Your tour begins at the Belize Tourism Village, the site at which all cruise ship tenders drop off their passengers. Early arrivals may have time to browse the shops in the village or order a refreshement at the Wet Lizard Bar and Restaurant. At the departure time, you will board one of our snorkel boats for the scenic ride to Caye Caulker.

Your first stop will be Caye Caulker for a quick restroom break. If you have elected the “tour observer” option, you will be provided instructions and can begin your exploration of Caye Caulker. The snorkelers will stay on the boat and head out to the Barrier Reef at the Caye Caulker Marine Reserve, which is about one mile from Caye Caulker.

The first snorkel location is Coral Gardens, where you will be dazzled by coral formations teeming with marine life in pristine waters. Learn about the ecological importance of Belize barrier reef, a UNESCO World Heritage site. After spending approximately 45 minutes of snorkeling at Coral Gardens, you will take a four-minute ride to the famous Shark/Ray Alley. On most days, it’s not long before rays swim toward the boat. They’re attracted by the prospect of sardines and other chum fish that we toss their way. The nurse sharks, which have been staging a comeback in Belize, are a little more timid.

Don’t worry. Both the rays and nurse sharks are harmless. To prove the point, your tour guides will enter the water with you to help you make the most of your snorkeling experience. As rays glide around you, your guides will draw your attention to the most spectacular underwater sights and offer snorkeling advice. If you’re lucky, a couple of the friendlier nurse sharks may join the fun.

After roughly 45 minutes of snorkeling at Shark/Ray Alley, you will return to Caye Caulker to explore the island, stroll, and relax. If your plans include lunch, there are several nearby restaurants, such as the Tropical Paradise, where you can enjoy a meal only a few feet away from the Caribbean.

The island of Caye Caulker offers many shops, bars/restaurants, and sightseeing experiences. The locals will warn you that a speeding ticket will be issued if you move too fast. “Laid back” is a way of life!

From the island, you will board your tour boat for the trip back to the Tourism Village. Time permitting, you will be able to browse the local shops or enjoy a drink at the Wet Lizard before catching your tender back to the ship. By then, you’ll likely be looking forward to your next visit to Belize. *Childs price for this tour 3-11