Shark Ray Alley (snorkel only - no scuba)

Zone D of Hol Chan, a shallow sandy plateau south of the cut known for its resident nurse sharks and southern stingrays, extended into the reserve in 1999. Scuba diving inside its exclusive recreation area is prohibited, so this is a snorkel site; guides may feed sharks only from the boat, and the back reef has coral formations for snorkellers and, outside the recreation area, divers.

Facts

Region: Ambergris Caye & Hol Chan Marine Reserve - Belize
Area: Hol Chan Marine Reserve
Depth: 1–4 m
Level: beginner
Current: low
Type: reef
Coordinates: 17.841246, -87.986877 (approximate)
Highlights: nurse sharks, southern stingrays, sand flats, coral formations
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.
Tips: Do not touch or harass the animals; no gloves. Scuba is not allowed in the exclusive recreation area. Position is the photo coordinate of the University of South Florida's Ogden collection (Zone D), approximate.

Shark Ray Alley (snorkel only - no scuba)

Facts

Sources