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There’s a reason Belize is a vacation show-stopper. For starters, it’s a great place to sample the fascinating Caribbean culture, history, and tradition. For this, the Atitlan area—besides the world-famous Tikal— is a fine destination. Of course, the area around Lake Atitlan is also known for its Mayan ruins that pull tourists in droves, something that Tikal is even better known for. This is besides the magical views around areas ringed by steep hills and overhanging cliffs. And then there’s San Ignacio.
But one side of Belize represents its greatest attraction; its best and brightest. And without a doubt— it’s the cayes and beaches—that line the tiny Central American country’s shoreline. This is where Belize magically tips the vacation scale. In this article, we reveal Belize’s best snorkeling destination. And to cut the chase, it is the world-famous Hol Chan Marine Reserve. Here’s why.
Here’s Why The Hol Chan Marine Reserve Offers The Best Snorkeling In Belize
Here’s what vacationers need to know. Among the best snorkeling destinations on the planet, Belize sits right up there with the finest. Of course, there’s Australia—-because of the Great Barrier Reef—and Brazil and Hawaii. However, to those who’ve experienced it, Belize deserves just as much bragging rights as her peers. And for a reason. We know the Great Barrier Reef to be the largest in the world. But the second in size is the Belize Barrier Reef. Aside from being the second-largest coral reef, Belize Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef in both the Western hemisphere and the Northern hemisphere. And here’s why this is important.
Coral reefs stand as protective barriers along the shores of the oceans. Subsequently, they make the ocean waters around them calm and tranquil—just the dream conditions for snorkeling. Aside from this, the presence of coral reefs ensures the abundance of aquatic life. For snorkelers, there’s nothing as enjoyable as viewing this colorful underwater seascape in an up-and-close style—an experience that’s magically enhanced by the tranquil movement of the waters. For those who’ve been to the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, her clear, calm waters are just the perfect ingredients for great snorkeling.
Besides that, the Hol Chan Marine Reserve features an abundance of aquatic life ranging from sharks—especially at the “Shark and Ray alley”—to rotund manatees, excited sea turtles, and loads of colorful tropical fish. And no, swimming with sharks is not a dance with death. Actually, sharks are usually as harmless as puppies, even if they are some of the world’s scariest, except, of course, for the Great White. Fortunately, the nurse sharks at the “Shark and Ray alley are shy recluses who prefer just to swim away when in the presence of divers or snorkelers. Another reason the Hol Chan Marine Reserve is the best snorkeling spot in Belize is its location. Whether one is staying on Caye Caulker or Ambergris Caye, the trip to Hol Chan is an easy day trip.
How To Max Out On Your Snorkeling Experience At The Hol Chan Marine Reserve
While one can enjoy wandering underwater alone, it’s always a good piece of advice to be in the company of a guide. There are some sections of the ocean that run into fast-flowing channels. For those who are not experts, these spots can be a bit risky. But it’s not just for safety reasons. Guides know where to get the best snorkeling experience as well as where to see the strange-looking animals that usually hide at the bottom of the ocean. Sometimes, the difference between a good snorkeling experience and a great one —just boils down to a guide.
Of course, with such famous attractions, people can troop in their numbers. As a consequence, Hol Chan can sometimes be crowded. The key to escaping crowds is to go on a weekday. Then again, whether one goes on a day that’s crowded, guides can steer vacationers to less-crowded places for the best experience as they know the park inside out.
Here’s What You Need To Know About the Hol Chan Marine Reserve
Mayan for “little channel,” the Hol Chan Marine Reserve is 4,448 acres of mangrove forests, dense seagrass beds, and colorful coral reefs. It’s not only the oldest marine reserve in Belize but also the most popular snorkeling spot in the country. This reserve is demarcated into several zones of up to eight. Each zone has its own rules to which snorkelers must adhere.
- Where is The Hol Chan Reserve Located? The Hol Chan Marine is located about 3-4 miles off the coast of Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker—on the southeastern side of San Pedro.
Finally, the best way for vacationers to experience snorkeling at Hol Chan Marine Reserve is to use a licensed tour operator and book in advance. These operators charge anywhere between $84 and $110. That’s it. For those who love the colorful views of the underwater—and swimming with sharks and other marine life, the Hol Chan Marine provides a thrilling experience that’s out of this world.