Hol Chan means “little channel”, but the concentration of marine life can make it one of the biggest experiences around Ambergris Caye. The reserve brings together coral reef, seagrass and mangrove habitats, creating feeding grounds and nursery areas for an impressive range of species.

Parrotfish, angelfish, snappers, groupers, barracuda and moray eels are commonly seen, together with turtles, southern stingrays and nurse sharks. Wildlife varies between the reserve’s zones, so Hol Chan itself should not be confused with every encounter associated with nearby Shark Ray Alley.

The main channel is shallow, but current matters more than depth. At some stages of the tide the water can move strongly through the cut, making close group positioning and good buoyancy important. A diver should follow the guide and avoid touching coral, chasing wildlife or entering restricted areas.

Hol Chan is very easy to reach by day boat from San Pedro and Caye Caulker, so a liveaboard is not essential. The advantage of including it within a longer Belize trip is the opportunity to combine Ambergris Caye with remote offshore diving at Lighthouse Reef and the Great Blue Hole. Hol Chan is also one of the Belize reef areas where approved night diving can be offered, revealing lobsters, crabs and other nocturnal marine life.

The Hol Chan Marine Reserve controls access and conservation within the protected area, and entrance procedures or fees may apply.

Liveaboard.com has a dedicated Hol Chan diving page. You can also compare the wider Belize liveaboard options before deciding whether to combine land-based and liveaboard diving.