Hol Chan Marine Reserve is a marine reserve close to Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker, off the coast of Belize. It covers approximately 18 km² (4,448 acres) of coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangrove forest. Hol Chan is Mayan for "little channel".
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, pantropical 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 some of the many corals include brain coral, elkhorn coral, and finger coral. Jacks, groupers, snappers and barracuda are all common.
The mangrove forests act as nurseries for many fish species. Adult blue striped grunts, French grunts, white grunts, gray snappers, French angelfish, gray angelfish, and seahorses may also be found among the mangroves. The seagrass beds have parrotfish, hogfish, and occasional turtles. Manatees are rare visitors. Shark Ray Alley has nurse sharks, rays, and occasionally other fish. Read more...
Night diving is something all divers should try. If you haven't logged one yet, then our night dives are not to be missed. In particular, some of the most interesting marine life only comes out a night. Observe the Nocturnal reef critters go about their business under the cover of darkness. Our night dives are very easy with a maximum depth of 28ft and sheltered by the barrier reef. The night dive tour is done at HolChan Marine Reserve. Because of its protected area this dive site holds the best nocturnal marine life. With frequent octopus and invertebrates surrounding you, this is truly a 60 minute night dive adding an unforgettable dive to your diving experience.
Night dives are schedule everyday- leaves at 6:00 pm (Except Sundays) with a minimum of 2 divers to confirm. Depending on weather condition or upon requests night dives are also done outside the reef.
