The tiny country of Belize proves that great things come in small packages. Boasting over 180 miles of pristine coral reef, the snorkeling to be found here is world-class. The Belize Barrier Reef stretches the length of the country and is part of the larger Meso American Barrier Reef System that covers the Easter coast of Mexico, Belize, and Honduras. The Belize Barrier Reef is a dynamic and important ecosystem. Read now to know more about snorkeling in Ambergris Caye, here. Five of the best Belize snorkel sites are highlighted below, to make choosing your next snorkel destination even easier.

Travelers flock to Belize to enjoy the tropical sun, local cultures and, of course, world-class snorkeling. The Belize Barrier Reef is part of the greater Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, which is the largest in this hemisphere. Snorkeling in Ambergris Caye needs no prior experience and is a great place to try it out for the first time. Knowledgeable guides, shallow water, and a bountiful reef make for a great experience no matter your ability level.

For most snorkelers and divers, deep respect and love for the sea goes hand-in-hand with the underwater experience. Marine systems can be fragile and by using some common sense and best practices, we can further lighten our “fin print” while underwater. Read on for our best Do’s and Don’ts for underwater sports.

I first saw a Lionfish in Belize on the reef near Tobacco Caye in 2010. It paraded about the coral in full splendor, it’s red-striped fins dancing with the waves. Though gorgeous in its own right, this predator was alarming to see. Indigenous to the North Pacific, these brilliantly decorated fish are popular aquarium showstoppers that have unfortunately taken up residence along the southern coast of the USA and the Caribbean. They are the poster child of an invasive species. According to NOAA’s Ocean Service, “An invasive species is an organism that causes ecological or economic harm in a new environment where it is not native.”

On Ambergris Caye, the month of June is all about the Caribbean Spiny Lobster. After four long months of foregoing the tasty and indulgent lobster, the season officially opens in the second week of June. We will be celebrating along with the rest of the island, during the annual San Pedro Lobster Fest where lobster in all of its delicious preparations will be available for tasting. This week we have rounded up some of the nutritional benefits of the Spiny Lobster.

A visit to Belize is not complete without exploring the Belize Barrier Reef, the largest reef in this hemisphere. Belize, though small in size, has made great strides in protecting the natural wonders found here. The efforts, which range from designated and enforced protected areas, conservation awareness, and community-wide cleanups, help to keep Belize the paradise that it is. Though far from perfect, the building blocks are there and with many households dependent on jobs in tourism or conservation, Belizeans, on the whole, recognize the importance of protecting their beloved “hidden jewel” of Belize.

Belize’s Great Blue Hole attracts thousands of visitors every year. It is often found on Top 10 Dive lists, bucket lists, etc. due to its stunning formations and features. While it is an experience you won’t soon forget, there is more to diving the Blue Hole than a checkmark off your list. This is a technical dive and it is important to know the Belize Blue Hole diving requirements. Read on as we share helpful information on this popular dive site.

At Sandy Point Resorts, we pride ourselves in offering excellent scuba trips. With our prime locations on Northern Ambergris Caye, literally just minutes away from the Belize Barrier Reef, there are almost endless options for dive sites. This is a vacation after all, so allow us to take out some of the guess work. Read on for our suggestions on how to occupy four days with adventure at Sandy Point.

Have you ever wondered about animal couples? There are quite a few creatures out there that mate for life, or for a very large chunk of it, anyway. Belize is home to many of these and there’s no better way to see for yourself than to plan a snorkel or dive trip.

Hol Chan Marine Reserve is located 4 miles south of Ambergris Caye and snorkeling there is a must-do while staying on La Isla Bonita. The oldest of Belize’s Marine Reserve, Hol Chan is named for the Mayan words meaning “little channel.” The majority of the reserve is located on a cut in the reef which is about 23 yards wide and 30 feet deep. Hol Chan is a very popular snorkeling site for adventurers of all ages and experiences, as it is fairly shallow yet offers a multitude of marine life. We’ve put together 8 reasons why snorkeling on Hol Chan should be on your Belize Bucket List.