The Best Caye Caulker Snorkeling Tour: Everything You Need to Know in 2025

Last Updated on April 5, 2025 by Carae Hilcher

Caye Caulker is the kind of place where you can’t help but fall in love with the laid-back vibes, the turquoise waters, and, of course, the unforgettable snorkeling. I’m not exaggerating when I say this was the best snorkeling I’ve ever done! Located in the Belize Barrier Reef, it’s seriously epic.

We booked our tour with Good Vibe Tours through Bella’s Backpackers while hanging out at their Sunday Funday, which is basically an all-day rum punch party with other backpackers. After chatting with a few travelers who raved about the tour, we figured it was worth checking out. Spoiler alert: it definitely was.

In this article, I’m sharing a firsthand look at my experience with Good Vibe Tours, booked through Bella’s Backpackers, and my intention behind creating this review is simple: to give you an honest, detailed account of why this tour is a must-do when you’re in Caye Caulker.

So let’s dive right into the best Caye Caulker snorkeling tour!

Booking the Tour with Bella Backpackers

So, we were at Bella’s Sunday Funday, sipping rum punches (okay, way too many rum punches), when we decided to book our tour. We weren’t staying at the hostel, but the whole vibe was so welcoming that it didn’t matter.

The staff at Bella’s were super chill and friendly, and after hearing other backpackers rave about Good Vibe Tours, we knew we were in good hands. If you’ve ever been to a party like that, you’ll know—there’s a certain magic that happens when you’re surrounded by other like-minded travelers.

After the tour, we ended up hanging out at the hostel bar a few times with our guides. They were such a cool group of people, and honestly, that laid-back hangout vibe made the whole experience even more memorable.

If you’re thinking about scuba diving check out my review with Sunrise Scuba here!

What’s Included in the Caye Caulker Snorkeling Tour

Hol Chan Reverve Snorkeling Tour – Full Day Tour

Tour Time: 10:30 AM – 3:30 PM (5 hours of pure adventure!)

Cost: $115 (Occasionally they’ll have a sale, or a discount if you book in person)

When I first saw the price of $115 for the snorkeling tour, I’ll admit I was a little hesitant. It seemed like a lot for a tour, right? But trust me when I say, this tour is 100% worth every penny.

After spending five hours in the water, swimming with manatees, sharks, and stingrays, I can confidently say it’s a steal.

Here’s what’s included in this unforgettable day:

You get a solid five hours of action-packed fun, and honestly, it never felt rushed. Between the different spots and the chill island vibes, there’s plenty of time to really soak it all in.

6 Amazing Stops:

• Hol Chan Marine Reserve (12 miles away) – This is one of the coolest stops on the tour. The coral reefs are stunning, and the marine life here is exactly what you picture when you think of Belize. We were able to swim with a turtle and some string rays.
• Shark Ray Alley (close to San Pedro Island) – I was a little nervous about this one (I mean, sharks!), but it turned out to be one of the most exciting parts of the tour. As the tour guides bait the sharks you’re able to get in and swim with them. They are harmless as they’re pretty much bottom feeders.
• Coral Gardens (north end) – The Coral Gardens felt like snorkeling in a dream. The water was crystal clear, and the coral was a rainbow of colors. We swam alongside schools of fish, just floating through what felt like an underwater paradise.
• Chatos Area (wildlife congregates here) – This stop felt like a wildlife show. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but the area was teeming with marine life. I could barely keep up as we swam through schools of fish and a lone turtle that was just gliding through the water minding his own business.
• Shipwreck (sunken barge) – Okay, this was super cool. The shipwreck was eerie and fascinating—like something straight out of a treasure hunt movie.
• Manatee Search – The cherry on top of the day—manatees. I didn’t expect this, but we were lucky enough to spot these giant, gentle sea cows just floating around. We jumped in the water to swim alongside them, and it was honestly one of the most magical moments of the tour.

Provided:

• GO PRO Photos & Videos
• Snorkeling Gear
• Fruit and Water
• Lunch
• Happy Juice (Rum Punch)
• Park fee included
• Boat Speakers for Music

My Caye Caulker Snorkeling Tour Experience: What Went Down and Why It’s Worth It

Now, here’s where things got very island-y. We showed up at 8 AM, ready to go, and… they had completely forgotten about us. But no one was freaking out. Classic island time. The crew was still snoozing, so they scrambled to grab everything—our lunches, our gear, you name it. But once we got rolling, it was all worth the wait. The delay meant we got to explore the good spots with fewer people, and it was honestly the best mistake they could’ve made.

Feeding Frenzy—For Birds and Tarpon

Before even hitting the water, we made a quick stop to feed some birds and tarpon. I had no clue what to expect, but I’ll never forget holding a tiny fish in my hand and watching this huge bird swoop down and grab it.

It was like something out of a nature documentary, except I was in the middle of it. Then came the tarpon—again, we held fish above the water, and BOOM. This massive fish shot out of the water and grabbed the bait. People were screaming; I was in shock. It was totally terrifying and amazing all at once.

And Then… Manatees?!

We were still recovering from the tarpon moment when our guide casually mentioned manatees. We thought he was joking. But nope, five minutes later, we spotted them—just chilling on the surface. These goofy sea cows were everything.

We jumped in and swam with them, and I’m not exaggerating when I say it was one of the most magical moments of my entire trip. They rolled around, popped up for air, and basically just let us hang out with them. If the tour ended right there, I’d still have called it a win.

The Snorkeling Stops

But the snorkeling wasn’t even the best part yet. The first stop was an absolute dream—vibrant coral reefs, crystal-clear water, and sea life everywhere. I’ll admit, I had to skip the shipwreck site (rum punch + early mornings = not the best combo for me), but the next stop was Hol Chan Marine Reserve, and that’s where things got wild. In this location we swam alongside stingrays and turtles, gliding through the water like we were in a dream.

Then came the lunch break—a BBQ chicken feast that totally revived me after all that swimming. But the real winner was Shark Ray Alley. They baited the sharks, so there were at least 30 nurse sharks swarming the boat. I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about swimming with them, but honestly, once you’re in the water with sharks, you realize how much they don’t care about you. It was one of the most surreal experiences I’ve ever had in the water.

Why You Can’t Skip This

After six hours of snorkeling, manatees, sharks, and a killer BBQ lunch, we returned to Caye Caulker, sunburned, salty, and smiling from ear to ear. Out of everything we did on this island, this was by far the best day of the trip.

If you do one thing on Caye Caulker, make it this tour.

Who Should Book Good Vibe Tours?

Now, if you’re on a romantic getaway or traveling with kids, Good Vibe Tours might not be the best fit. It’s mostly 20-somethings who alternate between snorkeling, drinking rum punch, and jamming out to loud island music.

The vibe is more “party in the water” than “chill and serene,” so keep that in mind when booking. If that sounds like your jam, though, you’re going to have an amazing time. But if you’re looking for something quieter, maybe one of the tours below is better suited for you.

Most of them make all the same stops, but are a bit more low-key.

Other Snorkeling Tours Caye Caulker

While Good Vibe Tours was absolutely the highlight of our trip, Caye Caulker has a variety of other tours that could cater to different kinds of travelers:

Caye Caulker: 7-Stop Snorkeling in the Belize Barrier Reef – This is a similar tour with the same stops along the Caye Caulker Marine Reserve but a little bit more family-friendly for you to relax! It’s also a few bucks cheaper!

Caye Caulker: Local Reef Half-Day 3-Stop Snorkeling Tour – If you’re snorkeling with kids this half day snorkeling Caye Caulker tour is an excellent choice. With just 3 stops, it’s a shorter and more manageable experience for younger travelers.

While all these options are great, Good Vibe Tours stands out for its fun, party vibe, especially if you’re traveling with a group of young backpackers looking for a lively experience.

Who Should Book Good Vibe Tours?

Now, if you’re on a romantic getaway or traveling with kids, Good Vibe Tours might not be the best fit. It’s mostly 20-somethings who alternate between snorkeling, drinking rum punch, and jamming out to loud island music.

The vibe is more “party in the water” than “chill and serene,” so keep that in mind when booking. If that sounds like your jam, though, you’re going to have an amazing time. But if you’re looking for something quieter, there are other options around Caye Caulker for you.

Check out the other best things to do in Caye Caulker besides snorkeling here!

Final Thoughts on the Best Caye Caulker Snorkeling Tours

So, what’s the takeaway from my experience? If you’re planning a trip to Caye Caulker and want the best snorkeling day in the world (with a bit of adventure, a lot of fun, and some unforgettable moments), Good Vibe Tours is the way to go.

Sure, it’s not the quiet, serene tour for couples or families, but it’s a must-do for anyone looking to get the most out of Caye Caulker’s underwater paradise. Trust me, you won’t regret it.

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