Home - Holchan Marine Reserve | Management Center for Holchan, sharkray alley & Mexico Rocks Belize.

Meet the new Holchan Marine Reserve

Preserving the coastal areas of Ambergris Caye Belize.

Visited by 50K+ people
a year

Established in 1987

Under the Fisheries Act (Statutory Instrument # 57) Laws of Belize, Holchan incorporates the southernmost marine and coastal areas of Ambergris Caye including the barrier reef, seagrass beds and the mangrove islands of Boca Chica and Cangrejo Shoals.

HolChan Marine Reserve

Dive into Belize’s oldest marine sanctuary, famous for its “Little Channel” that acts as a natural highway for vibrant marine life.

Shark Ray Alley

Get ready for the ultimate adrenaline rush at Shark Ray Alley. This shallow sandy plateau is world-renowned for its resident population of gentle nurse sharks and southern stingrays.

Mexico Rocks

For those seeking tranquility and stunning geology, Mexico Rocks is a must-see. This protected patch reef is famous for its towering boulder coral formations and “aquarium-like” visibility.

What People Say About Us

Don’t take our word for it!

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 751 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Hector Delgado 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Insane snorkeling. I’m relatively new to snorkeling but we saw rays, sharks, turtles, moray eel, plenty of fish including a barracuda and lots of coral in crystal clear water. The only concern was that the tide made it harder to swim back in but that’s nature. Not counting as a negative for me. It was amazing and I would recommend to everyone traveling to Belize
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Vincent PAVIA 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Expérience exceptionnelle ! Nous avons tellement aimé que nous y sommes retournés le lendemain. Nous avons choisi Reef Friendly Tours pour cette excursion et nous les recommandons car ils respectent la mer et les animaux (ils ne nourrissent pas les animaux, ils veillent à ce que personne ne touche les animaux et les coraux). Nous avons vu des requins, des tortues, des raies, des soles, des barracudas, des langoustes, des murènes, une épave de bateau, beaucoup de poissons et des coraux de toutes les couleurs dans des eaux turquoises, limpides et chaudes. À faire absolument !
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Carol Humerickhouse 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Beautiful spot to go snorkeling. SSSSSOOOOOOOO may fish!!!!!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Scott M 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Amazing place to view the incredible sea life of the coast of Caye Caulker.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Steve Clark 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Take  Carlos tour from Caye Caulker and visit the most pristine reef in the area.
  
 
  
  
 
     Verified by Trustindex  Trustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more

An exceptional experience! We loved it so much we went back the next day.

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 7099 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Valerie b 
 
 
 
 Verified Amigos Del Mar, snorkeling tour The guides were fun & knowledgeable. They kept us safe & led us on the snorkeling tour. We saw so many fish, turtles, stingrays, shark & many nurse sharks. Also very interactive w my kiddos.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Kimberly W 
 
 
 
 Verified AWESOME EXPERIENCE!!!!! Very fun! We saw multiple green sea turtles, schools of fish, nurse sharks, rays, and corals! Must go!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   R. K. V. 
 
 
 
 Verified Amazing! an incredible highlight of the visit to Belize- a true wonder. Really requires even more effort to protect and preserve-- but it was really beautiful and overall a great experience.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Ma3 
 
 
 
 Verified Ridge and Reef Adventures San Pedro! Booked with Ridge and Reef Adventures in San Pedro, Belize and It was the first time I think snorkeling was worth it! I seen the most beautiful sea creatures and it felt like I went scuba diving lol! Kevin was our tour guide, he was exceptional! Please book this experience and get in that water!!!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   specialsavill 
 
 
 
 Verified 45 minutes of fun! Disappointing… Our Elite Adventures snorkeling trip was booked solely for Hol Chan, as we have experienced sharks and rays prior. But the Hol Chan Marine Reserve has rules that state a boat must go to see the sharks and rays, and cannot just focus on Hol Chan. Very unfortunate, but also the manager Kevlin at Elite Adventures in Ambergris Caye neglected to mention that rule, either. Neither did he state that we were not allowed to have more than 45 minutes in the water. We found that out, too, when we arrived at Hol Chan. Checkin at the dock in front of Tres Cocos was so convenient for the required 8:30 am time, as that was where we were staying. However, we didn’t leave till after nine, and according to Kevlin we were scheduled to return at 11:30am. We were back in our suites prior to 11 am. Not what we were hoping for! Hol Chan has a lot of visitors, the site has a lot to see, and it certainly deserves more time than 45 minutes. Disappointed on so many levels. Dean, our snorkel guide and Vincent, our boat operator, were both excellent!! They were the bright spots on what should have been an epic adventure, but was not.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Somer N 
 
 
 
 Verified An absolute must-do when in Belize! Snorkeling at the Hol Chan Marine Reserve was one of the best experiences we had while vacationing in San Pedro, Belize! You don't need to be the most experienced snorkeler or diver to have a great experience here. The Belize Barrier Reef is the second largest barrier reef in the world and is teeming with plant life and marine creatures! Our guides helped point our nurse sharks, momma and baby sea turtles, rays, coral, and so many fish. I found myself constantly oohing and ahhing into my snorkel. We spent about 45 minutes exploring the marine reserve with the help of our experienced tour guides who took care to preserve and respect all creatures. The guides also kept groups separated from each other so that you never felt crowded or overwhelmed. This experience is great for novice and experienced snorkelers and divers alike! Our admission fee was included in the price of our tour, but I believe it was approximately $5 USD.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Samantha B 
 
 
 
 Verified Must do This is such an amazing visit. The reef is so healthy and there is so much to see! So good to see the green sea turtles are doing well here - we saw 3 in 45 minutes.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   sboisset 
 
 
 
 Verified One of our key highlights in Belize This was a clear highlight of a stay in Belize amazing wildlife well organized Absolutely worth it we went there with our kids and they all loved it
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Susan K 
 
 
 
 Verified 🫶🏻 Beautiful reef, alive and abundant 🫶🏻, so glad it’s a protected reserve. One of the most beautiful places I have snorkeled.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Tara 
 
 
 
 Verified Wonderful for novice swimmers This was one of the top experiences of my life! So beautiful and so worth it, even for novice swimmers. Most of the guides are really good. the tide can be strong so hold on to the rope if you feel scared but everyone wear a life jacket so you should be fine. You don't have to be an excellent swimmer. The water can be a little cold depending on time of year so you may want a wet suit All around, this is amazing and so safe and so inspiring. The Belizeans have done an amazing job of keeping this preserved and free of poluttion and protecting the wildlife.

Dedicated to educating & Preserving

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Our reef is such a fragile and beautiful, habitat. We must protect it.

Our team of experienced and compassionate rangers are committed to preserving Belize’s natural Jewels for generations to come.

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