With a name derived from the Mayan term for "little channel," travelers in Belize will find that the narrow Hol Chan Marine Reserve encompasses more than its fair share of vivid inhabitants.
Covering only 3 square miles, the reserve's shallow reefs - most only reach a little past 30 feet in depth - provide divers and snorkelers with up-close access to some of the country's more scary marine life, including nurse sharks and stingrays. However, most of Hol Chan's residents will not hurt visitors unless they are provoked. This is especially true for the moray eels in the area, which locals warn have a nasty bite.
Snorkelers and divers can also swim with the reef's smaller, less teethy residents as well, and while the coral may be quite inactive, the colorful complexes of this strange living creature are a pleasure to explore amid Hol Chan's crystal clear waters.
The tiny reserve also encompasses two additional unique Belize environments: a small mangrove and a bed of several sea grasses. Canoes and other small boats provide the best way to explore these environments and their flora and fauna.
Dive into Hol Chan
Posted on Friday, March 16th, 2012
