Experiences in Ambergris Caye

There is a great variety of reef types and diving experiences in Belize.

The Barrier Reef is 185 meandering miles (298 km) of unspoiled beauty. It varies from 8 to 16 miles (13-26 km) from the mainland to less than one mile offshore from Caye Caulker.

Much of it is totally unexplored and all of it is easily accessible by boat. The reef is like a gigantic wall running parallel to the coast. Between the mainland and the reef are shallow, sandy waters with numerous mangrove-covered islands (cayes).

The flats of Belize are considered to be some of the best saltwater fishing grounds in the world

If you are looking to hook into bonefish , permit tarpon, or snook, this is the place to be. Local guides will take you to the best areas and put you on top of the fish – from there it is up to you. Experienced fishermen are on the lookout at all times for barracudas, jacks and snook for your protection. Fishing includes a full day or a half-day of professionally guided fishing in flats, fly, spin, reef, or a combination of your choice.

Maximum of two persons permitted per boat. It is always advisable to have two rods when fishing the flats – one for permits/tarpon and one for bonefish.

Just a 20 minute ride from San Pedro Town

And up the coast of North Ambergris Caye is Mexico Rocks.

An opulent collection of Star, Elk Horn Coral , and Staghorn Coral, colonized by lobsters and eels and colorful juvenile fish scurrying about.

Off the southern tip of Ambergris Caye is Belize's oldest marine reserve

The Hol Chan Marine Reserve. Hol Chan is Mayan for ‘little channel” The entire reserve focuses on a cut through the reef (called a quebrada) which is little more than 25 yards (23 m) wide and 30 feet (9 m) deep about 4 miles southeast of San Pedro. The reserve was formed primarily as a community-based initiative due to concern over the high level of uncontrolled, often destructive fishing and diving activities in the area. Reserve status was also called for by international organizations such as the New York Zoological Society (NYZS) and Peace Corps, due to the unique formation of the channel, the abundant fishery resources (including conch and lobster) and the feasibility of including an interlinked system of coral reef, sea grass and mangrove habitats in this area.

The Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley are the most popular diving/snorkeling sites in all of Belize. This is due to the close proximity of San Pedro, the large amount of fish life found with the Hol Chan “cut” accessible by snorkelers and beginning divers, the diversity of marine life encountered throughout the 4 zones of the park and the excitement and novelty of swimming with large numbers of nurse sharks and sting rays.