Description
General information about the beach
The beach at Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Belize's oldest marine reserve, is ideal for snorkelling and diving. It features rich marine life with corals, sea turtles, rays and sharks. Popular for excursions and marine life watching.
Beach & Entry
Surface, sand, water entry and bottom
Surface Type
Main surface type
coral sand
Sand Color
Main sand colour
white
Water Entry
How steep the drop-off is
moderate
Bottom Type
Main bottom type
coral
Water Shoes
Whether special footwear is needed
mandatory
Beach Length
Beach length in metres
500 m
Frequently asked questions
Hol Chan Marine Reserve Beach: what is the water like at this beach?
At this beach, water colour — turquoise, clarity crystal, average temperature +27.5°C, warms up to +30.0°C in the warmest season. Check the exact temperature by month in the chart section.
Hol Chan Marine Reserve Beach: what are the waves like and is it safe to swim?
Waves at this beach are — calm. Average wave height — 0.3 m. Calm water is great for families with children and those who prefer not to deal with strong swell.
Hol Chan Marine Reserve Beach: what is the water entry and bottom like?
Water entry is — moderate. Bottom — coral. Special shoes are not required — the water entry is comfortable.
Hol Chan Marine Reserve Beach: what kind of sand and surface does the beach have?
Beach surface — coral sand. Sand colour — white. Texture — medium. Beach length — 500 metres.
Hol Chan Marine Reserve Beach: when is the swimming season?
The swimming season starts in November, December. It ends in April, May. The best month for a holiday is April. This is when the water is warmest and the weather is most comfortable.
Hol Chan Marine Reserve Beach: is it safe to swim?
Water quality is rated as excellent. Rip currents are unlikely. Jellyfish risk — low. Shark risk — minimal. Always watch for warning signs and follow lifeguards instructions.
Hol Chan Marine Reserve Beach: which dangerous creatures live in the water?
The water contains: stingrays, coral. We recommend wearing protective footwear, not touching marine life and taking care when entering the water.
Hol Chan Marine Reserve Beach: are there lifeguards and a first aid station?
Lifeguards are on duty on the beach — an important safety factor. A first aid station is available.
Hol Chan Marine Reserve Beach: where can I eat near the beach?
Popular places nearby: Restaurants in San Pedro. Cuisines available: Belizean. See the "Infrastructure" section for details.
Hol Chan Marine Reserve Beach: what should I bring to the beach?
We recommend bringing: SPF50+ cream, Water, Headwear, Water shoes, Towel, Cash, First aid kit, Underwater camera.
Hol Chan Marine Reserve Beach: when is the best time to swim?
The best time to visit is from December to April, when the water is calm and visibility is maximum. Come early in the morning to avoid crowds of tourists.
Hol Chan Marine Reserve Beach: what are the rules and restrictions on the beach?
Touching coral and marine life is prohibited. Do not feed the fish. Swimming only with a licensed guide.
Hol Chan Marine Reserve Beach: what activities are available?
The beach offers: snorkelling, diving. See the "Activities" section above for details.
Hol Chan Marine Reserve Beach: who is this beach best for?
Ideal for snorkelling, diving and underwater photography enthusiasts. Not suitable for those seeking a traditional beach holiday with sunbeds and umbrellas.
Hol Chan Marine Reserve Beach: what makes this beach unique?
Hol Chan is the first marine reserve in Central America, established in 1987. A natural break in the barrier reef ("Little Channel") serves as a natural highway for marine life between the open sea and the reef lagoon.
Hol Chan Marine Reserve Beach: what are the pros and cons of the beach?
Pros: Crystal clear water, Rich underwater world, Over 160 fish species, Snorkelling with sharks and rays, One of Belize-s best dive sites, Protected area. Cons: No beach infrastructure, Must book a tour, Crowded in high season, No natural shade, Water access only.
Hol Chan Marine Reserve Beach: what is near the beach?
Nearby you can visit: Shark Ray Alley, Coral Gardens, Mangrove Lagoons. Detailed descriptions in the "Nearby" section above.
Hol Chan Marine Reserve Beach: how do I get to the city of San Pedro?
The beach is located near the city of San Pedro. Full information about the city — hotels, restaurants, attractions, transport — is available on the
city page for San Pedro.