A day of snorkeling in the beautiful clear waters of Ambergris Caye is definitely something that you will not soon forget. This is an activity that is open to just about anyone, from the youngest of adventure seekers to those more advanced in age that still want to experience mother nature in its splendor. Located less than ½ mile from Ambergris Cayes shoreline is the world’s second largest barrier reef, filled with an abundance of Marine life there for your enjoyment.
There are many sites that have been marked by mooring buoys, each one offering something a little different from the other. Hol Chan, which is Mayan for “little channel” is one of Belize’s most popular snorkeling / Diving destinations, with an average of 52,000 visitors annually. Hol Chan is a marine park that has was established due to concern of destructive fishing and diving practices, but now is known for its wide variety of marine life all concentrated in one place.
There you will be able to swim with sharks (Don't Worry they don't bite) and sting rays as
well as large concentrations of fish that seem to know that they are in a protected area. If you are into big fish they are there, if the small colorful fish are what you like there are plenty to be found here as well.
Many tour operators also offer night snorkeling packages to this park which is a great way to experience a very different marine world than the one we see during the day on the Belize Barrier reef. At night, many of the critters that were hiding during the day come out to play, mate, explore and feed, especially in Holchan, which is rich in aquatic life.
Typical sightings include lobster, octopus, squid, nudibranches, swimming eels, Spanish dancers, toad fishes, frog fishes, sea slugs, blue tang, tarpon, barracuda, sharks, rays and lots of colourful reef fish, some of them sound asleep. Coral polyps open and under light you can see their true brilliant colors. Armed with a dive light, snorkelers can see Caribbean night life at its best!
Snorkeling tours are about $25 per person for a ½ day of fun. There are plenty of tour operators to choose from or you can always hop in your boat and explore yourself. It makes owning in Belize a dream come true.
If you go to this link you can register for a free snorkel trip the next time you are down in Belize.
www.facebook.com/BelizeIslandsRealEstate
Thanks and hope to see you on island soon!
Dennis Kay II
RE/MAX Island Real Estate
www.BelizeIslandsRealEstate.com
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