A private 4‑hour snorkel charter that pairs Hol Chan Marine Reserve’s coral gardens with the close encounters of Shark Ray Alley. Choose morning for brilliant underwater visibility or sunset for a calm ride back to San Pedro with rum in hand.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You step off the wooden dock at Palapa Bar with salt on your skin and the Caribbean sun already warming the cushions on the bow. The crew unties lines, pours a rum punch if you like, and the boat eases away from San Pedro; the ocean opens and, for the next few hours, the reef sets the rules. Waves nudge the hull and the breeze tugs at your hat; ahead, a shallow channel in the barrier reef channels life like a highway.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
4 hours
Fitness Level
Comfortable basic swimming ability and mobility to get on/off a low boarding ladder; suitable for most fitness levels.
Wildlife
History
Hol Chan was designated Belize’s first marine reserve in 1987 to protect a biologically rich channel through the barrier reef that local fishing once relied upon.
Conservation
Operators typically use refillable water dispensers and encourage reef‑safe sunscreen and no‑touch policies to reduce single‑use plastic and coral damage.
Reserve your spot on the Private Hol Chan Morning or Sunset Half Day Charter today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Arrive early to check gear
Meet at Palapa Bar dock 15 minutes before departure to fit masks and fins and get a quick safety brief.
Use reef‑safe sunscreen
Apply biodegradable, reef‑safe sunscreen before boarding to protect coral and marine life.
Prepare for seasickness
If you’re prone to motion sickness, take medication before the trip and sit mid‑boat where motion is least.
Respect wildlife distances
Do not chase, touch, or feed sharks, rays or turtles—observe from a calm, horizontal position in the water.
Mask & snorkel (if you prefer your own)
Personal gear ensures a custom fit and clearer views underwater.
Reef‑safe sunscreen
Protects skin while preventing chemical damage to corals.
summer
Light swim shirt or rashguard
Provides sun protection and a barrier against chafing from life jackets.
summer
Seasickness remedy (patch or pills)
Useful for the 45‑minute runs to and from Hol Chan if you’re prone to motion sickness.