Internationally known for its amazing natural beauty, Belize provides some of the world’s best snorkeling. As a country that encompasses both Central America and the Caribbean, it has an incredibly diverse ecosystem. Pair this with a tropical climate that makes it perfect for water sports year-round, and it’s no wonder that visitors from all over the world flock here to play in its waters.
Depending on your sense of adventure, you can go on all-day snorkeling excursions or simply play in the water in between naps on a white sand beach. At the end of the day, you can enjoy a delicious dinner and drinks while watching the sun set over the crystal-clear waters that were your playground just a short while before.
What are the best places to go snorkeling in Belize? We’ve complied a list of our favorite spots.
Lighthouse Reef Atoll
Lighthouse Reef is the atoll furthest from the mainland. Its most notable attraction is the Great Blue Hole. Jacques Cousteau made this UNESCO World Heritage Site famous. Scientists as well as divers have traveled to examine its depths. At an impressive 1000 feet across and 400 feet deep, this magnificent site is on many peoples’ bucket list.
This region also boasts an underwater marine trail and 6 cayes, including Half Moon Caye. Thanks to its shallow waters, this island is a wonderful location for novice snorkelers. Even more experienced visitors will be delighted, however, thanks to the coral reefs and the over 200 varieties of fish in the area.
In addition to the great snorkeling at Half Moon Caye, there is a colony of the rare Red Footed Boobies. The Belize Audubon Society runs the island and works to preserve this species. You can take a break from the water to stroll to an observation tower which will allow you a wonderful view of the birds.
Another great location for snorkelers around Lighthouse Reef Atoll is the “Aquarium”, so dubbed because of its towering coral formations and brilliant tropical fish.
For visitors to Ambergris Caye and some of the other popular tourist destinations in Belize, taking a tour to Lighthouse Atoll is one of the must-do activities. However, snorkelers should beware that many of the tour boats are more geared for divers. To optimize your snorkeling experience, try to find one that is more tailored to that activity.
Hol Chan Marine Reserve
Hol Chan Marine Reserve is Belize’s oldest marine reserve and one of the most amazing snorkeling locations in the country. It’s conveniently located just a few miles from Ambergris Caye, one of the most popular tourist spots in Belize.
There are 4 distinct areas you can explore. These are Shark Ray Alley, the reef, the mangrove habitat and the seagrass beds.
One of the most popular is Shark Ray Alley. Here you’ll definitely see gentle nurse sharks and gorgeous rays. You may also see lemon, tiger, bull and black-tipped reef sharks, yellow stingrays, spotted eagle rays, moray eels, and many other types of sea life. The nurse sharks are so gentle you can pet them underwater. Many tour guides will carry chum to attract them to the boat, and they are so used to this that they are quite docile.
Thanks to the shallow waters, great visibility and clean white sands, this is a wonderful spot for snorkelers of all levels. You will definitely want to check out some of the other aeras while you are here. In other parts of the Hol Chan reserve, you might see giant sea turtles, for example, or playful dolphins and serene manatees.
Turneffe Reef Atoll
Stretching 30 miles long and 10 miles wide, Turneffe Reef was designated a marine reserve in 2012. It has hundreds of mangrove islets teeming with nutrients. Here, you’ll be able to swim with the sea turtles who come to feed from this rich ecosystem.
The area also has an abundance of lionfish, which are considered an invasive species. Hunting them is not just allowed, it is encouraged. They are apparently quite tasty, if you’d fancy one for dinner!
Another attraction is “The Elbow”, which features an 80-foot drop. Its swift current makes it suitable to more experienced snorkelers and divers. Here you’ll find giant barracudas, sharks and schools of huge grouper.
Turneffe Reef is the largest of Belize’s atolls and the closest to Belize City. It’s also a popular day trip from Caye Caulker.
Glover’s Reef Atoll
Glovers Reef is the 3rd of the Belize Barrier Reef’s atolls. It’s the southernmost one and is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. In its clear waters and shallow lagoon there are over 700 patch reefs that you can explore. Because the reef drops a dramatic 2600 feet at one point, you’ll find some truly diverse sea life here, which makes it a top-notch destination for snorkeling. Since it’s some distance from other tourist spots, you may end up staying on Southwest Caye.
Gladden Spit
If you’d like to see magnificent whale sharks, you’ll want to visit Gladden Spit between March and June. These gentle giants come here to feast during that time period. This fabulous diving and snorkeling spot is located close to Placencia, which is a tourist location also known for its beaches.
Coral Gardens
Probably the best site for beginners, Coral Gardens is so named due to its diversity of coral. You will be enchanted by the many beautiful varieties of both colorful corals and tropical fish that you will find in its shallow waters. Thanks to its sheltered location, the currents here will not overpower novices or those who are not strong swimmers.
It is located conveniently close to Caye Caulker and is not far from Ambergris Caye, which makes it an easy place for tourists to visit.
As you can see, Belize is home to some amazing places to snorkel. While we’ve named some of our favorite spots, we’ve barely scratched the surface of locations that are wonderful for you to don a mask and fins. For example, both Mexico Rocks and Goff’s Caye are often visited by tourists looking for short snorkeling trips. Given the many miles of coastline, the abundance of cayes, and the proximity to the Belize Barrier Reef, it’s no wonder Belize is a wonderland for snorkelers.
