One of my favorite snorkeling spots can be found right in Belize, so of course checking out snorkeling tours from San Pedro is a must! Though what ones are the best, where do you go, how expensive is it? Well don’t worry, I will answer all of that and more!
No doubt if you are in Belize you will quickly find out how much of an incredible location this is for exploring life under the sea.
The best way to discover this is by taking one of the snorkeling tours from San Pedro. On it, you will be able to check out the local marine life, coral formations, and the insane reef system that leaves many in awe.
San Pedro is located on Ambergris Caye, the largest and most popular island in Belize. It is surrounded by a rich and diverse coral reef system that is home to hundreds of species of fish, sharks, rays, turtles, and more.
Snorkeling tours from San Pedro offer a variety of options for different levels of experience, budgets, and preferences. You can choose from half-day or full-day tours, private or shared boats, sailing or motorized vessels, and different snorkeling destinations.
Snorkeling tours from San Pedro are a must-do activity for anyone who loves nature and adventure. You will have an unforgettable experience that will leave you in awe of the beauty and diversity of life under the sea.
Though honestly, I didn’t do much research prior to visiting in terms of the best spots to go, but luckily it all worked out. Nevertheless, you are one step ahead of me by actually researching!
Backpacking Belize you will quickly find out how expensive things are here, and if this isn’t something you budgeted for you will be trying everything to cut down your costs. Though I must say if there is one thing you do in Belize, this is it, do a snorkeling tour, more specifically to Hol Chan Marine Park.
As someone who loves snorkeling, and traveling with friends who are exactly the same, we all agreed this was the best snorkeling we had ever done! So much so that I did a snorkeling tour from both San Pedro and Caye Caulker.
Nevertheless, let’s get into everything you need to know about snorkeling tours from San Pedro. From what companies to book with, the different types of tours available, my experience, costs, what you need to pack, and so much more!
BEST Snorkeling Tours From San Pedro, Belize: All You Need To Know
- Why Do A Snorkeling Tour From San Pedro Belize
- Snorkeling Spots From San Pedro
- Booking Snorkeling Tours From San Pedro Belize
- My Experience On A Snorkeling Tour From San Pedro, Belize
- Rules To Follow When Snorkeling
- What To Pack When Snorkeling
How I Book Cheap Transport In Belize: GuateGo
Why Do A Snorkeling Tour From San Pedro Belize
San Pedro Belize is a great destination for snorkeling enthusiasts who want to explore the amazing marine life and coral reefs of the Belize Barrier Reef. Snorkeling tours from San Pedro Belize offer a variety of options for different levels of experience and interests.
You can visit the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, one of the most popular snorkeling spots in Belize. Hol Chan means “little channel” in Maya, and it is a natural break in the reef that attracts a diversity of fish and other marine creatures.
You can see nurse sharks, stingrays, turtles, moray eels, barracudas, groupers, and more. Hol Chan is also home to Shark Ray Alley, where you can swim with friendly sharks and rays that are used to human presence.
You can also snorkel at Mexico Rocks, another marine reserve that is located north of San Pedro. Mexico Rocks is a patch reef that consists of clusters of coral formations and sandy areas.
It is ideal for beginners and intermediate snorkelers, as the water is shallow and calm. You can see colorful fish, lobsters, crabs, sea cucumbers, anemones, and more.
If you want to experience something different, you can join a catamaran snorkeling tour that combines sailing and snorkeling. You can enjoy the breeze and the views of the coast as you sail to your snorkeling destination. Some catamaran tours also include a beach cookout or a sunset cruise for a more memorable experience.
Snorkeling tours from San Pedro Belize are affordable and convenient. You can find many tour operators that offer half-day or full-day snorkeling trips for reasonable prices. Most tours include transportation, equipment, guides, park fees, and refreshments.
Snorkeling Spots From San Pedro
One of the best ways to enjoy the amazing marine life and coral formations of Belize is to go on a snorkeling tour from San Pedro, the main town on Ambergris Caye.
There are many snorkeling spots that you can visit on a tour from San Pedro, but here is my list of the top options you can visit.
Hol Chan Marine Park
Hol Chan Marine Park is a marine reserve close to Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker, off the coast of Belize. It covers approximately 18 km² of coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangrove forests.
Hol Chan is Mayan for “little channel”, and it refers to a natural cut in the barrier reef that allows the exchange of water and nutrients between the lagoon and the sea. This creates a rich and diverse ecosystem that attracts a variety of marine life, such as fish, turtles, rays, eels, lobsters, and more.
Hol Chan Marine Park is divided into four zones: Zone A (Hol Chan Cut), Zone B (Seagrass Beds), Zone C (Mangroves), and Zone D (Shark Ray Alley). Each zone has its own characteristics and attractions for snorkelers and divers. Here are some highlights of each zone:
Zone A (Hol Chan Cut): This is the most popular and visited zone of the park, where you can snorkel or dive through the channel that cuts through the reef. You can see a variety of corals, sponges, and fish, such as groupers, snappers, jacks, barracudas, and more. You can also spot moray eels, sea turtles, and stingrays hiding in the crevices.
Zone B (Seagrass Beds): This zone covers the shallow seagrass beds that surround the channel. Seagrass beds are important habitats for many marine animals, such as manatees, conch, sea cucumbers, starfish, and more. You can also see juvenile fish and crustaceans that use seagrass as a nursery.
Zone C (Mangroves): This zone covers the mangrove forest that lines the coast of Ambergris Caye. Mangroves are vital for coastal protection, erosion control, and water quality. They also provide shelter and food for many fish, crabs, birds, and reptiles. You can snorkel or kayak through the mangrove channels and see how they support a complex web of life.
Zone D (Shark Ray Alley): This zone is located about 1 km south of Hol Chan Cut, and it is a shallow area where you can see nurse sharks and stingrays up close. These animals are used to human presence and will approach boats in search of food. You can snorkel with them and feel their smooth skin as they glide by.
Hol Chan Marine Park is a must-see attraction for anyone who loves marine life and coral reefs. It is one of the most impressive snorkeling spots in the entire world, and the most popular snorkel site in Belize.
You will need to pay a park fee of $10 USD per person to enter the park. You will also need to follow some rules and regulations to protect the park and its inhabitants. For example, you should not touch or feed any animals, collect any shells or corals, or use any sunscreen or repellent that could harm the reef.
How I Book Cheap Transport In Belize: GuateGo
Shark Ray Alley
Shark Ray Alley is one of the most amazing snorkeling spots in Belize, where you can swim with nurse sharks and stingrays in crystal-clear water. It got its name as it was once a place where fishermen would clean their catches, and the creatures attracted to the fish guts soon became a tourist attraction.
Now, you can see dozens of nurse sharks and stingrays that are used to human presence and will approach boats in search of food. You can snorkel with them and feel their smooth skin as they glide by.
One thing to note is that 99% of snorkeling tours will feed the sharks and rays scraps to lure them in. A lot of people see this as an unethical practice as you are interfering with the natural ways of these animals. Rather than going out searching for food they now simply hang out here.
This wasn’t something I really thought about until after the experience, in the moment I was in absolute awe of the creatures around me. Though I also stopped here during a rest stop during dives and they didn’t feed the sea life.
Instead, we were instructed to get into the water as quickly as possible as the sharks and rays would approach the boat looking for food, but quickly leave when they realized we didn’t have any.
Mexico Rocks
Mexico Rocks is a patch reef that lies between the barrier reef and the shore, and it is home to a rich variety of marine life. Here you can see colorful corals of different shapes and sizes, such as boulder coral, brain coral, elkhorn coral, and star coral.
These corals provide shelter and food for many fish and invertebrates.
It is possible that you will encounter friendly and curious creatures, such as nurse sharks, stingrays, green moray eels, and hawksbill turtles. These animals are used to snorkelers and may come close to you for a better look.
Also, you can enjoy the clear and shallow water, which offers excellent visibility and easy access. The depth of Mexico Rocks is only about 10 feet, so you can snorkel comfortably without diving equipment.
Blue Hole
The blue hole is a large underwater sinkhole that is almost circular in shape and is about 124 meters deep. It is one of the top dive spots in the world and is a must-see for any diving enthusiast.
Snorkeling the blue hole allows you to explore the fringing reefs that surround the sinkhole and see a variety of colorful corals, sponges, fans, and gorgonians. You can also see some of the stalactites that were formed from dripping water when the cave was above sea level.
Snorkeling the blue hole is not only a thrilling experience but also a rewarding one. You will learn about the history and geology of the sinkhole, which was formed during the last ice age when sea levels were lower.
Here you can also appreciate the beauty and fragility of the coral reef ecosystem, which is threatened by climate change, pollution, and overfishing. Snorkeling the blue hole will inspire you to protect and conserve this natural wonder for future generations.
One thing to note is this is generally quite a pricey trip, as well as spending a full day on a boat. If you are short on time, or on a budget this may not be the best choice for you.
Lighthouse Reef
Snorkeling Lighthouse Reef in Belize is a wonderful experience that can offer you a glimpse of the rich marine life and stunning coral formations of the Caribbean Sea. Lighthouse Reef is one of the three atolls in Belize, and it is home to the famous Great Blue Hole.
Apart from the Blue Hole, Lighthouse Reef has many other snorkeling spots that are worth exploring, such as Half Moon Caye Wall, Long Caye Ridge, Elk Horn Forest, Tarpon Cave, and Que Brada.
These sites offer diverse coral reefs, colorful fish, and other marine creatures such as dolphins, manatees, and sea turtles.
Booking Snorkeling Tours From San Pedro Belize
Now no doubt you need to participate in one of the incredible snorkeling tours from San Pedro. Though you will want to make sure you do so with a reputable company that puts your safety first.
You will want them to take you to the best spots to see the local marine life, but also ensure the experience they are providing you is an ethical one with a hands-off policy to the underwater creatures. There are several operators that offer snorkeling tours from San Pedro in Belize, so where do you start?
Well basically you can just walk along the waterfront in San Pedro and see numerous different places offering snorkeling tours, most will list the price and location they head to.
You will have no issue finding one, though you will want to make sure you are getting the best value for money, and are going with someone who practices ethical encounters.
Basically, your top snorkeling tours from San Pedro are:
- Reef Adventures – Offering the widest assortment of snorkeling tours from San Pedro
- Island Dream Tours – A large catamaran for a mixture of snorkeling and relaxing
- Amigos Del Mar – Most popular shop on the island
Rather than offering a full-day or half-day snorkeling tour, most companies in San Pedro will instead list the locations they intend to visit on the tour. Typically most snorkeling tours from San Pedro will just a few hours since the locations are quite close.
Reef Adventures
Reef Adventures is a dive shop in San Pedro, Belize that offers a variety of snorkeling tours for different levels of experience and interests. They have a great variety of options when it comes to snorkeling sites.
They offer 5 main types of snorkeling tours from San Pedro, these include:
Hol Chan and Shark Ray Alley $75.00 per person
Mexico Rocks and Dos Cocos: $80.00 per person
Tuffy Canyon & Coral Gardens: $70.00 per person
Blue Hole & Lighthouse Reef: $250.00 per person
Manatee Snorkel Adventure: $125.00 per person
All of their prices include the relative park fees and taxes. Also, just a side note they are one of the only snorkeling tour operators offering Manatee trips from San Pedro. Instead, it is more common to go swimming with Manatees from Caye Caulker, though obviously, not everyone stays on that island.
Island Dream Tours
Island Dream Tours is a company that operates two custom-built catamarans, YOLO and YOLITO, that can take you to some of the best snorkeling spots in the area. Here are some of the trips that you can choose from:
Full-Day Chill Cruise: This is an all-inclusive trip that includes two snorkeling stops at Shark Ray Alley and Hol Chan Marine Reserve. You will also enjoy a relaxing time at a shallow sandbar, where you can swim, play volleyball, or just chill on the boat. The trip also includes a delicious lunch of grilled chicken, rice and beans, coleslaw, and fresh fruit, as well as unlimited drinks from the open bar. The trip lasts from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm and costs $139 per person.
As you may have figured Island Dream Tours are more of a luxury, spring break type of snorkeling tour from San Pedro, especially with an open bar. Nevertheless, they constantly receive great reviews and it is a chill way to spend the day.
Amigos Del Mar
Amigos Del Mar is a family-owned business that has been operating since 1984 and specializes in full-service diving, instruction, snorkeling, and boat charters. Here are some of the snorkeling trips that you can choose from:
Hol Chan & Shark Ray Alley Snorkel: $75.00 per person approx 90 minutes
Mexico Rocks Snorkel: $55.00 per person approx 150 minutes
Caye Caulker All Day Snorkel: $115.00 per person approx 7.5 hours – also has the chance to swim with manatees
Night Snorkel (Hol Chan): $75.00 per person approx 90 minutes
The Great Blue Hole & Lighthouse Reef Atoll Snorkel: $215.00 per person approx 7 hours – park fees are excluded and are an additional $40.00
My Experience On A Snorkeling Tour From San Pedro, Belize
So when visiting San Pedro I knew I wanted to do a snorkeling tour, and that was a good decision. Though what wasn’t a good decision was the fact that I had booked 2 nights, and over easter weekend, aka one of the biggest holidays of the year.
On my one and only free day, I decided to go on a wander and see what I could find in terms of snorkeling tours from San Pedro.
Walking along the beachfront down from my hostel Sandbar Beachfront, it was obvious a lot of places were shut. So much so that after about 10 minutes of walking I finally find 1 which is open.
Advertised out the front is ‘Afternoon Snorkeling Tour from San Pedro, $60.00’. I went in and talked to the staff at Ecologic Divers who were organizing the trip. It would leave in an hour’s time, so far just one family from the mainland is going.
As a backpacker, I said I would think about it and continued my walk to find other options. I mean you’ve got to shop around for prices! Though today was not that day as every single shop I passed by was closed.
I wandered back to Ecologic Divers, signed up, paid the fee, and got fins and a mask. As there were still about 30 minutes to wait I headed down to the head of the pier and relaxed in the sunshine in this absolute paradise.
Soon enough the family of 7 arrived and we all jumped onboard the boat. Three generations of this Belizean family, and me, but luckily they were a lovely bunch of people.
We headed off just around the corner to get petrol for the boat and purchase our park entry tickets. From there it was about a 15-minute drive to our first snorkeling stop of the day, Hol Chan Marine Park.
Though before jumping in we need to head to the floating office where we check in and they confirm our passes. There are plenty of other boats around, no idea where they were when I was looking to book a tour.
We suit up with our fins and masks and plunge into the water which is a refreshing 28 degrees Celsius, not too warm, not too cold. Straight underneath us is a turtle munching away on some seagrass.
Our guide also jumps into the water and leads us out from the grassy area to coral formations. We spot a variety of different types of fish, from parrotfish, lionfish, spadefish, and even a resting nurse shark! I could only imagine how incredible it would be to dive here and secretly add it to my bucketlist.
Back on board the boat we have a short drive to our second snorkeling spot of the day, Shark Ray Alley. This is less about the coral and the fish, and more about the Sharks and Rays.
As soon as we arrive they start storming towards the boat as the captain throws over pineapple and watermelon. We all jump in and I take the more cautious approach to these massive creatures.
Though a teenage boy from the family takes the opposite approach and decides to get among it. Unfortunately, he freaks himself out, and since he took off his fins prior to jumping in he is struggling to swim. Luckily he is right next to the boat and the captain drags him up.
We head back to the mainland a little bit later, and nevertheless, I had a lovely couple of hours with this local family. The marine life here is absolutely insane, and even though it is a bit pricey for a couple of hours, it is 100% worth it.
Hol Chan Marine Park certainly lives up to its name of being one of the best snorkeling locations in the world.
How I Book Cheap Transport In Belize: GuateGo
Rules To Follow When Snorkeling
Snorkeling is a fun and exciting way to explore the underwater world of Belize, but it also requires some safety rules and etiquette to ensure a positive experience for yourself and the marine life. Here are some of the rules you should follow when taking snorkeling tours from San Pedro Belize:
Choose a reputable snorkeling tour operator. You want to make sure that the tour operator you choose has qualified guides, well-maintained equipment, and follows the regulations of the marine reserves.
Wear appropriate snorkeling gear. You should always wear a mask, snorkel, and fins that fit you properly and are comfortable. You may also want to wear a life jacket for extra buoyancy and safety. Some snorkeling tours may provide these items, but you can also bring your own or rent them from a local shop.
Follow the guide’s instructions. Your guide will brief you on the snorkeling site, the marine life, and the safety procedures before you enter the water. You should listen carefully and follow their directions at all times. They will also point out interesting things to see and help you if you have any problems or questions.
Respect marine life. You should never touch, feed, chase, or harass any of the animals or plants that you encounter while snorkeling. They are part of a delicate ecosystem that needs to be protected and preserved.
You should also avoid standing on or kicking the coral, as they are living organisms that can be easily damaged or killed. Here you can admire the beauty and diversity of marine life from a safe distance and enjoy the experience of being in their natural habitat.
What To Pack When Snorkeling
If you are planning to take a snorkeling tour from San Pedro, here are some tips on what to pack:
Snorkeling gear: You can either bring your own snorkeling gear or rent it from a local operator. Some snorkeling tours include the gear in the price, while others charge extra for it.
If you bring your own gear, make sure it fits well and is in good condition. You will need a mask, a snorkel, and fins. You may also want to bring a wetsuit or a rash guard for extra warmth and protection from the sun.
Sunscreen: The sun in Belize can be very strong, especially on the water. You will need to apply sunscreen before and during your snorkeling tour to prevent sunburn and skin damage.
Choose a sunscreen that is water-resistant, reef-safe, and has a high SPF. Avoid spray-on sunscreens, as they can harm marine life and the coral reef.
Water and snacks: Snorkeling can be tiring and dehydrating, so you will need to drink plenty of water and eat some snacks to keep your energy up. Some snorkeling tours provide water and snacks on board, while others require you to bring your own.
Check with your tour operator before you go. You may want to bring a reusable water bottle and some granola bars, nuts, or fruit.
Camera: If you want to capture the amazing sights of the underwater world, you will need a camera that is waterproof and durable. You can either use a waterproof case for your smartphone or a dedicated underwater camera.
You may also want to bring a selfie stick or a wrist strap to hold your camera securely. Make sure your camera is fully charged and has enough memory space before you go.
Towel and change of clothes: After your snorkeling tour, you will probably want to dry off and change into something comfortable. Bring a towel and a change of clothes that you can store in a waterproof bag or backpack. You may also want to bring some sandals or flip-flops to wear on the boat or on the beach.
Money and ID: You will need some money and ID for your snorkeling tour. You may need to pay for the tour fee, the gear rental, the park entrance fee, or any tips for your guide or crew. You may also want to buy some souvenirs or snacks from the local vendors.
Bring some cash in small denominations and keep it in a ziplock bag or a waterproof wallet. You will also need your passport or driver’s license as proof of identity.
Where To Stay In San Pedro
San Pedro is a popular destination for tourists who want to enjoy the beauty and diversity of Belize. It is the main town on Ambergris Caye, the largest island in the country. San Pedro offers a variety of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious resorts.
If you want to be close to the action, you may want to stay in the town center of San Pedro. This is where you will find most of the shops, restaurants, bars, and nightlife.
You will also have easy access to the water taxi terminal, which can take you to other islands or the mainland. However, be aware that this area can be noisy and crowded, especially during peak seasons. Generally, the more budget-friendly options are located here.
If you prefer a quieter and more relaxing atmosphere, you may want to stay in the north or south of San Pedro. These areas are less developed and offer more natural scenery and tranquility.
You will also find some of the best beaches and snorkeling spots in these areas. However, you may need to rent a golf cart or a bike to get around, as public transportation is limited.
Personally, I stayed at Sandbar Beachfront Hostel and had a great time. They have a comfortable air-conditioned dorm room, a decent-sized pool to relax in, a good restaurant downstairs, awesome location.
In a place with limited options, this was the best choice for me, though one thing to be aware of there isn’t much of a social aspect here. There aren’t any organized activities, and the only common area is the pool which limits your interactions with other people.
A quaint little hostel on the island. They have air-conditioned dorms that start from $25.00 per night. BOOK NOW |
An excellent choice if you are wanting a bit more privacy. Rooms here start from $60.00 per night. BOOK NOW |
Sandbar Beachfront Hostel San Pedro A comfortable and modern hostel that has a pool. Air-conditioned dorms start from $20.00 per night. BOOK NOW |
Ambergris Sunset Hotel San Pedro An affordable choice with a pool to relax in. Rooms here start from $50.00 per night. BOOK NOW |
Other Things To Do In San Pedro
After you have had an amazing time taking one of the snorkeling tours from San Pedro, it’s time to explore more of this paradise island. Here are some other things you can do during your stay in San Pero Belize:
Dive in the Great Blue Hole: The Great Blue Hole is a world-famous diving site that lies about 43 miles from San Pedro. It is a circular sinkhole that measures about 1,000 feet across and 400 feet deep and is surrounded by coral reefs and marine life.
Diving in the Great Blue Hole is an unforgettable experience, as you can see stalactites, stalagmites, and various species of sharks, such as bull sharks, reef sharks, and hammerheads.
Visit the Secret Beach: The Secret Beach is a secluded spot on the west coast of Ambergris Caye, where you can enjoy the calm and clear waters of the Caribbean Sea. The beach is not so secret anymore, as it has become a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, but it still retains its charm and beauty.
You can relax on the white sand, swim in the shallow water, or rent a paddleboard or kayak to explore the area. There are also some bars and restaurants nearby, where you can grab a drink or a bite.
Explore the Mayan Ruins: Belize is home to many ancient Mayan sites, some of which are accessible from San Pedro. You can take a day trip to visit some of the most impressive ruins, such as Lamanai, Xunantunich, or Altun Ha.
You can learn about the history and culture of the Maya civilization, admire the architecture and art of the temples and pyramids, and see some wildlife along the way. Some tours also include activities like cave tubing or zip lining for an extra dose of adventure.
Visit Caye Caulker: This is a small island near San Pedro, where you can enjoy a laid-back atmosphere, sandy beaches, and turquoise waters. You can also go snorkeling, kayaking, sailing, or fishing.
Any Questions? Let me know in the comments!
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