Caye Caulker Snorkeling Experience

The sun is already out and warming my skin as I walk on the sandy road towards the beach. I’m on Caye Caulker, the small, laid back island in Belize. Today I am heading out with Caveman Tours to experience what Caye Caulker snorkeling is all about. Snorkeling is one of the most popular activities to do in Caye Caulker and it’s no wonder, since the Belize Barrier reef is part of the second largest reef in the world. I’ve chosen to join a half-day tour, but full day tours are also available, where you can check out the Hol Chan Marine Reserve.

I reach the bright blue building right on the shore, flanked by palm trees calmly swaying in the wind. Joining the short queue of excited people to get my snorkeling gear, I try to remember when was the last time I snorkeled. It must have been several years ago. Right now, as I’m hearing about the chance to see nurse sharks, I really can’t wait to get in the water. We surrender our shoes before walking past wooden lobster traps piled high on the dock, making our way to the speedboat.

Before Snorkeling: Caye Caulker Seahorse Farm and Feeding Tarpons

We hop aboard a speedboat and start making our way toward the split, the narrow slice of water cutting Caye Caulker in two. I’m beaming with joy as we bounce along on the waves. As the boat curves around the island, we make our first stop at the tiny seahorse reserve. We clamber off the boat and peer into the water. I can’t make out anything at first. But surely enough, soon I spot a tiny yellow seahorse bobbing in the waves. I’ve never seen a seahorse before, and it looks almost unreal.

Next, we shuffle back onto the boat and the guide hands out small fish to everyone. He shows us how to slot the fish in between our fingers and then dangles his arm off the side of the boat. Within seconds, a huge fish jumps out of the water to grab the small fish off his hand, returning to the water with a huge splash. Soon we’re all following suit. I giggle out loud as the big fish, which I now know to be a Tarpon, snags his snack out of my hands. The fish have also attracted nearby pelicans to the boat and the guide feeds a few fish to them too. Then, we’re off to our first Caye Caulker snorkeling stop.

Caye Caulker Snorkeling: Beautiful Corals

I jump in the water, which is warm and welcoming, with my mask firmly stuck on my face. As I pop my head in the water, it takes me a second to get used to breathing through the tube. My brain is telling me I can’t breathe as I’m clearly underwater. After a bit of fumbling I’m finally able to start focusing on looking at what’s right under me. The pale corals are shimmering in the sunlight, with seaweed and plants growing from every nook and cranny. I spot a brightly coloured fish, then another, and I remember why I love snorkeling so much. As I swim around and explore, I forget the world around me. A while later I realise it’s time to return to the boat. I don’t want to stop my exploring, but we’re just moving to a slightly different spot to continue.

Second Stop

This time our guide joins us to point out the most interesting fish, including a small, almost navy blue little fish, that looks like it’s covered in silver glitter. He also dives to the sandy bottom to fish out a crab that looks a lot more like a giant spider! We swim around and spot so many interesting fish, before finally surfacing to move on to our last stop. On the way there we feast on fresh watermelon and pineapple.

Last Stop: Shark Ray Alley

The shark ray alley, as the name suggests, is the shallow spot where it’s possibly to get to see the harmless nurse sharks, and big rays. Our guides lure them over and I’m astonished when I see the sharks approaching, one after another. Up close they almost look like the puppies of the sea. I can’t wait to jump in to get an even closer look. Once we’ve been briefed not to harass or touch them, I finally hop in the water.

I’m mesmerised as I’m surrounded by the almost black rays, swimming elegantly around, followed by the small, cute sharks. Some of them swim by so close I feel them brushing against my skin. I’m so excited I’m getting to see these amazing creatures up close, so when the time comes to leave, I wish we could just stay! As we head back and drop off our gear, I couldn’t be happier that I finally went snorkeling again, especially in Caye Caulker. And it’s definitely not going to be years until I go again!

Useful Info:

To experience Caye Caulker snorkeling for yourself, a half day trip with Caveman tours costs $35 and is usually available on mornings and afternoons if enough people (4) sign up. The trip includes snorkeling gear, fruit and water.

Prefer booking in advance? Click here!

How did I end up in Caye Caulker? Read about it here!