Snorkeling Adventures

Shark Ray Alley - Hol Chan Marine Reserve
Skin Diver Magazine rates Shark Ray Alley as one of the seven best "animal dives" in the Caribbean.  This activities is typically coupled with snorkeling at Hol Chan Marine Reserve.
Duration:  Half Day (morning or afternoon)
Morning Tour:  9:00 a.m. to Noon
Afternoon Tour:  2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Snorkeling Gear:  Fins, Mask, Snorkel

Included:  Cold bottled water, fresh fruit at snorkeling intervals, transportation to & from site, licensed guide.

What to Bring: Camera, cell phone, personal medications (for the day), light jacket or windbreaker, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, beach towel, swimsuit, cash for park fees, and tipping your guide.

Note:  The tour & gear rental can be put on a credit card, park fees need to be paid in cash.

Shark Ray Alley

Description:  For several years, local fishermen often cleaned their catch in this area, (located just inside the reef), to the south of Ambergris Caye. When fishermen noticed that their activity had attracted Nurse Sharks and several Southern Sting Rays, they reported this information to the dive operators in San Pedro, who then dispatched some divers to investigate.  What they found was a bonanza, and “Shark-Ray” Alley quickly became a very popular dive site.

This is a “must see” for anyone looking to experience the Belize Barrier Reef.  Shark Ray Alley is located within the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, has been designated as “Zone D”.  Its only about 15 minutes south of San Pedro by boat.  Shark Ray Alley has a maximum depth of 30 feet and has excellent visibility.  You can almost always see all species of fish, including jacks, groupers, snappers, parrot fish, angel fish, barracuda, eels, spider crabs, lobster, and nurse sharks.  Divers are occasionally cautioned regarding the currents.

As soon as your boat arrives in the area, you will notice a number of dark shadows in the shallow (eight foot deep) waters.  These are the sharks and rays that hear the boat approaching, and begin to gather in search of a few scrapes of fish.

These creatures have a great tolerance for divers and seem to enjoy the human interaction.  The rays, which have a “wing-span” of two to four feet, swim directly towards the divers, inviting them to reach out and stroke their wings (although its best not to touch them).  The gentle Nurse Sharks average four to six feet in length, and show no fear of humans and will often swim right up to snorkelers.  It is best to keep a distance and not touch them.
For several years, local fishermen often cleaned their catch in this area, located just inside the reef, to the south of Ambergris Caye. When fishermen noticed that their activity had attracted Nurse Sharks and several Southern Sting Rays, they reported this information to the dive operations in San Pedro, who then dispatched some divers to investigate. What they found was a bonanza, and "Shark-Ray Alley" quickly became a very popular dive site.

This is a must stop for the first introductory dive in Belizean waters. Zone D is only 15 minutes south of San Pedro by boat. Shark Ray Alley has a maximum depth of 30 feet and excellent visibility. You can almost always see all species of fish including jacks, groupers, snappers, parrot fish, angel fish, barracuda, eels, spider crabs, lobster, and nurse sharks. Divers are occasionally cautioned regarding the currents.

As soon as your boat arrives in the area, you will notice a number of dark shadows in the shallow (eight foot deep) waters. These are the sharks and rays that hear the boat approach and come in search of a few scraps of fish.

These creatures have a great tolerance for divers and seem to enjoy the human interaction. The rays, which have a 'wing-span' of two to four feet, swim directly towards the divers, inviting them to reach out and stroke their wings (although it's best not to touch them). The gentle Nurse Sharks average four to six feet in length.  

While the animals show no fear of humans and will often swim right up to snorkelers, it is best to keep a distance and not touch the animals.

Shark Ray Alley, has been rated as one of the best animal dives in the Caribbean.  Don't miss this tour.
Shark Ray Alley is part of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, which is the most popular spot to snorkel in Belize.  This site gets its name because there are alot of stingrays, horse-eye jacks and nurse sharks here.  Thanks to the conservation efforts by the people of Belize and many other worldwide NGOs, here you can witness a wide variety of Marine Wildlife including various types of sea turtles and nurse sharks (aka friendly sharks).  The nearby waters are constantly patrolled because fishing is prohibited but here you can swim and dive, although most of the are is shallow so its best for snorkeling.

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