Even if you want to spend your entire Ambergris Caye trip doing nothing but lounge on a hammock—a perfectly acceptable way to spend your vacation!!—consider taking a half day Hol Chan Reserve/Shark Ray snorkel or dive trip. The Belize Barrier Reef is the largest in the western hemisphere and the second largest in the world; it has an abundance of gorgeous sea life that you don’t want to miss.

I personally have done fabulous tours with both SEAduced by Belize and Suya Tours (the former located in town & the latter’s main office just across from Sunset Beach and satellite office near Casas Redonda & de Lisa), but whatever great tour operator you choose, you’ll be picked up right at our dock, just steps away from your accommodations. Once all passengers are on board it’s then a quick boat ride south to Hol Chan (Maya for “little channel”) Marine Reserve, where the adventure begins. You’ll have the opportunity to see countless colorful fish (parrot, angel, groupers, snappers, blue tangs, and so many more), sea turtles, eels, octopus, rays, jellyfish, and of course a large variety of corals…even on a rare cloudy day, what you see is impressive. Look above also to check out the bird life; maybe you’ll be lucky & spot a red footed booby too!

Then it’s back in the boat for a soft drink and a brief ride over to Shark Ray Alley. Here you’ll see nurse sharks & rays waiting for you. Are you ready to get in and swim with them? Just remember to follow any instructions your guide gives! Imagine the bragging rights you’ll have after this: you’ve been swimming with sharks!