Belize · Ambergris Caye, Hol Chan

Shark Ray Alley

Best time to dive

January to December; February to June

What you might see

  • Eagle rayPossible
  • Moray eelLikely
  • Nurse sharkLikely
  • Whale sharkPossible

Sightings are seasonal probabilities, not promises - even in peak season nature does its own thing.

Certification & difficulty

Open Water

Snorkelling

Snorkel-friendly - Yes — specifically designed/promoted for snorkeling; Belize's signature shallow-water shark and ray encounter site

Safety notes

Nurse sharks generally docile but can bite if provoked/mishandled; stingrays can whip their barb if stepped on or grabbed; touching, grabbing, riding, or feeding sharks/rays outside guide-led interaction discouraged/prohibited under reserve rules; boat-propeller traffic in a crowded tour area

Permits & fees

Covered by the same Hol Chan Marine Reserve entrance fee as Hol Chan proper (historically US$10, raised to approx US$15-20 as of Aug 2024 per San Pedro Sun); typically collected/included by the tour operator

Permits and operators change - confirm before booking.

Location

Nearest hub: San Pedro

This profile is desk research, compiled from public sources - not a first-hand dive report. Coordinates are approximate.