terms of swimming, you are never in the water more than an hour. You are provided with life jackets and can come out whenever you feel tired.
How to Get To Caye Caulker from Belize City
Ferries leave regularly between Caye Caulker and Belize City and cost $10 USD each way, the trip takes 45 minutes.
How to Get To Caye Caulker from Chetumal
There are two ferry operators (Ocean Ferry and San Pedro Belize Express) that leave to and from Caye Calker and Chetemal each day. It takes 2 hours each way and costs $60 USD. I booked my ferry in advance online through San Pedro Belize Express Ferry.
The vessel departs Chetumal at 3:30PM.
Where To Stay On Caye Caulker
Caye Caulker is a small island with limited options, my recommendation for budget backpacker accommodation is Travellers Palm Backpackers Hostel.
Belize Barrier Reef Snorkeling is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that you simply cannot miss out on. From the pristine water to the colourful reefs and beautiful marine wildlife, it’s the perfect day out.
Looking for more Central America adventures? Why not check out:
- Overnight Acatenango Hike: Watching lava explode from an active volcano!
- Volcano Boarding in Nicaragua