Why should I snorkel in Belize?
Did you know that Belize has the second largest living barrier reef in the world (second only to the Great Barrier Reef in Australia)? Have you ever wanted to swim with nurse sharks? Sea turtles? Lobsters? Of course you do. Who wouldn’t want to see the natural beauty of the reef and the millions of fish that live around it. I myself have been snorkeling on the reef a half a dozen times and still see new life every time.
What company should I use to snorkel the reef?
If you are thinking of snorkeling in Belize, the best guide is Carlos who owns Carlos Tours on the island of Caye Caulker.
Carlos tours has been around for over 15 years. He is a free diver who takes his tour groups to three places: Hol Chan, Shark/Ray Alley, and the Coral Gardens. Two our of three spots he gets in the water and does a guided tour with the group and educates them on the wildlife down below. I have been out with sea turtles, manatee, nurse sharks, sting-rays, eels and more fish than I can count (or name). Luckily for me, Carlos can name them all, and find them all for you to enjoy.
How to reserve a snorkel trip with Carlos?
Many people try to schedule a snorkel trip from their couch. This is really a bad idea. Frankly, weather, sea conditions and wind can really screw up the best-laid plans of mice and men here in Belize. I recommend you wait to reserve your time until you're on the island.
Signing up for a trip is very “old school” but also extremely easy. Stop by Carlos Tours on Front street (check out our map) and you will find a signup form on the front door of the office. You simply sign up for the day you want to snorkel and you are good to go.
When should I schedule my snorkel trip with Carlos?
I know you will be surprised but I have an opinion on this also. Schedule your trip out on the reef early during your vacation stay. There are a couple of reasons I recommend this.
If any natural problems require a snorkel trip to be canceled you will have time to reschedule for later during your vacation.
More guests than I can count have decided to go out on another trip with Carlos after the first. He is simply that good!
What Next?
After you sign up, just meet at Carlos’s place at 10 the morning of (grab breakfast before), and you will be given your snorkel mask, breathing tube and fins. No need to pack any of that stuff!
Then away on Carlos’s boat to the reef! Depending on which tour you sign up for you will be on his catamaran sailing boat or his dive boat. Both of these vessels are in perfect condition and stocked with everything you will need including safety equipment you probably won't need.
First stop is Hol Chan where you will be guided by Carlos to see the beautiful marine life. Here we often see turtles, manatees and stingrays.
Next is Shark/Ray Alley where you swim with nurse sharks and stingrays. There is even an opportunity to get up close and personal with the sharks and stingrays as Carlos often picks one up for each person to see and touch. Nothing better than getting a selfie with a shark!
After the first two stops, it is on to San Pedro (another island just north of Caye Caulker) where you are given 1-1.5 hours for lunch (on your own). This is a great opportunity to see what the “bigger” island is like.
After lunch, we are off to the last stop. This spot is self-guided due to the fact that Carlos will be busy cutting up fresh fruit, juice and rum for those who wish to partake. Typically this tour ends and you are back safely on Caye Caulker between 4 and 4:30 pm.
So how much does all this cost?
Now here is the real ringer: this is all included for $65.00 American ($110 BZ) per person! For an additional $10 the crew will take amazing photos and burn you a CD or put them on your own thumb drive. Yep, that is right, the selfie with the shark does not require you to hold the camera.
How big of a group will I be with?
Most of the trips I have been out on have been smaller than 10 people. If you have a large group that you want to take out just sign-up with all the names and Carlos will use the catamaran that will accommodate large groups and families.
Is this a kid friendly activity?
My niece (4 years old) and nephew (2 years old) have already been out snorkeling with Carlos multiple times and loved it! If you want to visit with Carlos just go by his shop around 4:30 pm and he is there most days.
I am nervous in the water or not a strong swimmer.
If you have concerns about your swimming skills or you are nervous in the water then I would not go with ANYONE except Carlos. The group is always small, he has at least two staff on each boat and he will provide you with a flotation device to make your swimming easy. He is the best shop for helping people who need extra attention.
Let's sum this up!
Going to Caye Caulker (or Belize) and not snorkeling should be a sin. If you have a desire to do it, Carlos is your guy. Beyond his comfort and knowledge of Marine life, he takes wonderful pictures that will help you remember the beauty that is the Barrier Reef.