Your adventure begins at the Belize Tourism Village, where cruise ship tenders bring passengers ashore. If you arrive early, take some time to browse the shops or relax with a refreshing drink at the Wet Lizard Bar & Restaurant before meeting your guides and boarding one of our comfortable snorkel boats.
Enjoy a scenic ride across the Caribbean to Caye Caulker, where you’ll make a brief stop for a restroom break. Tour Observers can begin exploring the island, while snorkelers continue by boat toward the Caye Caulker Marine Reserve, located just offshore along the Belize Barrier Reef.
Your first snorkeling stop is Coral Gardens, a spectacular underwater paradise filled with colorful coral formations and abundant tropical marine life. Dive into the clear, warm Caribbean waters and spend approximately 45 minutes discovering the reef, surrounded by an incredible variety of fish and other marine creatures.
Next, enjoy a short boat ride to the renowned Shark & Ray Alley. Here, curious southern rays often glide gracefully toward the boat, attracted by the small amount of bait fish used to bring them closer. You may also encounter Belize’s gentle nurse sharks, which have made an impressive comeback in recent years.
There’s no need to be nervous, both the rays and nurse sharks are considered harmless. Your experienced guides will join you in the water, helping you feel comfortable and pointing out the most fascinating sights beneath the surface. Watch as rays gracefully circle around you, and keep your eyes open for a friendly nurse shark or two!
After approximately 45 minutes at Shark & Ray Alley, you’ll return to Caye Caulker for some well-deserved island time. Wander along the sandy streets, browse local shops, relax at a waterfront bar, or simply soak up the Caribbean atmosphere. If you’re ready for lunch, you’ll find several restaurants nearby, including spots where you can dine just steps from the turquoise sea.
Caye Caulker is famous for its wonderfully relaxed pace of life. The island’s motto, “Go Slow,” says it all. With colorful shops, casual restaurants, beachside bars, and plenty of opportunities to simply unwind, there’s no better place to slow down and enjoy the Caribbean.
When it’s time to leave, board your boat for the scenic return journey to the Belize Tourism Village. If time allows, you can browse a few more local shops or enjoy one last drink at the Wet Lizard before catching your tender back to your cruise ship.
