Need help shoreexcursioneer for snorkeling Belize

[dalvay]

I want to book a snorkeling trip with shoreexcursioneer in Belize coming from Carnival Liberty. I would think booking with them would be less crowded than the ones that Carnival advertize? They have three snorkeling choices and I am not sure which one is better for maximum snorkeling time, maximum tour time, less crowded tour, and length.

1)Belize Shark Ray Alley and Hol Chan Marine Park via AIR

2)Belize Shark Ray Alley and Hol Chan Marine Park via BOAT

3)Belize Coral Gardens and Shark Ray Alley Snorkel with Caye Caulkner Beach Break Excursion

 

With the air vs boat not sure which is better?

[Magicbar]

Just back on the Carnival Sunshine. I was a single/ solo cruiser mid 40 male.

 

I booked the Shark Ray Alley Snorkel via Shore Excursioneers by Air.

 

Tendering was slow to the port and I missed my original 8:30 flight to San Pedro/Ambergris Caye. This was not a problem as the excursion just started a little later as I caught the 9:30. Approx 15 minute plane ride to San Pedro. Met at the airport by Canton our guide and walked to the Aqua Scuba Center on the beach. Once paperwork was taken care of, we were off!!

 

First stop - Hol Chan Marine Reserve. During our 45 minute snorkel we spotted moray eel, southern rays, spotted eagle rays, several sea turtles and a fairly large barracuda. More fish than I can remember.

 

Second Stop was at a conch cleaning spot where a local fishermen was tossing the conch from it's shell to a waiting Loggerhead Turtle. Spotted 3-5 rays in this area as well.

 

Last Stop was at Shark Ray Alley. Wow!!! On arrival Canton threw several chopped up fish overboard and in no time there were between 15-25 Nurse sharks competing for lunch with other fish and rays. The largest one's were between 9 and 10 feet. We hopped in and over the next 30 minutes were surrounded by these beautiful (and docile) creatures. Just don't put a finger out for them to suck up. They are much like catfish in their disposition and feeding technique. The grand finale was a large spotted eagle ray turning vertical and launching itself about 5-6 feet up and out of the water to try and remove a pesky remora.

 

5 out of 5 stars for the company (shore excursioneer) the service provider (Aqua Scuba) and the guide Canton).

 

Going by air also leaves time to grab lunch at a beachfront restaurant before heading back to Belize City, the port and then your ship. Water taxing out takes approximately 75-90 minutes each way.

 

Do not miss this experience!

 

Only 2 of us on the boat with our guide Canton!

Edited November 20, 2014 by Magicbar

[dalvay]

This helps, will make reservations now!

[tc-cruise]

I also noticed the 3 options and wonder if they go to the same Hol Chan/Shark Ray Alley after all.

 

http://www.shoreexcursioneer.com/belize/hol-chan-shark-ray-alley-snorkeling-caye-caulker-beach.html

 

http://www.shoreexcursioneer.com/belize/snorkel-with-sharks-rays-coral-gardens.html

 

http://www.shoreexcursioneer.com/belize/shark-ray-alley-hol-chan-marine-park-snorkel-air.html

 

If the Hol Chan is only 35 min boat ride from cruise dock, why anyone even bother flying?

 

I noted most people say Hol Chan is much farther than Caye Caulker, and most vendor quote $40 more and the trip is usually 1.5 hour longer. However, shoreexcursioneer.com only quotes $5 more for Hol Chan vs Caye Caulker and has exactly the same 1.5 hours extra for relaxing after snorkeling. Apparently they are mixing up something.

[sid_9169]

I also did the Hol Chan and shark ray alley by air, and it was exactly as Magicbar described. In fact, on my tour it was just me and Kenton (the guide ) on the small boat. Afterward, had plenty of time for a nice lunch and a walk around San Pedro... I would totally recommend this tour...