Grab your fins, mask, and snorkel, but don't forget the boat! From the Blue Hole to local spots around Belize's atolls, when you snorkel in Belize, you need to hire a boat. Exploring the underwater world filled with vibrant coral, little fish, and sharks is inaccessible from the coastline, but, renting a boat isn't as hard, or costly, as you would think.

Hiring A Boat To Snorkel In Belize

Snorkeling in Belize requires a boat to access any snorkeling worthwhile, but this shouldn't stop you from plunging into the warm waters and exploring the coral. To book a boat, you have two options; walk to the marina and ask around for prices or hop online to get some quotes. When hiring a boat, there are a few considerations you will want to look for:

How long is the tour? Some snorkel tours in Belize are short, and some are long, but often the commute to the snorkeling destination in Belize can take 30-45 minutes.
How many people and how many guides? Finding a snorkeling tour operator with a low student-to-guide ratio might cost you $10 more, but that will be well worth it if you are hoping to learn and have your guide point out aquatic life while snorkeling
Is snorkeling gear provided, or do you need your own? If you did not bring your snorkeling gear while traveling to Belize, you will need to make sure you can rent fins, a mask, and a snorkel. I would also suggest renting a rash guard if your tour is more than 1.5 hours.
What is their weather cancelation policy? While we always hope there is perfect weather on our vacation, sometimes we are unlucky. Snorkeling operators typically go daily, so they know how clear the water is and what the weather is doing, but from time to time the tour operator will have to cancel. If this is the case, make sure you will get your money back, some deposits are non-refundable.

When you find the right snorkeling tour, book it. Don't forget that you will need to tip your guide, 10-15% is a good tip in Belize, and bring yourself snacks, sunscreen, and beverages. Often snacks and beverages will be provided, but coming prepared is the best option.