Snorkeling in Belize City
Snorkeling from Belize City usually means a trip out of town. Most people take a water taxi or a tour boat to Caye Caulker, a small island, and snorkel the Belize Barrier Reef from there. Shark Ray Alley is another option, a full-day snorkel site reached by boat. The reef trips are the easiest way to get into the water.
Places to go
Shark Ray Alley
Shark Ray Alley is a shallow snorkel site on the reef off Caye Caulker, reached by boat. Nurse sharks and stingrays gather here, and snorkelers often see them close by.
Caye Caulker
Caye Caulker is a small island off Belize City, reached by a daily water taxi. Most visitors come for a laid-back island day, with sand, reef water and an easy walk from the dock to everything.
Tours to book
Prices are per person, booked with our partner, Shore Excursions Group.
Shark Ray Alley and Caye Caulker Beach Break by Boat
What to expect
Most snorkel days start with a water taxi from the Belize City water taxi docks to Caye Caulker, which takes about an hour. From there a tour boat takes you out to the Belize Barrier Reef.
Shark Ray Alley is a full-day snorkel excursion from the port, reached by boat from Caye Caulker. It is the choice for a longer day on the water. Both options need a boat, so the time you spend in the water is a portion of the day rather than all of it. Bring bottled water and sunscreen, and keep your passport with you.
Where to go
- Caye Caulker barrier reef. A five-hour snorkel tour that takes in the island and the Belize Barrier Reef, reached by boat from Belize City. About 60 minutes one way by water taxi, by water taxi to Caye Caulker, then a tour boat to the reef. A trip that goes here: Turtle Snorkel and Island Time, 5 Hours, $115 a person
- Shark Ray Alley. A full-day snorkel excursion site reached by boat from Caye Caulker, for a longer day on the water. By boat.
Getting there
When to go
Snorkel trips run year-round.
Good to know
- Bring bottled water, sunscreen and your passport, and stay with your group.
- Water taxis to Caye Caulker run daily from the Belize City docks on North Front Street.
- Snorkel trips to the reef are booked as tours, so check what is included before you go.
Questions
Can you snorkel from Belize City?
Yes. Most people snorkel by taking a water taxi to Caye Caulker, about 60 minutes away, then a tour boat out to the Belize Barrier Reef. The reef tour runs about five hours in total.
What is Shark Ray Alley?
Shark Ray Alley is a full-day snorkel excursion site reached by boat from Caye Caulker. It is a longer option than the barrier reef tour and is booked from the port as a full day.
Do I need to book a snorkel tour or can I go on my own?
Water taxis run daily to Caye Caulker, so you can get there on your own. Reef snorkel trips are booked as tours, so the boat and guide are arranged through an operator.
