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Home / Beaches / Shark Ray Alley Beach

Shark Ray Alley Beach

Пляж Шарк-Рэй-Элли
Belize · Beach · San Pedro
crystal
Best month: March

Best for

Ideal for snorkelling and underwater photography enthusiasts wanting to see sharks and rays in their natural environment. Suitable for experienced swimmers. Not suitable for families with small children and those afraid of marine animals.

Best month

March

Water
+28.0°C
Length
500 m
The beach at Shark Ray Alley, known for the opportunity to swim with nurse sharks and rays in their natural environment. It features calm water and rich marine life, popular for snorkelling and excursions. Part of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve.
Surface
sand
Waves
calm
Entry
gentle
Description Pros & Cons Best For Features Beach & Entry Water & Waves Swim Season Safety Infrastructure Vibe Nature Activities Tips Nearby
Description
General information about the beach
The beach at Shark Ray Alley, known for the opportunity to swim with nurse sharks and rays in their natural environment. It features calm water and rich marine life, popular for snorkelling and excursions. Part of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve.
Pros and cons
Main advantages and disadvantages

Pros

  • Unique opportunity to swim with sharks and rays
  • Crystal-clear water
  • Rich marine life
  • Part of a marine reserve
  • Excellent snorkelling conditions
  • Sea turtles

Cons

  • No infrastructure
  • Access by boat only
  • Crowded
  • Marine reserve fee required
  • No toilets
Best for
Who this beach is ideal for
Ideal for snorkelling and underwater photography enthusiasts wanting to see sharks and rays in their natural environment. Suitable for experienced swimmers. Not suitable for families with small children and those afraid of marine animals.
Features
What makes this beach unique
Shark Ray Alley is one of the few places in the Caribbean where you can reliably swim with nurse sharks and stingrays in their natural habitat.
Beach & Entry
Surface, sand, water entry and bottom
Surface Type
Main surface type
sand
Sand Color
Main sand colour
white
Sand Texture
Grain size
fine
Water Entry
How steep the drop-off is
gentle
Bottom Type
Main bottom type
sand
Water Shoes
Whether special footwear is needed
not needed
Beach Length
Beach length in metres
500 m
Water & Waves
Colour, clarity, temperature and waves
Water Colour
turquoise
Water Clarity
crystal
Average Water Temp
+28.0 °C
Max Water Temp
+30.0 °C
Wave Type
calm
Wave Height
0.2 m
Swim Season
When the swimming season starts and ends
Season start
December January
Season end
April May
Best month
March
Safety
Currents, water quality, dangerous creatures, hospital
Rip Currents
Likelihood of rip currents
none
Water Quality
Water purity rating
excellent
Jellyfish Risk
Likelihood of jellyfish
low
Shark Risk
Likelihood of sharks
minimal
Crime Level
Overall safety level
safe
What exactly is dangerous
No serious threats.
Dangerous creatures
stingrays
nurse sharks
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Infrastructure
Amenities on and near the beach
Sunbeds
No
Umbrellas
No
Showers
No
Toilets
No
Changing Rooms
No
Lifeguards
No
First Aid
Yes
Parking
No
Wi-Fi
No
Kids Playground
No
Sports Ground
No
Restaurants Nearby
0 pcs
Best restaurants

Elvi's Kitchen

Belizean

Legendary San Pedro restaurant with live music and local cuisine, a favourite among locals and tourists alike

Lily's Treasure Chest

Caribbean

Restaurant with Caribbean classics and fresh seafood on the beachfront

Palapa Bar and Grill

Belizean

Popular beach bar and restaurant with ocean views, known for its barbecue and seafood

Wild Mangos

International and Vegan

Beachfront restaurant with tasty salads and seafood, possibly the best vegan menu on the island

The Truck Stop

Street food

Relaxed spot with diverse street food and drinks

Nearby cuisines

Caribbean

Traditional Caribbean cuisine with seafood

Must try: Lobster, prawns, fish
Vibe
Energy, crowd, silence and sunsets
Energy
active
Crowd Level
crowded
Silence Level
noisy
Sunset Quality
ordinary
Nature
Trees and natural shade
Trees on Beach
No
Natural Shade
none
Activities
Snorkelling, diving, surfing, kayaking
Snorkeling
Yes
Diving
Yes
Surfing
No
Kayaking / SUP
No
Tips
What to bring, best time, local rules
What to Bring
SPF50+ cream Water Towel Swimsuit Snorkel mask Snorkel tube Cash
Best Time to Swim
In the morning there are fewer boats and people. Best time is the dry season (December–April).
Local Rules
Do not touch marine animals. Follow marine reserve rules.
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Nearby
Attractions and places near the beach

Hol Chan

Marine reserve with coral reefs and rich marine life.

San Pedro

Town on Ambergris Caye with restaurants and bars.

Belize Barrier Reef

The second-largest barrier reef in the world.

Where to stay
Hotels and apartments near the beach
Frequently asked questions
Shark Ray Alley Beach: what is the water like at this beach?
At this beach, water colour — turquoise, clarity crystal, average temperature +28.0°C, warms up to +30.0°C in the warmest season. Check the exact temperature by month in the chart section.
Shark Ray Alley Beach: what are the waves like and is it safe to swim?
Waves at this beach are — calm. Average wave height — 0.2 m. Calm water is great for families with children and those who prefer not to deal with strong swell.
Shark Ray Alley Beach: what is the water entry and bottom like?
Water entry is — gentle. Bottom — sand. Special shoes are not required — the water entry is comfortable. The gentle slope is safe for children and inexperienced swimmers.
Shark Ray Alley Beach: what kind of sand and surface does the beach have?
Beach surface — sand. Sand colour — white. Texture — fine. Beach length — 500 metres.
Shark Ray Alley Beach: when is the swimming season?
The swimming season starts in December, January. It ends in April, May. The best month for a holiday is March. This is when the water is warmest and the weather is most comfortable.
Shark Ray Alley Beach: is it safe to swim?
Water quality is rated as excellent. There are no rip currents — swimming is safe. Jellyfish risk — low. Shark risk — minimal. Always watch for warning signs and follow lifeguards instructions.
Shark Ray Alley Beach: which dangerous creatures live in the water?
The water contains: stingrays, nurse sharks. We recommend wearing protective footwear, not touching marine life and taking care when entering the water.
Shark Ray Alley Beach: are there lifeguards and a first aid station?
There are no lifeguards on the beach — be especially careful when swimming. A first aid station is available.
Shark Ray Alley Beach: where can I eat near the beach?
Popular places nearby: Elvi's Kitchen, Lily's Treasure Chest, Palapa Bar and Grill. Cuisines available: Caribbean. See the "Infrastructure" section for details.
Shark Ray Alley Beach: what should I bring to the beach?
We recommend bringing: SPF50+ cream, Water, Towel, Swimsuit, Snorkel mask, Snorkel tube, Cash.
Shark Ray Alley Beach: when is the best time to swim?
In the morning there are fewer boats and people. Best time is the dry season (December–April).
Shark Ray Alley Beach: what are the rules and restrictions on the beach?
Do not touch marine animals. Follow marine reserve rules.
Shark Ray Alley Beach: what activities are available?
The beach offers: snorkelling, diving. See the "Activities" section above for details.
Shark Ray Alley Beach: who is this beach best for?
Ideal for snorkelling and underwater photography enthusiasts wanting to see sharks and rays in their natural environment. Suitable for experienced swimmers. Not suitable for families with small children and those afraid of marine animals.
Shark Ray Alley Beach: what makes this beach unique?
Shark Ray Alley is one of the few places in the Caribbean where you can reliably swim with nurse sharks and stingrays in their natural habitat.
Shark Ray Alley Beach: what are the pros and cons of the beach?
Pros: Unique opportunity to swim with sharks and rays, Crystal-clear water, Rich marine life, Part of a marine reserve, Excellent snorkelling conditions, Sea turtles. Cons: No infrastructure, Access by boat only, Crowded, Marine reserve fee required, No toilets.
Shark Ray Alley Beach: what is near the beach?
Nearby you can visit: Hol Chan, San Pedro, Belize Barrier Reef. Detailed descriptions in the "Nearby" section above.
Shark Ray Alley 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.

City

San Pedro

Full information about the city: prices, hotels, attractions.

Best month

March

Useful information

Country: Belize
Type: Beach
Coordinates: 17.883300, -87.950000

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