Belize offers some of the Caribbean’s most beautiful landscapes both above and below its crystal waters.
With a year-round tropical climate and ocean temperatures to match, Belize is renowned for its world-class snorkeling, which you can combine with relaxing on idyllic white beaches and sipping a delicious rum cocktail at the end of the day!
With plenty of choices when it comes to Belize resorts, it’s easy to pair up where you want to stay in this stunning country with where you want to snorkel, but here is why Belize is an incredible snorkeling destination in the world and why you should get your underwater wanderlust flowing when you visit:
Hol Chan Marine Reserve
A national park, the proximity of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve to the mainland and Ambergris Caye make this a popular destination for snorkelers.
"Hol Chan" is Maya for "Little Cut," referring to a natural gap in the reef that fish and marine mammals use to transit between the inner and outer part of the reef.
Shark Ray Alley
Technically, Shark Ray Alley is a zone inside the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, but the abundance of nurse sharks and rays on the prowl for fish in this unique underwater canyon make Shark Ray Alley one of the most spectacular places to snorkel in Belize.
Turneffe Atolls
One of just a handful of atolls found outside the Atlantic Ocean, the Turneffe Atolls are located in the outer regions of the Belize Barrier Reef. The rich waters and thriving coral make this area a paradise for snorkelers.
Lighthouse Reef Atoll
Once home to an actual lighthouse, this atoll is perhaps most famous for making legendary marine biologist Jacques Cousteau's top 10 list of favorite places to snorkel and dive.
For snorkelers, the eerie blue waters and vast schools of fish nestling in the shelter of the atoll make Lighthouse Reef a must-see destination.
Gladden Spit
Located in the far southern region of the reef, Gladden Spit is perhaps best known for annual visits by large pods of whale sharks, the largest fish in the world's oceans.
But even when the whale sharks aren't around, the snorkeling in these rich waters is fantastic, sheer drop-offs allowing divers to explore a vast cornucopia of marine life.
Cahal Pech Village Resort offers jungle and sea Belize vacations that include snorkeling trips to Belize's Barrier Reef.
Questions about Belize? Send us an email or call 239- 494- 3281. We will love to help you plan your Belize vacation.
