Ambergris Caye Snorkeling, Belize

This specific article will be about the Ambergris Caye and snorkeling in the Barrier Reef. If you are looking for a more detailed snorkeling information about the whole of Belize click here and it will take you to the article I wrote about all over Belize. Because the Ambergris is the second largest reef in the world I figured I could write and whole article on it and then some.

I will go over the best places to go and show you the Ambergris Caye Map so you can put specific locations into perspective. I will also go over Ambergris Caye Excursions because there are lots and so much to see it may be tough to narrow them down.

To give you some perspective the Belize Barrier Reef is about 300 meters off of the shore and is a whopping 190 mile long reef which is part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef system which spans 560 miles!!! That is pretty remarkable if you think of it..

Ambergris Caye Map

Getting To and From Ambergris Caye

To get to and from Ambergris Caye you can take a ferry or by plane with many options and price ranges. To start Belize is around 2 hours from major cities within the United States. Once you are there you can take a plane which will take about 15 minutes from Philip Goldson International Airport and Belize City Municipal Airstrip by Plane:

Maya Island Air will be around $70.00 to $80.00 USD return and sometimes even more for a one way fare so you can always book return and if you don't head back to mainland and go another way it will still be cheaper.

Tropic Air is very similar in prices from $70.00 to $80.00 USD return and more for one way.

​Both can fill up fast during holidays and the winter so look into it ahead of time and if you are in a bind there is always no shoes and cancellations but I would NOT rely on that.

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Ferry/Water Taxi: Normally they are open speed boats and can take an hour or two weather dependent and if there are stop at other island. You can get tickets at the Maritime Museum in Belize City.

To Caye Caulker from Belize City or Vice Versa the price is $10.00 for kids and $15.00 for adults one way. Return prices are $20.00 for kids and $25.00 for adults.

To San Pedro from Belize City or Vice Versa the price is $$12.50 for kids and $20.00 for adults one way. Return prices are $25.00 for kids and $35.00 for adults.

To San Pedro from Caye Caulker or Vica Versa the price is $10.00 for kids and $15.00 for adults one way. Return prices are $20.00 for kids and $25.00 for adults.

To book reservations click the link :http://www.belizewatertaxi.com/book-now

Ambergris Caye Excursions

There are lots of excursions to choose from and so many places to go. I will go over my favorite excursions with pricing and detailed information so you can make the right choice for you and your family or friends! Most of the excursions go out of San Pedro which is more the the south end of the Caye and there is one on Caye Caulker Island called Caveman Snorkeling Tours.

Ambergris Divers Belize

Our number one rated tour company with lots of options. Snorkel specific tours and mixed with diving depending on what you are looking for:

Mexico Rocks half day tours leave from 9 am and 230 pm with a duration of 2.5 hours. Only a quick 20 minute boat ride away and once you get there you are only about 10-12 feet away from the bottom of the sea when you are snorkeling so there is no need to panic and great for the first timers! Great visibility and lots to see including yellowtail fish,scallops, lobster, amazing coral and so much more.

Price is $45.00 USD + taxes and fees

Hol Chan and Shark Ray Alley Marine Reserve Snorkel Trip

This short 15 minute boat ride to Hol Chan will leave you thinking about how many fish you actually saw on this excursion including over 150 species of fish, 40 species of coral and again so much more including turtles! It can get a little deeper so make sure you have your snorkel vest on.

Look out! Next is Shark Alley just a few minutes away but there is nothing to be worried about. Your visibility can get up to 100 feet so you can see these magnificent creatures swim alongside you but they are nurse sharks and there is nothing to worry about!

The tours are half day tours leave from 9 am and 230 pm with a duration of 2.5 hours.

Price is $45.00 USD + taxes and fees

Hol Chan Night Snorkeling

If you thought you saw lots of fish and marine life during the day try this out and go at night where you will see even more, if that is possible in how much marine life is already there. A great new experience that is a must! From the first timers to the seasoned pro snorkeler I highly recommend the night snorkel!

The tour leaves most evenings at 6 pm so make sure you book ahead and don’t leave it to chance.

Price is $65.00 USD + taxes and fees but in includes a underwater flashlight but if you want your own click here for cheap deals!

Mailing address:
PO Box 221, San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, Belize

Telephone contact:
(+) 501-226-2634

Mobile contact:
(+) 501-610-4757, 610-0075, 621-1312

Website:http://ambergrisdivers.com/category/snorkeling-tours/

Amigos Del Mar Dive Shop

Another great dive shop that offers great excursions for snorkelers and divers and much more! They have 12 boats from 17 to 20 feet and a 56’ boat called “Papa Changa” for the most exquisite tours and trips a like.

If you are looking for a snorkeling trip they offer:

Hol Chan and Shark Ray alley 2.5 hours leaving at 9am or 2pm for $45.00

Mexico Rocks for 2.5 hours leaving at 9am and 2pm for $45.00

Caye Caulker is an all day tour for $100.00

They also offer diving trips:

Local 3 tanks for $115.00

Local 2 tanks for $80.00

Local 1 tank for $50.00

Night dive is one tank at Hol Chan for $60.00

1 tank dive at Hol Chan and Snorkel at Shark Ray Alley for $65.00

You can also rent all of the gear at Amigos Del Mar but for snorkeling and hygiene always nice to bring your own snorkel, mask and fins if you can fit them in your bag and if you check out some of these bags out.

And if you are up for a great fishing trip look no more! You can do reef fishing starting at $260.00 with a max of 4 people including half day, full day and night fishing. There is also Deep Sea Fishing from $750.00 for a half day.

***Note that these prices do NOT include taxes and fees.  If you are going to the Blue Hole it will cost more and make sure you have Cash***​

Contact

Toll free 1-800-882-6159​

Website:http://amigosdivebelize.com/dailytrips.html​

Caveman Snorkeling Tours

So if you are not on the main island near San Pedro and you are on Caye Caulker and want to do an excursion from there your best option is Caveman Snorkeling Tours!

Half day tours run from 10:30am to 1:30pm or 2pm to 5pm and you get to see the South Channel, Coral Gardens and Shark Ray Alley. You can also run a private tour to leave when ever you would like!

Tours start at $35.00 USD including snorkeling gear, fruit and water and the Park Fee is included.

Full day tours run from 10:30am to 3:30pm and you get to see the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Shark Ray alley, Coral Gardens, Chatos Area and a sunken Barge! This tour is awesome to check out a few more sights and the best deal!

Tours start at $65.00 USD including snorkeling gear, fruit and water and the Park Fee is included along with lunch.

There is also a Manatee Watch Tour that includes snorkeling and a check out of 4 different locations for snorkeling. It is an all day affair from 9:30am to 4:30pm that will take you to Swallow Caye Wildlife Sanctuary, St. George's Caye, Caye Chapel Channel and Coral Gardens.

Tours start at $90.00 USD including snorkeling gear, fruit, soda and water and the Park Fee is included along with lunch.

Website:http://www.cavemansnorkelingtours.com/tours/​

Telephone:+011 501 226-0367​

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All of these tour operators are great and it just depends on which tour looks most appealing.  If you are looking to do a couple tours or include fishing or diving, see if you can get a deal to cut down on costs.  Enjoy and have a great time!​