Hike-in Required
No
Open Year-round
Yes
Guided tours
Yes
ADA accessible
No
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Having the second largest barrier reef system in the world, Belize's barrier reef helps create a shoreline full of shallow protected areas full of coral that houses one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet. While reaching the South Water Caye Marine Reserve along Belize's Barrier Reef requires a boat ride from the mainland, the Hamanasi Adventure Center can provide all the necessary equipment and three experienced guides, who split themselves among a group of about a dozen snorkelers to maximize and personalize the amount of attention for each of us.

The guides lead snorkelers to two dive spots along the reef, with a stop in between on one of the island cayes to take a break, reapply sunblock, and get snacks or a drink if desired. The guides are local experts, and lead groups to spots that they knew well, being able to point out where octopi nest in the reef. They are attentive to identifying the species of fish that pass by or explain about the reef and how it is impacted by storms that have hit the area. Species of flounder, barracuda, long spine urchin, green moray eel, trumpetfish, southern stingray, conch, and seemingly dozens of other fish can be found with their attentive eyes. The guides are also attentive to snorkelers' needs, washing each mask before each dive and providing towels afterward.

More information about this South Water Caye Marine Reserve Snorkel Tour can be found at Hamanasi.com. For a short read on the complexity and diversity of Belize's Barrier Reef system, check out the Belize Barrier Reef System.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Winter
Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Low

Parking Pass

None

Pros

Unreal clarity. Nearby islands allow for stops. Diverse aquatic life.

Cons

None.

Pets allowed

Not Allowed

Features

Wildlife
Family friendly
Guided tours
Geologically significant

Location

Comments

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