South Belize Snorkeling Overview

Clear green, azure and blue water, white sand, living coral reefs, tropical fish, sometimes dolphins and pilot whales.  What more could you ask from on a snorkeling trip? 

Well, how about someone who can make sure that you understand what you're seeing, and can lead you to the best snorkeling spots?

And how about guides familiar with whale shark habits - giving you a great opportunity to interact with these "gentle giants" of the deep during springtime in Placencia?   (See Whale Sharks for more information about whale sharks tours.)

We think a snorkeling trip should be more than just gazing underwater through a piece of plastic.  That's why we will schedule your snorkeling trip only with guides with a breadth of local knowledge that will help you better understand the southern Belize marine environment. 

Fortunately, that's not difficult.  Snorkeling and free-diving for lobster are a way-of-life in Placencia, and most guides have been exploring the ocean's depths since they were small children.  As a result, they know where to go to give you a truly memorable snorkeling adventure.

We can also arrange custom charter snorkeling and fishing trips, and snorkeling from a private caye.

To make the most of your snorkeling experience, we suggest that you bring along the following gear and supplies:

	Sunscreen (SPF 15 - - see our Sun Protection Page for hints on tropical sun protection)
	Polarized sunglasses rated "Special Purpose Intense Sunlight" if possible.  Sunglasses should fit tightly to block UVR from the sides and have lenses large enough to cover the entire eye area, including eye lids.  Amber is the best color if you're only bringing one pair - color is irrelevant in terms of UV ratings. Spare sunglasses (Not a bad idea to pick up a several pairs of the inexpensive polarized sunglasses usually available at tackle shops.  You'll be able to purchase sunglasses in Placencia, but they won't be polarized, and they definitely won't be cheap.)
	Hat.  Best is one with at least a 3" brim (check the sun protection hats offered by Watership Trading Company)
	Snorkeling gear.  Snorkeling gear can be rented in Placencia, but for a good fit bring your own - we strongly suggest custom fitted gear for children.  Several of the group snorkeling shops will buy slightly used gear from you for about half of the retail cost.   If packing space is tight, consider bringing custom fitted snorkel and masks, and renting fins here.  Snorkeling vest.  Less experienced swimmers may want to investigate purchasing a snorkeling vest.  These vests are small, comfortable and unobtrusive, and will really improve the snorkeling experience. Prescription mask.   If you need glasses or contact lenses for distance vision, you need a prescription snorkeling mask if you are going to take many snorkeling trips.   Saltwater can make contact wearers extremely uncomfortable, and glasses are almost impossible to wear under a mask.
	Swimming suit
	Beach towel
	Change of clothes
	Dark t-shirts.  We recommend wearing a dark colored T-shirt when snorkeling.  Light-colored t-shirts offer little sun protection and may actually increase the intensity of a burn.  If you plan to spend a lot of time snorkeling, you might also consider nylon bicycle shorts to protect the "hinterside."
	Underwater camera.  Tthe disposables are very good, but make sure you bring one with you, they may not be available here, and the cost is likely to be much higher than you'll pay at home.  Water-tight cases are also available for SLRs and digital cameras.  However, remember that once the seal on the case is broken (if you want to download pictures, for example) you won't be able to have it resealed in Belize.
	Lightweight long-sleeved shirt and long pants.   These are to cover up when you start getting too much sun (which happens to most everybody, especially on the first few trips) -- strongly recommended for children.  Quick-drying nylon fabrics are best - bicycle shorts aren't a bad idea either for the first few days of snorkeling.
	Prescription and non-prescription medicines.  Medicines you might want to put in your bag include motion-sickness medication, aspirin, etc.  Placencia does not have a pharmacy, so these items aren't in as scarce of supply as they were just a few years ago.  However, the stores do occasionally run out, so it's a good idea to bring your own.
	Insect repellent.  Waterproof is best and Deep Woods Off seems to work well in the Placencia area.
	SeaSafe.  You may have to order this, but it will protect you against rashes caused by pica pica (jellyfish larva) when snorkeling in the late spring (late April and May).  Not everyone is susceptible to pica pica, but again, better safe than sorry.
	Rain gear.  A disposable rain poncho should be sufficient)