Plizio Visual Lab
Hol Chan Marine Reserve
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Landmark
Weather…
Water temperature…
Hol Chan Marine Reserve is Belize's oldest marine protected area, established in 1987 near the southern tip of Ambergris Caye. The reserve was created to mitigate the impact of overfishing and to preserve a critical section of the Belize Barrier Reef. The name "Hol Chan" is Mayan for "little channel," referring to a natural break in the reef that allows marine life to move freely between the shallow lagoon and the deep outer sea. The reserve is organized into four management zones (A through D), protecting diverse habitats including coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangrove forests. Zone D, famously known as "Shark Ray Alley," is renowned for its high concentration of nurse sharks and southern stingrays. This area has become a primary site for marine biological research and stands as a successful example of community-based conservation and sustainable tourism development in the Caribbean region.
- Location: Belize
- Nearby: Caye Caulker Village (5 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb–Apr.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 25 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 27 | 26 | 25 |
| Rain mm | 93 | 48 | 41 | 35 | 130 | 213 | 134 | 158 | 175 | 238 | 156 | 108 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Hol Chan Marine Reserve is open for snorkeling and diving. Entry is arranged through a licensed operator in San Pedro.
Typical hours
The reserve is typically accessible daily from about 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Exact times depend on the chosen operator and tides.
Photography
Underwater photography is encouraged, but without flash to avoid disturbing marine life. Please follow the no-touch rule for corals.
Time needed
A typical snorkeling trip lasts about two to three hours, including travel and briefing. Allow half a day in total.
Combine with
Combine your visit with a tour to Shark Ray Alley or nearby Caye Caulker. Many operators offer multi-stop packages.
Getting there
The reserve is best reached by water taxi from San Pedro. The crossing takes about 15 minutes.
Insider tip
Book your tour early in the morning when the water is calmer and visibility better. Bring an underwater camera housing to capture memories.
Geography
Facts
- The reserve was officially established in July 1987.
- The name 'Hol Chan' translates to 'Little Channel' in Mayan.
- The protected area covers approximately 18 square kilometers of marine habitat.
- The reserve is divided into four zones (A, B, C, and D) for management.
- Shark Ray Alley was incorporated into the reserve boundaries in 1999.
- More than 160 species of fish have been recorded within the reserve.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What does Hol Chan mean?
It means "small channel" in the Maya language.
What is Shark Ray Alley?
An area where you can snorkel with nurse sharks and rays.
How deep is the water?
It is mostly shallow, about 1 to 9 meters deep.
Is a guide required?
Yes, visits are only allowed with a licensed guide.
Can you do night diving there?
Yes, night tours are often offered from San Pedro.
Hol Chan Marine Reserve: where is it located?
Hol Chan Marine Reserve is located in Belize.
Hol Chan Marine Reserve: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Apr.
Hol Chan Marine Reserve: why is it worth visiting?
Hol Chan Marine Reserve is Belize's oldest marine protected area, established in 1987 near the southern tip of Ambergris Caye.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in North America
More places in Belize →
Nearby cities
Belize City
The country's largest city and a historic port.
San Pedro
The only town on the island of Ambergris Caye.
Belmopan
The small, inland capital city of Belize.
San Ignacio
A town in the Cayo District, base for eco-tourism and Maya ruins.
Dangriga
The cultural center of the Garifuna people in Belize.
Ambergris Caye
The largest island in Belize, known for its water sports, scuba diving, and proximity to the Belize Barrier Reef.
Rendezvous Caye
Rendezvous Caye is a tiny, picturesque private island on the Belize Barrier Reef, ideal for exclusive snorkeling and relaxing beach days.
Tobacco Caye
A tiny, idyllic island situated directly on the Belize Barrier Reef.
St. George's Caye
St.
Turneffe Atoll
Turneffe Atoll is the largest and most biologically diverse coral atoll in Belize, famous for its extensive mangrove forests and world-cl…
Glover's Reef
Glover's Reef is a remote, partially submerged atoll known for its central lagoon dotted with hundreds of patch reefs and secluded island…
Half Moon Caye
Half Moon Caye is a crescent-shaped natural monument in Lighthouse Reef, famous for its protected red-footed booby colony and spectacular…
History & landmarks
Ambergris Caye
The largest island of Belize, famous for its beaches and water sports.
Belize Barrier Reef
The second largest coral reef system in the world (UNESCO World Heritage).
Placencia
A popular coastal village known for its beautiful beaches and narrowest street.
Belize Zoo
A small but famous zoo that houses exclusively native animal species.
Actun Tunichil Muknal
A cave that houses human remains and ancient Maya artifacts.
Big Rock Falls
A stunning waterfall with a large natural pool perfect for swimming.
Nature
More places
Caye Caulker
A small limestone coral island with a relaxed backpacker vibe.
Caribbean Sea (Belize)
The vast turquoise ocean bordering Belize's eastern coast, home to the world-famous barrier reef.
Baron Bliss Lighthouse
A monument and lighthouse built in honor of Belize's greatest benefactor.
Altun Ha
Well-known Maya site near Belize City, where the Jade Head was found.
Cerros
An ancient Maya site located directly on the coastline.
Lamanai
Maya ruins in the jungle that are best accessed by boat.
Mountain Pine Ridge
A national park featuring pine forests and spectacular waterfalls.
Lubaantun
Maya site known for its unusual construction without mortar.