A man snorkeling with his child on his back at the Hol Chan Marine Reserve

Hol Chan Marine Reserve

As translated in Maya as “Little Channel,” the Hol Chan Marine Reserve refers to the deep cut or “quebrada” in the barrier reef off Ambergris Caye. This protected zone encompasses a total of 13,632 acres of marine waters, which includes four (4) zones: 

– Zone A: Coral Reef (640 acres)

– Zone B: Sea Grass Beds (5,376)

– Zone C: Mangroves (6,336)

– Zone D: Shark Ray Alley (1,280)

Located approximately four (4) miles south of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, this top snorkeling zone is Belize’s first marine reserve legislated in July 1987.

Its popularity has been primarily centered on the schools of friendly docile nurse sharks, silver and colorful fishes. This snorkeler haven is also home to a few endangered species of marine life, such as: Loggerhead Turtle, Green Turtle, Nassau Grouper, Star Coral, Staghorn Coral and Elkhorn Coral.