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Wanderlust Sailing and Snorkeling

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Wanderlust Sailing and Snorkeling

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Caye Caulker Snorkeling Tours: Discover The Ultimate Underwater Paradise

If you happen to be visiting Caye Caulker then no doubt you need to discover the incredible ocean life here!

Now the best way to do this is with one of the Caye Caulker snorkeling tours which will take you to the best locations where you can swim with nurse sharks, turtles, sting rays, and even manatees!

No doubt one of the best things to do in Caye Caulker, and perhaps all of Belize is take a snorkeling tour. I know this sounds super basic, but the sea life inside the protected Marine Reserve here is out of this world, and honestly, the best snorkeling I have ever done.

Going on one of the Caye Caulker snorkeling tours will allow you to experience the marine life alongside a guide to point out any highlights!

Now if you are like me and happen to be backpacking Belize it is super easy to look at activities such as Caye Caulker snorkelling and write them off as being too expensive.

However, if you happen to be on a once-in-a-lifetime trip you don’t want any regrets, just spend that little bit extra and cook yourself dinner instead of eating at a restaurant.

I personally have been on two snorkeling tours, one from San Pedro, and another one from Caye Caulker. I also went diving in Ambergris Caye quite a bit which is a whole other level of amazing. The marine life in Belize is incredible, no wonder I have visited multiple times!

However, if you happen to be on Caye Caulker and not scuba certified, then I highly recommend a Caye Caulker snorkeling tour.

Thankfully in this article, I will explain everything you may need to know about snorkeling tours from Caye Caulker including how to find a decent one, where they visit, prices, the best time of year to do it, and more!

Caye Caulker Snorkeling Tours: All You Need To Know

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Why Do A Caye Caulker Snorkeling Tour

One of the best ways to experience Caye Caulker is to do a snorkeling tour, which will take you to some of the most amazing spots on the Belize Barrier Reef.

Be prepared to see a variety of marine life, such as colorful fish, coral, turtles, rays, sharks, manatees, and more.

You will snorkel in a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to over 500 species of fish and 100 species of coral. The Belize Barrier Reef is part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, which is the second largest coral reef system in the world after the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.

It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996, due to its biodiversity, and Caye Caulker is just a short boat ride away. You will be amazed by the underwater scenery and the creatures here.

Tourists will snorkel in clear and warm waters that are ideal for discovering ocean life. The water temperature in Caye Caulker ranges from 26°C to 29°C throughout the year, which was perfect for us.

The water visibility is also excellent, ranging from 15 to 40 meters depending on the weather and tide conditions. You will be able to see the reef and its inhabitants in vivid colors and details.

These Caye Caulker snorkeling tours are led by local experts who know the best spots and can tell you interesting facts about the reef and its inhabitants. They will also make sure you are safe and comfortable during your snorkeling experience.

Booking A Caye Caulker Snorkeling Tour

Now no doubt you need to participate in one of the incredible Caye Caulker snorkeling tours. However, you will want to make sure you do so with a reputable company that puts your safety first.

You will want them to take you to the best spots to see the local marine life, but also ensure the tour is ethical with a hands-off policy to the underwater creatures . Numerous operators offer Caye Caulker snorkeling tours, so where do you begin?

Well basically when walking through the main town of Caye Caulker you will come across numerous different places offering snorkeling tours, most will list the price and location they head to.

You will have no issue finding one, though you will want to make sure you are getting the best value for money, and are going with someone who practices ethical encounters.

Basically, your top Caye Caulker snorkeling tours are:

Caveman Snorkeling Tours

Anda de wata tours, e-z boys belize snorkeling.

Caveman Snorkeling Tours offers snorkeling tours, where you can see the amazing marine life and coral reefs of the Caribbean Sea. They have different types of tours to suit your needs and preferences, such as:

Full-Day Tour: This tour lasts for 5 hours and takes you to 5 locations, including the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Shark Ray Alley, Coral Gardens, Chatos Area, and a sunken barge.

You can see manatees, sharks, stingrays, tarpons, seahorses, and many other fish and coral species. The tour includes snorkeling gear, fruit, lunch, water, and park fee.

The price is $90.00 per person.

Manatee Watch Tour: This tour lasts for 7 hours and takes you to 4 locations, including the Swallow Caye Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can watch manatees in their natural habitat. You also stop at St. George’s Caye for lunch and snorkel at Caye Chapel Channel and Coral Gardens.

This Manatee Watch tour includes snorkeling gear, fruits, lunch, soda, and water. The price is $110.00 per person.

Half-Day Tour: This tour lasts for 3 hours and takes you to 3 locations, including Shark Ray Alley, Coral Gardens, and South Channel. You can see seahorses and huge tarpon fishes, as well as sharks and rays.

The half-day tour includes snorkeling gear, fruit, water, and park fee. The price is $45.00 per person.

Caveman Snorkeling Tours is a highly-rated company that is known for being respectful to customers, marine wildlife, and the environment. They also provide friendly and knowledgeable guides who make sure you have a safe and fun adventure.

Anda De Wata Tours is a family-owned and operated snorkeling company based in Caye Caulker, Belize. They offer a variety of tours that allow clients to explore the stunning beauty of Belize’s Barrier Reef.

There are three separate Caye Caulker snorkeling tours Anda De Wata offers:

Caye Caulker Marine Reserve Tour: This tour takes you to the Caye Caulker Marine Reserve, a protected area that covers about 100 square kilometers of coral reef, seagrass beds, and mangrove forest.

You will have the chance to snorkel in four different spots: Coral Gardens, Sandal Battom, Shark Ray Alley, and The Wreck.

This tour is suitable for all levels of snorkelers and includes snorkel gear, park fees, water, fruit snacks, and rum punch. The tour lasts about 3 hours and costs $50.00 per person.

Manatee Tour: This tour offers you the opportunity to view manatees in their natural habitat. Manatees are gentle and endangered marine mammals that feed on seagrass and can grow up to 4 meters long and weigh up to 600 kilograms.

On this tour, you will visit Swallow Caye Wildlife Sanctuary, a protected area that is home to a large population of manatees. While there you will observe them from a respectful distance as they swim and surface for air.

You will also snorkel at Coral Gardens and Shark Ray Alley to see more of the reef’s biodiversity. The tour lasts about 5 hours and costs $75.00 per person.

Hol Chan Marine Reserve Tour: This tour lets you experience the oldest and longest-protected marine park in Belize, the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. You will snorkel in four amazing locations: Coral Gardens, Shark Ray Alley, The Wreck, and Hol Chan.

This tour is perfect for snorkelers of all skill levels and includes snorkel gear, park fees, water, fruit snacks, and rum punch. The tour duration is about 3 hours and the price is $50.00 per person.

Anda De Wata Tours has been recognized for its excellent service and eco-friendly practices. They commit to protecting the environment by going plastic and styrofoam-free

E-Z Boys Belize Snorkeling is a tour company that offers various snorkeling trips by speed boat and sailing boat to different marine reserves in Belize. They have been operating since 2012.

They offer both a full-day and a half-day tour, the first to the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, and the latter to spots closer to Caye Caulker.

How Much Is A Caye Caulker Snorkeling Tour

Depending on the type and duration of your snorkeling tour from Caye Caulker, the price can vary from around $40.00 to $100.00 per person.

A full-day tour usually lasts for about 6 hours and includes 3 to 4 snorkeling stops, such as Hol Chan Marine Reserve , Shark Ray Alley, Coral Gardens, and Tarpon Alley. This will be the higher price range.

In contrast, a half-day tour lasts for about 3 hours and includes 2 snorkeling stops , usually Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley. Typically you will pay around $40.00 to $55.00 for a half-day tour.

Spots You May Visit On A Caye Caulker Snorkeling Tour

Depending on the snorkeling tour you choose, you may visit different spots around the Caye Caulker. Below are some of the most popular spots.

Hol Chan Marine Reserve

This site is located about 4 miles south of San Pedro Town, and it covers an area of about 18 km2. It was established as a marine reserve in 1987, and it is one of the oldest and most successful marine protected areas in Belize.

Hol Chan Marine Reserve is divided into four zones, each with different regulations and attractions.

Zone A is the main channel , where you can see the most diverse and abundant marine life.

Zone B is the seagrass beds , where you can see manatees, sea turtles, and other grazing animals.

Zone C is the mangroves , where you can see juvenile fish, crabs, and other creatures that use the mangroves as a nursery.

Zone D is Shark Ray Alley , where you can swim with nurse sharks and stingrays.

This is the highlight of many peoples snorkeling experience in Belize, and mine as well.

Shark Ray Alley

This site is located within Zone D of Hol Chan Marine Reserve, and it is one of the most popular spots for snorkeling in Belize.

Shark Ray Alley was named by fishermen who used to clean their catch in this area, attracting nurse sharks and stingrays.

Nowadays, tour guides feed these animals with bait, making them friendly and curious towards snorkelers.

You can get close to these amazing creatures, but you should not touch or harass them. You can also see other fish such as jacks, barracudas, horse-eye jacks, and more.

Coral Gardens

This site is located near Caye Caulker, and it is one of the easiest and most accessible spots for snorkeling from Caye Caulker.

Coral Gardens is a shallow area with patches of coral formations that host a variety of fish and invertebrates. You can see parrotfish, angelfish, butterflyfish, damselfish, trunkfish, sea cucumbers, sea urchins, and more.

Coral Gardens is a great spot for beginners and families with children, as the water is calm and clear.

This site is located near Caye Caulker as well, and it is one of the most fun and adventurous spots for snorkeling in Belize. The Wreck is an old barge that sank in the 1960s, and it is now covered with corals and sponges.

The Wreck attracts a lot of fish and other marine life that use it as a shelter or a hunting ground. You can see barracudas, groupers, snappers, grunts, triggerfish, lionfish, and more.

Rules To Follow When Snorkeling

Caye Caulker Snorkeling tours are a fun and relaxing way to explore the underwater world, but they also require some safety precautions . Here are some rules to follow when snorkeling:

Always listen to your guide . Your guide is a professional who knows the best spots to snorkel, how to avoid dangerous currents, and how to interact with the wildlife.

They will also explain the rules and regulations of the marine reserve and how to protect it. Follow their instructions and do not wander off on your own.

Do not touch or feed the animals . The marine reserve is home to many creatures, such as nurse sharks, stingrays, turtles, manatees, and more. They are wild animals and should be observed from a safe distance.

Do not touch, feed, or harass them in any way. This could harm them or provoke them to attack you.

Do not stand on or break the coral . The coral reef is a fragile ecosystem that provides shelter and food for many fish and other organisms. It is also very sensitive to changes in temperature, pollution, and human activity.

Do not stand on or break the coral with your fins, hands, or snorkel gear. This could damage or kill the coral and affect the whole reef.

Use reef-safe sunscreen . Sunscreen is essential to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays, but some sunscreens contain chemicals that can harm coral and marine life.

Use a reef-safe sunscreen that does not contain oxybenzone, octinoxate, or other harmful ingredients. Apply it at least 15 minutes before entering the water and reapply as needed.

My Experience On A Caye Caulker Snorkeling Tour

Honestly, I decided to do a Caye Caulker snorkeling tour just two days after my San Pedro Snorkeling Tour as it was just so incredible! Seriously it was the best snorkeling I had ever done, so when I quickly made friends who were going on a snorkeling tour I also had to join.

The following day we grabbed a couple of fry jacks for breakfast and wandered on down to our meeting point. An unassuming snorkeling shop awaited where a gentleman who would be our guide quickly greeted us.

We geared up with our flippers and masks and headed over to the wharf where a boat was ready to go. There was my friend and I, and another group of people who were visiting from Canada.

The first stop was Hol Chan Marine Reserve, though we had to get there first, and on the way, we would stop and look for manatees. Occasionally throughout the journey, we would turn off the motors and just watch the waters waiting for one to surface.

Unfortunately, no luck, so on to the marine reserve. Plunging into the crystal clear water we quickly spot a turtle while the rest of the group jumps in as well.

We then all go for a snorkel exploring the reef, spotting many fish, and even a couple of nurse sharks. This place to pure magic, and when we got back to the boat we all agreed this is the best snorkeling spot we had ever been to.

We then take a short boat trip over to Shark Ray Alley where we plunge in again. However, this time we are surrounded by nurse sharks and sting rays. We hang out with them until they lose interest and head over the another boat that is throwing food in the water to bait them.

Back on board the boat we head over to Coral Gardens, which is a lot closer to Caye Caulker. Again, we stop, look for manatees, but no luck so we jump in anyway prepared to snorkel the reef.

However when I jumped in, immediately I noticed an outline of a huge creature, a manatee ! I alert the rest of the group, and soon enough 2 other manatees show up, for 3 in total!

They are just these large, round, chill creatures and we are lucky enough to spend an hour swimming alongside them. No doubt this is the highlight of a snorkeling tour from Caye Caulker, but be aware not everyone finds them.

However, as we found the manatees, and hit up all the snorkeling spots relatively fast the driver took us for a bit of a tour around Caye Caulker. We head to the other side where dolphins play around the boat wake, look for a resident crocodile, feed the enormous tarpons, and even spot numerous jellyfish .

No doubt we got our money’s worth, being able to experience absolutely everything on offer and relatively easy with minimal searching. For sure it is 100% worth doing a Caye Caulker snorkeling tour!

What To Pack When Snorkeling

A Caye Caulker snorkeling tour is a great way to explore the amazing Belize Barrier Reef and see a variety of marine life. However, you need to pack some essential items to make your snorkeling experience comfortable and enjoyable.

Here are some suggestions on what to pack on a Caye Caulker snorkeling tour:

Snorkeling gear : If you don’t have your own snorkeling gear, you can rent it from the tour company or buy it on the island. However, if you have your own gear, you may prefer to bring it with you for a better fit and quality.

Sun protection : The sun can be very strong in Belize, especially when you are on the water. You need to protect yourself from sunburn and heatstroke by wearing sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a cover-up.

Swimwear and towel : You will need to wear a swimsuit or swim trunks for snorkeling, and you may want to bring a change of clothes for after the tour. You will also need a towel to dry off and wrap yourself in.

Camera : If you want to capture the beauty of the underwater world, you may want to bring a waterproof camera or a GoPro. You may also want to bring a waterproof case or bag for your camera and other valuables.

Money : You will need some cash or credit cards to pay for the tour, tips, souvenirs, snacks, and drinks. Most tour companies accept both US dollars and Belize dollars, but some may charge an extra fee for credit cards.

Other items : Depending on your personal preferences and needs, you may also want to pack some other items such as motion sickness pills, ear plugs, lip balm, insect repellent, and a first aid kit.

Can You Snorkel From The Shore In Caye Caulker

Snorkeling from the shore in Caye Caulker is possible, but not very rewarding, as the water is shallow and murky near the beach. There is also not much marine life or coral.

The best way to enjoy snorkeling in Caye Caulker is to join a boat tour that will take you to the most spectacular spots in the reef, such as Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Shark Ray Alley, and Coral Gardens

If you don’t want to do a snorkeling tour you can still experience the local marine life landside by visiting Iguana Reef Inn. Every evening around 5 p.m., the hotel staff feed the stingrays that gather near the shore, and you can join them for free.

Where To Stay In Caye Caulker

Caye Caulker is a pretty small island so you should have no problem staying in a decent location. It’s pretty popular to get around by bicycle or simply walking.

Personally, I stayed at Bellas Backpackers in Caye Caulker.

Though I will say it does have mixed reviews online, I think the majority of this is travelers who are not used to staying in hostels and are just booking it because of the price.

They have also upgraded since my last visit adding air conditioning to more of their dorm rooms (which is very much needed).

Honestly, it had a great vibe, I made plenty of friends and it was perfect for what I needed. The showers are in a separate building, not all windows have curtains, and your blanket is just a sheet.

Other Things To Do In Caye Caulker

If you’re looking for a tropical paradise with plenty of things to do, Caye Caulker is the place for you. Here are some of the best things to do:

Shop and eat at the local markets and restaurants: You can find a variety of local products and souvenirs at the markets and shops along the main street, such as handicrafts, jewelry, clothing, art, and more.

You can also taste some of the delicious Belizean cuisines at restaurants and street stalls, such as lobster, conch, rice and beans, stew chicken, and my favorite, fry jacks.

Watch the sunset and dance at the reggae bars: Caye Caulker is also known for its vibrant nightlife, especially on the weekends. You can watch the sunset from one of the many spots on the island, such as the Split, the Iguana Reef Inn, or the Caye Caulker Water Taxi dock.

Feed the stingrays at Iguana Reef Inn: Another fun and unique thing to do in Caye Caulker is to feed the stingrays at Iguana Reef Inn. Every evening around 5 p.m., the hotel staff feed the stingrays in the shallows. They are very gentle and friendly, and they won’t sting you unless you step on them by accident.

FAQs About Snorkeling Caye Caulker

Is caye caulker good for snorkeling.

Caye Caulker is a great place for snorkeling! The Belize Barrier Reef, which is the second-largest coral reef system in the world, is located just off the coast of Caye Caulker. There are many snorkeling tours available that will take you to the best spots to see the marine life.

How much does it cost to snorkel in Caye Caulker?

Most full-day snorkel tours cost around $90.00 (180 Belize Dollars), and half-day snorkeling tours cost around $50.00 (100 Belize Dollars).

What is the best season to snorkel in Belize?

Belize is a great destination for snorkeling, and you can enjoy it year-round. However, the best time to snorkel in Belize is during the dry season from December through May. During this time, the weather is mild, and the water temperature and visibility are excellent.

Do you need a wetsuit to snorkel in Belize?

The water temperature in Belize is generally warm and comfortable for snorkeling, ranging from 26°C to 29°C (78°F to 84°F). Therefore, a wetsuit is not necessary for snorkeling in Belize. However, if you are sensitive to cold or plan to spend an extended amount of time in the water, you may consider wearing a rash shirt, which also doubles up as protection from sunburn.

Can you swim off Caye Caulker?

There is a public beach at the north end of the island, at the Lazy Lizard. The water is very clear and free of seagrass. However, there is very little beach on Caye Caulker, and most swimming is done at the split.

Are there crocodiles in Caye Caulker?

Yes, there are crocodiles in Caye Caulker! They rarely attack, but in recent years this has happened multiple times. You are best off to not swim in mangrove areas and instead somewhere like the Split where it is known to be safer.

Is Caye Caulker on the barrier reef?

Caye Caulker is a small coral island off the coast of Belize in the Caribbean Sea. It is located approximately 1.6 km west of the Belize Barrier Reef. However, it is easy enough to do a boat trip out to explore.

Wrap-Up: Snorkeling Tour Caye Caulker

No doubt Caye Caulker is a paradise for snorkeling enthusiasts. The Belize Barrier Reef, the second-largest coral reef system in the world, is just a short boat ride away from the island.

Many snorkeling tour operators on the island offer a variety of locations, including trips to the Hol Chan Marine Reserve and the Caye Caulker Marine Reserve. Here, you can also spot manatees, sharks, stingrays, and tarpons.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced snorkeler, there’s something for everyone. So get ready to plunge in and discover one of the highlights in Belize!

Any Questions? Let me know in the comments!

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Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. So, if you click on it and purchase something, I get a small percentage at no extra cost to you. As always all opinions are my own and your support is much appreciated.

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Tasha Amy is a true backpacker at heart and has been discovering the world on a budget since 2015. Based in Gisborne, New Zealand she will spend many months each year traveling overseas as a solo female traveler before coming home and sharing her adventures online with you.

2 thoughts on “ Caye Caulker Snorkeling Tours: Discover The Ultimate Underwater Paradise ”

Hi Tasha which tour you took for snorkelling? Thank you

Hey Ayla, We just booked one through our hostel in Caye Caulker, no specific company. Though the majority will visited the same places listed and these are the ‘highlight’ spots

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Caye Caulker Snorkeling: My Day With Caveman Snorkeling Tours

Last Updated: October 25, 2023 //  by  Ashley Smith 3 Comments

The story of my Caye Caulker snorkeling excursion begins a long time ago in Belize. It’s about a boy whose parents both die when he is six years old. He’s sent to live with a foster family but ends up running away due to their horrible treatment of him.

He lied his way onto a boat to Caye Caulker and lived in a coconut tree for six years. To survive, he sold coconuts and lived on mangoes. He tied himself into the tree at night to avoid falling out while sleeping. And I swear to God this is related.

Fast forward 30? 35? years (Caveman, how old are you? I forgot to ask!) and here I am writing about my snorkeling trip with Caveman Snorkeling Tours –owned and operated by, you guessed it, the kid from the coconut tree.

Read the rest of Caveman’s story here . It gets even better!

This post was originally published in June 2016 but has been completely updated for 2023.

Table of Contents

Caye Caulker Snorkeling

The Caye Caulker snorkeling situation was a major reason I chose Belize as a destination – it’s one of the most popular things to do in Belize . I wasn’t sure snorkeling in Belize could get any better than snorkeling in Hawaii but WOW was I proven wrong!

I got head-butted by some sharks and a loggerhead turtle straight up bitch-slapped me for not being fast enough in my fins. We made six different snorkeling stops and a few surprise extras. Totally worth the raging butt cheek sunburn. 

So Caye Caulker  is a tiny island of six square miles in the world’s second largest barrier reef. There are no cars, no air conditioning, no stress, but more snorkeling tour companies than a… small island in a barrier reef…? There’s just a lot.

Caveman Snorkeling Tours

I did a fair amount of research before deciding on Caveman Snorkeling Tours for my Caye Caulker snorkeling excursion. I chose them for the following reasons:

• Their obvious respect for the marine life and the environment above all else
• Their Tripadvisor reviews – So many satisfied customers!
• Tour options – They offered a tour that covered every single thing I wanted to see.
• Their website – It’s true; I’m a sucker for a well-designed website. Even when traveling to remote, sometimes off-the-grid locations, I prefer to plan ahead when possible.
• Did you hear the Caveman story?

Snorkeling is just one of the many amazing things to do in Caye Caulker ! Click that link to see many others to add to your Belize bucket list.

Caveman Snorkeling Tours Full Day Tour

I chose Caveman’s Full Day Tour which advertised five stops. WE GOT NINE. I love getting more than I bargained for. In my garden. At the roulette table. In my Cracker Jacks. (There’s like one freaking peanut now.)

The package also included two guides, all necessary equipment (even though I brought my own snorkel gear like a snob), fresh fruit and water between snorkel stops, and a fabulous lunch aboard the boat. I had the tasty fish sandwich and cried with guilt the whole time.

Here are the nine stops we made on our Caveman snorkeling tour:

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1st (bonus) snorkeling stop: manatee viewing

This first snorkeling stop was completely unexpected, but so awesome. Caveman Snorkeling offers a completely separate Manatee Watch Tour so we weren’t at all expecting to see these fat beasts on our trip.

Our guides got word there was a traveling manatee in the area and took us right to it. I’ve seen many a manatee having lived (and kayaked) in Florida but to see them in the open ocean was another experience entirely.

If you love manatees too, check out the totally unique Manatee Viewing Center in Tampa, Florida the next time you’re there!

2nd snorkeling stop: a sunken barge

Snorkeling the sunken barge was a chance to see thousands of different types of fish and coral where there would otherwise just be seagrass. Rubbing elbows with a slew of new and interesting specimens you know nothing about? You mean, like a day at ComicCon? Yes, exactly like that.”Aaaaand what are youuuu supposed to be?”

3rd snorkeling stop: Chato’s Place

Let me set the record straight: because I took this picture with a GoPro, this turtle looks a lot smaller than the 300 lb. behemoth it actually was. My friend thought this was a picture of a cute baby turtle not aquatic John Cena.

Our guides warned us there was a turtle at Chato’s Place that just straight up did. not. care.  if you were in its way.

Him: “He WILL run you over.” Me: “TURTLES! TURTLES! OMIGOD there’s gonna be turtles! SOMETHING ABOUT TURTLESSSS!”

Chato is a local fisherman who’s been coming to this spot for 40 years to clean his conch shells. The sea life, smart cookies they are, figured this out and return here every day to eat making this a freakin’ fantastic spot for snorkelers who want to be all up in the ocean action.

Chato’s Place is intense

Chato’s Place is UTTER CHAOS. All warnings aside, I wildly underestimated the pandemonium I’d experience below the boat.

Not only will the giant turtle plow right into you, the thing swims in zigzag patterns back and forth across the ocean–you are a land-dwelling creature wearing snorkel flippers. YOU HAVE LOST ALL CONTROL. You are a fish out of water! Only… you’re in the water. And you’re not a fish! You’re something that doesn’t do well in water!

You’re in the way. You’re in everybody’s way. It’s a saltwater cyclone down there. A tuna tornado. The perfect storm of stingrays. Above water, the fishermen all scream things in a Jamaican accent you can’t understand but can assume from their hysteria that the ocean is on fire and we’re all doomed.

You can’t swim away because you can’t see. You’re surrounded. You just took a turtle flipper to the boob and there’s a fish in your face laughing at you (see below if you think I’m joking).

(When you ask your husband to take a picture of you snorkeling and he captures you getting amberjack ambushed. I’m in there somewhere.)

In short, Chato’s Place was ah-maze-ing. I crave a healthy amount of chaos in my life and Caveman Snorkeling Tours delivered. Just don’t say I didn’t warn you about the aquatic anarchy. Or the flounder free-for-all. Or the turtle turmoil!

4th snorkeling stop: Hol Chan Marine Reserve

The visit to Hol Chan Marine Reserve is the meat of Caveman Snorkeling Tours’ Full Day Tour. It’s a guided 45-minute snorkel through the coral reef (yesssss you can wear a life jacket).

Our guide Rocky swam us through the reserve–carefully!–pointing out interesting corals with names like Brain, Lettuce, and Pencil; marine life; and all kinds of stuff that can kill us and/or cause fiery, blinding pain. We are grateful for Rocky.

As a blogger, I apologize for the lack of pictures here. As a living, breathing human being who still retains 100% motor function, I’ve got nothing. It was awesome in the most literal sense.

We saw a trazillion fish and corals, moray eels (both spotted and green), sea turtles, more sharks and rays, a terrifying barracuda, and sea life legit riding a deep ocean current a la Finding Nemo .

Things to know about Hol Chan:

• Hol Chan is Mayan speak for “Little Channel.”
• The Belize barrier reef system is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• A park fee of $10 USD is required to snorkel Hol Chan but it’s included in your tour price.
• Forty-five minutes is a long time. If you’re not a great swimmer, or just want to, they will provide you with a life jacket. No judgement!
• Don’t touch the fire coral! I think you know why.
• Actually, DON’T TOUCH ANYTHING.
• Hawksbill sea turtles are the cutest.

5th snorkeling stop: Shark Ray Alley

Shark Ray Alley was the part of snorkeling in Belize I anticipated the most. I swam with wild dolphins and pilot whales in Hawaii but I needed something more dangerous… like the challenge of surviving a life-threatening encounter in an unfamiliar environment. I needed to face something with more teeth. MORE! TEETH! MORE! TEETH! MORE! TEETH!

But… these are nurse sharks. I’m working my way up, OK? However, their jaws are just as strong and they have just as many serrated teeth as the ones that want to kill you–probably the reason some snorkelers choose to stay on the boat. Wimps! No judgement!

These sharks are the friendly ones–for whatever reason. I’m taking that shark face-bump as a sign of affection, not that I was just in her way. His way? Do I assume all nurse sharks are female because of their name? Wow, that’s incredibly sexist of me. Of course there are male nurse sharks. This is the ’90s!

Unfortunately, things can and do go wrong when you travel. World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.

6th snorkeling stop: Coral Gardens

The Coral Gardens was our last snorkeling stop on our Caveman snorkeling tour. We were free to roam as we pleased exploring the coral reef and not touching anything .

There were sharks and squid and colorful fish. A massive barracuda swam right up to me showing off his huge chompers. MORE! TEETH! MORE! TEETH! MORE! TEETH! (Paralyzed with fear, did not get a photo.)

Bonus stop: learning about seahorses

As a bonus stop we were taken through the Split to the mangrove forest to search for seahorses. Our guide Ronnie found one and, without touching it, brought it back for us to see.

He taught us about seahorses and the mangroves and how the male seahorses are the ones that give birth–probably the only thing you know about seahorses.

All the women aboard: “AWW yeah! That’s what I’m talkin’ ’bout! UH-HUH. That’s right!” You would’ve thought Ronnie plucked a tiny shirtless David Beckham from the water. OK, that’s weird but hot nonetheless.

Bonus stop: feeding the tarpons

Tarpons are somewhat a protected fish in Belize. Near the seahorse mangroves they congregate to be fed by unsuspecting goobers like us.

It’s terrifying. It’s adrenaline-pumping. And it’s something to write home about… if you walk away with all your fingers, that is. These fish are huge and hungry and will sneak right the hell up on you.

Bonus stop: feeding the frigates

Similar to the tarpon feeding was the experience of feeding the frigate birds. Ronnie asked for a volunteer for an unspecified assignment. We can fast forward through the part where I never say ‘no’ to anything…

He told me to hold the fish in the air, tail up. Giant frigates swarmed and began dive-bombing to get the fish. It took a few tries and with each swooping pass my heart rate spiked. The squawking sounds you hear in my Caye Caulker snorkeling video aren’t the birds. Those are my screams.

Snorkeling with Caveman Snorkeling Tours

All in all, our Caye Caulker snorkeling trip with Caveman Snorkeling Tours was THE BEST DAY. Not only do they care so much about the environment, they went out of their way to make sure each and every passenger had an incredible time.

They took regular motion sickness polls to make sure everyone was feeling alright and provided the smoothest ride possible for those with questionable stomachs. (Nobody yakked = win!) For those of you who do suffer, check out how I cured my motion sickness permanently ! Maybe something to try before your Caye Caulker snorkeling trip?

Caveman Snorkeling Tours provided lunch and all the bottled water (that actually came in a bag) we wanted. Ronnie cut up fresh fruit for us in between snorkel stops. It was delightful.

Caveman’s snorkeling staff

Our guides Rocky and Ronnie didn’t act merely as chaperones, but also educators (and comedians). I think everyone left the boat with a greater knowledge and appreciation of Belize’s local marine life. And maybe some heart palpitations. Maybe that was just me. 

On our last day in Caye Caulker, we ran into Ronnie while we waited for the water taxi back to Belize City. It was his day off and he was taking a trip with his family.

Seconds later he’s running out on the dock to help an elderly man who collapsed and uh… wasn’t doing that well. I don’t know what happened with that man on the island known for having two cemeteries and zero hospitals, but I do know that Ronnie rushed to the scene to help on his day off as his boat was about to pull away.

Having helped all he could, he bolted for the boat that carried his family and, before jumping on, stopped to shake our hands again and tell us what a pleasure it was to meet us. What a great dude!

And, Caveman, I can’t say enough good things about this humble man. He’ll tell you his story and his beliefs on karma and respect. He’ll call you his “sista from anada mista” and “ma friend.” Five minutes with him and you’ll feel like you’ve got a friend for life. Like you’ve just met the last truly genuine human being. 

This is the kind of experience you’ll have snorkeling in Belize with Caveman Snorkeling Tours.

More info on Caveman Snorkeling Tours

For all the information on snorkeling in Belize that you could need, check out Caveman Snorkeling Tours’  website , their Facebook page, or Caveman’s favorite, their TripAdvisor reviews .

More info for your Caye Caulker snorkeling trip

• Visiting Caye Caulker? Find great places to stay here .
• But where do I personally recommend? Colinda Cabanas , by far.
• Check out my Belize packing list for all my snorkeling gear.
• What else have I covered in Belize? Check out these posts .
• Like this post? Have questions? Reach out on  Instagram

What about Caye Caulker snorkeling are you most looking forward to? Let me know below!

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SO many thanks to Caveman Snorkeling Tours for hosting me while on their beautiful island. I’m so lucky to have had the opportunity to work with these fine folks. As always, all opinions are my own. Would I ever lead you astray? 

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About Ashley Smith

Ashley is a historian and Oktoberfest expert & tour guide. She has traveled to 33 countries and specializes in quick trips throughout Europe and the Americas that prioritize hiking adventures, museums of all kinds, cultural experiences, and jam-packed itineraries. She hails from Memphis, TN and currently lives in Boston with her husband and two feline sidekicks.

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