Mexico Rocks (snorkel / shallow patch reefs)
Protected patch reef area added to the Hol Chan Marine Reserve in 2016 (Zones G/H, no-take): towering boulder coral formations in shallow, clear water, run as snorkel tours from San Pedro (Ambergris Divers lists a half-day Mexico Rocks snorkel tour). Fishing, gloves and fish feeding are prohibited.
Facts
- Region: Ambergris Caye & Hol Chan Marine Reserve - Belize
- Area: Mexico Rocks & north of San Pedro
- Depth: 0–3 m
- Level: beginner
- Current: low
- Type: reef
- Coordinates: 17.999, -87.905 (approximate)
- Highlights: boulder corals, patch reefs, small reef fish
- Permit: Every visitor in the Hol Chan Marine Reserve needs a valid reserve pass; the reserve sells a day pass online (https://holchanmarinereserve.org/product/holchan-marine-reserve-day-pass/), shown at US$0-30 depending on ticket type (Belizean/non-Belizean, 12 and under/13 and over). A San Pedro Sun report says the visitor fee rose to US$15 from 1 August 2024 (the article is inconsistent about a US$20 figure), so confirm the current amount with the reserve or your operator. Vessels must be registered with the ranger, tours are limited to 8 divers or snorkellers per guide, and divers must be certified or in an instructed course.
- Issuer / contact: Hol Chan Marine Reserve (HCMR) management office
- Phone: +501 226-2247
- Email: info@holchanmarinereserve.org
- Website: https://holchanmarinereserve.org/contact/
- Main office Caribena Street, San Pedro; Caye Caulker branch Estrella Street; Mon-Fri 08:00-17:00.
- Unverified: Position is estimated north of San Pedro; the reserve describes the area but gives no coordinates.
- Tips: A shallow snorkel site rather than a dive site. The marker is an estimate north of San Pedro (no published coordinates); the reserve day pass is required.