Information
Landmark: Hol Chan Marine ReserveCity: San Pedro
Country: Belize
Continent: North America
Hol Chan Marine Reserve, San Pedro, Belize, North America
Overview
The Hol Chan Marine Reserve stands as one of Belize’s most beloved marine sanctuaries, where parrotfish flash through clear turquoise water.Just off the shores of Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker lies a vivid underwater world, where you can swim past swaying coral and bright schools of fish in the Belize Barrier Reef-the second-largest reef on the planet.Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Belize’s first marine reserve established in 1987, lies about four miles southeast of San Pedro on Ambergris Caye, spans roughly three square miles, and takes its Maya name-“Little Channel”-from a natural gap in the reef; it’s divided into four distinct zones, each with its own character.Hol Chan Marine Reserve is divided into four zones, each with its own charm: Zone A, the Coral Reef, bursts with color-parrotfish flash by, nurse sharks glide in the channel, and divers drift along the reef’s edge; Zone B, the Seagrass Beds, shelters young fish and draws manatees, barracuda, and bonefish; Zone C’s mangroves serve as fish nurseries and guard the shoreline, while birdcalls mingle with the splash of small marine life; and Zone D, Shark Ray Alley, offers the rare thrill of snorkeling beside gentle nurse sharks and southern stingrays drawn here by old fishing traditions.The reserve teems with life-brain and staghorn corals, grouper, snapper, sea turtles, even the occasional hawksbill or moray eel-making it a paradise for snorkeling, diving, glass-bottom boat tours, or underwater photography.Established to protect its fragile habitats, Hol Chan enforces strict rules: no fishing, no collecting, and every visitor must enter with a licensed guide.From San Pedro, it’s just a short boat ride to the reserve, and plenty of operators on Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker offer guided snorkeling and diving trips.You’ll pay a small marine reserve fee that helps protect the reef, with extra charges possible for Shark Ray Alley or private tours.The reserve’s open year-round, but December to May brings the clearest water and calm seas.Nearby, you can explore Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve at the island’s northern tip, drift through Caye Caulker’s laid-back snorkeling spots, or make the quick trip to the legendary Blue Hole.Pack reef-safe sunscreen, follow the “look but don’t touch” rule with corals and marine life, and bring water-there’s not a single shop or café inside.Hol Chan Marine Reserve is a place you’ll remember long after you’ve rinsed the salt from your hair.With coral reefs glowing in shades of orange and gold, teeming fish darting through the water, and a deep dedication to protecting it all, this spot stands out as one of Belize’s most remarkable places.Snorkel through shimmering reefs, dive into the blue depths, or just watch the fish drift past-Hol Chan leaves you with memories you won’t shake and a newfound awe for Belize’s wild beauty.