Hol Chan Marine Reserve

In the early 1980s fish stocks in the area around Hol Chan began to dwindle and at the same time tourism to the Cayes began to increase. Disputes arose over access to the Hol Chan Cut, a natural break in the reef, which was a productive fishing area but also popular with snorkellers and divers. Proposed fishing bans were rejected and in the mid 1980s public consultation over establishing a marine protected area began. Reserve status was also called for by international organizations such as the New York Zoological Society (NYZS) and Peace Corps, due to the unique formation of the channel, the abundant fishery resources (including conch and lobster) and the feasibility of including an interlinked system of coral reef, sea grass and mangrove habitats in this area. The reserve was established in July 1987 with funding from WWF and USAID, after the draft management plan was approved by the Fisheries ministery and the local fishermen's co-operative.
Hol Chan Cut is open to the sea beyond the reef, so allows marine creatures to travel from the outside of the reef to the inside and vice versa. Over 160 species of fish have been recorded in the reserve, along with forty types of coral, five species of sponge, two sea grasses, three species of sea turtle and three marine mammals: the Short-beaked Common Dolphin, Pan tropical Spotted Dolphin and West Indian Manatee. Spotted eagle rays and Southern stingrays are common at the bottom of the channel. Lobsters, Moray eels and sea anemones live among the rocky outcrops and there are many corals including brain coral, with elkhorn coral, leaf coral and finger coral lining the sides of the cut. Jacks, Groupers, Snappers and Barracuda are all common. The mangrove forests act as nurseries for many fish species and adult Blue-striped grunts, French grunts, White grunts, Gray snappers, French angelfish, Gray angelfish and Seahorses may also be found among the mangroves. The sea grass beds have Parrot fish and Hogfish and occasional turtles. Manatees are rare visitors. Shark Ray Alley has Nurse sharks and Southern stingrays and occasionally other fish.

Roundtrips Airport Transfer   Minimize your transportation time, we're 20 minutes from the airport Welcome Dinner   Meticulously prepared and exquisitely presented meals that are delicious  Tranquil & Secure   Enjoy the advantages of staying in a tranquil and secure private village  6 Night Accommodation   Relax in our clean and spacious rooms Hol Chan Marine Snorkel In the home of Belize's Manatee Reserve. to search for graceful "sea cows" swimming and frolicking in their natural habitat. Manatee Watching snorkel at one of the most famous Marine Reserve: Hol Chan and Shark Ray Alley (spectacular!)

Option Tour: Cave Tubing On the way to cave tubing, a  nature hiking through the rainforest jungle. Along the walk you will be shown the flora and fauna as well as herbs used for medicinal purposes by the ancient Mayas. After the rainforest hike you will then reach the cave branch river and enter in an inner tube and enter a tunnel where you will be floating in a system of Caves. It is one of the most sensational tour of Belize.  Option: Lamanai Maya Ruin Travel by boat along the New River and witness the same flora and fauna ancient Mayan traders observed on the way to the Lamanai ancient city. Lamanai, or "submerged crocodile," is off the beaten track-perhaps the reason why it thrived for over 3000 years Lamanai is also a botanical and wildlife reserve and showcases many native exotic birds and plants used for medicinal and commercial purposes. Most trees are labeled along the trails for easy identification