Snorkling/Hol Chan - place with smaller sharks/rays?

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bernalgirl
bernalgirl

We will be traveling to Belize next month, a couple families with children 4-7. We would like to take them out on a trip to Hol Chan.

Last time I was in Belize (9 years ago), we stayed on Caye Caulker and we took an outstanding trip, with a stop in shallow waters where small nurse sharks and rays swam all around. The descriptions now talk about much larger sharks (4-6 feet) in Hol Chan.

Can anyone tell me if the place I recall still exists, and if a trip can be arranged from Ambergris? If not, would you do a Hol Chan trip with kids this age? And do you have a favorite tour operator? Since we are a larger group, I'm wondering if we need to book now, prior to our arrival.

Thanks for your help!
bernalgirl

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misterbee
misterbee

A friend who lives on Ambergris Caye has gone to both places from AC.

Here's my bus and transportation information: https://belizebus.wordpress.com
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hopefulist
hopefulist

I think the OP is specifically wanting a place with smaller beasts. We did this trip with Raggamuffin in 2009 and the size of the sharks and rays was impressive. I'd contact local providers (search on Trip Advisor for ideas if your guidebook isn't helpful enough) and see what they say.

My photos w/ blog & travelogue links on the main page of each collection: http://www.flickr.com/photos/staceyholeman/collections
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greggo
greggo

I don't know how you would just have smaller fish? I was just at Shark Ray village off of Caye Caulker and the fish were mostly pretty big. How would you be able to keep the big fish away in the open ocean or even inside the reef?

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simplytraveling
simplytraveling

We are planning a trip with a kiddo as well. I've never been to Belize or met these folks so can't vouch for them, but they have a glass bottomed boat:

http://www.ambergriscaye.com/reefrunner/

Some could snorkel and some could watch from above - then everybody's happy.

We're going to be in Ambergris Caye next month too - maybe we'll see you!

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bernalgirl
bernalgirl

Thanks, all, and special thanks for hopefulist and Simply Traveling for the operator recommendations!

Greggo, this was in more shallow water so I'm sure that impacts the size of the animals that would come to that particular area.

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simplytraveling
simplytraveling

Hi bernalgirl - I have a question for you (and all the other readers): The only vaccine I see recommended for Belize is Yellow Fever - though it appears to only be required if you are coming from a place that is high risk because Belize isn't on the CDC high risk map.

For you folks who are very familiar with Belize, is Yellow Fever an issue that you've seen? We will be in San Ignacio, Tikal, and Ambergris Caye.

Thanks!

(Just got off the phone w/ insurance - they probably won't cover it b/c it's not required for Belize. We probably won't be getting it til we make travel plans for somewhere that does require it)

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