I did the usual tourist thing (Hol Chan Turtle Gardens, I believe it's called), scuba diving. Twice. I wish I'd had time to go back a third time. This part of the Belize Barrier Reef is the most populated that I've seen so far (vs Sapodilla Cayes and the reef east of San Pedro), with many medium to large schools of fish. The main attraction is the turtles that come to eat the sea grass in the shallower areas. There were several nearby each time I visited, and they're pretty accustomed to tourists so you can get very close (though watch their body language for signs that you're bothering them, such as when they "sit up" on the bottom). For divers, be mindful that there's often a moderate current in the deeper sections, beyond the sea grass. I imagine it's still a hoot as a snorkeler, especially if you're comfortable free diving a little (it's only a few metres deep where the turtles are), but of course scuba diving is where it's at. You get much more time to spend with the turtles (and other wildlife), and can get right down on their level rather than just a bird's eye view.

We did this tour twice. Alley shark was so much fun. Very safe and the staff was very knowlegable. If you have a small face like me bring your own mask as both times my rented mask was leaking. none of the masks they had fit me.

We did a 2-1/2 hour excursion to Hol Chan and Shark Ray Alley with Ambergris Divers. We were fortunate to have picked one of the less breezy days of the week and that made for a really pleasant experience. We saw a turtle, eagle ray, smaller.rays, a moray eel and numerous colorful and unique fish at Hol Chan. This really is a must-do while you're on or near Ambergris Caye. Less experienced snorkelers would probably do well to use a flotation device but it's not critical.

Literally the highlight of our vacation! My kids said it was like being in a big zoo aquarium. We have snorkeled in lots of great locations and they said by far this was the best they have ever done. It felt really short but they do a good job of moving everyone along. Make sure you get a good tour guide and do this!

I learned so much. I never knew it was part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef or the Belize Barrier Reef (2nd largest in the world). They take great care in preserving it. Our tour guide made sure that we had a great time while not disturbing it. A sea turtle swam right up to us and just stared showing curiosity with our presence. So many fish! Amazing corral structures and variety. Sharks and sting rays. I am so grateful to give that experience to my family.

Not to be missed experience! Undoubtedly, the #1 experience of our trip! Our guide, James with Searious, was superlative. Without him, we would have missed half the sea life. He also provided the best snorkeling instructions, simple and easy to follow, that I've received. As one who is retired from special education administration, I was especially taken by the care and attention the captain, Ivor, and first mate, James, gave to an older man who navigated on land with a cane and wheelchair. The team treated him with the utmost respect and got him in the water and out without fanfare. Great job, guys!

I felt like I was swimming in an aquarium! So much marine life here. We even saw a turtle. I would recommend visiting here. We did a private tour here and to Shark Ray Alley in the same day.

I appreciate the dedication of the People of Belize to protect this treasure. The water is not too deep for good snorkelers. Most providers have ample resources to allow even inexperienced snorkelers the chance to experience this amazing opportunity. This is not a free-snorkel area, rather you are guided. Our guide was so informative and educational. We were away from other groups and the experience was pleasant. This barrier reef is the second largest in the World and affords a wonderful experience to everyone willing to get in the water.

We didn't stay at the hotel but booked a half day snorkeling excursion to Hol Chan and shark alley based on a recommendation from our airbnb host. Fanny was very helpful in getting our group of 6 friends booked for our excursion, and George and the rest of the guides on Tuesday afternoon/evening this week were fantastic. All of them were very funny and engaging, told us a lot of interesting historical information along the ride to the snorkeling spots. Amazing experience seeing the aquatic animal and plant life so up close, and now we can say we have swam with sharks! (And no one lost a leg! 😄) The crew gave us lots of great recommendations for food options and other activities and we put those to good use on the rest of our trip, so that was very appreciated too. Great value for the money spent, would definitely recommend an excursion through Blue Tang Inn. Did not stay at the hotel itself though.

This coral reef system is just so beautiful that words will never adequately describe it. It is an absolute must for everyone visiting Caye Caulker and/or Ambergris Caye. The tour we went on provided life jackets and a buoy for a pregnant woman that was a beginner swimmer. Didn’t see any children though so TBD on that front.