Snorkeling Belize

If you are travelling through Central America, Belize is lying on the east coast has the Caribbean sea to sparkle and amaze you. The Belize Barrier Reef has a vast marine life and cayes which are low lying islands that offer even more marine life to snorkel through and enjoy. Once you are out in the ocean there is a spectacular view looking back to shore with its dense, lush jungle. Belize has a smaller population compared to most and their official language is English so it is easy to move through the country from one snorkeling destination to another.

NOTE: June to November is there rainy season and it can turn up the water making the ocean a bit murky so your visibility might not be the best. If you are planning different snorkeling trips check the weather ahead (even though I know it is very unpredictable) so you can plan to go when there has been a couple days that weren't so rainy and turned up the ocean.

The Belize Barrier Reef is the second largest in the world next to Australia and is a must. In 1996 the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System was marked as a world heritage site. It includes Half Moon Caye, South Water Caye, Ranguana Caye and much more.

There are opportunities to see a Whale Shark from March to June which is about a 30 minute boat ride out.

The Blue Hole which is the largest underwater sinkhole off the coast of Belize and is over 300 meters (984 ft) across and 100 km (62 miles) off of the coast of Belize city. You will see tons of marine life because it is protected from the sea and has nurse sharks, giant groupers and much more. Primarily this is for divers but you can snorkel around the reef and see a big ring of coral and the deep abyss. It is a long ride out but one of the great wonders of the world.

Belize Barrier Reef

As I had mention in 1996 Belize inscribed the Reef as a World Heritage Site so it is protected. It is the largest reef system in the Atlantic Caribbean and the second largest in the world. Even Charles Darwin referred to it as the most remarkable reef in the West Indies. There are approximately 450 sand and mangrove cayes and it includes many endangered fish including the West Indian manatee, green turtle, American crocodile and contains many migratory birds. So it is critical to take care once you are there.

South Water Caye

Check out Belize Underwater for many excursion and trips out to sea and the abyss. The first one snorkeling trip I will talk about is the South Water Caye. It is a 45 minute boat ride and once you get to South Water Caye you will see beautiful coral mixed in with marine life making it phenomenal for underwater topography.

Cost:

$125.00 for snorkelers

$175.00 for divers

Price includes all equipment, lunch, drinks, park fees and taxes.

* a lot of companies offer a cheaper rate but then it does not include all of these fees so double check*

Glovers Atoll

Let's start with the name on this one. Some people will see atoll and no even think twice but what it actually is, a ring of coral that grows around the island and will keep growing on top of itself. Now you know a little more... This trip is an hour and a half boat ride that has amazing sights and even better marine life including rays, turtles, wrasse and more.

Cost:

$185.00 for snorkelers

$275.00 for divers

Price includes all equipment, lunch, drinks, park fees and taxes.

Blue Hole and Lighthouse Reef

You have heard about this magnificent wonder of the world and now it is time to go see it! Make sure you have time because it is a ways off the coast but worth it. It takes about 3 hours to get to depending on conditions. For divers you get to go right into the hole and snorkelers will surface on top checking out the coral features and marine life floating near the surface. After the Blue Hole you will then head to Half Moon Bay and the Aquarium. You will get 3 dives in and if you are snorkeling you will have the same time in the water and alternating in between the divers.

Cost:

$300.00 for snorkelers

$400.00 for divers

Price includes all equipment, lunch, drinks, park fees and taxes.

Wesbite: http://www.belizeunderwater.com

Phone: +501.671.4308
contact:

All of these trips are done through Belize Underwater and prices may be more because everything is included and most of these trips cost more to get to because they are not right off the beach so travel cost is more with fuel for the boat and crew.

Tranquility Bay Resort

If you haven't booked a place to stay this is it! Tranquility Bay Resort is actually in the Belize Barrier Reef which is the longest unbroken living reef on earth. It is the only resort on the Ambergris Caye in which you can step outside your hotel room and swim right into the reef. Make sure you have all of your gear and away you go.

Rates start at $135.00 for a budget travels room and depends on what time of the year you are there it can go up to $405.00 in the Prime Ministers Suite in peak season. Follow the link to check out availability

Website: http://www.tranquilitybayresort.com/rates.html

What's included:

Full Breakfast with Coffee and Orange Juice

Unlimited use of the Kayaks

1 boat transfer to and from the resort

**There is a 9% Government Tax and 10% service charge with a minimum 3 night stay**