Hol Chan Marine Reserve Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience Hol Chan Marine Reserve. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Hol Chan Full-Day Bucket List Snorkeling and Marine Life Tour
• All inclusive Snorkeling at Hol Chan
• Hol Chan Marine Reserve Snorkel Tour on the 40' Sirena Azul Sailboat
• Hol Chan, Shark Ray Full-Day Snorkeling Tour From San Pedro Belize
• Belize Hol Chan Marine Reserve & Shark Ray Alley Snorkel Tour - Ambergris Caye

Most group snorkeling tours to the Hol Chan Marine Reserve run between US$90 and US$115 per person but expect to pay considerably more (upwards of US$300 per group) if you want to go on a private tour where you'll have a whole boat to yourself. Note that you can only visit the reserve with a licensed tour operator.

You can expect to see tropical fish during a Hol Chan Marine Reserve snorkeling tour. Species in the water include parrot fish, angel fish, snappers, moray eels, and all sorts of coral. Shark-Ray Alley is home to a population of nurse sharks.

It depends. Most Hol Chan Marine Reserve snorkeling tours are beginner-friendly, though some may have minimum age requirements, so it’s best to check before booking. If you don’t know how to swim, you can always hang out on board and enjoy the reserve while staying dry. Diving tours may require specific levels of experience or certifications.

The best time to visit Hol Chan Marine Reserve for optimal underwater visibility is on dry, sunny days when the waters are calm. Conditions are generally the most favorable during the dry, peak tourism season, which runs from late November or early December through the middle of April.

Yes, tour operators generally provide snorkeling gear, so you won’t need to bring your own. However, if you have specific gear that you like, you’re welcome to bring it. Tour operators generally provide masks, snorkels, and fins, but you’ll probably need to bring your own towel.

Yes, you can combine a visit to Hol Chan Marine Reserve with other nearby attractions. The reserve is just one of many spots worth visiting on Ambergris Caye, and many visitors opt to spend a fair amount of time hanging out on Secret Beach or checking out the shops and restaurants in San Pedro.

Hol Chan's designation as a marine reserve is critical to conserving it, and the government protects it to avoid overfishing and over-tourism while ensuring the safety and longevity of endangered species. You can do your part by only visiting with authorized tours and wearing reef-safe sunscreen when entering the waters.