How to Holly

Dive Into Adventure With the Best Snorkeling Tour in Belize

Snorkeling with Latitude 17 Tours at Hol Chan Channel in Belize.

There are so many activities and adventures in Belize, and snorkeling is definitely one of the best experiences, with its warm, crystal-clear water and vibrant sea life. This was our second time snorkeling in Belize, and it was just as incredible as the first time.

Our hotel in Caye Caulker set up our tours during this trip, which was the first time we didn’t arrange the tours ourselves, and it made things very easy. We let them know what we wanted to do, such as snorkeling, and they set it up and told us to be on the dock at a specific time. They booked our snorkel tour with Latitude 17 Tours, and we were very impressed with the tour, captain, and boat. I would book Latitude 17 Tours again in a heartbeat.

Latitude 17 Snorkel Tours

Company: Latitude 17 Tours
Social Media: www.facebook.com/Latitude17tours
Phone: +501 629-6163
Email: latitude17tours@gmail.com
Kid Friendly: Yes

Tour options

Cost: $65 per person or $650 for a private tour (kids six and under are free)
Guest Capacity:Minimum 4* Guests, Maximum 10 Guests
Locations:Feed the magnificent frigatebirds and tarpon fish, and snorkel the Caye Caulker Marine Reserve
What’s Included:Snorkel gear, water, and fruit, and park fees are paid
*If your group is less than four, you can pay for the private tour or find additional people
Cost: $75 per person or $750 for a private tour (kids six and under are free)
Guest Capacity:Minimum 4* Guests, Maximum 10 Guests
Locations:Snorkel Hol Chan Channel and Shark Ray Alley of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve
What’s Included:Snorkel gear, water, and fruit, and park fees are paid
*If your group is less than four, you can pay for the private tour or find additional people
Cost: $115 per person or $1150 for a private tour (kids six and under are free)
Guest Capacity:Minimum 4* Guests, Maximum 10 Guests
Locations:Feed the magnificent frigatebirds and tarpon fish, snorkel the Hol Chan Channel and Shark Ray Alley, and then have lunch and drinks** at Secret Beach.
What’s Included:Snorkel gear, water, and fruit, and park fees are paid
*If your group is less than four, you can pay for the private tour or find additional people
**Lunch and drinks are not included. Bring cash and or a credit card.
Cost: $55 per person or $500 for a private tour
Guest Capacity:Minimum 4* Guests, Maximum 10 Guests
Locations:Heads to the northern end of Caye Caulker, then to the western side to watch the sunset, and then south through the Split.
What’s Included:Water, wine, beer, and appetizers
*If your group is less than four, you can pay for the private tour or find additional people

The Full-Day Tour experience

We did the full-day private tour since it was only me, my husband, and my son, and we LOVED it!

Captain Hugo picked us up at our hotel’s dock, El Ben Cabanas, in Caye Caulker. He was on time, and his boat was beautiful. It is also impeccably clean, has storage for your belongings, and has a bathroom, which I thought was a huge bonus, especially since we brought a few beers. LOL.

During the tour, Captain Hugo was very friendly, informative, and fantastic with our seven-year-old son.

Snorkeling in Belize with Latitude 17 Tours (near Caye Caulker)
Snorkeling with Latitude 17 Tours at Hol Chan Channel in Belize.
My son brought his own snorkel gear and was ready to go at Hol Chan Channel

Tarpon, magnificent frigatebirds, pelicans and manatees

At our first stop, we fed the giant tarpon fish by holding out sardines and watching them jump out of the water to get them.

Feeding the Tarpon fish during our snorkel tour with Latitude 17 Tours in Belize.
Feeding the Tarpon fish during our snorkel tour with Latitude 17 Tours in Belize.
Feeding the Tarpon fish during our snorkel tour with Latitude 17 Tours in Belize.
Feeding the Tarpon fish during our snorkel tour with Latitude 17 Tours in Belize.

While feeding the tarpon, there were some pelicans around, trying to snag a snack.

Hanging out with the Pelicans during our snorkel tour with Latitude 17 Tours in Belize.
Hanging out with the Pelicans during our snorkel tour with Latitude 17 Tours in Belize.

We also fed the magnificent frigatebirds, which is a very cool experience. You place a sardine on your finger so it’s sticking up (yes, eww) and hold your hand in the air. Then, the magnificent frigatebird will swoop down and snatch it! My husband was a natural at it, while I found it a little terrifying. I spazzed out a little, but I did it!

Feeding the Frigatebirds during our snorkel tour with Latitude 17 Tours in Belize.
Feeding the Frigatebirds during our snorkel tour with Latitude 17 Tours in Belize.
Feeding the Frigatebirds during our snorkel tour with Latitude 17 Tours in Belize.

Not too far from where we fed the tarpon and magnificent frigatebirds, we tried to spot manatees but had no such luck. However, towards the end of the trip, we did get to see a pod of dolphins, so that was a win!

Shark Ray Alley

Before swimming with the nurse sharks and sting rays at Shark Ray Alley, Captain Hugo reviewed the park rules with us. This is a popular spot for snorkeling in Belize, and there’s a ranger in the area to keep watch. Basically, you cannot get within six feet of them, which is a-okay with me. There are so many nurse sharks and fish around, and it was awesome to observe them from underwater.

Snorkeling with Latitude 17 Tours at Shark Ray Alley in Belize.
Snorkeling with Latitude 17 Tours at Shark Ray Alley in Belize.

Hol Chan Channel

After swimming with the nurse sharks, we took a short ride to the Hol Chan Channel. Although my son had been nervous about getting in the water until we went to this location, he quickly became a fan of snorkeling and viewing the colorful schools of fish, sea plants, eels, and coral. Captain Hugo guided us through this location and pointed out various sea life and caves.

Snorkeling with Latitude 17 Tours at Hol Chan Channel in Belize.
Snorkeling with Latitude 17 Tours at Hol Chan Channel in Belize.

Secret Beach

The last stop on the tour is Secret Beach on Ambergris Caye. It’s a bit of a tourist trap in that it’s a little pricier, and there are many people, but it’s still an amazing spot. The water is a picturesque aqua blue, and you can order food and drinks while admiring the views.

Latitude 17 Tours - Enjoying the last stop of our snorkel tour at Secret Beach in Ambergris, Caye, Belize.
Latitude 17 Tours - Enjoying the last stop of our snorkel tour at Secret Beach in Ambergris, Caye, Belize.
Latitude 17 Tours - Enjoying the last stop of our snorkel tour at Secret Beach in Ambergris, Caye, Belize.
Latitude 17 Tours - Enjoying food and drinks on the last stop of our snorkel tour at Secret Beach in Ambergris, Caye, Belize.

If you have kids, the BEST part of Secret Beach is the obstacle course out in the water! Our son was in seventh heaven playing on it the entire time. We could see him in the distance while we had lunch, and they have an employee who watches the kids. Captain Hugo also kept an eye on him, which we appreciated.

The obstacle course for kids at Secret Beach in Ambergris Caye, Belize. A stop with Latitude 17 Tours (snorkeling tour) .

For the rest of our trip, our son kept asking if we could go back to Secret Beach, so I’d say it was a hit!

After Secret Beach, you’ll return to Caye Caulker, which takes 45 minutes to an hour. Be sure to reapply sunscreen before leaving! We forgot and ended up a little sunburnt.

What to bring

  • Sunscreen (a must!)
  • Rashguards
  • Towels
  • Hat
  • Beach bag
  • Camera (GoPro if you have one)
  • Cash and credit card (for Secret Beach during the full-day tour)
  • Additional beverages (alcohol is allowed, but I recommend asking beforehand) and snacks (water and fruit are provided)

If you have any questions or comments, please contact me or email holly@howtoholly.com.

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