Few islands in Belize offer walk-in snorkeling from the beach, but Half Moon Caye is one unique location that does. This crescent-shaped caye is located on the Lighthouse Reef Atoll, a protected marine reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site . This remote and pristine caye has world class walk-in snorkeling sites right from its beaches.
Lighthouse Reef Atoll has been rated one of the ' 10 Best Dive and Snorkel Sites in North America ”. The turquoise waters around Half Moon Caye are crystal clear and teeming with beautiful corals and marine life to explore. The snorkel sites are easily accessible for all levels of snorkelers and this is a great location for kids to experience the magic of viewing the underwater world.
We take a closer look at the walk-in snorkel sites on Half Moon Caye:
Map showing the Half Moon Caye Walk-In Snorkel Sites
1. Octopus Garden
This is one of the most accessible walk-in snorkel sites on Half Moon Caye. It’s ideal when the wind is blowing North East, Easterly, or from the South. It is located on the north-west point of the island. A short swim from shore there are several very productive patch reefs to snorkel around.
2. Rooster’s House
Located along the north eastern shore, this site has easy access in all winds but a direct north. Start here and snorkel around the east point to Mitch’s Island, which is an amazing trip.
3. Mitch’s Island
Located on the eastern end point of the island, is the tiny crescent-shaped island which formed from Hurricane Mitch in 1998. This gives access to deeper water drift snorkeling, or just snorkel around the east point.
4. Old Lighthouse
This walk-in snorkel site is located on the south eastern side of the island. This has a great sandy bay entry point, offers shallow pools and some huge parrot fish!
The Old Lighthouse site with Mitch’s Island in the background - Half Moon Caye, Belize
5. West Beach
The West Beach snorkel site is located at the far western point of the caye, past the red-footed booby colony which is a protected nesting site and home to 4000 birds. The beach here is beautiful and you will find the snorkeling gets better the further out you swim.
Accommodation on Half Moon Caye, Lighthouse Reef
Located in the middle of Half Moon Caye is our Lighthouse Reef Basecamp . Guests staying at our unique all-inclusive island Basecamp sleep in comfortable, waterfront tent-walled cabanas and enjoy fresh, family-style meals. Each day you can choose from daily guided reef activities including sea kayaking, snorkeling and paddle boarding. The caye itself is a wonderful place to relax, enjoy a sunrise yoga session, walk the trails and visit the amazing red-footed booby colony from the viewing platforms.
Lighthouse Reef Basecamp on Half Moon Caye
Planning a snorkel vacation to Belize?
Contact us at 1.800.667.1630 or email info@islandexpeditions.com and let one of our Belize travel specialists help plan your snorkeling trip.
Related Links:
A Guide to Snorkeling the Belize Barrier Reef
The Best Snorkeling Spots in Belize
A Guide to What You Can See While Snorkeling in Belize
Clothing and Packing for a Tropical Paddling and Snorkeling Trip