Our ride for the day — a private off-season treat.
A Rainy Start… but We’re from Seattle
The day began draped in gray skies and a promise of morning rain. Our family had planned a full-day snorkeling trip off Ambergris Caye, exploring the Belize Barrier Reef and visiting Caye Caulker. When our guide, Erick, offered to reschedule because of the weather, we had to laugh. We’re from Seattle. What’s a little rain when the water feels like a warm bath?
“Rain? Who cares — we were already wet, and it felt like snorkeling in a warm shower.”
Snorkeling in the area is almost always done by boat, especially when heading to standout spots like Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley. Since we visited during the off-season, we ended up with a private guide and boat — at half price.
Meet Erick: Our Patient, Fun & Incredibly Attentive Guide
Erick, our guide for the day, met us at our hotel dock at 8 a.m. Our group ranged in age from 9 to 73, with a wide mix of mobility and swimming abilities. Erick handled it all with ease:
- Friendly pick-up at our hotel dock
- Clear safety briefing
- Provided all the gear we needed
- Drinks and refreshments
- Go-anywhere, stay-as-long-as-you-want flexibility
We had the boat until 5 p.m., and he made every minute memorable.
First Snorkel Stop: Sharks, Rays & Secret Reef Creatures
Erick hopped in the water with us at the first site, pointing out:
- Scorpion fish blending into coral
- Stingrays buried like shadows in the sand
- Nurse sharks drifting silently with us
- Healthy coral formations
He also brought a GoPro — and let us use it — capturing underwater moments we’d never spot ourselves.
By the next two stops, we explored freely while Erick stayed aboard with Grandpa and the littles who preferred not to snorkel.
And yes… it was still pouring.
And no… we didn’t mind at all.
Lunch at Caye Caulker: Laid-Back, Lively & Delicious
We docked at Caye Caulker for lunch, greeted by a young, vibrant island crowd (thanks to several nearby hostels). The food was fresh, simple, and fantastic — I ordered a Belize-style shrimp po’boy that I’m still thinking about. Caye Caulker is entirely walkable, but for those with mobility needs, golf cart taxis zoom around the island like tiny tropical Ubers.
Sunshine at Last — and Stingray Encounters
After changing into dry clothes, the sun finally made an appearance. We motored to the far end of Caye Caulker where stingrays glide right up to the shoreline. You can step into the water with them, shuffling your feet to avoid an accidental sting — but I loved watching from the dock, admiring their smooth wing-like movements.
Final Stop: Hand-Feeding Tarpon (OMG!)
Our last adventure of the day was unexpectedly thrilling: hand-feeding sardines to tarpon. These giant silver fish rocket out of the water so fast we switched to slow-motion video just to capture the jumps.
“I never imagined I’d swim with sharks and hand-feed wild tarpon in one day.”
It was the perfect finale to a day packed with unforgettable moments.
Guide to Snorkeling Near Ambergris Caye & Caye Caulker
Tour Options
- Guevara Tours
A popular choice offering Hol Chan, Shark Ray Alley, and Caye Caulker day trips. - Half-Day or Full-Day Tours
Depart from both Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker; most include the same core sites. - Private Tours
Ideal for families, mobility needs, or anyone wanting extra flexibility.
Top Snorkel Locations
- Hol Chan Marine Reserve
A protected area teeming with marine life — one of Belize’s best snorkeling sites.
- Shark Ray Alley
Famous for nurse sharks and stingrays that calmly glide through shallow waters.
- Mexico Rocks
A quieter, shallow coral garden ideal for families and beginner snorkelers.
- The Split (Caye Caulker)
A free spot with seagrass beds and plenty of fish activity, best during calm water.
