When it comes to underwater adventures, Belize continues to top the charts. With the world’s second-largest barrier reef system and a mosaic of marine reserves, the country’s northern coast is especially well-suited for snorkelers and divers of all levels. Whether you’re floating over a coral garden or descending into a canyon of color and life, every experience is unforgettable.
Here are five standout snorkel and dive spots to explore near Belize’s northern coast—each offering something unique for ocean lovers.
Hol Chan Marine Reserve
No snorkeling or diving list is complete without Hol Chan, Belize’s first marine reserve and arguably its most famous. Just a short boat ride from St. George’s Caye, Hol Chan (which means “Little Channel” in Maya) is a cut in the barrier reef where sea life congregates.
Expect crystal-clear waters and a bustling underwater scene: sea turtles, spotted eagle rays, nurse sharks, and schools of tropical fish darting between elkhorn and staghorn corals. With shallow waters and easy currents, it’s ideal for both first-time snorkelers and seasoned divers.
Coral Gardens
True to its name, Coral Gardens is a vibrant underwater meadow brimming with life. Located near Caye Caulker, this spot boasts some of the healthiest coral formations in the area. Snorkelers will enjoy gliding over vivid fans and sponges while watching colorful reef fish like parrotfish, angelfish, and damselfish weave through the coral maze.
It’s a great add-on to a day trip to Caye Caulker—and yes, that’s something you can experience when staying at Casa Al Mar.
Mexico Rocks
A top-tier snorkel spot located north of Ambergris Caye, Mexico Rocks offers calm, shallow waters protected by patch reefs. Its large coral boulders are home to lobsters, eels, and even the occasional manatee or sea turtle.
This area is especially popular with families and beginners thanks to its gentle conditions, but even the most experienced snorkelers appreciate its incredible visibility and relaxed atmosphere.
Goff’s Caye
Just a short boat ride from St. George’s Caye, Goff’s Caye is a tiny coral island that punches well above its weight when it comes to snorkeling. The reef practically hugs the island, making it easy to slip into calm, shallow waters and be instantly surrounded by marine life.
Bright corals, colorful fish, and the occasional starfish or stingray make this an accessible but rewarding experience—perfect for families, beginner snorkelers, or anyone who wants to combine a beach day with underwater exploration.
The Northern Barrier Reef
Diving the Northern Barrier Reef is like flipping through a vivid marine encyclopedia. The reef stretches from near St. George’s Caye all the way north to Bacalar Chico and beyond. Along this span are dozens of dive sites known for walls, swim-throughs, and encounters with nurse sharks, groupers, and sometimes even dolphins.
While many divers head south toward the Blue Hole, those in the know often prefer the lesser-traveled northern routes for their tranquility and rich biodiversity.
Dive In With Casa Al Mar
One of the best parts of staying at Casa Al Mar? You don’t need to book third-party tours or catch crowded boats. Your private stay comes with a dedicated boat captain and licensed guide who can take you snorkeling and diving at any of these stunning sites as an add-on to your all-inclusive package. From gear to planning, it’s all handled for you.
Whether you’re slipping into fins for the first time or logging your 100th dive, Belize’s northern coast—and Casa Al Mar—has everything you need for a spectacular underwater escape.
