ST36497

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Fla. reg# ST36497
 

Hol Chan Marine Reserve Dive/Snorkel Trip

Hol Chan Marine Reserve = "an Underwater National Park"

Location (Map Below) : The Hol Chan and Shark Ray Alley Marine Reserve is approximately 4 miles southeast of San Pedro Town near the island of Ambergris Caye.

Describes Snorkel Trip, but excellent information for SCUBA Divers

Leave on boat about 9a (or 1p for Scuba) usually 2 to 5 people. Spectacular coral reef and schools of colorful fish the 'Forest Ranger' will have a small boat docked above the best spots on the reef. Expert guide. Some trips have a lunch stop at one of the "sister islands" of Ambergris Caye or Caye Caulker, others return directly to starting point after Hol Chan. When starting In Caye Caulker or San Pedro and doing a transfer to the next island, check out of your hotel and take your things. Usually if you embark from San Pedro you snorkel at Hol Chan and usually Stingray & Shark Alley.

Take an underwater camera. The disposable type work well in the shallow waters of Hol Chan and Shark Ray Alley.

Snorkel "client" holding a ray. Shark-Ray Alley has been selected das one of the seven best "animal dives" in the Caribbean.

 

About Hol Chan & Shark Ray Alley:

Hol Chan is Mayan for "little channel." This sanctuary was officially established in 1987, and since then the return of all species of fish has been quite dramatic. The reserve covers approximately three square miles (7.8 sq km) and is divided into three zones. Each one is clearly marked by buoys. The entire reserve focuses on a cut through the reef which is little more than 25 yards (23 m) wide and 30 feet (9 m) deep.

This is a must for one of the first dives in Belizean waters. About 15 minutes south by boat. Maximum 30 feet deep. Excellent visibility. You can almost always see all species of fish including jacks, groupers, snappers, parrot fish, angel fish, barracuda, eels, spider crabs, lobster, and nurse sharks. Divers are occasionally cautioned regarding the currents.

SHARK RAY ALLEY: The Skin Diver Magazine, has given Shark-Ray Alley feature billing in two issues. Selected as one of the seven best "animal dives" in the Caribbean.

For several years, local fishermen often cleaned their catch in this area, located just inside the reef, south of Ambergris Caye. When fishermen noticed that their activity had attracted Nurse Sharks and Sting Rays, they reported this to the dive operations in San Pedro, who then sent divers to investigate. They found a bonanza. "Shark-Ray Alley" quickly became a popular snorkel & dive site.

As your boat arrives in the area, the guide may point out the dark shadows in the shallow (eight foot deep) waters. The sharks and rays hear the boat approach and come in search of a few scraps of fish.

These creatures have a great tolerance for people and seem to enjoy the human interaction. The rays, which have a 'wing-span' of two to four feet, swim directly towards the divers, inviting them to reach out and stroke their wings (although it's best not to touch them). Some might swim in circles around people, like a cat rubbing against one's legs. The gentle Nurse Sharks average four to six feet in length, and the captain might feed them small fish.

This is an unforgettable adventure. Even amateur photographers can take great underwater photos here with disposable marine camera. They work in depths of up to nine feet, which is perfect for the shallow waters inside the reef.

For more information on Hol Chan Marine Reserve, visit http://www.holchanbelize.org/index.html
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