Iguana Reef Inn - Caye Caulker, Belize

The Belize Barrier Reef, second largest in the world, has been a popular dive destination for decades. The protection it provides for the inland sea makes for extremely clear, calm water so it's ideal for snorkeling. Most of the area inside the reef is less than 20 feet deep and you can see as much with a mask and snorkel from the surface as you can diving. In just 6-10 feet of water you'll find an amazing diversity of marine life. A novice snorkeler will feel comfortable and be amazed at the sights beneath the surface. Staghorn and Elkhorn coral, dolphins, nurse sharks, spotted eagle rays, manta rays and sea turtles to name a few. It is estimated there are about 400 different species of fish that inhabit the Belize Barrier Reef.

The Hol Chan Marine Reserve, about 10 miles north of Caye Caulker, is one of the most popular snorkeling destinations. Hol Chan is a natural cut in the reef, about 25-30 feet deep and home for a wide variety of fishes and other marine life. Established in 1987, Hol Chan is the first reserve of its kind in Central America. Just to the south of Hol Chan is another popular site called Shark-Ray Alley. Shark-Ray Alley is a shallow cut in the reef where snorkelers are almost assured of encountering nurse sharks and southern stingrays. At times you'll spot dolphins along the way, especially when you head south to visit the manatees and swim off Goff's Caye.

The Iguana Reef Inn works with the local tour operators to arrange snorkeling trips for our guests. Carlos Ayala, a favorite with our guests, offers daily trips to Hol Chan, Shark-Ray Alley and a local Caye Caulker site. Another recommended trip is Ras Creek's tour of the local Caye Caulker shark and ray site and a complete tour around the island in search of crocodiles (don't worry you just view them from the boat) and marine life indigenous to the mangroves. It's a great time and an education.

If you prefer a really laid-back trip spend a day aboard one of the sailboats that offer local snorkeling trips. Raggamuffin tours offers a variety of tours to the local Caye Caulker Marine Park and Hol Chan Marine Park. The serenity of a sailboat is a wonderful, unique experience. Plan on spending about $45.00 U.S. (includes mask, snorkels and fins) for a full day of snorkeling - it's one of the best bargains around. You can also grab your snorkel gear, or rent some, and jump off the end of a pier or hop in the water down at the Split beach. Once you've snorkeled around the barrier reef you might even feel compelled to visit a dive shop and take a resort course or even get certified.