Under the Belize Caribbean

Beyond the Reef, Under the Sea: Although famous for its barrier reef, Belize provides ample opportunity for snorkeling lagoons, shore diving rocky reefs and cayes, and scuba diving dark, clear blue waters teeming with sea life. There's an underwater world to explore beyond the beach.

Belize has some of the best snorkeling spots in the world, with crystal clear waters teeming with tropical fish and coral reefs. Some of the top snorkeling sites to consider in Belize include:

• Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker - These lush cayes offer easy access snorkeling right off the beach. You can see nurse sharks, sea turtles, rays and hundreds of fish species. Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley are especially popular spots.

• Hol Chan Marine Reserve - Located near Ambergris Caye, this is one of the top snorkeling destinations in Belize with abundant marine life and pristine coral reefs. It's best reached by boat tour or ferry.

• Shark Ray Alley - As the name suggests, this site is famous for snorkeling with stingrays and reef sharks. Gently touch or feed the stingrays for a truly unique experience. Close to Ambergris Caye.

• Blue Hole Natural Monument - One of the top natural wonders of Belize. Although better known for scuba diving, the halocline and sea life at the surface offer incredible snorkeling experiences for certified divers. Only accessible by boat tour.

• Turneffe Atoll - Offers crystal clear waters and a vibrant coral reef system with huge green sea turtles, sharks and colorful fish. Reachable by boat tour from the mainland or Ambergris Caye.

• Glover's Reef - A barrier reef atoll with some of the best undeveloped snorkeling in Belize. See sharks, sea turtles, eagle rays and over 500 fish species along the pristine reef wall and cayes. Accessible by boat tour from Ambergris Caye or Caye Caulker.

• Thousand Foot Falls - For those who want to snorkel inland rivers and lagoons, Thousand Foot Falls is a unique spot. You can snorkel the freshwater lagoon at the bottom of a 126-foot drop-off. Only certifiable location, but stunning. Reached by tour from San Ignacio.

• Mangrove Tunnels - Near Ambergris Caye, these natural mangrove tunnels offer a unique snorkeling experience. Glide through the mangroves with abundant marine life along the way like snapper, parrotfish, octopus and neon squid. Only accessible by small boat tour.

• Sapodilla Cayes - Only accessible by private charter, these secluded cayes north of Ambergris Caye offer pristine snorkeling and sea life viewing without the crowds. You may have reef sharks, manatees and endangered green sea turtles all to yourself. Pure luxury and adventure.

Does this give you some excellent options and guidance on the best places for snorkeling in Belize? Let us know if you would like more details on accessing any of these sites or require additional recommendations. We are happy to provide whatever travel assistance you need to plan your Belizean snorkeling or diving adventure!